Nepal flash floods death toll reaches 788; over 140 Indian nationals evacuated
The catastrophic flash floods and landslides triggered by an ice-rock avalanche along the Tibet border have left nearly 788 people dead and thousands missing, prompting intense rescue operations involving 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters. Providing details on the ongoing crisis and the status of regional citizens, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has reported that the death toll on Monday, at 07: 00 am, has risen to 788, with an estimated 2,500-3,000 persons still missing or uncontactable and more than 8,700 people who were evacuated by security forces. Multiple Indian nationals remain untraceable following massive flash floods and landslides in Nepal, while authorities confirm that at least 149-180 Indians have been evacuated, and approximately 275-320 remain missing/uncontactable. Among them are 14 pilgrims of Andhra Pradesh origin, 7 from AP and 7 NRIs. Meanwhile, a group of 20 Telugu pilgrims safely reached Kathmandu from Tibet after surviving devastating flash floods that swept across Nepal, even as authorities continue frantic search efforts for hundreds of missing individuals. Outlining the successful evacuation timeline and transit plans, the Government of Andhra Pradesh informed that Telugu pilgrims were safely evacuated on Sunday at approximately 11:00 pm; a group of 144 pilgrims safely reached Kathmandu from Saga County, Tibet, through the Kodari checkpoint. The group includes 20 Telugu pilgrims, including Sastry and three members of his family. They are scheduled to travel to Mumbai tomorrow for onward journeys to their respective homes. State authorities are maintaining continuous communication with Nepalese counterparts to track and rescue stranded citizens as secondary risks emerge from a dangerous temporary lake formed in Tibet following severe flooding. However, nearly 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters remain deployed, with six specialised surgical teams providing emergency medical assistance. India's specialised tunnel-rescue team and technical experts are assisting operations at the Trishuli-3A hydropower tunnel, where workers remain trapped. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has confirmed that more than 25 miles of roads and 40 suspension bridges have reportedly been destroyed. Heavy rainfall, landslides, blocked valleys and a potentially dangerous temporary lake in Tibet continue to pose serious secondary risks. Continuous coordination is being maintained with Nepalese authorities regarding the safe evacuation, identification and welfare of Indian and particularly AP-origin pilgrims.
Nepal flash floods LIVE: At least 933 workers trapped in hydropower projects
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the country is facing an unimaginable and heartbreaking disaster
BJP thinks it is bigger than RSS; should listen to Mohan Bhagwat: Dipke
He also said that Sonam Wangchuk's statement in an interview about CJP leaders political ambition was being distorted.
Power utilities halve operating losses
Shillong, Aug 30: Meghalayas four power utilities have nearly halved their operating losses in a year and achieved 100 percent collection efficiency. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India data shows combined loss came down to Rs 209 crore in 2022-23 from Rs 387 crore in 2021-22. Return on capital employed improved to minus 5.8 [] The post Power utilities halve operating losses first appeared on Highland Post .
4 armed men gunned down by cops in EGH
Shillong, Aug 30:Four armed men who were allegedly planning to abduct officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corp Ltd (NHIDCL) for ransom were killed in an exchange of fire with police at Songsak in East Garo Hills early on Sunday. According to a press release issued by Superintendent of Police of East Garo [] The post 4 armed men gunned down by cops in EGH first appeared on Highland Post .
Nepal toll reaches 788 fears of more floods grow; over 2,500 still missing
Kathmandu, Aug 30: The death toll from flash floods in Nepal rose to 788 on Saturday, with bodies continuing to be recovered, as authorities warned of increased water levels in the Bhotekoshi River and urged residents and rescue personnel in flood-hit districts to remain alert. More than 2,500 people still remain missing, while nearly 9,500 [] The post Nepal toll reaches 788 fears of more floods grow; over 2,500 still missing first appeared on Highland Post .
8 from Assam rescued in Nepal after flash flood: Himanta
Guwahati, Aug 30: At least eight people from Assam have been rescued in Nepal, which was struck by a devastating flash flood on August 26, and are being brought back to the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said nine more people from Assam are still missing [] The post 8 from Assam rescued in Nepal after flash flood: Himanta first appeared on Highland Post .
BJP, RSS trying to reduce tribal seats through delimitation: Congress
Ranchi, Aug 30: The Congress on Sunday alleged that the BJP and RSS were conspiring to weaken tribal representation by seeking to reduce seats reserved for them in legislatures through delimitation, and vowed to oppose any such exercise based on the 2007-08 delimitation report. Addressing the Adivasi Ekta Mahajutan Rally at Ranchis Morabadi Ground, state [] The post BJP, RSS trying to reduce tribal seats through delimitation: Congress first appeared on Highland Post .
VPP trying to brainwash voters: ex-member Snarbor Laloo
Shillong, Aug 30: He was once an important figure in the Jaintia Hills unit of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), but today Snarbor Laloo is warning the public that his former party is out to mislead them. Speaking at a campaign event for the National Peoples Party (NPP) candidate DR Lyngdoh Nonglait, who [] The post VPP trying to brainwash voters: ex-member Snarbor Laloo first appeared on Highland Post .
5 injured after car slams into wall at Dhankheti
Shillong, Aug 30: Five people travelling in a car were injured after their vehicle slammed into the boundary wall of Eldorado Guesthouse in the city on Saturday night. The incident near the Dhankheti roundabout resulted in the car catching fire. Passersby tried to douse the flames prior to the Fire and Emergency Service arriving at [] The post 5 injured after car slams into wall at Dhankheti first appeared on Highland Post .
Nirmala Sitharaman in U.S. Asheville city for G-20 finance ministerial meet
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is hosting the G-20 Finance Ministers and central bank governors meeting in Asheville
Insights of Natural Farming in our Day to Day Life
By Dr Chabungbam Victoria Devi When natural and organic farming discussions were still evolving in Manipur and the rest of the North East India, it is believed that our Traditional Manipuri Yum Ingkhol were already the strongest foundation. A natural farm is a complex, self-regulating, designed ecosystem which contains a large variety of interdependent plants, [] The post Insights of Natural Farming in our Day to Day Life first appeared on Highland Post .
A Commentary on Khasi Folklore- 32
Raphael Warjri The legend of the mammon-serpent, Thlen, unfolds amidst the serene plains of Khasi land, where he was but the youngest of nine siblings. Yet, Thlens youth belied his mischief, and one fateful day, his actions took a grave turn when he took the life of another. The grieving parents sought justice from the [] The post A Commentary on Khasi Folklore- 32 first appeared on Highland Post .
John Ternus to lead Apple into the age of AI
Some analysts had argued software chief Craig Federighi was the more logical pick for a company scrambling to catch up on AI
PM Modi pays floral tribute at Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial in Tashkent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial in Tashkent during his visit to Uzbekistan.
FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi over Haldwani 'purification' remarks
A political row erupted after some individuals allegedly performed a 'purification yajna' at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani on August 11, following a public meeting held there by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on August 8
CJP finds in AAP an all-weather friend supporting it at every turn
Since the beginning of the CJP, Arvind Kejriwal, other top leaders, and the AAP ecosystem have supported it, even before it became a mass movement in Delhi
West Asia LIVE: Oil jumps more than 1% after U.S. attack on Iran's Larak island
U.S. forces struck two launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Hormuz Strait on August 30, the first known American strikes on the Gulf nation since late July.
CUKashmir celebrates National Sports Day-2026
Ganderbal, Aug 29: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) celebrated National Sports Day-2026 with enthusiasm and active participation of athletes, students, faculty members and university officials at the Tulmulla campus here. The programme was organised by the Department of Physical Education, in line with the national theme Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat. The celebration highlighted the importance of sports, physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and the holistic development of students. National Sports Day Pledge was administered, with participants reaffirming their commitment to fitness, sportsmanship and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar, Director Sports, Dr. Kaukab Azeem, Dr. Jehrul Islam, Dean Students Welfare, Mr. Abdul Rasheed, Dy Registrar, and other teaching and staff members were present. In his welcome Dr. Kaukab Azeem, highlighted the University's efforts towards promoting sports and physical activity among students. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath for providing students with wide-ranging opportunities not only in sports but also in various curricular and co-curricular activities. He emphasised that such opportunities are essential for the overall development of students and appreciated the efforts of the University in creating a supportive environment for young talent. He stressed the importance of physical fitness among university students, observing that fitness is an integral part of a healthy and productive student life. Highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of athletes and sports participants for their dedication and achievements. Participants representing the University in AIU Winter Sports, AIU Wushu, AIU Powerlifting and North Zone Football were felicitated in recognition of their sporting accomplishments and contribution to bringing laurels to the University. Students and staff who participated in the University's inter-departmental tournaments and competitions in football, athletics, table tennis, volleyball, carrom and chess were also recognised for their enthusiastic participation and sporting spirit. Certificates were distributed to participants of various programmes and activities organised by the Department. These included the Har Ghar Tiranga Programme, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2026, and activities such as essay writing, painting, poster making, reel making, sketch making and Nukkad Natak, besides participation in volleyball and other activities. Certificates were also presented to participants of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme, recognising their involvement in initiatives aimed at encouraging youth participation and engagement. Dr. Mohammad Muzamil Shah, Asst Prof conducted the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.
Auqib Nabi lands county opportunity, eyes India comeback ahead of New Zealand tests
Srinagar, Aug 30: Jammu and Kashmir pace spearhead Auqib Nabi is set to take his impressive domestic form to English county cricket, with the 29-year-old expected to join Surrey for the upcoming Division One County Championship fixtures. Nabi has received the required work visa clearances and has already left for England. He is expected to make his Surrey debut against Yorkshire at The Oval on Wednesday. The J&K pacer could feature in up to three County Championship matches before returning to India. His stint in England comes as part of preparations for India's two-Test tour of New Zealand in November. With the matches in New Zealand scheduled during early summer conditions, the Indian team management is keen to give Nabi valuable exposure to English conditions, which are expected to offer similar challenges for fast bowlers. Nabi was recently included in Indias squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. However, he remained on the sidelines, with India opting for Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj. The pacer is expected to return to India ahead of four-day fixtures against Australia A, beginning September 22. His availability could also become a key selection issue for J&K as the Irani Cup is scheduled to be held in Srinagar from October 1 to 5. J&K selectors are likely to coordinate with the national selection committee before finalising the squad, particularly because the second India A versus Australia A fixture overlaps with the Irani Cup. Nabi could be considered for one of the two assignments. Nabi played a central role in J&K's historic Ranji Trophy triumph during the 2025-26 season. He finished as the competition's leading wicket-taker after claiming 60 wickets in 10 matches, including seven five-wicket hauls, at an outstanding average of 12.56. He also represented India A during the recent tour of Sri Lanka, taking six wickets in two first-class matches. His performances in the Ranji Trophy earned him a major IPL opportunity, with Delhi Capitals acquiring him for Rs 8.4 crore at the 2026 auction. He featured in five matches but could not claim a wicket and conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.46. Nabi will now look to make the most of his county opportunity as he aims to strengthen his case for India's upcoming assignment in New Zealand. Surrey have previously featured several Indian players, including Sai Sudharsan and Mahipal Lomror, while spinner Rahul Chahar is also contracted with the club.
Fire Safety & Disaster Management Training held at Govt. HSS Ghat
Doda, Aug 30: In continuation with the district wide initiative and under the directions of the District Development Commissioner Krishan Lal and under the supervision of Chief Medical Officer, a training programme on Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Fire Safety and Disaster Management was conducted at Government Higher Secondary School, Ghat (Doda). The programme was jointly organized by the Health Department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire & Emergency Department, with the objective of equipping students, teachers and staff with essential life-saving skills and practical knowledge to respond effectively during medical emergencies, fire incidents and disasters. It being a district-wide initiative, more than 500 students, teachers and staff of different educational institutions across the district have so far been trained in BLS, CPR, fire incident management, fire safety and disaster-response techniques. The training session at Govt. HSS Ghat was initiated by District Nodal Officer, Disaster Management (Medical Wing), Dr. Hamid Parray. The BLS and CPR demonstration was conducted by Senior Medical Officer Dr. Nasir Masood. He explained and practically demonstrated essential life-saving techniques, including appropriate responses during medical emergencies. From the Fire & Emergency Department, Karinal Singh conducted a practical demonstration on the proper use of fire extinguishers and sensitized the participants to fire prevention, safety precautions and emergency management. Representing the SDRF, Vijay Kumar demonstrated basic rescue operations and response techniques to be adopted during disasters and other emergency situations. The trainers emphasized the importance of remaining calm, assessing the situation, ensuring personal safety and providing timely assistance to victims until professional emergency services arrive. The practical demonstrations provided participants with hands-on understanding of appropriate responses during medical, fire and disaster emergencies. At the conclusion of the session, the In-charge Principal, teachers and participants expressed their gratitude to the District Administration Doda, Health Department, SDRF and Fire & Emergency Department for organizing the valuable training initiative. They appreciated the efforts of the master trainers in imparting practical knowledge and empowering students and staff with crucial life-saving and disaster-response skills.
Huge turnout at Tawi Wonderland Park as Euphoria celebrates music, art, culture
Jammu, Aug 30: Tawi Wonderland Park at Bhagwati Nagar witnessed a huge rush of visitors on Saturday as Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) hosted Euphoria An Evening to Celebrate Culture, bringing together music, dance and cultural performances in a vibrant three-hour programme. The event drew a large number of families, youngsters and visitors, who gathered at the venue to enjoy live performances and experience an evening dedicated to the regions diverse cultural traditions. The event was attended by Chief Guest and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Jammu, Shridhar Patil and Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner and CEO, Jammu Smart City Limited, Dr Devansh Yadav, besides other senior officials, artists, performers and members of the public. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest DIG Jammu Shridhar Patil said that events like Euphoria provided an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy cultural programmes in a safe and welcoming public space. He said such initiatives also helped strengthen community engagement and encouraged greater participation of families and youngsters in cultural and recreational activities. Dr Devansh Yadav said that such programmes were aimed at creating engaging experiences for the people of Jammu while providing a platform for local artists and promoting the regions rich cultural heritage. He said Tawi Wonderland Park was being developed not only as a recreational destination but also as a vibrant public space for cultural, social and community activities. The evening opened with Ganesh Vandana, followed by a series of musical and dance performances. The programme featured performances by Dogri and Punjabi singers, along with traditional Dogri and Kashmiri dances and a lively Punjabi dance presentation. The carefully sequenced programme alternated between singing and dance performances, keeping the audience engaged throughout the evening. The anchor introduced each segment, taking the audience through different forms of music and performing arts. The cultural presentations highlighted the rich traditions of Jammu and Kashmir while also bringing together artistic influences from the wider region. The inclusion of Dogri and Kashmiri folk elements alongside Punjabi music and dance added variety to the celebrations. The large turnout reflected the growing popularity of Tawi Wonderland Park as a recreational and public gathering destination in Jammu. The venue remained lively throughout the programme as visitors enjoyed the performances and spent the evening with their families and friends. The event also provided a platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talent before a large audience, while giving residents an opportunity to experience live cultural entertainment in an open public space.
Anantnag admin accords warm farewell to outgoing ASP Sunny Gupta
Anantnag, Aug 30: District Administration Anantnag today accorded a warm farewell to the outgoing Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Sunny Gupta, on his transfer and posting as SSP Kishtwar, during a function organized at the DC Office. Deputy Commissioner (DC), Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Dr. Muzamil Maqbool Beigh, Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Tariq Ahmad Malik, and other district officers and officials attended the function. While observing that transfers and postings are part and parcel of the civil service, the DC congratulated the officer for his brief yet effective and successful tenure as ASP. He expressed confidence in his abilities and hoped that with greater dedication, he will deliver even better at his new place of posting. Dr. Bilal appreciated the officer for his proactive approach and significant role in various important assignments and flagship campaigns such as SANJY-2026, Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan, Har Ghar Tiranga, and Vande Mataram @150, among others. He further highlighted his contributions in mounting an effective response, especially during flash floods and disaster-like situations. Wishing the officer success in his future endeavors, the DC remarked that the officer has a long service career ahead and, with his skills and commitment, should contribute to the betterment of J&K and the nation at large. Officers present during the function appreciated the outgoing officer for his leadership skills, support, and decisive handling of various issues. Citing multiple examples, they acknowledged that his professionalism led to smooth coordination between the civil and police administrations in the district. Speaking on the occasion, Sunny Gupta expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner and his team for their constant support and guidance during his tenure. He thanked the people of Anantnag for their cooperation in all important matters and for making his tenure memorable, adding that the district would serve as a beacon throughout his entire service career.
CII J&K concludes 3rd edition of Health Conclave 2026 in Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 30: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K successfully concluded the 3rd Edition of the CII J&K Health Conclave 2026 at SKICC, Srinagar, under the theme Advancing Healthcare Excellence: Innovation, Resilience & Inclusive Growth. The conclave brought together policymakers, healthcare leaders, medical professionals, industry experts, academicians and innovators to deliberate on emerging trends, opportunities and priorities shaping the future of healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir. The event was graced by Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest. Welcoming the distinguished guests and delegates, Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, CII J&K UT Council, highlighted the importance of building a resilient, technology-driven and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. He reiterated CII's commitment to fostering collaboration among government, healthcare institutions and industry stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve healthcare outcomes across the Union Territory. The conclave featured three focused sessions addressing key priorities for the healthcare sector. The first session, Building Jammu & Kashmir as the Healthcare Capital of the Himalayas, explored strategies for positioning the region as a leading healthcare destination through enhanced infrastructure, investment, medical excellence and medical value travel. The second session, Preventive Healthcare: Moving J&K from Treatment to Wellness, deliberated on the importance of preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, healthy lifestyles and community participation in improving health outcomes. The third session, Technology & AI: Shaping the Next Era of Healthcare, examined the transformative role of artificial intelligence, digital health technologies, telemedicine and advanced diagnostics in enhancing service delivery and patient care. Prominent speakers at the event included Prof. (Dr.) Altaf Umar Ramzan, Vice Chairman, Neurosurgery, Paras Health; Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder and Director, Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services; Prof. (Dr.) M. S. Khuroo, Former Director, SKIMS and Director, Digestive Disease Centre; Dr Qazi Haroon, Deputy General Manager, Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL); Sajad Hussain Lone, Convener, CII J&K Healthcare Panel and Managing Director, Tehqeeq Diagnostic & Dialysis Centre; Stanley Mathew, Head - Sales Operations, India, SAARC, Middle East, Africa & CIS, AAF International; Dr Sandeep Mengi, Director, Maharishi Dayanand Hospital & Medical Research Centre; Dr Masood-ul-Hassan, General Secretary, J&K Private Hospitals & Dialysis Centres Association; Dr Nikhil Mahajan, Member, J&K Private Hospitals & Dialysis Centres Association; Dr Ubaid Hamid, Regional Director, Ujala Cygnus Amandeep Group of Hospitals, J&K; Dr Sabhiya Majid, Chairperson, State Allied and Healthcare Council; Abdul Rasheed Shah, Managing Director, Helpline Medical Systems; Dr Pervez Ahmed Sofi, Managing Director & Unit Head, Ujala Cygnus Kashmir Super Speciality Hospital and General Secretary, Association of Healthcare Providers India (Kashmir Chapter); Dr Rachit Negi, Partner, MAXINOR; Dr Shafat Ahmad Kenu, Medical Superintendent, Paras Health Srinagar; and Khurshid Dar, Director, CII J&K. Siddhant Chowdhary, Vice-Chairman, CII J&K UT Council, proposed the Vote of Thanks and expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, speakers, partners, delegates and participants for their valuable contributions towards the success of the conclave. The conclave witnessed meaningful deliberations on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting preventive healthcare, accelerating technology adoption, harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and fostering stronger public-private partnerships. The discussions reinforced the importance of innovation, resilience and collaborative action in building a future-ready, accessible and inclusive healthcare ecosystem for Jammu & Kashmir.
Nepal-China flash flood disaster exposes fragility of Hindu Kush Himalayas: U.N. climate chief
The death toll from flash floods in Nepal rose to 788 with more bodies being recovered, even as more than 2,500 people are still missing
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Pakistans Dar, Munir arrive in Turkiye ahead of first Makkah defence pact meeting
Under the agreement, an attack against one of the countries will be treated as an attack against all of them, amid increasing security concerns in the wake of escalating tensions in West Asia
Gender shift in J&K schools : Women lead early education, men take over at higher levels
Srinagar, Aug 30: At the foundational level, nearly 94 per cent of teachers in Jammu and Kashmir are women. At the secondary level, 60 per cent are men. This sharp gender divide, revealed in the latest school teaching workforce data, points to a distinct pattern: womendominate the early years ofeducation, while men take over as students grow older. The data, accessed by Rising Kashmir, covering all types of school management, shows that J&K has a total of 1,66,163 teachers, comprising 84,561 females and 81,602 males. Women therefore account for about 50.9 per cent of the overall teaching workforce, compared to 49.1 per cent men. However, the overall figures mask a significant variation across different class categories. At the foundational level, the gender gap is particularlystriking.Of the 5,038 teachers reported in the foundational category, 4,717 are female, and only 321 are male. Thus, the female teachers constitute nearly 94 per cent of teachers in this category. Among teachers handling foundational and preparatory classes, females again outnumber males.The category has 66,022 teachers, including 37,309 females and 28,713 males. Women account for about 56.5 percent of the teaching workforce here. The female advantage continues, though narrowly, in the foundational, preparatory and middle category. Of 17,377 teachers, 9,071 are female compared to 8,306 male teachers, giving women a 52.2 per cent share. The pattern reverses at the middle level. J&K has 39,663 teachers in the middle category, of whom 21,584 are male and 18,079 female. Male teachers thus account for 54.4 per cent. The male advantage becomes more pronounced among teachers handling middle and secondary classes. Of 5,231 teachers in this category, 2,971 are male and 2,260 female, giving men a 56.8 per cent share. The widest gender gap at the higher level is recorded among secondary teachers. Of 32,832 teachers, 19,707 are male compared to 13,125 female, indicating that male teachers constitute 60 per cent of the workforce. Taken together, the three categories involving foundational education have 37,340 male and 51,097 female teachers, giving women a lead of 13,757. In contrast, the middle and secondary categories collectively have 44,262 male and 33,464 female teachers, giving men a lead of 10,798. The figures, therefore, point to a distinct shift in genderrepresentation, which showswomen have a stronger presence in foundational and preparatory teaching, while men become more predominantas theclasses move towards the middle and secondary levels.
LG calls for balancing values & science
Srinagar, Aug 30: Stating that curiosity is the first lamp of knowledge, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for balancing values and science. Science gives us speed and values give us direction, Sinha said, addressing the students on the Foundation Day of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Annual Day of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul. The Lieutenant Governor said that in Indian tradition, asking questions has never been regarded as a weakness. The Upanishadic tradition is one of dialogue, reflection, and experience. Teachers should impart not only knowledge but also values and Samskara to students, he said. Highlighting the importance of balancing values and science, Sinha said that science gives us speed, while values give us direction and the balance between speed and direction is true progress. The journey of artificial intelligence and spirituality should proceed together. Our objective should be to strengthen our roots through values and give students new wings through science. I am pleased that the Gurukul has included modern subjects, particularly science and computer technology, as part of its educational system, he said. The LG urged the Gurukul and Shrine Board to make environmental consciousness a way of life. He called for initiatives in water conservation, energy conservation, tree plantation, and cleanliness, making the institutions living examples of sustainable development. Our ancient scriptures reflect deep respect for nature. The Prithvi Sukta of the Atharvaveda expresses a spirit of gratitude towards the Earth and a commitment to its protection. At a time when we are confronting the challenges of climate change, we need to study and understand our knowledge traditions along with modern scientific understanding, he said. The Lieutenant Governor proposed three initiatives for the Gurukul: 1. Values and Science Innovation Centre to create dialogue between Indian knowledge traditions and modern science. 2. Service and Society Campaign to connect students with communities through service activities like cleanliness, digital literacy, and environmental protection. 3. Future Skills and Ethical Technology to prepare students for emerging technologies with responsibility and ethics. I have full confidence that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul will, in the years ahead, emerge as a centre of education where tradition and modernity enrich one another, and where students become aware, sensitive, and virtuous citizens. Knowledge is complete only when it is accompanied by compassion, humility, and a sense of responsibility towards humanity, the Lieutenant Governor said. May Mata Vaishno Devi bless us all with strength, wisdom, and the spirit of service, and may she bless India to continue moving forward on the path of knowledge, compassion, and progress, he added.
NLAs dispose of 6.55 lakh cases in J&K in 2025
Srinagar, Aug 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority (J&K LSA) disposed of a large number of cases through National and Special Lok Adalats during 2025, providing speedy and accessible justice to litigants across the Union Territory. The details released by the Authority show that four National Lok Adalats held in March, May, September and December 2025 disposed of 655,754 cases, including both pre-litigation and post-litigation matters. The settlements involved a cumulative compensation/settlement amount of more thanRs 2,463,757,754 The National Lok Adalat held in March disposed of 188,422 cases, comprising 18,886 pre-litigation and 169,536 post-litigation cases, with settlements amounting toRs 59.04 crore. In May, 136,020 cases were disposed of, including 17,382 pre-litigation and 118,638 post-litigation matters, involvingRs 60.28 crore. The September Lok Adalat recorded the highest disposal, with approximately 239,562 cases settled. Of these, 235,072 were pre-litigation cases and 4,490 were post-litigation cases, with a settlement amount of aboutRs 50.39 crore. In December, 91,750 cases were disposed of, including 18,538 pre-litigation and 73,212 post-litigation cases, involvingRs 76.66 crore. The Authority also organised Special Lok Adalats during January, February, April, June, October and November 2025. These sessions collectively disposed of 34,006 cases. The February Special Lok Adalat recorded the highest disposal, settling 30,713 cases, including 4,714 pre-litigation and 25,999 post-litigation matters, with settlements amounting toRs 10.94 crore. January saw 1,200 cases disposed of, while 1,082 cases were settled in November. Other Special Lok Adalats disposed of 52 cases in April, 121 in June and 838 in October. The total settlement/compensation amount across these Special Lok Adalats ran into several crores of rupees. The J&K Legal Services Authority has also strengthened its efforts towards victim compensation, legal assistance and rehabilitation. According to the data, 16 victim-compensation cases were dealt with in 2025, withRs 42.37 lakh disbursed. This followed 76 cases involvingRs 1.46 crore in 2023 and 81 cases involvingRs 1.81 crore in 2024. The Authority's legal-services initiatives during 2025 included 126 victims being identified or approached and 126 victims being assisted. Assistance covered legal aid, counselling and support in matters requiring intervention. Under rehabilitation initiatives, 73 victims received counselling, two were provided vocational training, 51 were provided safe-space/rescue-centre support, and assistance was extended to six victims who had dropped out of school. The J&K Legal Services Authority also intensified its awareness programmes, particularly to reach people in far-flung areas of the Union Territory. During the year, 130 awareness camps were organised, while 80 programmes were conducted in schools, educational institutions and religious institutions. In addition, 04 awareness programmes were conducted through radio, television and other digital platforms, while 28 special drives were undertaken. The initiatives are aimed at improving access to justice, spreading legal awareness and ensuring that vulnerable sections of society are able to avail themselves of free legal services and other assistance. The Authority has continued to use Lok Adalats as an effective mechanism for the speedy and amicable settlement of disputes while simultaneously expanding legal-aid, victim-support and awareness activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Mann Ki Baat : PM Modi lauds Amarnath Yatras zero waste model
Srinagar, August 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modihaslauded the cleanliness and scientific waste-management efforts undertaken during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, saying that when cleanliness becomes part of peoples conduct, it enhances the beauty and identity of a place. In his latest episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, PM Modi said, Cleanliness has a very great quality. When the resolve to keep a place clean becomes the peoples own resolve, the change does not remain limited only to cleanliness. It transforms the very identity of that place. He added, Such efforts for cleanliness across different parts of the country inspire us continuously Whether it is our villages or cities, our rivers or pilgrimage sitestheir identity is shaped by our conduct. And when cleanliness becomes a part of that conduct, the beauty of the place is further enhanced. Referring specifically to the Amarnath pilgrimage, the Prime Minister said, This time during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra as well, a similar inspiring picture of cleanliness and public participation was witnessed. He highlighted the difficult conditions in which sanitation workers operated, saying, On difficult terrains, thousands of sanitation workers remained engaged in service day and night. PM Modi also pointed to the scale of waste management during the pilgrimage, stating, During this years yatra, more than 400 metric tonnes of waste were collected and processed. The Prime Minister particularly appreciated the involvement of pilgrims in the cleanliness drive while trekking ona difficult terrain .I particularly liked one aspect of this effort: devotees also became active participants in this cleanliness drive. More than 16,000 pilgrims took the pledge of cleanliness, he said. He further noted that more than 10,000 pilgrims received the Responsible Yatri certificate, while highlighting an innovative initiative under which horse and mule dung collected along the pilgrimage route was converted into biogas and used to light the Swachh Jyot. In other words, in this sacred journey to Baba Barfani, cleanliness too became a form of service and faith, PM Modi said. The Prime Ministers remarkscome days after the conclusion of the 57-day Yatra on August 28 and havebrought national recognition to the sanitation and waste-management model implemented across the Baltal and Pahalgam axes, base camps and other key locations. More than 8,000 sanitation facilities were deployed across the Yatra ecosystem, including toilets, bathing facilities and prefabricated sanitation structures, supported by dedicated sanitation personnel. Under the Zero Waste to Landfill approach, 414.46 metric tonnes of wastewascollected and scientifically processed during the pilgrimage. The system covered segregation, collection, transportation and processing, helping reduce the environmental footprint of the mass pilgrimage in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Information, Education and Communication campaigns were also conducted to encourage pilgrims to use designated facilities, segregate waste and participate in maintaining cleanliness. Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra, said the Yatra demonstrated how infrastructure, manpower, technology and behavioural change could collectively create a cleaner and more environmentally responsible pilgrimage. The Prime Ministers acknowledgement has put the spotlight on J&Ks efforts to combine sanitation infrastructure, scientific waste management and public participation to make the Amarnath pilgrimage cleaner and more sustainable.
The politics of calling minds Naxal
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Naranag-Kangan road macadamisation begins
Ganderbal, Aug 30: Macadamisation work has commenced on one of the major link roads connecting Kangan with the famous tourist destination of Naranag in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district, bringing relief to local residents and commuters who have repeatedly raised concerns over the condition of the vital road. The Naranag-Kangan link road serves as an important connectivity route for residents as well as tourists visiting the picturesque Naranag area. Locals had on several occasions raised the issue of the roads condition with the concerned authorities, seeking urgent macadamisation and improvement of the stretch. Following repeated demands, the macadamisation work has now been taken up, with locals expressing hope that the project will improve connectivity and provide smoother and safer travel for commuters. The issue had also been raised with the local MLA, who had earlier assured residents that the road would be taken up for macadamisation. With work now underway, residents have welcomed the development and urged the authorities to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated time. Locals have also urged the administration and concerned departments to keep the road corridor free from encroachments. They said any encroachment on the road or its right of way should be removed promptly to prevent future bottlenecks and ensure that the available road width is preserved. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is also carrying out macadamisation work on the Srinagar-Leh highway in the Ganderbal district. Work is underway on the stretch between Ganiwan and Gund, where road improvement activities are being undertaken to enhance the condition of the strategic highway. The ongoing works on both the Naranag-Kangan link road and the Srinagar-Leh highway are expected to improve road connectivity in the area and facilitate smoother movement of local traffic, tourists and vehicles travelling towards the higher reaches. Residents have called for regular monitoring of the ongoing works and stressed that proper drainage, road width and removal of encroachments should be given due attention so that the newly macadamised road remains durable and functional for years to come.
Army pilots evacuate casualty from 18,600 feet in Ladakh
Ladakh: Indian Army Aviation pilots evacuated a casualty from an altitude of around 18,600 feet near the Nun Kun mountain massif in Ladakh, carrying out the operation under strong winds and extremely challenging terrain conditions. The Indian Armys Fire and Fury Corps shared details of the evacuation in a post on X, stating that the casualty was located on a difficult slope where there was no proper space available for a conventional helicopter landing. To facilitate the evacuation, the helicopter was lightened by removing non-essential equipment and carrying limited fuel. Despite the challenging conditions, the pilots carefully manoeuvred the aircraft onto the slope, with one skid touching the terrain, allowing the casualty to be evacuated. The operation was undertaken during the last available landing window of the day, making the timing of the mission critical. The pilots had to negotiate strong winds, steep terrain and the extremely high altitude while carrying out the evacuation. The Indian Army said the mission reflected the skill, courage and determination of its Aviation personnel in conducting casualty evacuation operations in difficult high-altitude areas. The Nun Kun mountain massif is located in the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
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The Banyan Academy launches Dr. Parasuraman Lived Experience Writing Award
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When Livelihood Turns into Tragedy
The death of Mohd Maqbool Bhat after falling from a walnut tree in Damjan, Qazigund, is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life remains for thousands of working families in Kashmir. What begins as an ordinary day of labour can, in an instant, turn into an irreparable tragedy. Behind every such incident lies not just sorrow, but a deeper social reality that rarely finds space in our collective conscience. Bhat, a resident of Damjan and the sole breadwinner for his family, reportedly fell while working to earn a livelihood. That detail matters. It tells us that this was not merely an accident in the abstract, but a death tied to economic compulsion. In many rural parts of the Valley, men climb trees, tend orchards, and undertake physically hazardous work with little protection, no formal training, and no safety net. They do so because survival leaves them no choice. Walnut harvesting and related orchard work are among the more perilous forms of seasonal labour. Slippery trunks, uneven terrain, and the pressure to work quickly often combine to create conditions where even a small lapse can prove fatal. Yet this danger remains largely normalised. We remember the dead with sympathy, but we rarely ask why such work continues to be carried out so unsafely, and why the burden of risk rests almost entirely on poor households. The grief in Damjan is therefore not only personal. It is social. When a man dies and leaves behind a wife and two young children, the loss is measured not just in tears but in insecurity, debt, and uncertainty. A family already described by locals as financially poor now faces a future made harsher by the absence of its sole provider. That is the cruel arithmetic of poverty: one accident can collapse an entire household. This tragedy should also compel a broader conversation about rural labour safety in Kashmir. Orchard workers, daily wage earners, and others engaged in physically demanding work deserve basic protections, awareness, and support. Local authorities, orchard owners, and community institutions must treat such deaths as preventable human costs, not unfortunate but inevitable events. Safety measures, insurance awareness, emergency response readiness, and labour support mechanisms are not luxuries; they are necessities. Damjan is mourning today, and rightly so. But mourning alone is not enough. If the death of Mohd Maqbool Bhat is to mean anything beyond another fleeting headline, it must remind us that livelihood should never demand a life as the price of survival.
Sustainable Cultural Preservation
Kashmirs cultural identity has never been a museum piece. It has lived in homes, shrines, workshops, orchards, kitchens, songs, crafts and shared public spaces, surviving because each generation found a way to carry it forward. That is why the conversation on cultural preservation must move beyond nostalgia. If heritage is to endure, it must be sustained in ways that are economically viable, socially inclusive and environmentally responsible. Too often, preservation is reduced to restoration alone repairing a shrine, documenting a folk song, archiving a manuscript, photographing an old houseboat. These efforts matter, but they are only the beginning. A culture survives not merely when its artefacts are saved, but when its practices remain alive in daily life. A language must be spoken, not only recorded. A craft must find buyers, not only admirers. A tradition must remain meaningful to the young, not only sacred to the old. This is where sustainability becomes central. Cultural preservation cannot depend solely on government grants or occasional private patronage. It needs local livelihoods, strong institutions and community ownership. The artisan who struggles to sell handwoven work, the family that cannot afford to maintain a heritage home, and the musician whose art has no platform are all part of the same crisis. If we neglect the economic base of culture, we slowly turn living traditions into displays for outsiders. Sustainable preservation also demands careful planning in the face of climate stress, urbanisation and unchecked modern construction. The old city lanes, wooden homes, wetlands, gardens and traditional settlements are not just scenic leftovers from another era; they are part of a civilisational memory shaped by ecology and restraint. When they are replaced without thought, we lose not only architecture but a way of life that understood balance between human need and natural limits. Education is equally important. Children should learn local history, folk traditions, traditional crafts and regional literature as part of a living civic identity. When young people see their heritage as a source of dignity and possibility, preservation becomes organic rather than ceremonial. Schools, universities, cultural academies and media institutions must work together to make culture contemporary without stripping it of depth. The task before us is therefore not to freeze Kashmirs culture in time, but to renew it with care. Preservation must mean repair, transmission and adaptation. It must protect the old while creating room for the new. Only then can heritage remain authentic not as a relic of loss, but as a living resource for social cohesion, creativity and resilience.
Adventure Tourism : Kashmirs Untapped Promise
Kashmir has always been spoken of in superlatives. Its mountains are majestic, its rivers restless, its meadows poetic, and its seasons almost too beautiful to be believed. Yet for decades, the region has been seen mainly through the lens of sightseeing, shikara rides, houseboats, gardens, and snow-covered postcard views. That picture is not wrong, but it is incomplete. In the changing world of travel, Kashmir must now be seen not only as a place to admire, but as a place to experience. Adventure tourism offers that possibility. The conversation around tourism in Kashmir often revolves around numbers: how many visitors arrived, how many hotels were occupied, how many days the season lasted. These numbers matter, certainly. But they do not tell the full story. A tourism model that depends only on a few famous destinations and a few peak months is vulnerable. It leaves much of the regions potential untouched. Adventure tourism can change that by spreading visitors across more areas, more seasons, and more communities. The appeal of adventure tourism is not difficult to understand. Todays travellers, especially the young, are looking for more than passive leisure. They want activity, challenge, discovery, and memory. They want to trek where the paths are wild, camp where the skies are open, paddle where the waters are clear, ski where the slopes are fresh, and cycle where the roads test endurance. Kashmir already has the natural landscape for all this. What it needs is a stronger, safer, and more organized framework to support it. The regions mountains, forests, lakes, alpine meadows, glaciers, and rivers are not just scenic assets; they are adventure assets. Trekking routes in areas such as Sonamarg, Gurez, Pahalgam, Lolab, and Kupwara have the potential to attract serious outdoor travellers. White-water rafting, paragliding, skiing, mountaineering, mountain biking, angling, camping, and rock climbing can all become meaningful components of a wider tourism ecosystem. But a destination does not become an adventure hub simply because nature has provided the setting. It becomes one when the right infrastructure, training, rescue systems, and local participation come together. This is where Kashmir must think beyond symbolism and toward systems. Adventure tourism requires more than promotion. It requires mapped trails, trained guides, safety audits, weather monitoring, emergency response, equipment standards, and clear rules. A visitor may come for the thrill, but will return only if the experience feels secure and professionally managed. One accident, one poorly handled expedition, or one unsafe activity can damage confidence far more than any advertisement can build it. Safety, therefore, is not a secondary concern. It is the foundation. There is also an important economic argument. Adventure tourism can create livelihoods in places that are often left out of mainstream tourism benefits. A local guide, a trek porter, a camp operator, a transport provider, a homestay owner, a trainer, a rescue volunteer, and a food supplier all become part of the chain. Unlike some forms of tourism that concentrate income in a few urban pockets, adventure tourism has the capacity to spread opportunities into remote and rural areas. That matters in a region where employment remains a pressing concern and where young people are eager for dignified work close to home. Another advantage is seasonality. Kashmirs tourism industry has long been vulnerable to weather patterns and short travel windows. Adventure tourism can help extend the season by offering different experiences at different times of the year. Summer treks, autumn expeditions, winter skiing, and spring cycling events can keep the region active for longer periods. This diversification is not just good business; it is good policy. It makes the tourism economy more resilient and less dependent on a single flow of visitors. But there is a caution that cannot be ignored. If adventure tourism is developed carelessly, it can damage the very environment that makes it attractive. Unregulated camping, plastic waste, trail erosion, uncontrolled vehicle movement, and reckless commercial activity can quickly scar fragile ecosystems. Kashmir cannot afford a model that sells nature in the name of nature. Sustainable planning must therefore be built into every proposal. Carrying capacity, waste management, conservation rules, and community monitoring must not be treated as afterthoughts. Local communities must also be treated as partners, not spectators. Too often, tourism projects are designed from the outside and imposed on the ground with little consultation. That approach rarely works for long. People who live in the mountains know the terrain, the weather, the risks, and the rhythm of the land better than anyone else. Their knowledge should be valued, their youth trained, and their villages included in decision-making. When communities benefit directly, they become protectors of the destination rather than bystanders to it. There is also room for policy imagination. The government, tourism bodies, private investors, and local institutions can work together to create adventure circuits, certify guides, improve signage, develop rescue systems, and market Kashmir not only as a scenic destination but as an outdoor experience hub. Schools and colleges can also play a role by encouraging outdoor education, mountaineering clubs, and environmental awareness. If young people grow up seeing their landscape as a living classroom and an economic asset, the future of tourism becomes stronger. Kashmir does not need to imitate the worlds adventure destinations. It already has its own identity. What it needs is confidence, planning, and professionalism. The valleys beauty has long been its gift. Adventure tourism can turn that gift into a source of broader opportunity. It can attract a different kind of traveller, open a different kind of economy, and create a different kind of relationship between people and place. If done wisely, adventure tourism can help Kashmir move from being admired at a distance to being experienced deeply. That is a shift worth making. (The author is a research scholar and freelance writer)
DR AJAZ BILAL There was a time when the biggest parenting concern was whether a child had eaten properly, studied on time, or come home before dark. Today, that concern has widened into something far more complex: whether a child is growing up with a healthy understanding of artificial intelligence, and whether parents themselves are prepared to guide that journey. The parent-child relationship has always shaped character, confidence, and conscience. In the AI world, it now shapes digital judgment too. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant idea reserved for laboratories or science fiction. It is in classrooms, search engines, social media feeds, entertainment platforms, homework tools, and even in the phones children carry in their pockets. For todays generation, AI is not just technology; it is an environment. Children are not simply using it. They are growing up inside it. That alone makes the role of parents more important than ever. The modern parent cannot afford to remain a spectator. Many mothers and fathers still believe that if their child is quiet in a room with a device, all is well. But silence is not always safety. A child may be studying, yes, but may also be absorbing misinformation. A teenager may be searching for help, but may end up being shaped by algorithms that know how to capture attention, not how to build wisdom. In such a world, parenting cannot be reduced to feeding, schooling, and scolding. It must also include digital companionship. AI has changed how children learn, think, and interact. It can be a powerful tutor, a creative partner, and a time-saving assistant. It can help a student understand mathematics, write better, or explore new ideas. But it can also become a shortcut that weakens independent thinking. If a child begins to rely on AI for every answer, the habit of asking, exploring, struggling, and reasoning can slowly weaken. Parents, therefore, must teach children that AI is a tool, not a replacement for the mind. This is where the parent-child relationship becomes central. A strong relationship does not mean constant surveillance. It means trust with direction. It means children should feel comfortable asking, Is this app safe? Is this answer correct?, or Should I believe this video? Parents who create fear will get secrecy. Parents who create conversation will get honesty. In the AI era, honesty matters more than control because children will always find technology, but they may not always find truth. Another serious concern is emotional distance. Many families today are physically together but mentally elsewhere. Parents are busy, children are absorbed, and devices quietly fill the gap. AI-driven platforms are designed to hold attention for as long as possible. They can make screens more interesting than conversations. If parents do not intentionally build time for connection, the child may grow up more familiar with the machines response than with the parents voice. That is not simply a technology problem. It is a relationship warning. At the same time, one should not paint AI only in dark colours. Used wisely, it can help parents and children alike. It can support learning, assist children with disabilities, simplify research, and open access to knowledge in ways earlier generations could only dream of. It can help a parent manage work and home with more efficiency. It can also expose children to new skills, languages, and creative possibilities. The issue is not whether AI should be present in family life. The real issue is who is guiding its use and with what values. Parents themselves need digital literacy. One cannot guide a child through a world one does not understand. Many adults feel intimidated by AI and therefore avoid it altogether. But avoidance is no solution. If parents do not understand how these tools work, they cannot explain their risks or benefits to children. A parent does not need to become a programmer, but must at least know how to ask basic questions: What data is this app collecting? Is this content real or generated? Why is my child being shown this? Who benefits from their attention? The moral dimension is equally important. Children learn far more from what parents do than from what they say. If parents demand discipline but live distracted lives, children notice. If parents ask children to limit screen time but spend every free moment scrolling, the lesson is lost. In the AI world, parenting by example becomes even more powerful. A child who sees a parent reading, reflecting, questioning, and setting healthy boundaries is more likely to do the same. There is also the issue of identity. AI can produce pictures, voices, texts, and even personalities that look real but are not. Children need guidance in understanding the difference between genuine human connection and algorithmic imitation. They must learn that empathy cannot be downloaded, and values cannot be outsourced. A machine may imitate conversation, but it cannot replace care. A parents warmth, attention, discipline, and protection remain irreplaceable. The best parent-child relationship in the AI age will not be built on fear of technology, nor on blind admiration for it. It will be built on dialogue, discipline, and digital awareness. Parents must become guides, not gatekeepers. Children must be taught not just how to use AI, but how to question it. Families must treat technology as a guest in the home, not the master of it. Ultimately, the AI revolution will not only be judged by how smart our machines become. It will also be judged by how wise our children remain. That wisdom begins at home. A child who grows up with trust, attention, boundaries, and conversation is far better equipped to face the digital future than a child left alone with the glow of a screen. In the end, no machine can replace the timeless duty of a parent: to shape a child not just for success, but for judgment, kindness, and humanity. (The author is a lecturer in HED and a columnist)
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Surgical Innovations that have reshaped ENT Care
DR NAZIR AHMAD KHAN Otolaryngology has evolved dramatically from conventional open procedures to precision-driven, minimally invasive and function-preserving surgery. The development of the operating microscope, endoscopes, lasers, image-guided navigation, robotics and advanced reconstructive techniques has fundamentally changed the way diseases of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck are diagnosed and treated. These innovations have not merely made surgery less invasive; they have changed its philosophy. Modern ENT surgery increasingly focuses on achieving effective disease control while preserving normal anatomy, function and quality of life. Procedures that once required large incisions, prolonged hospital stays and significant morbidity can now, in selected cases, be performed through natural anatomical corridors or with much smaller surgical access. From hearing restoration and endoscopic sinus surgery to advanced skull base procedures, modern rhinoplasty and minimally invasive head and neck oncology, these developments represent some of the most important milestones in contemporary ENT care. Landmark Surgical Innovations Microscopic Otologic Surgery: The operating microscope revolutionised ear surgery, enabling precise tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy and ossicular reconstruction with improved functional outcomes. Stapedectomy and Stapedotomy: These procedures transformed the surgical treatment of otosclerosis and remain landmark achievements in functional ear surgery. Cochlear Implantation: A defining milestone in modern otology, cochlear implantation has transformed auditory rehabilitation for patients with severe to profound hearing loss. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): Endoscopic sinus surgery changed sinonasal surgery by providing minimally invasive, anatomy-oriented treatment while reducing morbidity associated with traditional approaches. Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Endoscopic approaches have opened new avenues for minimally invasive management of complex skull base pathology, often avoiding extensive external approaches. Modern Rhinoplasty: Open and functional rhinoplasty have evolved into sophisticated procedures addressing both nasal aesthetics and structural airway function. Laryngeal Microsurgery and Laser Surgery: These techniques allow precise treatment of laryngeal pathology with emphasis on preservation of voice and laryngeal function. Transoral Laser and Robotic Surgery: TLM and TORS have expanded minimally invasive treatment options for selected laryngeal, oropharyngeal and head and neck malignancies. Selective and Modified Neck Dissection: The evolution from radical to function-preserving neck dissection has enabled appropriate oncological treatment while minimising unnecessary functional morbidity. Image Guided and Navigation Assisted Surgery: Navigation technology has enhanced surgical precision and safety, particularly in complex sinonasal, orbital and skull base procedures. From Radical to Refined: The history of ENT surgery reflects a remarkable journeyfrom extensive exposure to targeted access, from tissue sacrifice to tissue preservation, and from purely anatomical correction to restoration of function. Each technological and surgical advancement has contributed to a broader transformation in the goals of treatment. The modern ENT surgeon is no longer simply performing an operation to remove disease or correct an anatomical abnormality. The objective is increasingly to achieve the right balance between disease eradication, preservation of normal structures, functional restoration, aesthetic considerations and the patient's overall quality of life. The future of ENT surgery is likely to be shaped by further advances in artificial intelligence, three-dimensional imaging, robotic platforms, personalised medicine, tissue engineering and regenerative techniques. Yet, despite the rapid pace of technological progress, the fundamental principle will remain unchanged: the best surgery is not necessarily the most extensive surgery, but the one that achieves the desired outcome with the least possible harm. Modern ENT surgery therefore represents not just a story of technological progress, but a continuing commitment to precision, preservation and patient-centred care. As innovation continues to reshape the speciality, the ultimate measure of surgical success will remain the samebetter outcomes, restored function and an improved quality of life for the patient. (The author is a distinguished ENT surgeon and academician, and a pioneer in rhinoplasty. He currently serves as the Principal and Dean of Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, Srinagar)
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When Footpaths Lose Their Purpose: Reclaiming Walkability in Srinagar Smart City
No footpath. No street lighting. No safe crossing. And then we ask: Why are pedestrians dying on our roads? Across India, walking is not merely a mode of transport. For millions, it is a daily necessity. People walk to schools, workplaces, markets, hospitals, public transport stops, religious places and neighbourhoods. Children walk. Senior citizens walk. Women walk. Workers walk. Persons with disabilities walk. Every motorist becomes a pedestrian at some point. Yet, despite the obvious importance of walking, pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users. A safe and dignified walking environment requires three simple fundamentals: space to walk, visibility to walk and a safe place to cross. Footpaths, street lighting and pedestrian crossings are therefore not decorative additions to an urban landscape. They are the basic architecture of human mobility. But the story of Srinagar Smart City presents a somewhat different and more complex challenge. Over the past few years, Srinagar has witnessed significant efforts to improve its urban landscape, streetscapes, public spaces and pedestrian infrastructure. Beautifully designed and developed footpaths have emerged in several parts of the city, reflecting an important shift towards walkability and people-centric urban mobility. The underlying idea is commendable: the pedestrian must be given priority. But what happens when the very footpath created for pedestrians is subsequently occupied by commercial activities? What happens when a pedestrian is forced to leave a beautifully developed footpath and walk on the carriageway because the designated pedestrian space has been converted into a commercial extension? What happens when a Smart City investment designed to improve walkability becomes inaccessible to the very people for whom it was created? This is where Srinagar needs to pause, reflect and rethink. The issue is not simply about removing an encroachment. It is about reclaiming the philosophy of a Smart City. The First Rightful Owner of a Footpath Is the Pedestrian. A footpath has one fundamental purpose: to provide safe and continuous movement for pedestrians. It is not an informal marketplace. It is not an extension of a shop. It is not additional display space. It is not a parking bay. It is not a storage area. And it certainly cannot become a permanent commercial platform at the cost of pedestrian safety. The pedestrian is the first rightful user of the footpath. This principle must become the foundation of Srinagar's urban mobility thinking. When a footpath is occupied, the pedestrian does not disappear. The pedestrian is displaced. And where does the displaced pedestrian go? That simple transitionfrom footpath to carriagewaycan transform a safe journey into a dangerous one. A pedestrian walking on a designated footpath is separated, at least conceptually, from moving traffic. Once that pedestrian is pushed onto the carriageway, the equation changes completely. The pedestrian becomes exposed to buses, trucks, cars, motorcycles, auto-rickshaws and other moving vehicles. Therefore, footpath encroachment is not merely an aesthetic or municipal issue. It is a road-safety issue. Srinagar Smart City Must Be More Than Beautiful Infrastructure. Srinagar has immense natural, cultural and architectural beauty. The city does not need to imitate every other urban centre to become smart. It needs to become functional, inclusive, accessible and safe while preserving its own identity. The Smart City concept should ultimately be judged not by the number of projects completed, paved surfaces created or decorative elements installed, but by a much simpler question: Can an ordinary citizen move through the city safely, comfortably and with dignity? If the answer is yes, the city is becoming smarter. If the answer is no, technology and beautification alone cannot make it truly smart. A beautifully paved footpath that cannot be used by pedestrians is not a successful pedestrian project. A modern road without safe crossings is incomplete. A commercial street where pedestrians are forced into traffic is not truly people-centric. And a smart mobility system that ignores the most basic human movementwalkinghas missed an essential part of the Smart City vision. Walkability Must Remain at the Centre. For Srinagar, walkability should not be treated as a secondary component of urban planning. It should be a central pillar. The city's historic character itself provides a powerful argument for this. Many parts of Srinagar have evolved around compact neighbourhoods, markets, lanes, public spaces and pedestrian movement. The relationship between people and place has traditionally been intimate. Modern urban development should strengthen this character rather than eliminate it. A walkable Srinagar can deliver multiple benefits simultaneously: Safer movement for pedestrians; Better access to public transport; Reduced dependence on private vehicles; Improved accessibility for elderly citizens; Safer school journeys; Greater mobility for women and children; I mproved public health; More vibrant public spaces; Better tourism experiences; Cleaner streets; Stronger local commerce; and A more humane urban environment. In other words, walkability is not anti-commerce. It is pro-community. The objective should not be to remove legitimate livelihood opportunities. The objective should be to ensure that commercial activity and pedestrian safety can coexist through proper planning and regulation. Livelihood Is ImportantBut So Is Public Safety. This is perhaps the most sensitive part of the discussion. Whenever authorities attempt to clear footpaths, concerns about livelihood naturally arise. Many small traders, vendors and shopkeepers depend on roadside commercial activity. For some families, a small business is the primary source of income. Therefore, the conversation cannot simply be reduced to: Remove everyone from the footpath. That approach may be administratively convenient but socially incomplete. At the same time, livelihood cannot become an unlimited justification for occupying infrastructure intended for pedestrians. We cannot claim that pedestrian safety must be compromised because commercial space is limited. We cannot justify putting children, elderly citizens and ordinary pedestrians into moving traffic because a footpath has become commercially attractive. The solution lies somewhere between enforcement and empathy. The system needs to identify where commercial activities can legitimately operate, where vending zones can be created, where loading and unloading can occur, and where pedestrian movement must remain absolutely protected. The principle should be simple: Livelihoods must be protected through planningnot protected at the cost of pedestrian lives. The Need for a Different Enforcement Philosophy. Traditional enforcement often follows a familiar cycle. Encroachment develops. Complaints increase. Authorities conduct a drive. Temporary clearance takes place. Photographs are published. A few days or weeks later, the same spaces are occupied again. The cycle repeats. This is not sustainable. Srinagar needs a more intelligent enforcement mechanism. Instead of treating footpath encroachment as an occasional drive, authorities should establish permanent pedestrian corridors with clearly defined rules. Every footpath should have an identifiable status: Pedestrian Priority Zone. Once designated, the space should be protected through regular monitoring. Where technology is available, surveillance can support enforcement. Citizen reporting mechanisms can identify recurring violations. Municipal teams can maintain digital records of vulnerable locations. Repeat violations can attract progressively stronger action under applicable law. The objective should be consistency. A rule that is enforced today but ignored tomorrow eventually loses credibility. The 1.8-Metre Question. One of the most important principles in pedestrian infrastructure is continuity. A pedestrian should not have to repeatedly stop, turn, step onto the road or negotiate around obstacles simply to travel a few hundred metres. The usable pedestrian path must remain reasonably clear and accessible. This becomes especially important for: persons using wheelchairs, elderly citizens, parents with children, visually impaired persons and people carrying goods or luggage. A footpath blocked by merchandise may appear to be a minor inconvenience to a healthy adult. For a person with a disability, it can become an absolute barrier. For a child, it can become a safety hazard. For an elderly person, it can become a serious risk. Therefore, accessibility must become part of the definition of a successful footpath. Street Lighting: The Missing Link. Footpaths alone are not enough. A pedestrian corridor must also be visible and adequately illuminated. Poor lighting creates vulnerability after sunset, particularly around markets, transport hubs, intersections and isolated stretches. A Smart City cannot expect pedestrians to use infrastructure that becomes uncomfortable or unsafe after dark. Street lighting should therefore be planned as part of the pedestrian network rather than as an independent beautification component. The question should not merely be: Is there a light pole? The question should be: Can a pedestrian clearly see the path, obstacles, crossing point and approaching traffic? That is the standard that matters. Safe Crossings Must Connect the Footpaths. Another common failure in urban mobility is the disconnected footpath. A pedestrian may receive an excellent footpath on one side of the road but have no safe means to reach the other side. This creates a fundamental planning contradiction. A pedestrian network is only as strong as its weakest link. If a footpath ends abruptly at a busy junction, the pedestrian is effectively pushed into conflict with traffic. Therefore, Srinagar needs a systematic network of zebra crossings, pedestrian signals, raised crossings where appropriate, refuge spaces, traffic calming measures and accessible crossing facilities. Crossings should be located according to actual pedestrian movementnot merely where road engineers find convenient space. People will cross where they need to cross. Urban planning must understand this behaviour and provide safe facilities accordingly. Commercial Activity Can Be Designed Better. Srinagar's commercial life is part of its identity. Markets, street vendors, small businesses and traditional trading spaces contribute to the city's social and economic character. The answer is therefore not to sterilise the streets. The answer is to organise them. Dedicated vending zones, timed loading and unloading areas, regulated display limits, designated parking arrangements and clearly marked pedestrian corridors can help create a better balance. A shopkeeper should know exactly where commercial activity can extend. A vendor should know exactly where vending is permitted. A transporter should know exactly where loading and unloading is allowed. And a pedestrian should know that the footpath belongs to walking. This clarity reduces conflict. The Pedestrian Must Become a Stakeholder in City Planning. Too often, urban planning is discussed between departments, contractors, engineers, transport authorities and enforcement agencies. But the pedestrianthe ultimate useris rarely represented adequately. Srinagar should consider institutionalising pedestrian audits before and after major urban infrastructure projects. A pedestrian audit should ask: Is the footpath continuous? Is it obstruction-free? Is it accessible? Is it adequately illuminated? Are crossings available? Are intersections safe? Are vendors accommodated appropriately? Are parking violations affecting pedestrian space? Can children and elderly citizens use the corridor safely? Can persons with disabilities navigate it independently? These are practical questions. They can transform the way the city evaluates mobility projects. Smart City Should Mean Smart Enforcement. Technology offers Srinagar an opportunity to move beyond traditional enforcement. A city-wide pedestrian protection system could potentially combine: CCTV monitoring + citizen reporting + GIS mapping + enforcement records + periodic pedestrian audits. Repeated encroachment hotspots could be mapped. High-risk pedestrian corridors could receive priority attention. Citizen complaints could be categorised and tracked. Authorities could identify whether a problem is temporary, recurring or permanent. Such a system would allow decision-makers to move from reactive enforcement to evidence-based urban management. That is what being smart should mean. Do Not Blame the Pedestrian. There is another important behavioural issue. When pedestrians walk on roads because footpaths are blocked, they are sometimes blamed for obstructing traffic. This is fundamentally unfair. If the designated pedestrian infrastructure is unavailable, the pedestrian has limited choices. We should therefore ask: Who displaced the pedestrian? Instead of blaming people for walking on the road, we must examine why they were forced there. Road safety begins with understanding human behaviour and designing infrastructure around real-world movement. Srinagar Needs a Pedestrian-First Charter. The city could consider developing a simple Srinagar Pedestrian Charter. Its central message could be: Every pedestrian deserves a continuous, accessible, obstruction-free and safe walking route. Such a charter could establish clear responsibilities for relevant authorities and provide citizens with a simple mechanism to report violations. It could also create a public understanding that occupying a footpath is not a harmless act. The footpath is public infrastructure. It is built from public resources. It exists for public mobility. Its protection is therefore a collective responsibility. Releasing the Beauty of Srinagar Smart City. There is a deeper dimension to this debate. Srinagar has invested considerable effort in improving its urban appearance. But beauty is not merely about paving stones, lighting fixtures, landscaping or architectural elements. The real beauty of a city is visible when people can use it freely, safely and with dignity. A clean and unobstructed footpath creates an entirely different urban experience. It allows citizens to walk without fear. It allows visitors to appreciate the city. It allows shopkeepers to operate in an organised environment. It allows public spaces to breathe. It makes streets more inviting. It strengthens tourism. It improves civic pride. In this sense, reclaiming footpaths is not an anti-commercial campaign. It is a pro-Srinagar campaign. The City Belongs to Everyone. A road cannot belong exclusively to motorists. A footpath cannot belong exclusively to businesses. A public space cannot belong exclusively to one interest group. The city belongs to everyone. The challenge of urban governance is to allocate space fairly. Vehicles need roads. Pedestrians need footpaths. Cyclists need safe cycling infrastructure. Public transport needs designated space. Vendors need regulated vending areas. Businesses need legitimate commercial space. Emergency services need unobstructed access. When every activity competes for the same piece of public land, conflict is inevitable. The solution is not more conflict. It is better planning. A New Mobility Social Contract. Srinagar now needs a new social contract around mobility. Citizens must respect public infrastructure. Businesses must respect pedestrian space. Drivers must respect vulnerable road users. Authorities must protect the infrastructure they create. Enforcement agencies must act fairly and consistently. Urban planners must listen to actual users. And policymakers must recognise that mobility is not simply about moving vehicles. Mobility is about moving people. That distinction is critical. A city can have smooth traffic flow and still fail its citizens if people cannot walk safely. A road can be technically well-engineered and still be socially unsafe if pedestrians have no place to cross. A city can have modern infrastructure and still be inaccessible to people with disabilities. Smart mobility therefore begins with a simple question: How does this street work for a human being? From Encroachment Drives to Encroachment Management. Srinagar should move from periodic anti-encroachment drives towards a comprehensive Encroachment Management Policy. Such a policy could distinguish between: 1. temporary vending; 2. permanent commercial structures; 3. merchandise displays; 4. parking encroachment; 5. construction material; 6. loading and unloading; 7. unauthorised extensions; and 8. obstructions affecting accessibility. Each category can have an appropriate regulatory response. This is more sustainable than treating every violation identically. At the same time, enforcement must remain firm where pedestrian safety is directly threatened. There should be zero tolerance for obstruction of critical pedestrian crossings, school approaches, hospital access routes, emergency corridors and high-risk road sections. The Economic Argument for Walkability. There is also a misconception that pedestrian-friendly streets hurt businesses. In reality, walkable commercial environments can support local commerce because pedestrians are potential customers. A person walking comfortably along a market street can observe shops, access businesses, and spend time in the area. But when pedestrians are forced into traffic, the street becomes stressful and less attractive. The goal should therefore be to create pedestrian-friendly commerce, not pedestrian-hostile commerce. A properly designed market can have both: a thriving business ecosystem and a protected pedestrian corridor. That is the balance Srinagar should pursue. Children Should Be Our Urban Planning Test. One simple test can reveal whether a street is genuinely safe: Would you allow a child to walk there alone? If the answer is no, the infrastructure deserves another look. A city designed around the safety of children will naturally become safer for everyone. The same applies to elderly citizens and persons with disabilities. If the most vulnerable users can navigate a street comfortably, the city has achieved something meaningful. A Call for Administrative Rethinking. The time has come for Srinagar to look beyond the traditional boundaries of municipal administration, traffic management and urban beautification. Pedestrian safety requires coordination among Srinagar Smart City authorities, municipal institutions, traffic police, transport authorities, planning agencies, enforcement teams, market associations, traders, civil society and citizens. The solution cannot belong to one department. It must become a shared urban responsibility. Every new footpath should be protected. Every major road improvement should include pedestrian connectivity. Every commercial development should consider pedestrian capacity. Every major junction should be audited for safe crossing. Every encroachment complaint affecting pedestrian safety should be tracked. And every successful intervention should be measured by outcomesnot merely by the number of drives conducted. The Real Measure of a Smart City. Perhaps Srinagar should redefine what it means to be a Smart City. Not simply: How many roads were upgraded? But: How many people can walk safely? Not simply: How beautiful is the streetscape? But: How usable is the public space? Not simply: How many encroachment drives were conducted? But: How sustainably was pedestrian space protected? Not simply: How efficiently can vehicles move? But: How safely can every citizen move? This is the real test. Conclusion: Give the Footpath Back to the Footwalker. Srinagar does not lack beauty. It does not lack history. It does not lack public spirit. It does not lack talent. What it needs is a stronger alignment between planning, enforcement, livelihood and public safety. The beautifully developed footpaths of Srinagar Smart City should not become another contested space. They should become symbols of a new urban cultureone where pedestrians are respected, businesses are regulated fairly, public infrastructure is protected, and mobility is designed around people. We must understand that asking a pedestrian to surrender a footpath for commercial activity is not a small compromise. It is a transfer of public safety risk. When a pedestrian leaves the footpath and enters the carriageway, the consequences can be severe. Therefore, the choice before Srinagar is not between livelihood and pedestrian safety. The real choice is between unplanned competition for public space and intelligent urban planning. We can protect livelihoods without sacrificing pedestrians. We can support commerce without surrendering footpaths. We can enforce regulations without ignoring human realities. We can create a Smart City that is both economically vibrant and socially responsible. But it requires courage to rethink the system. It requires coordination. It requires consistent enforcement. And above all, it requires recognising one simple truth: The Footpath Was Built for the Footwalker. Let us give it back to them. Because walking safely is not a privilege. It is not a luxury. It is not a favour from the administration. It is an essential element of a safe, inclusive and dignified city. And if Srinagar truly wishes to reveal the full beauty of its Smart City transformation, perhaps the first step is the simplest one: Clear the footpath. Light the street. Secure the crossing. Let Srinagar walk. (The author is a renowned social reformer & Mobility Expert with over two decades of experience. For feedback, email: umarbhat07@gmail.com)
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AIP seeks end to delay in intern stipend hike
Srinagar, August 30: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi today extended the partys full support to MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir who have announced a statewide protest demanding implementation of the long-pending enhancement in their monthly stipend. Inam Un Nabi said it was deeply unfortunate that a matter examined by a government-appointed committee in 2023 continues to remain unresolved. The committee had recommended enhancement of the stipend, but the proposal has remained caught in official processing, with the matter still pending before the Finance Department. How long can a government keep a legitimate recommendation pending? If the government itself constituted a committee, examined the issue and received its recommendations, then there must be a clear reason why interns are still waiting years later for implementation, Inam Un Nabi said. Inam Un Nabi said the present stipend of around 12,300 per month, unchanged since 2019, does not adequately reflect the responsibilities shouldered by medical and dental interns who work in hospitals, wards, OPDs and emergency services as part of their compulsory internship. Medical interns are not asking for charity. They are demanding a fair and reasonable stipend for the clinical responsibilities they undertake. Keeping their stipend unchanged for years, despite rising living costs and the recommendations of a government committee, is neither fair nor justified, Inam Un Nabi said. AIP also questioned the prolonged delay in the Finance Department and urged the government to make the status of the proposal public instead of asking interns to wait indefinitely. The government must tell the interns what exactly is pending, what objections remain and why a recommendation made in 2023 has not been implemented. Administrative procedures cannot become an excuse for denying a legitimate entitlement for years, he said. Inam Un Nabi appealed to the government to engage with the protesting interns immediately and resolve the issue through a time-bound decision, while assuring the interns that AIP stands with their legitimate demand. AIP supports the interns peaceful democratic right to raise their voice. We urge the government to treat this as an urgent matter and ensure that the stipend enhancement is decided without any further delay, Inam Un Nabi added.
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Jasrota MLA lays foundation for 14 development works
Jasrota, Aug 30: Senior BJP leader and Jasrota MLA Rajiv Jasrotia laid the foundation stones for 14 development works costing approximately 26 lakh in Panchayat Kishanpur Kandi and adjoining areas, reaffirming his focus on strengthening grassroots infrastructure and ensuring balanced development across the constituency. Of the 14 works, 12 have been taken up in Panchayat Kishanpur Kandi and include the construction and improvement of lanes, drains and other essential civic facilities. The projects are aimed at improving local connectivity, drainage infrastructure and overall living conditions for residents. The MLA also laid the foundation stone for a deep borewell at village Krakhad in Panchayat Palli to address the need for a reliable water source for the local population. Another deep borewell at Barwal, costing 5 lakh, was also taken up to strengthen drinking-water infrastructure and provide relief to residents facing water-related issues. Speaking on the occasion, Jasrotia said the BJPs development agenda was rooted in the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, with particular emphasis on villages and areas requiring improved basic infrastructure. He said development must reach every section of society and every corner of the constituency, adding that rural residents had an equal right to quality roads, proper drainage, reliable drinking water and other essential public facilities. Our priority is to take development to every village and every household. We are committed to addressing genuine public needs and ensuring that development works are executed with transparency, quality and accountability, Jasrotia said. The MLA said the foundation of the projects marked another step towards strengthening grassroots infrastructure in the Jasrota constituency. He directed the concerned agencies to maintain quality standards and ensure timely completion of the works so that residents could benefit from them without unnecessary delay. During his visit, Jasrotia also interacted with local residents and heard their grievances and demands. Residents apprised him of issues related to roads, drainage, drinking water, electricity and other basic amenities. Giving a patient hearing to the people, Jasrotia assured them that their genuine concerns would be taken up with the concerned departments and pursued for time-bound resolution. He said direct interaction with the public was essential for understanding ground realities and ensuring that development initiatives remained aligned with local needs. Jasrotia reiterated that the BJP remained committed to people-centric governance, grassroots development and strengthening rural infrastructure, with a focus on ensuring that the benefits of development reached the last mile. He said the ongoing development works would further improve basic facilities in the area and contribute towards making the Jasrota constituency more developed, prosperous and better connected.
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Pulwama, Aug 30: The District Congress Committee (DCC) Pulwama on Sunday organised a political programme at Town Hall Pulwama under the banners of Chhatron Ki Goonj and Chanda Chori, raising questions over BJP policies and highlighting issues concerning students, democracy and the common people. The programme was attended by senior Congress leaders, party functionaries, NSUI office-bearers and a large number of workers. Speakers criticised the BJP and alleged that the party had failed to address the concerns of students, youth, farmers and ordinary citizens. During the programme, Ashiq Hussain Khanday and Abdul Qayoom, NSUI Block Presidents, along with senior workers and leaders from different political backgrounds, joined the Congress. A former District President of Janata Dal United (JDU) and senior workers associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the party. The new entrants were welcomed into the Congress fold by DCC Pulwama President Umer Jaan, who said the joining of leaders and workers from different political backgrounds reflected what he described as growing confidence in the Congress party and its commitment to democratic values and grassroots politics. Umer Jaan said Congress would continue to raise the voice of students and youth and would not remain silent on issues affecting the people. He said the Chhatron Ki Goonj and Chanda Chori campaigns were aimed at highlighting what Congress described as anti-people policies and financial and political irregularities associated with the BJP. Senior Congress leaders present on the occasion said the party remained committed to strengthening its grassroots organisation and providing workers and young people with a meaningful platform in public life. The programme concluded with a call to Congress workers to remain united, strengthen the party organisation at the booth and block levels, and continue raising public issues through democratic means.
JSM discusses Jammu statehood, regional Issues
Jammu, Aug 30: Members of the Jammu State Movement (JSM) participated in the Baba Birpa Nath Ji Bhandara at Kangar in Bhalwal, organised by Arjun Singh of Karni Sena. JSM team members Pawan Manhas, Karnal Singh, Rajdev Singh and Atulya Bakshi were honoured by devotees during the Bhandara. The team expressed gratitude to the organisers, devotees and sevadars for the warm welcome and appreciated their efforts in organising the community-service event. During interactions with devotees and local residents, discussions were held on various issues concerning Jammu, including development, employment, regional representation and the demand for a Separate Jammu State. The JSM representatives reiterated that the demand for a Separate Jammu State should be pursued through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means, with wider public participation and dialogue. They said the JSM would continue its public outreach to highlight what it described as the rights, development needs, representation and future interests of the Jammu region. The team also appealed to people to remain united and maintain peace, brotherhood and social harmony while engaging in discussions on regional issues.
KPs homecoming vital to shared culture, harmony: Bukhari
Srinagar, Aug 30: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday made a heartfelt appeal to Kashmiri Pandits to return to the Valley, saying their homecoming was essential to reclaiming the shared cultural heritage and restoring the peace, prosperity and harmony that once characterised life in Srinagar. Bukhari made the remarks while addressing a workers convention in Habba Kadal, Srinagar, attended by a large gathering of local residents and party workers. Recalling his childhood memories of living alongside Kashmiri Pandits, Bukhari said Muslims and Pandits had shared a close bond of mutual respect, trust and brotherhood. I vividly remember the days when, as children, we used to attend tuition classes taught by some of the finest Pandit teachers. I also fondly remember the time when Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits lived together happily and prosperously, sharing a bond of mutual respect, trust, and brotherhood, he said. Making a direct appeal to the displaced community, Bukhari said, I urge my Kashmiri Pandit brethren to return so that, together, we can rediscover the past glory of our beautiful shared culture and work towards restoring peace, prosperity, and harmony. His remarks came as he spoke about what he described as the prolonged developmental and economic challenges facing Srinagars Shehr-e-Khaas. He urged residents not to remain dependent on traditional political parties and instead become more aware of their political and democratic rights. Bukhari expressed concern over the condition of Srinagar city and the difficulties faced by its residents, including inadequate basic amenities, housing shortages, unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities. He said that despite the city having around nine lakh residents, many people continue to struggle with basic necessities, while educated youth face unemployment and are often compelled to take up petty jobs. He also criticised the existing reservation policy, claiming that it had adversely affected employment opportunities for residents of the city. Bukhari blamed successive political leaderships for what he termed the prolonged lack of development in Srinagar and cited the filling up of the historic Nallah Mar as an example of damage to the citys natural and historical infrastructure. He said the waterway had historically connected Dal Lake and the Brari Nambal lagoon with the River Jhelum and Anchar Lake, and argued that its filling had damaged Srinagars drainage and waterway system while also eroding an important part of its heritage. Bukhari also urged residents to participate responsibly in the electoral process and vote wisely whenever the Urban Local Bodies polls are held, saying elected representatives should be chosen on the basis of their ability to address developmental concerns. Speaking on the occasion, former Cabinet Minister and Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir said the people of Srinagar were facing severe hardships due to inadequate housing, limited livelihood opportunities and a chronic developmental deficit. Mir also criticised restrictions faced by residents in constructing houses and commercial establishments on their own land, saying such issues had added to the difficulties confronting people in the city. He expressed concern over the problems faced by youth, including limited employment opportunities and difficulties related to passport issuance and verification processes for jobs and passports, Questioning the government over its response to public grievances, Mir said people had placed their trust in elected representatives and expected them to address their concerns. Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir also addressed the gathering and appealed to residents to support the party, saying it was not controlled by any particular family or individual and that its primary agenda was to serve the people. He said strengthening the party would enable it to pursue its stated agenda of peace, prosperity and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Srinagar, Aug 30: Kashmirs only olive cultivation belt in Salamabad area of Uri near Line of Control (LoC) is dying a silent death as the plantation continues to suffer from the lack of a reliable irrigation facility, with declining productivity threatening the future of the regions unique olive-growing legacy. To revive the 29-kanal olive plantation, the Horticulture Department is now planning to explore the possibility of lifting water from the Jhelum River to irrigate the orchard in Salamabad area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Officials said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared to assess the feasibility of drawing water from the river and supplying it to the plantation, which has depended largely on rainfall for moisture after its original irrigation system was damaged in the 2005 earthquake. Since there is no irrigation facility in the area, we are exploring the possibility of using water from the Jhelum River. Department will prepare a DPR and submit it to the higher authorities. Lifting water from the river is the only viable option available to restore irrigation to the plantation, a Horticulture Department official told Rising Kashmir. Another senior official said the prolonged absence of irrigation had significantly affected the health and productivity of the olive trees. The growth and productivity of olive trees have reduced considerably. Without a dependable source of irrigation, sustaining the plantation has become increasingly difficult, the official said. The plantation, established in 1987 under an Indo-Italian collaboration, originally had access to a natural stream. Water from the stream was collected in a tank and subsequently used to irrigate the olive orchard. However, the 2005 earthquake damaged the water supply system, leaving the plantation without a dependable source of irrigation. Since then, rainfall has remained the primary source of moisture for the trees, contributing to a gradual decline in their growth and yield. The department also explored other options to restore irrigation. In 2024, the Irrigation Department inspected the site to assess the feasibility of developing a groundwater source. They had proposed digging a borewell, but the plan could not be implemented because of the areas higher elevation, which makes groundwater extraction technically infeasible, the official said. The irrigation crisis has affected not only olive production but also the plantations broader objective of promoting olive oil extraction in the region. Olive cultivation in Kashmir remains largely confined to the Uri region, where relatively warmer climatic conditions and suitable soil have provided a favourable environment for the Mediterranean crop. The Salamabad plantation was established after soil studies by a British team identified the area as suitable for olive cultivation. The project was subsequently taken up in 1987 under an Indo-Italian collaboration, making it an important experiment in diversifying horticulture in the region. Local residents and growers have expressed concern over the gradual deterioration of the plantation, saying immediate intervention is needed to prevent Kashmirs only established olive-growing belt from further declining. Irrigation is the lifeline of olive cultivation. The trees require timely watering for healthy growth and better yields. Without a proper irrigation system, the plantation will continue to suffer, said 80-year-old Azad Khan, a resident of Shadra village in the Kamalkote area. Joint Director Horticulture Kashmir Javaid Bhat told Rising Kashmir that the department has written to the Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department in Uri in this regard. We have requested a detailed assessment of the site and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed lift irrigation scheme to draw water from the River Jhelum. We are awaiting their response, he said.
28 films from 24 countries to feature at IFFK
Srinagar, Aug 30: The International Film Festival of Kashmir (IFFK) will showcase 28 films from 24 countries during its sixth edition, scheduled to be held at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, on September 1 and 2. The festival, which marks 20 years of cinema, culture and conversation since its inception in 2006, received more than 200 entries from across the world for this year's edition. Festival Director Yaqut Mushtaq said the two-day festival aims to provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices and perspectives while bringing filmmakers and audiences together for screenings, discussions and interactions. The Kashmiri feature film Baand, directed by Ali Emran and produced by Yaqut Mushtaq, will open the festival. The 65-minute film explores the traditional Kashmiri folk theatre form of Baand-e-Pather. The organisers said the decision to open the festival with a Kashmiri feature reflects IFFKs commitment to promoting regional cinema and providing local filmmakers with an opportunity to engage with audiences and filmmakers from across the world. The official selection has been divided into four thematic sections - Voices, People & Identity, Landscapes & Memory and Contemporary Shorts. Three sections feature five films and six films respectively, while six additional films take the overall selection to 28. The selected films cover a range of subjects, cinematic approaches and perspectives, reflecting contemporary filmmaking across different cultures and geographical regions. The opening day on September 1 will feature the inaugural ceremony, screening of Baand, selected films and filmmaker interactions. On September 2, screenings will continue from 11 am to 6:30 pm, followed by the closing programme. The festival will also feature Q&A sessions with filmmakers, allowing audiences to interact directly with the creators and discuss their films, ideas and creative processes. Founded in 2006, IFFK has sought to create a space for cinema in Kashmir while connecting local audiences with diverse cinematic voices and encouraging conversations around film, culture and society. The sixth edition will be held under the theme, Real Stories. Real People. Real Impact, with organisers inviting filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts, artists and students to participate in the two-day festival.
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PM Modi arrives in Kyrgyzstan to attend 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek
Bishkek [Kyrgyzstan], August 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday, where he will participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, marking the next leg of his two-country visit after concluding his state visit to Uzbekistan. PM Modi arrived in the Kyrgyz capital at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The 26th SCO Summit will bring together leaders of member states to deliberate on regional and international issues and ways to further strengthen cooperation within the grouping. The Prime Minister's arrival was met with enthusiasm among members of the Indian diaspora and residents. Speaking about PM Modi's visit, Deepak Joshi, an Indian national residing in Bishkek, said the Prime Minister's arrival was a matter of honour and great privilege for Indians living abroad. It is kind of an honour and great privilege that the Prime Minister is coming here. So much transformation has taken place in the last 12 years that it's unbelievable, and PM Modi deserves huge credit for this, Joshi said. Recalling developments in his native Uttarakhand, he said, I come from Uttarakhand. My father's village got electricity in 2017. He also praised the government's defence initiatives, saying, For Defence, he has done wonders. We have seen it in Operation Sindoor. We as NRIs feel absolutely honoured that the value of our passports, the respect, and everything has changed in the last 10-12 years, Joshi added. A Kyrgyzstan national, Zara Beiim Gasanova, who is learning Hindi in the Central Asian nation, also expressed excitement over PM Modi's visit. I am learning Hindi at the Indian Embassy. I am very excited that PM Modi is coming, and we are all standing here, ready to greet and see him. We love India; we love the Indian people. We like India, Gasanova said. Before arriving in Bishkek, PM Modi concluded his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, where he held bilateral and delegation-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the visit, India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed on an ambitious roadmap covering trade and investment, infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, critical minerals, energy, space, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education and culture. The two sides also set a target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030, from the current level of more than USD 1 billion, with a focus on market access, connectivity and banking and payment systems. As he departed Tashkent, PM Modi thanked President Mirziyoyev for his hospitality and personal commitment to strengthening India-Uzbekistan ties. Thank you Uzbekistan! Gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his warmth, attention to detail and personal commitment to the India-Uzbekistan friendship, PM Modi said in a post on X. During his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi also paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent. Paid homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji in Tashkent. We remember a towering statesman whose unwavering commitment to the nation continues to inspire generations, PM Modi said. The visit also saw PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev jointly plant a tree at the Presidential Palace garden under India's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative and Uzbekistan's 'Yashil Makon' green efforts, highlighting their shared commitment to environmental sustainability. PM Modi was also conferred with the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders, for his contribution to strengthening friendship between the two countries. India and Uzbekistan also agreed to cooperate on the restoration and conservation of ancient Buddhist heritage sites in Uzbekistan and expand youth exchange programmes. Following the SCO Summit in Bishkek, PM Modi's participation is expected to further strengthen India's engagement with the SCO and its Central Asian partners as the organisation marks 25 years of its existence. (ANI)
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Five artists conferred the title Vani Kala Nipuna
Bangladesh Releases Tk 60 Billion to Boost Oil-Fired Power Generation
Bangladesh has released Tk 60 billion ($490 million) to boost electricity generation from oil-fired power plants, as the government seeks to reduce load-shedding and divert scarce natural gas to industries. The Finance Division will provide the funds in two installments to help clear outstanding payments owed to private power producers, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit told Energy Bangla on Sunday. The government currently spends an average of around Tk 1.2 billion a day on electricity generation using fuel oil. The expenditure is expected to rise as the authorities seek to increase oil-fired power generation. Amit said the government plans to increase generation from oil-fired plants and utilize at least 5,000 MW of oil-based power generation capacity. The move is aimed at bringing furnace-oil-fired power plants back to full capacity to reduce load-shedding and enable more gas to be supplied to industrial consumers. Once the oil-fired plants return to full production, around 2,500 MW of additional electricity is expected to be added to the national grid, according to the government. The government is also prioritizing a reduction in the use of natural gas for power generation so that more gas can be supplied to industries. [] The post Bangladesh Releases Tk 60 Billion to Boost Oil-Fired Power Generation appeared first on Energy Bangla .
Cyberabad Traffic Police apprehend 182 motorists in weekend drunk-drive checks
More wards, same workforce: GBA, corporations struggle to deliver on the ground
The State government replaced the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act, 2020, with the new Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, in 2025, which dissolved the BBMP and formed five corporations in its place, with a pan-city body called the GBA, which came into force on September 2, 2025
Rare clouded leopard captured on camera in Tawang, hinting at wider presence in Arunachal
Guwahati: A rare clouded leopard has been photographed in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 2,080 metres, providing the first detailed photographic documentation of the elusive wild cat in the district. The photograph was captured by a camera trap at Dudungarh at 7:40 pm on January 28, 2025, during a mammal [] The post Rare clouded leopard captured on camera in Tawang, hinting at wider presence in Arunachal appeared first on NorthEast Now .
LVPEI doctors caution on Retinopathy of Prematurity
