IEA chief sees little chance of oil market 'normalisation' next year
The war sparked by the attacks has sent oil prices to over $100 a barrel compared with below $70 a barrel before hostilities began, while damage to Gulf refineries has helped push diesel prices to record highs
Delhi Police transfers second case against Das, Ranka to Crime Branch
The Crime Branch will now investigate two cases against the CJP leaders. The other case linked to Mr. Das and Mr. Ranka allegedly entering the Jantar Mantar area was transferred to the Crime Branch
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Tamil Nadu rain: Schools in Chennai, four other districts declare holiday
The weather stations in Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam recorded 12 cm and 11 cm of rainfall respectively, followed by Taramani (10 cm) Madhavaram (9 cm), Villivakkam and Nandanam (8 cm)
Rubio says India-U.S. trade deal close, urges New Delhi to boost U.S. energy, defence buys
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides welcomed the progress made in negotiations on the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to working towards its early conclusion
Musk ordered reduction in Starshield services for Ukraine: report
Kyiv last week reported restrictions to the service, which it sees as crucial to fending off Moscow's invasion, shortly after Trump criticised Ukraine and urged it to stop targeting Russian oil refineries.
Two arrested for possessing a country-made gun in Namakkal
Cricket: Bavuma battles adversity to put South Africa in control
The captain produced a defiant display and showcased his batting skills as South Africa recovered from a precarious 110-6 in the morning session on the third day to declare on 425-9 before taking an Australian wicket prior to stumps, an emphatic response to their heavy defeat in last weeks first test
Harmanpreet Kaur rediscovers her mojo as India sweep series
J&Ks biomedical waste mounts as 9.34 tonnes generated daily
Srinagar, Oct 20: As hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, clinics and other healthcare establishments across Jammu and Kashmir generate more than nine tonnes of biomedical waste every day, a major regulatory compliance gap has emerged, with 6,725 healthcare facilities operating without applying for the mandatory authorisation, according to the annual report of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC). The report, covering January to December 2025, puts the total number of healthcare facilities and other occupiers at 9,028 across the Union Territory, including 4,710 in Jammu and 4,318 in Kashmir. Of these, 6,725 facilities were listed as operating without applying for authorisation under the biomedical waste management framework. The figure includes 3,587 facilities in Jammu and 3,138 in Kashmir, the report reveals. The findings highlight the scale of the regulatory challenge in managing waste generated by the healthcare sector, where improper handling, segregation, storage, transportation or disposal can expose sanitation workers, healthcare staff and the public to infectious and hazardous materials. Biomedical waste includes contaminated dressings, pathological waste, laboratory materials, sharps such as needles, and other waste generated during medical diagnosis, treatment and research. Its safe management requires segregation at source, appropriate treatment and disposal through authorised systems, it states. The report, however, does not establish that every facility operating without authorisation has improperly disposed of its waste. The figures point to a substantial compliance gap that requires regulatory attention. According to the report, Jammu and Kashmir generated 9,342.77 kg of biomedical waste per day during 2025. Kashmir accounted for 7,252.77 kg daily, compared with 2,090 kg in Jammu. Bedded hospitals generated 7,652.564 kg per day, while non-bedded hospitals and other listed establishments accounted for 1,690.29 kg daily, it reads. The figures underline the importance of ensuring that waste from large hospitals, smaller clinics, diagnostic centres and laboratories enters an authorised collection and treatment chain. The report records three common biomedical waste treatment facilities in operation across the Union Territoryone in Jammu and two in Kashmir. Another facility was listed as under construction in Jammu. These common facilities treated a reported 8,926 kg of biomedical waste daily. In areas where common treatment facilities were unavailable, 416.606 kg per day was reported as being treated through deep burial at healthcare facilities, it said. The report also records 1,733.391 kg of treated biomedical waste being disposed of through authorised recyclers each day. The treatment figures broadly correspond with the reported daily generation, although the totals show a small numerical difference that would require clarification from the Committee. The report records 2,303 applications for authorisation, including 1,123 from Jammu and 1,180 from Kashmir. Of these, 1,006 authorisations were reported as granted, while 786 applications remained under consideration. Another 511 applications were listed as rejected, not granted or having shortcomings. The figures indicate that authorisation and compliance monitoring remain important areas for regulatory action, particularly given the number of establishments listed as operating without applying. The Committee reported issuing 730 show-cause notices or directions to healthcare facilities595 in Jammu and 135 in Kashmir. One direction was recorded against a common biomedical waste treatment facility. The report also lists closure orders against defaulters, although the district-wise figures in the available text require reconciliation before a definitive total can be quoted. On infrastructure and capacity-building, the Committee reported conducting 555 workshops or training programmes during the year. It also recorded 154 effluent or sewage treatment plants among occupiers, comprising 84 in Jammu and 70 in Kashmir. The report further lists 111 common biomedical waste treatment facilities or installations with continuous online emission monitoring systems, including 70 in Jammu and 41 in Kashmir. The findings place the focus on the need to bring healthcare establishments within the authorisation framework, strengthen inspections and ensure that biomedical waste is segregated, collected, treated and disposed of in accordance with prescribed norms. With 9.34 tonnes of biomedical waste generated daily across Jammu and Kashmir, the challenge is not merely to expand treatment capacity but to ensure that every healthcare establishment follows the rules governing the waste it produces.
Interns across J&K hospitals strike again over stipend
Srinagar, Oct 20: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir hospitals have resumed their strike demanding an increase in their monthly stipend, alleging that the government has failed to issue a formal order despite repeated assurances. On Tuesday, interns at various medical colleges across the Union Territory held a candlelight march, reiterating that they would continue their agitation until the government issued a written order implementing the stipend hike. President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, said the interns wanted the government to issue the formal order without further delay. No written order, no end to the strike, Dr Khan said, adding that repeated assurances from the authorities had failed to inspire confidence among the protesting interns. The agitation intensified after the expiry of the stipulated 30-day period without the issuance of the promised government order Referring to government record notes dated September 4 and 9, 2026, the interns said the authorities had committed to finalising the matter within 30 days but had failed to meet the deadline. The protesting interns maintained that the issue was no longer about holding meetings or receiving assurances but about implementing a commitment that had already been made in writing. Dr Khan said the interns appreciated the confirmation regarding the proposed stipend enhancement but stressed that the association could not call off the agitation solely on the basis of an announcement. He said the interns had received similar assurances in the past and were now seeking a formal government order clearly specifying the implementation of the enhanced stipend. On September 8, the Jammu and Kashmir Government had stated that the stipend of MBBS and BDS interns, who had been on strike for more than a week, would be finalised within a month based on the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee. The assurance came after a delegation of medical interns from various medical colleges across J&K met Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo and sought an enhancement in their monthly stipend. However, the interns had initially rejected the proposed one-month timeline and continued their agitation, insisting that the enhancement be formally notified through a government order. The interns have been demanding an increase in the monthly stipend paid during their one-year mandatory internship after completing their MBBS or BDS degrees. In July last year, the Health Minister had stated that the stipend would be increased very soon and that the file was under process. Since then, medical students and associations have repeatedly raised the issue with the authorities, pointing out that the stipend had not been revised for the past seven years. The matter was also raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in February 2026. The government had acknowledged that a committee constituted in 2023 had recommended an enhancement, but the proposal was still awaiting the required financial concurrence.
Iran security chief rejects moving enriched uranium out of country
Not even a tiny bit of enriched nuclear material will leave Iran; such materials constitute a major asset and national wealth for the Iranian people, intended for use within the country, says Mr. Rezaei, Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
Darbar Move: Offices to reopen in Jammu on Nov 2
Srinagar, Oct 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the annual Darbar Move from Srinagar for the winter season 2026-27, with all offices scheduled to reopen in Jammu on November 02, 2026. According to the order issued by Commissioner Secretary to the Government, M. Raju, accessed by Rising Kashmir, offices observing a five-day week will close in Srinagar after office hours on October 30, while those following a six-day week will close on October 31. The order provides for two categories of offices moving to Jammu: those moving in full and those moving in camp. All departments of the Civil Secretariat will move to Jammu in full including Chief Ministers Secretariat; Personal Staff of Advisor to Chief Minister; Department of Civil Aviation; Civil Secretariat Dispensary; Security Staff of the Civil Secretariat; Civil Secretariat Treasury; Executive Director, Rehabilitation Council (Social Welfare Department); Accounts Officer, G.P. Fund Moving Cell; Financial Commissioner, Revenue (including Joint Director, Statistics in camp); Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K; Chief Electoral Officer, J&K; Director, Youth Services & Sports; Director, Information, J&K; Director, Motor Garages; Director, Hospitality & Protocol Department, with catering staff; Director General, Accounts & Treasuries; Director, Employment, J&K; Director, Forest Protection Force; Director, Skill Development, J&K; Director, Forest Research Institute; Director, Tribal Affairs; Labour Commissioner, J&K; Custodian General, J&K; Transport Commissioner, J&K; Chief Executive Officer, J&K e-Governance Agency; Project Director, AIDS Control Society; J&K Board of Technical Education; J&K Advisory Board for the Development of Pahari Speaking People; J&K Water Resources Regulatory Authority; J&K Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjars & Bakerwals; One Man Forest Authority; Chief Engineer, Procurement & Material Management Wing, J&K; Chief Engineer, Planning & Design Wing, J&K; Director, Training, Testing, Inspections & Commissions, J&K; J&K Advisory Board for the Welfare & Development of Kissan; J&K Advisory Board for the Welfare & Development of Other Backward Classes; CEO/Secretary, J&K Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board; Director, Samagra Shiksha, J&K; Managing Director, J&K Women Development Corporation; Mission Director, J&K Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM); Controller, Drug & Food Control Organization; Mission Director, ICDS, J&K; Chairman, Committee of Fixation of Fee Structure of Private Educational Institutions; Director, Rural Sanitation, J&K; Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, J&K; Office of Chairperson, JKRERA; Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K and J&K Employees State Insurance Society. The office that will move in camp include Commissioner, State Taxes Department; Excise Commissioner, J&K, with skeletal staff; Director General, Economics & Statistics; Director General, Audit & Inspection; Director, Family Welfare MCH & Immunization; Director, AYUSH, J&K; Director, Soil Conservation, J&K; Director, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K; Director, Sericulture, J&K; Director, Horticulture (P&M), J&K; Director, Geology & Mining, J&K; Director, Libraries & Research, J&K; Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums, J&K; Chief Architect, J&K; Director, Financial Organization, PDD; Mission Director, Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), J&K; Nucleus Staff of Funds Organization; Gazette Section of J&K Government Press; Registrar, Cooperatives, J&K; Subordinate Office of Science & Technology Department; Director, Social Forestry, J&K; J&K Services Selection Board, with staff to be determined by the Chairman; Board of Professional Entrance Examination, with staff to be determined by the Chairman; Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Committee; J&K Socially & Economically Backward Classes Commission; J&K Special Tribunal, with marginal staff; Managing Directors of all PSUs, with skeletal staff; J&K Commercial Taxes Tribunal, with marginal staff; DFO, Photo Interpretation Division (Forest Department), with marginal staff; J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board, with staff to be determined by the Industries & Commerce Department; J&K Housing Board; Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K; Chairman of the Committee for Fixation of Fee Structure of Professional Colleges in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir; Chief Engineer, Commercial and Survey Wing; J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, with 26 employees; Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants); Director, Fisheries, J&K; Empowered Officer, PMGSY (JKRRDA); Directorate of National Health Mission, J&K; Office of the J&K Medical Supplies Corporation; Chief Engineer, J&K UEED; Mission Director, J&K Skill Development Mission (as per past practice); Chief Executive Officer, ERA, J&K; Chief Executive Officer, Mission Youth, J&K; Directorate General, Women & Child Development, J&K; Mission Director, ICPS, J&K; Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K; Directorate of Local Funds, Audit & Pensions, J&K; Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, J&K and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). Offices moving in camp will carry only 33 per cent of their staff strength or 10 officials, whichever is less, unless specifically indicated otherwise. The government has fixed a uniform Special Move Travel Allowance of Rs 25,000 for each employee moving with the Darbar Move. However, employees who do not move before or within the prescribed date will not be entitled to the allowance. The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has been directed to arrange sufficient buses in good condition for transporting employees on October 31 and November 1. Tickets will be available in advance from October 27 at the Civil Secretariat and the corporations main booking counters, with bookings to employees destinations wherever feasible. Each convoy will be accompanied by one crane and two empty buses to deal with breakdowns, while mobile workshops will also accompany the convoys. The J&K Police will provide escort throughout the journey and ensure that the move convoys receive precedence while crossing the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel and the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel. The Health and Medical Education Department has been directed to establish medical aid facilities at Qazigund, Banihal, Ramsu, Ramban, Chenani, Udhampur and Jhajjar Kotli on the days employees travel to Jammu. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department will set up ration counters at suitable locations around residential colonies of move employees in Jammu to ensure adequate supplies. The Estates Department will provide accommodation to officers and officials moving with the Darbar Move as per past practice. However, employees will not be permitted to occupy government, Estate Department, municipal or residential accommodation without a proper allotment order. They may retain government accommodation allotted to them in Srinagar for the bona fide use of their families, subject to approved terms and conditions and intimation to the Estates Department. The government has also authorised advance pay for non-gazetted employees who apply for it, recoverable in instalments as per rules. October salaries of employees working in move offices will be drawn on October 29. No leave will ordinarily be admissible in combination with or in continuation of the move days, except under very exceptional circumstances. Five days of Special Casual Leave will, however, be allowed to Kashmir-based employees moving to Jammu who wish to avail of it, irrespective of whether accommodation is available to them in Jammu. The General Administration Department will establish a Winter Secretariat at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to facilitate the functioning of the administration during the winter session. All Administrative Secretaries have been asked to furnish details of one gazetted and four non-gazetted employees to be retained at the Srinagar Civil Secretariat. No employee can be retained without prior approval of the competent authority. Departments have been asked to give preference, wherever feasible, to female employees and those with serious medical conditions. Each department will also identify a room at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar for the retained employees and submit the details to the General Administration Department for allotment orders. Departments have further been directed to detach staff, if any, deployed from subordinate offices in Kashmir Division by October 27. The SSP (Security), Civil Secretariat, will withdraw temporary identity cards issued to such staff and submit a report to the General Administration Department before the offices close in Srinagar. On reopening in Jammu, the Civil Secretariat and Heads of Departments located within its premises will function from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Moving Heads of Departments located outside the Civil Secretariat and observing a six-day week will work from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Dussehra celebrated with traditional fervour
Srinagar, Oct 20: Dussehra was celebrated in Srinagar with traditional fervour on Tuesday at S K Stadium, with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community participating in the festivities marking the victory of good over evil. The festival, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and symbolises the triumph of righteousness over evil. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, following the nine-day Navratri festival. The celebrations brought together members of the community to observe the occasion through religious rituals and traditional festivities. Dussehra holds particular cultural and religious significance for Hindus, commemorating the victory of truth, justice and righteousness. In Srinagar, the festival also reflects the communitys efforts to preserve its religious traditions and cultural heritage. The occasion provides an opportunity for people to come together and pass on longstanding customs to younger generations. Across the country, Dussehra is celebrated in different ways, with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran forming a major attraction in several places. The festival also marks the culmination of Ramlila performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana. Dussehra conveys the timeless message that good always triumphs over evil. The festival is an occasion to come together, preserve our cultural and religious traditions, and pass on the values of truth, righteousness and mutual respect to the younger generation, an organiser said. The celebrations are followed by Diwali, the festival of lights, which is observed to mark Lord Ramas return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Dussehra conveys the message that good ultimately triumphs over evil, while encouraging people to uphold truth, compassion and righteousness in their lives.
J&K trips pricier than Himachal, Uttarakhand
Srinagar, Oct 20: Domestic overnight trips to Jammu and Kashmir cost households an average of Rs 19,625, higher than comparable trips to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but transport accounts for the largest separately recorded share of expenditure, while pilgrimage rather than leisure dominates travel in the Union Territory, according to a government survey accessed by Rising Kashmir. The National Statistics Office's (NSO) Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey, conducted between July 2025 and June 2026 under the 80th round of the National Sample Survey, provides a detailed picture of how much households spend on trips to Jammu and Kashmir, where the money goes and what brings travellers to the region. The findings show that although Jammu and Kashmir records higher average trip expenditure than two major Himalayan destinations, a substantial portion goes towards transport, including journeys undertaken outside the Union Territory. The figures, therefore, do not necessarily reflect the amount earned by local tourism businesses. According to the survey data, average expenditure on an overnight household trip to Jammu and Kashmir stood at Rs 19,625, compared with Rs 19,314 for Himachal Pradesh and Rs 15,695 for Uttarakhand. A trip to Jammu and Kashmir thus involved approximately Rs 3,930 more expenditure than one to Uttarakhand, a difference of around 25 per cent. The gap with Himachal Pradesh was considerably smaller at Rs 311, or about 1.6 per cent. Jammu and Kashmir stood 13th among 34 states and Union Territories in a comparison restricted to destinations with at least 100 matched sample trips. The position was derived from the survey records and does not represent an official ranking published by the NSO. The expenditure calculations covered 2,698 sampled overnight household trips to Jammu and Kashmir, compared with 1,921 for Himachal Pradesh and 4,461 for Uttarakhand. A closer examination of expenditure reveals that transport accounted for Rs 5,495 per overnight household trip to Jammu and Kashmir, representing approximately 28 per cent of the overall expenditure. Accommodation cost an average of Rs 2,411, while food and beverages accounted for Rs 2,673. Households spent another Rs 2,623 on shopping and purchases, while recreation, religious activities, health-related services and other activities covered under the relevant expenditure category accounted for Rs 1,856. The survey separately recorded an average package-tour expenditure component of Rs 4,339 per household trip, with package spending treated separately from individual categories to avoid double counting. Transport expenditure on trips to Jammu and Kashmir was Rs 833 higher than Himachal Pradesh's Rs 4,662 and Rs 1,692 higher than Uttarakhand's Rs 3,803. However, the pattern was different for accommodation. Households travelling to Himachal Pradesh spent an average of Rs 2,960 on accommodation, compared with Rs 2,411 for Jammu and Kashmir and Rs 2,292 for Uttarakhand. Food expenditure was also marginally higher in Himachal Pradesh at Rs 2,750, compared with Rs 2,673 in Jammu and Kashmir and Rs 2,076 in Uttarakhand. The figures suggest that Jammu and Kashmir's higher overall trip expenditure is not accompanied by higher spending across every category of tourism-related services. Importantly, the transport estimates include expenditure incurred during the entire journey, including travel to the destination and the return trip. Consequently, the amount cannot be interpreted as revenue earned exclusively by transport operators based in Jammu and Kashmir. Beyond expenditure, the survey reveals a striking difference in the purpose of domestic travel to the three Himalayan destinations. Pilgrimage and religious activities accounted for 54.8 per cent of overnight household trips to Jammu and Kashmir within four major travel-purpose categories, compared with 22.8 per cent for holidaying, leisure and recreation. Health and medical travel accounted for another 19.9 per cent, while shopping-related trips represented 2.4 per cent.This means that religious travel accounted for more than twice the share of leisure travel within these categories, indicating that Jammu and Kashmir's domestic travel composition extends considerably beyond conventional holiday tourism. The corresponding figures for Himachal Pradesh presented a different picture. Holidaying and leisure accounted for 44.7 per cent of trips, while pilgrimage and religious activities represented 35.3 per cent. Uttarakhand recorded an even greater share of religious travel than Jammu and Kashmir, with pilgrimage accounting for 63.3 per cent of trips in the same categories, compared with 24.7 per cent for leisure. Medical travel also accounted for a relatively substantial share in Jammu and Kashmir at 19.9 per cent, compared with 18.2 per cent in Himachal Pradesh and 11.7 per cent in Uttarakhand. The percentages, however, relate only to the four specified travel purposes and do not represent the distribution of every domestic trip undertaken for all purposes. The survey separately examined business, social, educational and other overnight travel using a different reference period, revealing another important dimension of domestic movement to Jammu and Kashmir. Social visits, including journeys to meet relatives and friends or attend marriages and other functions, accounted for 88.7 per cent of trips within this separate group. Business-related travel accounted for 7.9 per cent, while education and training represented 1.3 per cent and other activities accounted for 2 per cent. The business-travel share in Jammu and Kashmir was nearly 1.8 times that of Himachal Pradesh, where it stood at 4.5 per cent, and marginally below Uttarakhand's 8 per cent. Social visits remained the dominant purpose across all three destinations, accounting for 93.7 per cent of trips in Himachal Pradesh and 88.1 per cent in Uttarakhand within the corresponding group. The estimates for these categories were based on 1,846 sampled overnight household trips to Jammu and Kashmir, including 115 classified as business-related. The corresponding sample covered 1,122 trips to Himachal Pradesh and 1,141 to Uttarakhand. However, the survey recorded business, social, educational and other trips completed during the preceding 30 days, while holidays, pilgrimage, medical treatment and shopping were covered separately using a different reference period. As a result, the 7.9 per cent business-travel figure cannot be interpreted as the share of business travel among all domestic overnight trips to Jammu and Kashmir during the year. Similarly, the social-travel percentage cannot be combined directly with the pilgrimage and leisure figures to construct an overall distribution of travel purposes. The NSO conducted the survey using a multi-stage stratified sampling method and applied statistical multipliers to derive estimates from household responses.
J&K, Ladakh face 623 MW peak power shortfall in Nov
Energy deficit estimated at 189 million units Regional power panel seeks measures to bridge gap Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are projected to face a peak electricity shortfall of 623 megawatts (MW) in November, with anticipated power availability falling 16.3 per cent below requirement, according to the latest Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC) agenda, raising concerns over electricity supply as winter approaches. The figures, contained in the agenda for the NRPC's 248th Operation Coordination Committee meeting scheduled for October 22, show that the two Union Territories are expected to require 3,813 MW of electricity at peak demand against an anticipated availability of 3,190 MW. The document, issued on October 16 and examined by Rising Kashmir, also projects an energy deficit of 189 million units (MU) during November, with an estimated requirement of 1,999 MU against availability of 1,810 MU. This translates into a 9.5 per cent energy shortfall, indicating that the projected gap is not confined to periods of maximum electricity demand. The figures are particularly significant because November marks the beginning of the colder period in Kashmir, when electricity consumption increases with the use of heating appliances and other seasonal requirements. The NRPC document shows that the anticipated shortage comes against a relatively comfortable overall power position in the northern region. While Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are projected to face a 16.3 per cent peak deficit, the northern region as a whole is expected to have 82,400 MW available against a requirement of 67,600 MW, representing a projected peak surplus of 14,800 MW. In energy terms, the northern region is projected to have a marginal surplus of 151 MU, with availability of 39,000 MU against a requirement of 38,849 MU. The November projections also place Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh among the northern region's constituents facing anticipated shortages. Punjab is projected to face an energy deficit of 556 MU, while Rajasthan is expected to record a shortfall of 324 MU. Himachal Pradesh, despite a projected energy surplus of 89 MU, is expected to face a peak power deficit of 395 MW under its revised forecast. Unlike some other northern states, the NRPC agenda records that no revised November power-supply position had been submitted for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at the time the document was prepared. The regional committee has asked State Load Despatch Centres to update their anticipated power-supply positions and submit measures proposed to bridge gaps between electricity demand and availability. The figures come after provisional September data showed that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh had recorded an energy requirement of 1,506 MU against actual availability of 1,493 MU, indicating a shortfall of 13 MU. September's actual peak demand also exceeded the anticipated level. Against an estimated peak requirement of 2,500 MW, the two Union Territories recorded 2,735 MW, an increase of 235 MW or 9.4 per cent over the forecast. The NRPC has sought explanations from constituents reporting significant differences between anticipated and actual electricity requirements. With the NRPC meeting scheduled for October 22, the measures proposed to address the projected deficit will be central to assessing the region's preparedness for the coming winter.
Maddison's dream return helps Spurs to long-awaited Premier League win
Spurs had lost three and drawn three coming into the match and there was a real worry that the London club might face a relegation battle like last season, when it escaped on the final day
Health Education Is a Public Necessity
Health education is often treated as a secondary concern, discussed only during outbreaks, vaccination drives or awareness campaigns. Yet it is among the most important foundations of a healthy society. Hospitals and medicines are necessary, but they cannot by themselves address the growing burden of preventable illness. A population that understands basic health practices, recognises warning signs and seeks timely treatment is better equipped to protect itself and reduce pressure on an already stretched healthcare system. In Kashmir, health education deserves far greater attention in schools, colleges and communities. Children should learn about nutrition, hygiene, mental health, first aid, reproductive health and the dangers of substance abuse in an age-appropriate and scientifically sound manner. Such education is not an optional addition to the curriculum. It is a life skill that can influence decisions long after formal schooling ends. The absence of reliable health information creates space for myths, stigma and dangerous self-treatment. Many families still delay medical consultation because of social hesitation, financial concerns or dependence on unverified advice. In rural and remote areas, limited access to trained professionals makes the situation more difficult. Clear, accessible and locally relevant health education can help people distinguish between minor ailments and serious symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. Women and adolescents must remain at the centre of this effort. Maternal health, menstrual hygiene, anaemia, vaccination and mental well-being require open and sustained discussion. Silence around these issues does not protect society; it increases vulnerability. Schools and primary health centres should provide safe spaces where young people can ask questions without fear or embarrassment. Health education must also address the changing nature of public health. Lifestyle-related illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension and obesity, are increasingly affecting families. Sedentary habits, poor diets and tobacco use can produce serious consequences over time. Simple guidance about physical activity, balanced nutrition and regular screening can prevent many complications and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Digital platforms offer a powerful means of reaching people, but they must be used responsibly. Health departments should produce information in clear language and circulate it through trusted channels. Misinformation spreads quickly, particularly during emergencies, and official communication must be timely, consistent and comprehensible. Doctors, teachers, religious leaders, local institutions and civil society organisations can together create a culture of prevention. Health education should not be confined to occasional lectures; it must become a continuous public programme supported by adequate funding and monitoring. A healthy society is not built only in hospitals. It is built in homes, classrooms, workplaces and neighbourhoods where people make everyday choices. Investing in health education is therefore an investment in human dignity, productivity and social resilience. Kashmir needs not merely more healthcare facilities, but better-informed citizens capable of using those facilities wisely and protecting their health before illness becomes a crisis.
Sustaining Heritage Through Responsible Development
Heritage is not merely a collection of old buildings, monuments or ruins. It is the living memory of a society; the imprint of its architecture, crafts, traditions, landscapes and collective experience. In Kashmir, where every village, shrine, bridge, courtyard and marketplace carries layers of history, the question of heritage development is inseparable from the question of identity. Development is necessary, but it cannot be allowed to erase the very character that makes the region unique. For decades, heritage conservation has often been treated as an obstacle to modernisation. This approach is both short-sighted and damaging. Roads, commercial complexes, tourism facilities and urban expansion may bring immediate economic benefits, but unplanned construction can permanently weaken the cultural and environmental foundations of a place. Once a historic neighbourhood is destroyed or a traditional water system disappears, no amount of later investment can restore its original meaning. Sustainable heritage development offers a more balanced path. It requires conservation to be integrated with the economic and social needs of local communities. Historic structures should not be preserved as lifeless monuments while the people around them remain excluded from their benefits. Instead, adaptive reuse, responsible tourism, traditional craft markets and locally managed cultural centres can generate livelihoods while keeping heritage alive. The participation of communities must remain central to this process. Local residents possess knowledge about traditions, materials, landscapes and customs that cannot be replaced by distant planning agencies. Their voices must be heard before restoration projects, tourism zones or infrastructure plans are approved. Heritage cannot be sustained by government notifications alone; it survives when people feel ownership of it. Equally important is the use of appropriate technology and traditional wisdom. Restoration should respect original materials, designs and building techniques wherever possible. Modern interventions must be sensitive to scale, climate and local aesthetics. Concrete-heavy construction and visually intrusive commercial structures may be convenient, but they can destroy the harmony of historic areas. Kashmir also needs a comprehensive heritage inventory, stronger enforcement and clear guidelines for development around protected sites. Conservation funds must be transparent, while institutions responsible for heritage protection should be adequately staffed and professionally equipped. Schools and universities, too, must be encouraged to connect younger generations with the regions cultural inheritance. The objective is not to freeze Kashmir in the past. It is to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of memory. Sustainable heritage development means building the future without severing ties with the past. Kashmirs heritage should be treated not as a burden, but as a living assetone that can support livelihoods, strengthen identity and guide a more responsible form of development.
There was a time when people could sit for hours watching a movie, reading a book or listening to someone talk without feeling the need to do anything else. A good story could keep us interested for hours. We would wait for our favourite television programme, read a newspaper slowly and sometimes spend an entire evening talking to friends. Today, things seem to have changed. We want everything quickly, and if something does not catch our attention within a few seconds, we move on to something else. The biggest reason behind this change is the growing habit of watching short videos on social media platforms. Reels, shorts and similar content have become a part of our daily lives. We open our phones for a few minutes, but those few minutes often turn into an hour or more. One video leads to another, and before we realise it, a considerable part of our day has passed without us doing anything meaningful. There is nothing wrong with watching short videos once in a while. They can be entertaining, informative and even useful. The problem begins when we become so accustomed to short content that we start losing interest in anything that requires more time and attention. Today, many people find it difficult to watch a full movie without checking their phones in between. Some start a film and, within ten minutes, begin scrolling through reels. Others watch a video while eating, check their phones while talking to someone and feel uncomfortable when they have nothing to look at on a screen. Even a few minutes of silence can make us restless. This raises an important question: have we really become so busy, or have we simply lost the patience to give our attention to one thing at a time? The problem is not limited to entertainment. It is slowly affecting the way we read, study, work and communicate. A student who is used to watching thirty-second videos may find it difficult to sit with a chapter for an hour. A person who wants to learn a new skill may lose interest when the process becomes difficult, or progress is slow. We want quick results, but we often forget that most worthwhile things in life require time, effort and consistency. Even reading has started to feel like a burden for some people. A long article seems boring, a detailed explanation feels tiring, and anything that requires concentration is often postponed. We prefer a short summary over a complete explanation, a few lines over a detailed discussion and instant entertainment over something that asks us to think. Gradually, we may begin to lose the habit of thinking deeply. We see a headline and form an opinion without reading the complete story. We watch a short clip and believe we understand the entire situation. We hear one side of an argument and immediately decide who is right and who is wrong. The time required to understand something properly is replaced by the desire to react quickly. Every time we scroll, there is another video waiting for us. Modern technology has become so advanced that algorithms learn our interests, moods and viewing habits, suggesting content based on what we watch and how we react. If we watch something funny, more comedy appears; if something makes us angry or emotional, similar videos follow. There is always something designed to hold our attention for a few more seconds. Before we realise it, those seconds turn into an hour. The difficult part is that we believe we are choosing what to watch, while technology keeps deciding what to show us next. Our phones may be in our hands, but are we really in control of our time? Another thing that seems to be disappearing is our ability to tolerate boredom. Earlier, especially in Kashmir, when people had nothing to do, they would sit outside, observe their surroundings, think about their lives or simply let their minds wander or gossip with neighbors/friends to relieve stress and burden. Children would find ways to entertain themselves. People could travel without constantly looking at a screen. Waiting for someone or standing in a queue was not always an excuse to take out a phone. Now, the moment we have nothing to do, our hands automatically reach for our phones. We check notifications even when there is nothing important to check. We open social media without any particular reason, scroll for a while and close it, only to open it again a few minutes late. Perhaps we have become uncomfortable with our own thoughts. We no longer give ourselves enough time to sit quietly, reflect on our decisions or think about what is happening around us. Every empty moment must be filled with something. And most of the time, that something is another video. Patience is not only about watching a movie or reading a book. It is an important part of almost everything we do in life. Building a career takes years. Preparing for an examination requires months of discipline. Learning a skill involves making mistakes and trying again. None of these things can be achieved simply by swiping a screen. But when we become used to getting entertainment within seconds, ordinary life can start feeling slow. We want success without the struggle, results without the waiting and happiness without having to deal with discomfort. The moment something becomes difficult, we look for an easier alternative. Sometimes, a person is sharing something important, but the listener is looking at the screen. A friend is talking, but we are thinking about the next notification. Family members sit together at the dinner table, yet each person is occupied with a different digital world. We may be more connected through technology than ever before, but that does not necessarily mean we are giving each other more attention. There is also a difference between being informed and being constantly entertained. Social media can expose us to new ideas, current affairs and useful knowledge. But endlessly scrolling from one random video to another does not always leave us wiser. We may spend hours consuming content and still struggle to remember what we watched. Our eyes remain busy, our minds keep receiving information, but very little of it stays with us Of course, short videos are not the only reason behind our declining attention. Stress, lack of sleep, work pressure and other distractions also play a role. Technology itself is not the enemy. The real concern is whether we are using it according to our needs or allowing it to control our habits. The answer does not lie in abandoning smartphones or social media completely. That would neither be practical nor necessary. What we need is a little more control over how we use them. We can put our phones aside while eating, listen properly when someone speaks, read a few pages every day and watch a movie without constantly checking notifications. We can also make an effort to do one thing at a time instead of dividing our attention between several things. These may appear to be small changes, but habits are built through small actions repeated every day. We should also remember that not everything valuable in life is designed to entertain us immediately. A good book may take time to become interesting. A difficult subject may require several readings before it makes sense. A meaningful conversation may not be exciting every second. And a worthwhile goal may demand months or years of hard work before we see any result. If we abandon everything the moment it stops entertaining us, we may miss some of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Perhaps we will realise the importance of patience only when we need it most. A career cannot be built by watching motivational videos alone. An examination cannot be cleared simply by saving study tips, and a problem cannot always be solved by searching for the quickest answer. Real progress often happens quietly, without excitement or immediate results. There are days when we must keep working even when nothing seems to be changing. If we become accustomed to instant rewards in everything we do, how will we learn to continue when life offers us no immediate reward at all? Perhaps the greatest loss is not that we are watching too many reels. It is that we are slowly becoming less comfortable with things that require patience. We are learning to skip, swipe and move on, but life does not always work that way. We cannot expect everything to happen at the speed of a short video. Real life has its own pace, and learning to accept that pace is an important part of growing up. The next time we pick up our phone to watch one more reel, perhaps we should ask ourselves a simple question: am I watching this because I genuinely want to, or because I have forgotten how to spend a few minutes without it? The answer may tell us more than we expect. Technology has made entertainment faster and information easier to access. But we should be careful not to confuse speed with progress or constant stimulation with happiness. A mind that is always occupied does not necessarily become a mind that understands more. We do not need to stop enjoying short videos. We simply need to make sure that we do not lose the ability to enjoy the longer things in life. Because a good movie still deserves our attention, a good book still deserves our time, and the people sitting beside us deserve more than a distracted glance. Perhaps the real challenge of this generation is not learning how to scroll faster, but learning how to slow down again. (The Authors can be reached at: junaidmwani110@gmail.com )
The arrival of artificial intelligence in education has changed the meaning of the classroom. A student can now ask a machine to explain a difficult concept, summarise a book, solve a mathematical problem, translate a passage or even write an essay within seconds. Information, once carefully gathered from libraries, teachers and textbooks, is now available at the touch of a screen. But while AI can make learning faster, it cannot make education meaningful on its own. The central question before us is not whether artificial intelligence should enter the classroom. It already has. The more important question is what will happen to the relationship between teachers and students when a machine becomes capable of answering almost every academic question. For generations, education has rested on a human relationship. A teacher does not merely deliver facts. A teacher observes hesitation in a students eyes, notices a sudden silence, recognises a loss of confidence and sometimes understands a problem that the student has not expressed in words. This human attentiveness cannot be replicated by an algorithm, however advanced it may become. A machine can provide an answer. A teacher helps a student understand why the answer matters. This distinction is becoming increasingly important. AI tools can produce fluent essays, generate presentations and complete assignments. But education is not simply the production of correct sentences or impressive answers. It is the development of judgment, curiosity, discipline, empathy and responsibility. If students begin to depend on AI for every intellectual task, they may acquire information without developing the ability to think independently. The danger is not technology itself. The danger lies in allowing convenience to replace effort. Teachers, therefore, must not view AI only as a threat to their authority. Nor should they treat it as a shortcut that can replace teaching. AI should be used as an aid, not as a substitute for the teacher or the students own intellectual labour. It can help teachers prepare lessons, identify learning gaps, create examples and offer different explanations for difficult subjects. It can help students practise, revise and explore beyond the limits of the textbook. But its use must remain guided by human judgment. The teachers role in the AI age is not diminished; it is made more demanding. Earlier, a teachers responsibility was largely to provide knowledge and explain concepts. Today, teachers must also teach students how to evaluate information, recognise bias, protect privacy, question machine-generated answers and use technology ethically. They must help students distinguish between assistance and dependence, between learning and copying, and between originality and imitation. This requires a new kind of digital literacy. A student should know that an AI-generated response may sound confident while being factually wrong. They should understand that technology can reflect the biases present in the data on which it has been trained. They should also learn that feeding personal information, private conversations or sensitive academic records into unknown platforms can create serious risks. The classroom must become a place where such questions are discussed openly. There is also a moral dimension to the issue. The relationship between a teacher and a student is built on trust. When a student submits work entirely produced by AI as their own, that trust is weakened. The concern is not merely about cheating in an examination. It is about the gradual weakening of honesty as a value. Education loses its purpose when marks become more important than learning and appearance becomes more important than effort. At the same time, institutions must be careful not to respond with fear alone. A blanket ban on AI may appear decisive, but it will not prepare students for the world they will enter. Artificial intelligence is already shaping workplaces, public services, research and communication. Students must learn to use it responsibly rather than remain unaware of its possibilities and dangers. Schools and colleges should formulate clear and practical policies. Students should be told when AI assistance is permitted, how it must be acknowledged and which tasks require independent work. Assessments should increasingly test reasoning, discussion, creativity and personal understanding rather than only the reproduction of memorised content. Oral presentations, classroom debates, project work and reflective writing can help teachers determine whether a student has genuinely understood a subject. The teacher-student relationship must also become more conversational. In a world where information is abundant, the teachers greatest contribution may be the ability to ask the right questions. A good teacher encourages a student to examine assumptions, defend an argument, listen to an opposing view and connect knowledge with lived experience. These are not mechanical processes. They are part of the formation of a thoughtful human being. For students, AI should be treated as a questioning partner, not an invisible author. They can ask it to explain a concept in simpler language, suggest alternative viewpoints or identify weaknesses in an argument. But the final judgment, interpretation and responsibility must remain their own. A student who uses AI to avoid thinking may complete an assignment, but a student who uses it to deepen thinking may genuinely learn. In this transformation, emotional connection will matter even more. Young people are not only seeking information; they are also dealing with anxiety, competition, loneliness and uncertainty about the future. A digital tool may respond instantly, but it cannot replace the encouragement of a teacher who believes in a students potential. It cannot take responsibility for a vulnerable child, mediate a conflict or inspire courage during failure. The future classroom should not be a battle between teachers and machines. It should be a space where technology supports human teaching and human values direct technology. The teacher must remain the mentor, the student the learner, and AI the instrument. Education will succeed in the age of artificial intelligence only when it remembers that learning is not the same as receiving information. It is a relationship through which knowledge becomes wisdom, discipline becomes character, and curiosity becomes purpose. The machine may know more answers. But the teacher must continue to show students how to live responsibly with them. (The Author is a lecturer in HED and a columnist)
Social Responsibility: The Foundation of a Humane Society
A society is judged not merely by the height of its buildings, the speed of its roads or the size of its economy. Its real character is revealed in the way people behave when no one is watching, in how the powerful treat the weak, how citizens respond to public problems and how communities stand with those facing hardship. Social responsibility is, therefore, not an abstract moral idea. It is the foundation on which a peaceful, just and humane society is built. In recent years, public life has increasingly become centred on individual rights, personal ambitions and private gain. People are quick to demand better roads, clean neighbourhoods, efficient services, employment opportunities and accountability from institutions. These demands are legitimate and necessary. But a healthy society cannot be built on demands alone. Alongside rights, there must be a corresponding sense of duty. Citizens must ask not only what the administration, the government or society can do for them, but also what they can do for the common good. Social responsibility begins with recognising that individual actions have collective consequences. Throwing waste on a roadside may appear to be a minor act, but when repeated by thousands, it turns public spaces into dumping grounds. Jumping a traffic signal may save a few minutes, but it places other lives at risk and weakens respect for the law. Spreading an unverified message may seem harmless, but it can create fear, damage reputations and disturb social peace. Every careless act contributes to a larger culture of indifference. The crisis today is not always the absence of laws. In many cases, it is the absence of civic discipline. Rules exist, institutions function, and public campaigns are conducted, yet the desired change remains limited because citizens often view public property and public spaces as nobodys responsibility. A road, park, school, hospital or government building belongs to the community. Damaging, misusing or neglecting such spaces is not merely an administrative issue; it is an injury to society itself. Social responsibility must first be cultivated within families. Children learn more from observation than instruction. If they see adults respecting public rules, speaking courteously, helping neighbours and treating workers with dignity, they are likely to absorb those values. If they witness dishonesty, discrimination, aggression and disregard for the law, moral lectures will have little effect. The family is the first school of citizenship, and the values developed there eventually shape public life. Educational institutions also have an important role. Education should not be confined to examinations, degrees and employment. It must prepare young people to become responsible citizens. Students should learn about empathy, equality, environmental protection, democratic values and community service. A student who excels academically but lacks respect for others cannot be regarded as fully educated. Knowledge becomes meaningful only when it is accompanied by character and a sense of responsibility. The role of young people is particularly important in a changing society. The youth possess energy, creativity and the ability to influence public opinion. Through social media, they can raise awareness about civic problems, mobilise volunteers and challenge injustice. But the same platforms can also be used to spread hatred, rumours and humiliation. Digital citizenship has become an essential part of social responsibility. Freedom of expression cannot mean freedom to abuse, threaten or circulate falsehoods. The media, too, carries a significant responsibility. Journalism is not only about reporting events; it is also about protecting the public interest. Responsible journalism brings neglected issues to light, gives voice to the voiceless and holds institutions accountable. At the same time, sensationalism, unverified reporting and the exploitation of tragedy can deepen social divisions. The credibility of public discourse depends on the medias commitment to truth, fairness and restraint. Businesses and private institutions must also look beyond profit. Corporate social responsibility should not be reduced to occasional donations or publicity-driven campaigns. Businesses benefit from societys infrastructure, workforce and purchasing power. They must therefore contribute to the welfare of the communities in which they operate. This includes fair treatment of employees, environmental responsibility, support for education and health, and honest dealings with consumers. A companys success should be measured not only by its earnings but also by its social footprint. Social responsibility becomes most visible during moments of crisis. Natural disasters, health emergencies, accidents and economic distress reveal the strength or weakness of a community. In difficult times, people often come forward with food, medicine, shelter and financial assistance. Such solidarity is encouraging, but it should not remain limited to moments of disaster. Compassion must become a regular part of social life. The elderly, persons with disabilities, widows, orphans, migrant workers and economically weaker families should not be remembered only when their suffering becomes publicly visible. A responsible society is also one that rejects discrimination. Social responsibility demands respect for every person, regardless of religion, region, language, gender, caste, economic status or political opinion. The dignity of a society is determined by how it treats those who have the least power. Exclusion and prejudice damage not only the victims but also the moral fabric of the wider community. No society can claim progress while sections of its people are denied equal respect and opportunity. Environmental responsibility is another urgent dimension. Climate change, pollution, water scarcity and the destruction of green spaces are no longer distant concerns. They are affecting daily life. The responsibility to protect nature lies with governments, industries and citizens alike. Saving water, reducing waste, protecting trees, avoiding unnecessary plastic and keeping public spaces clean may appear to be small steps, but collective action begins with such habits. The environment is not an inheritance to be consumed without thought; it is a trust that must be passed to future generations. However, social responsibility cannot be used as an excuse for governmental failure. Citizens have duties, but institutions have greater responsibilities. Governments must provide essential services, enforce laws fairly, protect vulnerable groups and create conditions in which responsible behaviour is possible. It is unreasonable to ask people to maintain public spaces when waste collection is irregular, or to demand traffic discipline when roads are poorly designed, and enforcement is selective. Public responsibility and institutional accountability must reinforce each other. There is also a danger in placing the entire burden on ordinary citizens. Those with power, wealth and influence carry a greater responsibility because their decisions affect larger numbers of people. Political leaders, administrators, public representatives and corporate authorities must lead by example. When powerful individuals violate rules with impunity, the message sent to society is deeply damaging. The law must be visible not only in speeches but in action. Ultimately, social responsibility is a habit of mind. It means understanding that we are connected to one another. The cleanliness of one neighbourhood affects the health of another. The safety of one road user depends on the discipline of others. The education of one child strengthens the future of the whole community. The suffering of one section, when ignored, eventually weakens society as a whole. The task before us is not impossible. It begins with simple acts: obeying rules, respecting public property, helping those in need, speaking responsibly, protecting the environment and refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice. These actions may not always receive recognition, but they create the conditions for trust and peace. A society does not become humane through slogans alone. It becomes humane when responsibility becomes part of everyday conduct. Rights give citizens dignity, but duties give society stability. If we want cleaner cities, safer roads, stronger institutions and more harmonious communities, we must move beyond the culture of complaint and cultivate a culture of participation. The future of society will not be shaped only by official policies. It will also be shaped by the countless choices ordinary people make every day. (The Author is a research scholar and columnist)
Ruhullah flags growing public discontent
Srinagar, Oct 20:- National Conference MP from Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday questioned the performance of the Jammu and Kashmir government, alleging a lack of progress on key political commitments and public concerns, including employment, reservation, electricity and the protection of local jobs. Speaking to reporters, Ruhullah said people had placed their trust in the elected government with expectations of progress on the restoration of constitutional guarantees and other pressing issues, but were now disappointed with its performance. He questioned what the government had achieved on its political agenda and governance, asking whether it had delivered on promises concerning Article 370, employment, students, interns, prisoners and reservation. On the restoration of Article 370, Ruhullah said merely describing its abrogation as a wrong decision was insufficient, and called for concrete institutional, democratic and peaceful efforts to reverse the decision of August 5, 2019. He also criticised the government's handling of student protests over reservation and the grievances of interns, alleging that assurances to resolve their concerns within a month had not resulted in a satisfactory outcome. Students are back on the streets. Interns are back on the streets, he said, claiming that those who had raised their concerns were left disappointed after the promised deadline passed. The Srinagar MP further alleged that the political situation since 2019 had contributed to hostility towards Kashmiris within Jammu and Kashmir and in other parts of the country. Referring to verification measures and an incident in Karnal, Haryana, he said Kashmiris continued to face suspicion and harassment. Ruhullah also raised concerns over prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir who, he claimed, had remained in detention for years without trial. He criticised the treatment of protesters and activists and expressed concern over restrictions affecting democratic rights. On electoral accountability, he called for allegations concerning the Election Commission to be examined seriously and sought the resignation of the election commissioner facing allegations, along with criminal proceedings if wrongdoing was established. Ruhullah said political leaders should be judged by their actions rather than statements, urging the government to demonstrate tangible progress on constitutional guarantees, employment, reservation, electricity supply and other public concerns. He maintained that peaceful protests and demands for accountability remained important to protecting democratic and constitutional rights.
Veteran sports scribe P.Krishnanpasses away
He was a genial and guiding hand at the Sportstar desk for more than three decades
Six drug peddlers arrested in South Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested six alleged drug peddlers and recovered charas, cannabis and heroin in separate operations across Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts, officials said on Tuesday. In Shopian, a police team from Heerpora Police Station intercepted an Alto car during routine checking at Circuit House. Two occupants, identified as Mashooq Ahmad Hajam and Bilal Ahmad Hajam, both residents of Sedow in Heerpora, were allegedly found in possession of 60 grams of charas-like substance each. Police registered FIR No. 115/2026 at Police Station Heerpora and initiated an investigation to establish the source of the contraband and trace its supply links. In Kulgam, a police team from Mir Bazar Police Post intercepted an auto-rickshaw near Lalipora Crossing on NH-244 during naka checking. Police said 860 grams of cannabis-like substance and 12.05 grams of charas were recovered from a polythene bag inside the driver's cabin. The driver, identified as Fazil Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Kapran, Verinag, Anantnag, was taken into custody. A case under Sections 8/20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered at Qazigund Police Station, and further investigation is underway. In Anantnag, police from Kokernag Police Station apprehended Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, a resident of Panzgam, Kokernag, during patrolling at Soaf Shali. Approximately 119 grams of charas powder-like substance were allegedly recovered from his possession. Police registered FIR No. 175/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act. In a separate operation, police from Dooru Police Station apprehended Adil Ahmed Wani of Malikpora and Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh of Verinag. Police said approximately seven grams and eight grams of heroin, respectively, were recovered during their personal searches. Cases have been registered under relevant legal provisions, and investigations are in progress. Police reiterated their commitment to combating drug trafficking and appealed to the public to share information about drug peddling and related activities to help curb the menace.
Power curtailments raise concern in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Oct 19:- With winter approaching and temperatures dropping across the Valley, residents of Ganderbal have expressed concern over the electricity supply, saying they continue to face power cuts despite paying monthly bills of 2,000 or more on time. Locals pointed out that the district hosts three major power projects in areas including Sumbal Surfraw, Kangan and Ganderbal, besides three mini power projects in Kullan, Rayil and Lashpathri in Sonamarg. Despite these projects, residents said they were struggling to receive a reliable power supply. The issue has become particularly concerning for students as examinations have begun, while falling temperatures have increased the need for electricity in households. We are poor people, yet we pay electricity bills of 2,000 or even more every month, and we pay them on time. We are not begging the government to provide us with free electricity; we are simply asking for a reliable power supply in return for the money we pay, a local resident Meer Muhammad said. The Power Development Department (PDD) has already issued a fresh curtailment schedule for 11 kV feeders under the jurisdiction of STD Sub-Division Ganderbal, with Receiving Station Surfraw, effective from October 17. According to the schedule, the feeders serving Ganiwan (F1), Gund (F2), Fraw (F3) and Gadribal (F4) have designated power curtailment slots throughout the day, with different combinations of feeders affected during specified periods. Residents said the announcement of a fresh schedule had raised expectations of better planning and clarity regarding electricity supply, particularly as winter approaches. As our examinations have started, uncertainty over electricity supply is affecting our studies and preparation. We appeal to the authorities to ensure that students do not suffer, said Mohammad Ramzan, a local resident. Residents of Gund, Haknar, Fraw, Ganiwan and Mamer said the situation was adding to their hardships as temperatures continue to fall across the Valley. They said repeated appeals and protests had failed to provide lasting relief. Locals have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the minister in charge of the Power Development Department to intervene and ensure a dependable electricity supply. They urged the authorities to address consumer grievances and ensure that residents receive reliable electricity during the approaching winter months.
Ajaz Jan lays foundation for two Poonch roads
Poonch, Oct 20: MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in Mandi block of Poonch district, with a combined sanctioned cost of around 21.01 crore. The projects are aimed at improving rural connectivity and providing residents of remote and hilly areas with better access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services. The first project involves the construction and maintenance of the 5-kilometre L027 Link Road from NABARD Road at Jallian towards Gujjaran. Sanctioned under Package No. JK114043, PMGSY-IV, Batch-I of 202627, the project has been allocated 11.6823 crore. The second project covers the 4.15-kilometre L041 Link Road from Rajpura PS Road at kilometre 1.600 to Ziarat Arai Gali. The project, listed under Package No. JK11-4053, PMGSY-IV, Batch-I of 202627, has a sanctioned cost of 9.3293 crore. Both projects include provisions for road construction and subsequent maintenance to ensure long-term usability and improved transportation facilities. The roads are expected to benefit residents of adjoining villages by easing travel difficulties, improving access to essential services and supporting local economic activities. The development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen road infrastructure across the Haveli Assembly Constituency, particularly in remote and hilly areas where connectivity remains a key concern. Road projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees are being undertaken across the constituency to address longstanding infrastructure needs and improve access to public services, according to the information provided.
Sajad Lone slams smart meter cable policy
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Tuesday criticised the elected government over the smart metering drive in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the cable policy was placing an additional financial burden on poorer households. In a statement, Lone said the company installing smart meters provides only four metres of cable per householdtwo metres for input and two for outputwith consumers required to pay for any additional wiring. Anything more than 4 meters has to be paid for by the household. Otherwise the household will not get electricity connection, Lone said, adding that consumers could face disconnection from the grid. He said households located farther from electric poles require more cable and alleged that many poor families had been forced to pay between 4,000 and 5,000 for smart meter installation. Questioning the government's promise of 200 units of free electricity, Lone said two years had passed without the promised benefit reaching consumers. He also recalled that smart metering had faced criticism from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the election campaign, alleging that people who voted for the government were now being made to bear additional costs. Calling the cable policy a shocker of a gift for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly poorer sections, Lone said the additional expenses had undermined public expectations from the government.
23 teaching posts vacant in Kupwara
Kupwara, Oct 20: Government schools in Kupwara constituency are facing a shortage of teaching staff, with 123 posts lying vacant against 403 sanctioned posts of teachers, masters and lecturers, according to official figures. The data shows that 206 government schools, from primary to higher secondary level, cater to 20,591 students across the constituency. Of the 252 sanctioned teacher posts, 204 are filled, leaving 48 vacant. At the master level, 31 of 74 posts remain vacant, while the lecturer cadre has 44 vacancies against 77 sanctioned posts. The shortage at the master and lecturer levels stands at 75 posts. The constituency has 102 primary schools, 85 middle schools, 13 high schools and six higher secondary schools. The overall pupil-teacher ratio stands at 1:20. Subject-wise vacancies are also reported in several disciplines, including Education, Mathematics, Chemistry, English, Political Science and Sociology, highlighting staffing gaps across different levels of schooling. The figures further show that 200 schools function from government-owned buildings, while two operate from rented buildings and four from rent-free buildings. Meanwhile, the Education Department is considering a proposal to upgrade high schools in rural and far-flung areas to higher secondary level. However, no immediate proposal is in place to upgrade primary schools to middle schools or middle schools to high schools. Infrastructure gaps, including inadequate classrooms, damaged buildings, boundary walls and toilet facilities, are also being assessed for phased improvement under existing education schemes.
New tehsils, district reorganisation reshape Ladakhs administration
Leh, Oct 20: In a significant development, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has notified the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2026, effective October 19, paving the way for the establishment of Hill Development Councils in all eight districts of Ladakh, including newly created Sankoo district. The amendment follows the Union Cabinet's approval on October 14 and the President's promulgation of the regulation on October 16. According to the Lieutenant Governor, the process was completed within six days. Adding to the series of developments, the administration has reorganised tehsils and revenue villages across five districts by creating Aryan Valley in Sham, Sodh in Kargil, Phey in Zanskar, Thasgam in Drass and Himya in Changthang. The changes are aimed at improving administrative accessibility and bringing government services closer to residents, particularly in remote areas. Earlier, 17 new tehsils had been created, taking the total number of tehsils from 15 to 32. The latest reorganisation further reshapes the region's revenue administration. Another major development came with the formal notification of Sankoo as Ladakh's eighth district on October 16, with Sankoo designated as its headquarters. The new district comprises four tehsilsSankoo, GM Pore, TSG and Taisuruand has been carved out of Kargil district. The decision is expected to improve administrative access for residents of the Suru Valley and surrounding areas. The amended LAHDC regulation provides for a revised council structure, with elected seats ranging from a minimum of seven to a maximum of 24, compared with the earlier 26 seats in each council. It also provides for the nomination of four members representing women and unrepresented communities, with the stated objective of broadening participation in local decision-making and strengthening inclusive governance. The series of administrative changes is intended to bring decision-making closer to the public, improve access to government offices and create a stronger framework for delivering development programmes across Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their support for the amended regulation, stating that it would strengthen grassroots democracy, local representation and inclusivity.
Young Kashmiris explore smartphone filmmaking
Srinagar, Oct 20: A 10-day smartphone filmmaking workshop aimed at nurturing young filmmaking talent in Kashmir has begun in Srinagar, offering 16 selected participants an opportunity to learn the craft and produce their own short films under the guidance of acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker Onir and a team of industry professionals. The workshop is an initiative of Anticlock Films, led by Onir, in partnership with Kani Home, Srinagar. It seeks to encourage young Kashmiris to tell their own stories through cinema, drawing on their experiences, surroundings, culture and everyday lives. It began on October 17 and will conclude October 27. The programme combines practical filmmaking sessions with mentorship, masterclasses and hands-on experience in developing and producing films using smartphones. National Award-winning filmmaker Onir is leading the initiative, while filmmaker Kabir Khan, filmmaker Payal Kapadia and actor-producer Sanjay Suri conducted masterclasses as part of the programme. The mentor team includes Urmi Juvekar for scriptwriting, Arun Varma for cinematography and Jabeen Merchant for editing. Participants will also receive guidance from a professional team comprising writers, cinematographers, casting professionals, producers and actors from across India. During the workshop, participants will work in groups of four, with each group developing and producing one short film of 10 to 15 minutes. The films can be either fiction or documentaries, allowing participants to explore subjects and narratives that resonate with their experiences. The programme covers the entire filmmaking process, including scripting, location recce, casting, acting workshops, shooting, editing and sound post-production. It also includes film screenings, culminating in a screening of the first cuts of the films produced during the workshop. The participants will continue working on their films online in November, finalising the edits with their respective group mentors and Onir. As part of the initiative, two participants will also be offered internships on feature films, subject to applicable conditions. The organisers have announced special financial support to make the programme accessible to Kashmiri students. Two Kashmiri women participants below the age of 25 will receive full scholarships, while eight discounted seats have been earmarked for Kashmiri students. The initiative seeks to create opportunities for young people to explore filmmaking without requiring expensive equipment, with a smartphone and a compelling story serving as the starting point.
Haryana power staff call 3-day strike against giving licence to private discom
HERC grants Eleven Power 25-year licence to distribute power in Gurugram, Nuh; Power Minister says State will contest move before tribunal; staff allege decision will undermine State-owned firm
Delhi Police Transfers CJP Leaders' Case To Crime Branch Ahead Of Hearing
The Crime Branch will now investigate two cases against the CJP leaders. The other case linked to Das and Ranka allegedly entering the Jantar Mantar area was transferred to the Crime Branch on Monday.
Unknown vulnerabilities: on the cybersecurity advisory by CERT-In
India must do better at detecting and preventing data breaches
Fall of the centre: on the public discontent in France
Economic woes have fuelled public discontent in France under Macron
Traffic diversions for Police Commemoration Day parade on Wednesday
Commercial vehicles will be prohibited from using Kamarajar Salai between Napier Bridge and the Lighthouse during the specified period
Guest lecturers yet to get hike in honorarium announced in the budget
Higher Education Minister had announced in Assembly that the honorarium for guest lecturers would be hiked by 5,000 to 35,000
The RSS at 101, between change and continuity
The test of RSS 2.0 lies in demonstrating a commitment to inclusion and protecting Indias pluralist traditions
Odishas Chief Minister Calls for Immediate Release of CJP Leaders
Odishas CM Naveen Patnaik demands the release of CJP leaders, emphasizing the need to respect constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law. Odishas Chief Minister Calls for Immediate Release of CJP Leaders
Police trace missing girl to a childrens home in Kellys
A police inspector visited the home in person and verified the girls identity and well-being
Dengue persists, doctors caution against infections as monsoon sets in
A senior consultant says that there was an overlap of dengue and influenza in 15% to 25% of patients
Bodies of two school students recovered from Puzhal Lake
The bodies were located on the lakebed and retrieved nearly 17 hours after the operation began
Chennai Metrowater deploys additional sewer machines to desilt city network
If even a legally recognised mosque cannot be protected, what safeguards remain for others? says Mirwaiz
JNUSU ends 17-day protest after rustication orders of its office-bearers revoked
University agrees to demands such as withdrawing FIRs against union members; V-C highlights democratic nature of administration; JNU forced to bow before collective strength, say students
Hygiene lapses found at sweet shops in Chandni Chowk, Naraina, Okhla, Narela
Fifty years ago | Electronic device to aid executives
A hundred years ago | Indian railways
On paddy field conservation in Keralam
Neglecting paddy fields as a socio-ecological system that regulates local biodiversity, the hydrological cycle, and microclimate constitutes a grave failure, amid rising food insecurity and floods
At Dussehra rally, Uddhav bats for 'regime change', promises 'acche din' after ousting BJP
Addressing the annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Mr. Thackeray insisted that staging a protest is the right of youth because 'vote chori' (vote theft) is happening with everyone, especially new voters
30-foot-high cockroach effigy triggers AAP-BJP war of words
Deliberate alteration of Sanatan customs and hurting of religious sentiments: The festival of Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is a highly sacred event governed by ancient Hindu rituals, scriptures and longstanding traditions
The court sets aside an order granting succession certificate in favour of the relatives of a deceased priest to get the claim amount of a fixed deposit made by the priest
The court directs the Madurai Regional Passport Officer to consider and dispose of the application for the renewal of passport in 3 months
T.N. government should construct new Secretariat complex outside Chennai, says Anbumani
He wants the State government to clarify whether the media reports about constructing the Secretariat at Pallavan Illam are true
PDP slams NC govt over unfulfilled promises
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) General Secretary (Organisation) Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura on Tuesday criticised the National Conference-led government, alleging that it had failed to fulfil its election promises despite completing two years in office. Hanjura said people were facing numerous difficulties while commitments made in the government's election manifesto remained unfulfilled. He called for accountable governance, a responsive administration and concrete action on issues affecting people's daily lives. He stressed that electoral promises must translate into tangible results on the ground rather than remain political commitments. Hanjura made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of district and zonal presidents of the PDP's Kashmir Province, convened to review organisational matters, assess grassroots functioning and strengthen coordination among party units. The meeting was attended by PDP General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam, spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo, former state secretary Arif Laigroo, district presidents Mohammad Afzal Wani, G.M. Shahoori, Abdul Qayoom Bhat, Zaffar Ullah Wani, Adv. Sheikh Javaid, Zahoor Ahmed Rather, Mohammad Yaseen Bhat and Aijaz Ahmed Mir, along with zonal presidents. Addressing party representatives, Hanjura emphasised the need for regular public interaction and greater accessibility at the grassroots level. He urged district and zonal leaders to listen to people's grievances, understand their day-to-day challenges and raise their concerns through appropriate channels. He said political organisations must remain connected with the public and consistently highlight issues affecting different sections of society. The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen the party's organisational network across Kashmir Province, improve coordination between district and zonal leadership, and intensify public outreach. It concluded with an emphasis on maintaining a sustained grassroots presence and ensuring that party activities remain responsive to public concerns and aspirations.
Er. Gulam Ali Khatana slams OIC over Kashmir remarks
Srinagar, Oct 20: BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Er. Gulam Ali Khatana on Tuesday strongly condemned the resolutions adopted at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad on October 1718, describing the remarks against India as politically motivated and an interference in the countrys internal affairs. Khatana accused Pakistan of using the OIC platform to advance its political agenda and malign India, questioning the organisations position on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were integral parts of India and said no international resolution or external intervention could alter the countrys position on its territorial integrity. Highlighting developments in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, Khatana said the region had witnessed a renewed focus on infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, investment and development under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved peace, progress and economic opportunities, rather than being drawn into what he described as Pakistans geopolitical agenda. Khatana also criticised Pakistan over its human rights record in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), citing allegations of repression and the use of force against protesters. He said Pakistan should address concerns within areas under its control instead of raising allegations against India at international forums. He maintained that the outstanding issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir included Pakistan vacating territories under its occupation and ending support for cross-border terrorism. Reacting to the OICs remarks, including allegations concerning Islamophobia, Khatana said India had a long tradition of pluralism, coexistence and respect for different faiths. He contrasted this with allegations of minority persecution and sectarian violence in Pakistan. Khatana urged the OIC to adopt a balanced approach and avoid becoming a platform for what he described as Pakistan-sponsored anti-India narratives. He said the organisation should respect the sovereignty of states and focus on dialogue, peace and international cooperation. Reaffirming Indias position, Khatana said the country would not accept interference in its internal affairs and would continue to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka move Delhi HC against judicial custody
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Tuesday approached the Delhi High Court seeking an urgent hearing against the extension of their judicial custody. Das and Ranka sought a night hearing in the high court, which is shut this week due to Dussehra vacation. A newly-appointed Special Executive Magistrate at Mandir Marg police station on Monday ordered their judicial remand for two more days after they were produced before him. They were taken into custody on October 13 after they allegedly climbed over a locked gate to enter Jantar Mantar, which had earlier been denotified as a designated protest site, and were sent to five-day judicial custody. We have moved the Delhi High Court and requested an urgent night hearing. Saurav and Ashutosh should not spend a single minute behind bars. Their liberty must not be curtailed because of political games. Justice must not wait, CJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh said in a post on X. The CJP has alleged that the
In Delhi, only 0.27% of 4.5 lakh Form 6s disposed of so far
Of 4.5 lakh applicationsfor inclusion, about 2.39 lakh were filed bythose seeking re-inclusion or applying for the first timeafter the draft roll was published
Keralam seeks FSSAI clarity on high fat, sugar, salt food
The State will strengthen all legal measures to curb unhealthy eating habits among children and prevent excessive consumption of junk food, says Health Minister K. Muraleedharan
Russian aerial blitz kills 9 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets U.S., European officials in Norway
We are maintaining all contacts that can help bring peace, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X
Dussehra celebrated in Belagavi
Family members of the Patils of the old city performed the pooja. They receivedvarious palanquins carrying revered deities such as Venkatramna, Maruti, Jotiba, and the Aapti tree
Health Department issues circular on maintaining medicine stocks in hospitals
The circular directs that an updated list of the medicine stocks in hospitals be provided to doctors in the OP (outpatient) departments. This will help doctors have a clear idea about the medicines available in the hospital and to prescribe the same to patients.
Dushanbe [Tajikistan], October 20 : Even as the West Asia conflict continues to impact the global economy, India continues to grow at 7.2 per cent, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday as he attended a cultural event organised by the Indian Diaspora in Tajikistan. Addressing the community during his second visit to the Central Asian nation since 2021, Singh said India remains among the world's fastest-growing economies despite adverse circumstances. There was a time when the world claimed that India's economy was a lost cause, he said, adding that the strength and determination of the Indian people had made the difference. Singh said India contributes 16 per cent to the global economy while accounting for 18 per cent of its population. He said India's standing in the international community has grown under the present NDA government. Contrasting the present with the past, he said the people called it an era of policy paralysis, but it had been transformed through reforms under the current government. Since our government took office, Indias standing within the international community has grown. Today, when India speaks on the global stage, the world listens with seriousness. Indias economy has seen rapid improvement; it is now among the fastest-growing economies in the world. We contribute 16 per cent to the global economy, while our population accounts for 18 per cent. Despite the challenges arising from conflicts in West Asia, our economy continues to grow at a rate of 7.2 per cent, even in such adverse circumstances, he said. Singh said India has signed Free Trade Agreements with about 38 countries, keeping in view uncertainties in global trade over the last few years. He further said that Defence production stands at Rs 1.8 lakh crore, and India is now manufacturing submarines. A semiconductor ecosystem is taking shape, with the country set to build both ships and chips. He said India now has more than 2,50,000 startups, over 45 per cent of which have a female director or partner. India has also lifted 250 million people out of poverty over the last decade, he said. He also hailed the success of UPI in India, stating that in August alone, it saw 23.66 billion transactions worth Rs 29.88 lakh crore, ten years after its inception. He also said that 1213 years ago, Indias Current Account Deficit was over 4 per cent of its GDP. Last year, it declined to about half a per cent, specifically, 0.61%. Now our country has signed FTAs with about 38 countries, which is a unique milestone in India's trade history. These FTAs have opened up the markets of large economies for India's manufactured products. Currently, our defense production stands at 1.8 lakh crore rupees, and we are now manufacturing submarines. A semiconductor ecosystem is taking shape in India. The country is set to build both ships and chips. India has become a global hub for real-time digital transactions. In the month of August alone, there were 23.66 billion UPI transactions, amounting to 29.88 lakh crore rupees. It has been ten years since the inception of UPI, and it has shattered all previous records, he said. Highlighting the growth in the last decade, he said, In the past, there was talk of policy paralysis, but today, reforms are taking place everywhere. Our foreign exchange reserves have now surpassed $7 billion. We are reforming with a clear policy direction. I do not need to go into great detail regarding the changes we have introduced in the GST. However, I would only like to say that whatever reforms are taking place, all these reforms are not out of compulsion; this is our conviction. Singh said that until 12 to 13 years ago, access to mobile phones and the internet was considered a position of great power, and after 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government focused on making mobile data affordable. Until 12 to 13 years ago in India, there was also a time when access to mobile phones and the internet was in itself considered a position of great power. It was thought that simply having access to mobile and internet was a massive achievement. Whoever had access possessed information, possessed knowledge, and along with that, also had opportunities. After 2014, when the NDA government was formed in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and we were given the opportunity to serve, India placed a special focus on making mobile data affordable. This means that in India, connectivity didn't just connect people, it also worked to connect opportunities. This miracle has taken place in India, he said. Singh urged Indians in Tajikistan, whether students or workers, to act with the utmost care so that India's credibility is never questioned. A gap between one's words and actions leads to a crisis of credibility, he said, while noting there had been no complaints against any Indian. He described the diaspora as India's cultural ambassadors and an extension of our family. Singh, who said he has addressed the diaspora in 3035 countries, called the cultural program unlike any I have seen. (ANI)
Odisha: Patnaik Demands Immediate Release Of CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka
Along with other CJP workers, Das and Ranka displayed the national flag at the site, and shouted slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar before being detained and placed under preventive arrest on October 13
Death toll from Houthi strike on Yemen government camp rises to 73
It marked the deadliest attack in weeks as fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and Yemens internationally recognised
TNTA president Vijay Amritraj confident of bringing WTA action to Chennai
He says an effort is being made to host four consecutive WTA 125 events in India in early 2028
PM Modi flags three enemies of India, calls for unity in national interest
Let our thoughts be aligned all the institutions of the nation, all political parties let us stand together for the national interest. We must proceed with this very spirit; we must fight together against the enemies of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said
Residents block road over irregular water supply
Pinarayi Vijayan questions SMA drug distribution; SAT Hospital says only CDSCO-approved drugs used
Pinarayi Vijayan said the negligent stance of the Health Minister was criminal and demanded that the Government conduct an enquiry into the incident
J&K government announces annual shifting of capital from Srinagar to Jammu
According to the Darbar Move calendar, the offices are scheduled to reopen in the winter capital of Jammu on November 2. In summer capital Srinagar, offices will start closing from October 30 and October 31
Furniture showroom fined for unclean mosquito breeding spot
Two priests of Tiruchendur temple arrested for stealing money from hundi
GSU writes to 3 South Garo MLAs on NH-217 condition, seeks joint push for CM intervention
Shillong, Oct 20: The Garo Students Union (GSU) has written an open letter to the three MLAs of South Garo Hills seeking joint action on the deplorable condition of National Highway-217. The letter was addressed to Rongara MLA Rakkam A. Sangma, Chokpot MLA Sengchim N. Sangma and Baghmara MLA Kartush R. Marak GSU president Zikku [] The post GSU writes to 3 South Garo MLAs on NH-217 condition, seeks joint push for CM intervention first appeared on Highland Post .
KSU rolls out 2 ambulances for Ri Bhoi, border areas
Shillong, Oct 20: The Khasi Students Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills District Unit on Tuesday launched two ambulances for public service in Ri Bhoi. One Bolero ambulance, donated by former Umroi MLA Ngaitlang Dhar, will serve the Eastern Border Area, while an Eco ambulance of the unit will operate across Ri Bhoi district for emergency [] The post KSU rolls out 2 ambulances for Ri Bhoi, border areas first appeared on Highland Post .
All you need to know about: Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis can initially resemble common monsoon illnesses, but without timely diagnosis and treatment, it can progress to life-threatening complications affecting the kidneys, liver and lungs
Attack by Islamic State-affiliated group in Mali kills 48
Minister Kamali launches supply of fine rice for family cardholders under price-stabilisation scheme
Uddhav Thackeray calls for saffron flag to fly at Red Fort
President Droupadi Murmu attends Dussehra celebrations in New Delhis Dwarka
President Droupadi Murmu attends Dussehra celebrations in New Delhis Dwarka
West Bengal CM meets families of deceased in Kolkata puja pandal stampede
Suvendu Adhikari hands over a cheque of 25 lakh to relatives and assures government job for one person in every family
West Bengal CM meets families of deceased in Kolkata puja pandal stampede
Suvendu Adhikari hands over a cheque of 25 lakh to relatives and assures government job for one person in every family
Kanthapuram Sunni faction calls off protests against Waqf board reconstitution in Keralam
The faction will have a nominee in the board, says Minister Samsudheen
Kanthapuram Sunni faction calls off protests against Waqf board reconstitution in Keralam
The faction will have a nominee in the board, says Minister Samsudheen
Naveen Calls for Immediate Release of CJP Leaders Held Over National Flag Protest at Jantar Mantar
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday urged the judiciary and executive to urgently review and release Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das from judicial custody, arguing that prolonged detention for hoisting the national flag should not be sustained. In a post on X, [] The post Naveen Calls for Immediate Release of CJP Leaders Held Over National Flag Protest at Jantar Mantar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Discarded from aquariums, exotic South American fish invades Noyyal tanks in Coimbatore
Discarded from aquariums, exotic South American fish invades Noyyal tanks in Coimbatore
Watch: France imposes curfew as school protests turn violent | Above the Fold | Oct 20, 2026
France imposes a curfew after violent protests over the cost of living and school conditions, with thousands arrested and businesses destroyed.
Watch: France imposes curfew as school protests turn violent | Above the Fold | Oct 20, 2026
France imposes a curfew after violent protests over the cost of living and school conditions, with thousands arrested and businesses destroyed.
Ranji Trophy: Himateja ton puts Hyderabad in command
When I was batting, and two wickets fell, I knew in my mind that someone would partner with me, said K. Himateja
