Pinarayi Vijayan said the inordinate delay in rescuing fishers lost at sea during stormy weather at Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram is reflective of the governments apathy to the coastal population
Stalled Erode-Karur road widening work causes hardshipto motorists
Though the work progressed at a brisk pace initially, it subsequently slowed down and stopped in June
Five arrested for blackmailing, assaulting man in Choolaimedu
Mahamandleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj Enlightens Chandigarh University Students with Timeless Teachings of Bhagavad Gita
The CJP founder accused the officer of being rude to visitors and trying to restrict and monitor people entering his residence in the Waluj MIDC area of the central Maharashtra city
The Hindu Lit For Life Unplugged: Discovering Kargil through food with Yash Saxena
Author Yash Saxena joins restaurateur Sandesh Reddy at The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged to explore Kargils food traditions and cultural identity in Beyond the Battlefield: Food memory and flavours of Kargil
JSP leader Gurana Ayyalu injured in alleged attack by YSRCP supporters
JSP leaders condemned the attack and requested police department to take stern on the persons involved in the incident
Thadi village rehabilitation process set in motion
56 acres land identified in Pedda Mushidiwada; Tahsildar directed to submit layout plan in a week
Dialogue, dignity and inclusion essential for effective access to justice: CJI Surya Kant
Access to justice begins with dialogue, and solutions should be provided according to specific problems faced by people, said Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
As consumers, we need to move beyond simplified narratives that classify every food as either clean or toxic. Instead, we should understand what processing means, learn how to interpret labels, appreciate portion sizes, and focus on the quality of our overall eating pattern
Letters to The Editor August 1, 2026
Sarvam AI launches platform to help build India-centric AI models
Sarvam AI said Epoch Builder Edition will be available in private preview from August 2026, with general availability planned for the fourth quarter of 2026
Centre considering legislation for women farmers empowerment, says PM-EAC Chairman
S. Mahendra Dev describes the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026 as a landmark law that other States can draw inspiration from
Venky Atluris Vishwanath and Sons, starring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju, promises to be a family entertainer on love and parenthood
Where language meets literature: the need for balanced training
Higher education institutions can establish a language centre that helps learners understand how language enables clear, precise communication and how literature cultivates insight and empathy through in-depth interpretations
Why the CBSEs move towards competency-based assessment has a gap
Competency-based assessment and competency-based education are not the same thing. Translating a policy framework into daily classroom practise requires sustained implementation support that circulars and webinars alone cannot provide.
Venky Atluri interview: National Award winner on Suriyas Vishwanath & Sons and age-gap romance
Venky Atluri discusses his National Award-winning writing, Vishwanath & Sons, Suriyas return to romance, and portraying an age-gap relationship with sensitivity
Arunachal: BRO personnel send relief supplies to Assam flood-affected families
Pasighat: Amid widespread flooding across Assam, personnel of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have organised a voluntary relief initiative to support families affected by the deluge. Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Sonitpur and Bajali are among the districts reporting significant flood impacts, with several villages inundated and damage reported to roads, embankments and agricultural land. [] The post Arunachal: BRO personnel send relief supplies to Assam flood-affected families appeared first on NorthEast Now .
IAF officer arrested for alleged leak of sensitive information to Pakistan-based operative
The officer came under surveillance by the IAF intelligence wing, which later alerted the security agencies after his interactions with a woman on social media raised suspicion
Israeli strikes kill four in Gaza, including two children, amid new ceasefire push
Delhi sees slight dip in minimum temperature, IMD forecasts light to moderate rain
Several weather stations recorded light to moderate rain in the early hours of Saturday (August 8, 2026)
Third Mumbai: MMRDA signs agreement with Singapores Surbana Jurong to shape master plan
Mapletree will invest capital and working capital required for the project with the expectation of bringing more than $1.1 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Raigad-Pen Growth Centre
Artificial intelligence can chat, translate and answer questions but only if it understands your language. At IIT Madras, researchers at AI4Bharat are travelling across India, collecting voices, preserving dialects and teaching AI to understand the countrys incredible linguistic diversity.
Bahar Dutt on Shared Spaces: Human beings are not outside nature
Shared Spaces, a six-part documentary series hosted by Bahar Dutt and filmed by her partner, Emmy-nominated wildlife filmmaker Vijay Bedi, released on Animal Planet, explores exactly this: human-impacted wild spaces
When a yak herder from India made a big impact internationally
Thenlay Nurboo never left Ladakh, but his cheese did and won a gold in Brazil. The award is now inspiring him to fight for yak herding and the traditional chhurpe
Review | The Male Gaze Redefined by Shoma Chatterji
Though offering thoughtful insights into Indian cinema, Chatterjis book is hampered by datedness and a narrow focus
Madras Day 2026: How Chennai continues to shape the art of five contemporary artists
For Madras Day, five contemporary artists revisit the Chennai that shaped them from the art school and cultural institutions of old Madras to Kasimedu, its theatres, streets and everyday rituals.
The global journey of Madras Checks, from Chennai to Dior
Once dismissed as everyday cloth and later embraced by Ivy League campuses, Madras checks have travelled from the Coromandel coast to fashion capitals around the world. Today, designers are rediscovering the vibrant cotton textile, even as the handloom communities that weave it fight to survive
Sugar season 2 review: Colin Farrell returns for sweet sophomore season
With the bizarre twist out of the way, our sharp-suited, movie-obsessed sleuth takes on another missing-person case that unfolds into something much bigger
Ashish Yadav wins silver in mens javelin event in World Athletics U20 Championships
The 19-year-old Yadav became the second Indian, after two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, to win a silver in the event
Ahead of 2027 Punjab polls, OPS and other govt. employee issues come back to haunt AAP
Scores of State government employees and pensioners on August 7 staged an anti-government demonstration in Chandigarh
Study shows AI can design bacteriophages with potential to overcome bacterial resistance
Scientists used genome language models to design complete bacteriophage genomes, with laboratory tests showing that some could infect E. coli and overcome resistance to a naturally occurring phage
Environmentalists flag land use changes in Periya-Pakranthalam elephant corridor
The Animal and Nature Ethics Community Trust has submitted a representation to senior forest department officials seeking immediate intervention to protect the ecologically sensitive corridor
First Day First Show | Spider-Man 4 review, James Norton interview
The Hindus First Day First Show newsletter brings you news and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming
How often did you get stuck in a lift?
If the lift in your apartment gets stuck often, it is time to check when its license was last renewed
Jharkhand protest: Stir enters 15th day, govt. invites another faction of agitators for talks
JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for seven days, is scheduled for talks with the government and had submitted the names of an eight-member delegation
Death toll from China landslide rises to 51, 10 missing: authorities
A huge search and recovery operation has been underway since the disaster, involving over 1,080 rescue personnel, according to the statement
Years of delayed exams, bribery allegations provoke Jharkhand protests
For thousands of young people across Jharkhand, the controversy was never just about one examination
The ascent of Anahat: how Miss Giggles is laughing her way to the top
The 18-year-old recently became the first Indian squash player to be crowned Junior World champion. How did the very chilled, happy-go-lucky kid conquer the might of Egypt? And what does the future hold for the prodigy who reads opponents and situations better than most?
EU aims for seven AI gigafactories with 10 billion plan in race with U.S., China
European Commission said it aims to attract at least 20 billion in private investments for the projects; the total was increased from five planned gigafactories to seven following strong interest from EU countries
Bakery training for tribal womenconcludesin Hasanur
Isha Gramotsavam begins across Tamil Nadu from August 1
At least three killed in Russian strikes in Kyiv region, official says
Three more people were injured in the attack
Japan quake toll hits 28 as survivors struggle in heat
The government issued the new tally as Kumamoto officials said they have now extracted four bodies from the mass of rubble, steel and wires of the Aeon shopping mall after a suspected gas blast following the quake
Southern Europe burns as 3 firefighters die; France battles blaze 4 times the size of Paris
More than 2,200 firefighters and over 20 aircraft remained mobilised, backed by crews from across France and European partners
7 police personnel injured in Hima Langrin violence
Shillong, Aug 7: Seven police personnel were injured after violence broke out at a Dorbar of Hima Langrin at Phlangdiloin, South West Khasi Hills, today after an opposing group allegedly disrupted the proceedings and clashed with security forces. The dorbar had begun peacefully at 11:30am, according to the SWKH Superintendent of Police, with around 1,500 [] The post 7 police personnel injured in Hima Langrin violence first appeared on Highland Post .
Sweeping powers under FCRA amendment
Shillong, Aug 7: Cabinet minister Lahkmen Rymbui today said that the sweeping powers awarded to the central government in the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are dangerous. There has been widespread opposition to the amendments from across the political spectrum in Christian-majority Meghalaya given the threats posed by the legislation to [] The post Sweeping powers under FCRA amendment dangerous, says Rymbui first appeared on Highland Post .
Delay in SSA teachers salaries down to Centre
Shillong, Aug 7: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui today informed that the central government has not released its share of the salary component for SSA teachers since April. The SSA teachers in Meghalaya did receive the states share, however. Rymbui informed that, on July 2223, he attended the Education Ministers meet in New Delhi wherein he [] The post Delay in SSA teachers salaries down to Centre first appeared on Highland Post .
NEHU researchers identify 14 potential geoheritage sites in Meghalaya
Shillong, Aug 7: A research group led by Ravi Ranjan Kumar from the Department of Geology at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Shillong has published a research paper titled Potential Geoheritage Sites and Capacity Assessment for Sustainable Geotourism Development in Meghalaya, India in the international journal Geoheritage. The study focuses on the eastern part of Meghalaya [] The post NEHU researchers identify 14 potential geoheritage sites in Meghalaya first appeared on Highland Post .
Durand Cup in Shillong: A Sporting Event for the Public or a VIP Spectacle?
Editor, What exactly is the idea behind the Durand Cup in Shillong? A major sporting event should bring people together, create excitement and allow the public to participate in and celebrate the occasion. Instead, the manner in which the tournament is being conducted appears to be creating inconvenience, secrecy, restrictions and an unnecessary culture of [] The post Durand Cup in Shillong: A Sporting Event for the Public or a VIP Spectacle? first appeared on Highland Post .
U.S. expects deal soon on Strait of Hormuz; Sunni powers unite in defence pact
Washington anticipated an agreement soon between the two countries, which sit on either side of the strait, so that normal oil traffic could resume, a U.S. official said
Yemen government says Houthis planning to impose fees for Red Sea transit
The narrow maritime artery has been a critical waterway for delivering vast quantities of Saudi crude to the international market, after energy exports were largely choked off by fighting in the Strait of Hormuz
The missing link between NEP 2020 and classroom outcomes
Science quiz: Works that won the Fields Medal
Test your Fields Medal IQ with this quiz. Can you name these math genuises?
Behind Chinas AI gift, a constraint
Chinas embrace of open-weight AI models is driven as much by compute constraints as by a bid to project itself as a responsible global AI power; until it overcomes chip and inference bottlenecks, Beijing is likely to keep sharing its models with the world
Child rights panel plans special drive to rescue child labourers
Ready Server Pilots Full-Immersion Cooling to Prepare Singapore Facility for AI-Ready Compute Services
Franchising & Licensing Asia 2026 Opens New Chapter Under MP, Strengthening Singapore's Position as Asia's Franchise and Licensing Hub
Rajesh a true hero: Kerala High Court commends man who died during rescue operations
The court remarked that the State should respond appropriately to the bereaved familys loss
Delhi Police Arrest Nigerian Drug Smuggler For Overstaying In India
According to police, the accused, identified as Michael Wilfred M. Bonu alias Daniel Marton, 45, was arrested from Uttam Nagar following technical surveillance and human intelligence inputs.
Fifty years ago | Relentless hunt for treasure
A hundred years ago | Outbreak of Beriberi in Calcutta
Starzella primed to repeat success in feature
Letters to The Editor July 30, 2026
NSEs Ahimsa Index is not for investors looking solely for financial alpha
They seek returns and moral satisfaction, a choice that should not be judged by the same yardstick used for conventional investing
Ukraine says it hit a major Russian oil refinery, hours after Zelenskyys meeting with Trump
The overnight attack started a fire at the Ryazan refinery, which has a capacity of about 17 million tonnes of oil per year, producing gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel and other petroleum products, according to Ukraines General Staff
U.S. Senator renews push for green card bill
Congress cannot continue to ignore millions of long-term residents who contribute to our economy and communities every day, said California Senator Alex Padilla
The best is yet to come for Ayush Badoni
The 26-year-old, who will be leading South Delhi Superstarz in the third edition of the Delhi Premier League, says India-A exposure helped him gain confidence
The Hindu Sunday crossword no. 67
Mumbai crimebranch arrests 12 international gang members in500 crorecyber fraud case
According to Raj Tilak Roshan, DCP Detection, the men, between the ages of 20 and 25, were mostly recruited from Ahmedabad or Rajkot in Gujarat. They were given 10 to 15 days of training before being placed in the villa
44,551 cases pending in J&K and Ladakh HC
Srinagar, Aug 07: A total of 44,551 cases are pending before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, while 3,65,191 cases are pending in the subordinate courts of Jammu & Kashmir and 1,748 cases in the subordinate courts of the Union Territory of Ladakh, according to data tabled in Parliament by the Union Government. Replying to a question raised by Members of Parliament Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav and Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal informed the Lok Sabha that 44,551 cases were pending before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as on July 28, 2026. The data showed that pendency in the High Court stood at 47,371 cases in 2021, 43,575 in 2022, 42,934 in 2023, 43,296 in 2024, 43,039 in 2025, and 44,551 cases as on July 28, 2026. According to the reply, the number of pending cases in the subordinate courts of Jammu & Kashmir has increased steadily over the years. The pendency rose from 2,16,245 cases in 2021 to 2,72,543 in 2022, 3,10,486 in 2023, 3,11,925 in 2024, 3,45,785 in 2025, and 3,65,191 cases as on July 28, 2026. For the Union Territory of Ladakh, the subordinate courts had 1,244 pending cases in 2023, which increased to 1,407 in 2024, 1,583 in 2025, and 1,748 cases as on July 28, 2026. The minister also informed Parliament that, at the national level, 92,755 cases were pending before the Supreme Court of India, 64,67,391 cases were pending across the country's 26 High Courts, and 4,99,16,653 cases were pending in subordinate courts as on July 28, 2026. Meghwal said the disposal of cases lies within the domain of the judiciary and depends on several factors, including the availability of judges and judicial officers, adequate supporting staff and court infrastructure, the complexity of cases, the nature of evidence, and the cooperation of stakeholders such as the Bar, investigating agencies, witnesses, and litigants. He said the government remains committed to reducing pendency and ensuring the speedy disposal of cases through a series of initiatives. These include the implementation of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project to enhance access to justice and transparency, strengthening court infrastructure, policy and legislative measures to curb excessive litigation, implementation of the new criminal laws, establishment of Fast Track Special Courts, promotion of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and focused development of judicial human resources to improve the justice delivery system.
BJP suspends 9 workers over berating slogans during August 5 rally in Kashmir
J&K loses 9.51% of apple produce to post-harvest losses
Table: Post-harvest losses in J&K vs national range Commodity J&K loss (%) National range for category (%) Apple 9.51 Fruits: 6.02-15.05 Egg 6.08 Egg (all-India): 6.03 Maize 3.92 Cereals: 3.89-5.92 Source: NABCONS Study, 2022, as tabled by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in reply to Lok Sabha Srinagar, Aug 07: Jammu and Kashmir loses an estimated 9.51 per cent of its apple production to post-harvest losses, according to a government-commissioned study tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The ministry said the Centre is implementing several schemes to improve cold-chain infrastructure, storage and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. The data was given in response to an unstarred question by MP Jai Prakash on the assessment of post-harvest losses of cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables. Union Minister Chirag Paswan gave the reply, citing the most recent of two studies commissioned by the ministry, conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) in 2022, with reference years 2020-22. An earlier study by ICAR-CIPHET had been conducted in 2015 with reference years 2012-14. J&K's apple loss figure of 9.51 per cent sits close to Himachal Pradesh's 9.2 per cent, the only other major apple-growing state listed in the study, suggesting similar post-harvest handling challenges across Himalayan fruit-growing belts. Nationally, post-harvest losses for fruits ranged widely from 6.02 to 15.05 per cent depending on the commodity, with items like guava recording losses as high as 17.08 per cent in some agro-climatic zones and tomato exceeding 12 per cent in others, pointing to particularly acute post-harvest losses in perishable, high-moisture produce. J&K's egg loss of 6.08 per cent was marginally higher than the all-India egg loss figure of 6.03 per cent cited in the study, while its maize loss of 3.92 per cent fell at the lower end of the national cereals range of 3.89 to 5.92 per cent, suggesting comparatively better post-harvest handling for that crop. The reply noted that the NABCONS study, while providing commodity-wise and state-wise post-harvest loss estimates based on field surveys in major producing states, did not include an assessment of the impact of these losses on farmers' incomes. What Centre says it's doing On strengthening storage and cold-chain infrastructure, the ministry pointed to three ongoing schemes. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), running since 2017-18, supports integrated cold-chain and value-addition infrastructure, creation and expansion of food processing and preservation capacities, and agro-processing clusters, though two of its components, Mega Food Parks and Backward and Forward Linkages, were discontinued from April 1, 2021. The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme provides financial, technical and business support for setting up or upgrading micro food processingunits, whilethe Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industries (PLISFPI), running from 2021-22 to 2026-27 with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore,is aimedat building globally competitive Indian food manufacturing brands.
Andromeda Galaxy entering middle age
The Andromedas star formation rate has been steadily dropping, especially over the last 40 million years
Power outages in J&K remain below 1% in 2026
Srinagar, Aug 07: Despite the rising electricity demand, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a power supply gap of less than one per cent during the first six months of 2026. The Ministry of Powerhas saidthe country has largely overcome power shortages through substantial capacity addition and grid strengthening measures. According to the data compiled by the Ministry of Power, the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh met almost their entire electricity requirement between January 2026 and June 2026, with unmet demand ranging from 0.1 per cent to 0.9 per cent. The data shows that in January, J&K and Ladakh required 1,966 million units (MU) of electricity, of which 1,961 MU was supplied, leaving a shortfall of just 0.3 per cent. The supply gap stood at 0.1 per cent in February, 0.2 per cent in March, 0.3 per cent in April, 0.7 per cent in May and 0.9 per cent in June, the highest during the six-month period. According to the details, India currently has an installed power generation capacity of 548.86 GW and has added 324.7 GW since April 2014, transforming the country from being power-deficit to power-sufficient. It reveals that despite a 12 per cent increase in peak electricity demand during April-June 2026 due to El Nio conditions, the all-time high national peak demand of 270.8 GW was successfully met in May and again in July this year. The ministry also outlined measures being taken to strengthen the country's power infrastructure in view of increasing heat waves linked to climate change. These include expansion of thermal, hydro, nuclear and renewable generation capacity, addition of battery and pumped storage projects, strengthening of transmissioninfrastructureand implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to improve reliability and quality of electricity supply. It has also been revealed that the average daily power supply in ruralareas has improved from 12.5 hours in 2013-14 to 22.6 hours in 2025-26, while urban supply hasincreased from 22.1 hours to 23.4 hours during the same period.
New 12-point reform plan for safer, better J&K roads
Srinagar, Aug 07: In a significant pushtowards improvingroad safety andmodernisingtransport management, the Motor Vehicles Department has prepared a comprehensive 12-point technical reform agenda for Jammu & Kashmir that advocates upgrading the nationalhighway, road safety audits and thecomplete mobility plan for Srinagar. The technical report, prepared by the ARTO (Flying Squad)-UT and submitted to the Transport Commissioner J&K, recommends a series of engineering, technological and regulatory interventions aimed at reducing road accidents, improving traffic flow and strengthening transport governance across the Union Territory. At the top of the recommendations is the need for immediate infrastructure improvementalong theNational Highway-44 (NH-44), the only all-weather road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. The report, accessed by Rising Kashmir, states that addressing engineering deficiencies, improving road geometry, strengthening safety features and removing hazardous stretches are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring smoothermovement of traffic. It recommends integrating the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) with the VAHAN and SARATHI digital platforms. According to the report, such integration would enable real-time verification of vehicle and driver records, facilitate automated enforcement of traffic violations and improve overall regulatory compliance. Emphasising the importance of scientific interventions, the document seeks detailed road safety audits at Lakhanpur, Samba, Ramban, Rajouri, Baramulla andAnantnag,areas that witness heavy traffic movement and where engineering improvements could significantly reduce accident risks. Recognising the mounting traffic pressure in the summer capital, the report proposes the preparation of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Srinagar to ensure sustainable urban transport, better public transport integration, improved parking management and long-term traffic planning. The Flying Squad has also expressed concern over the increasing presence of unfit vehicles on roads, calling for stricter inspections and timely removal of vehicles that fail to meet prescribed fitness standards. It further recommends action against the undue halting of vehicles on roads, saying the practice creates bottlenecks, disrupts traffic flow and increases the likelihood of collisions. To ease congestion in Srinagar, redesigning key intersections at Hyderpora, Bemina and Soura based on scientific traffic studies and modern engineering principles is the need of the hour, the report states. Acknowledging the unique challenges posed by Jammu and Kashmir's mountainous terrain, the report highlights the need to strengthen hill driving safety through specialised driver training, improved road engineering, better signage, crash barriers and enhanced awareness campaigns. The report also reviews the present status of the Intelligent Traffic Management System in Srinagar, observing that while the system has improved traffic monitoring, there remains considerable scope for expanding surveillance coverage, strengthening enforcement and enhancing operational efficiency. Among the enforcement-related recommendations, the report advocates comprehensive vehicle checking drives across all districts and calls for the suspension of Registration Certificates (RCs) and Fitness Certificates (FCs) in cases involving serious or repeated violations. The technical reports further recommend periodic audits of transport aggregators to ensure regulatory compliance and suggest stricter scrutiny of vehicle dealers, making valid trade certificates and authorisations mandatory before undertaking commercial operations. According to the technical reports prepared by the ARTO (Flying Squad)-UT, the recommendations are designed to create a safer, smarter and technology-driven transport ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by combining infrastructure upgrades, intelligent traffic management, scientific planning and stricter enforcement. Officials believe the proposed measures, if implemented in a time-bound manner, could significantly reduce road accidents, improve commuter safety and bring greater efficiency and accountability to the transport sector across the Union Territory.
Water conservation a shared responsibility: CM
Udhampur, Aug 07: Water conservation is a shared responsibility, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday as he laid foundation stones for two major infrastructure projects worth overRs 140 crore, reaffirming his government's commitment to providing safe and sustainable drinking water to every citizen. The projects include theRs 124.19 crore Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme for Udhampur Town under AMRUT 2.0 and theRs 16.33 croreUsed WaterManagement Project, including a 3.0 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant at Reasi under SBM 2.0. The Udhampur water supply project is designed to address the town's long-standing drinking water requirements by augmenting and modernising the existing infrastructure. On completion, it will ensure a sustainable supply of safe and quality drinking water, cater to the town's growing population and support planned urban development. The Chief Minister also virtually laid the foundation stone for the Reasi sewage management project, which will significantly improve wastewater treatment and sanitation infrastructure in the district. Highlighting the importance of the Udhampur water supply project, Abdullah said it marks a significant step towards strengthening the town's water infrastructure and improving the quality of life of its residents through assured access to safe drinking water. He called upon the public to adopt the 'Catch the Rain' campaign and promote rainwater harvesting for gardening, agriculture and other non-potable uses. He stressed the need to preserve water resources and construct check dams to enhance water conservation and groundwater recharge. Reiterating his government's commitment to inclusive development, the Chief Minister assured the people and their elected representatives that all genuine public demands would be examined and addressed on priority. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana congratulated the people of Udhampur and Reasi on the commencement of the two projects and appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in bringing them to fruition. MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta and MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey also addressed the gathering and thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning the projects and laying their foundation stones. Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, Mandeep Kaur, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa, senior officers from the civil administration and the Jal Shakti Department, and a large gathering of local residents were present on the occasion. The Chief Minister received a warm welcome on his arrival at Riwayat Hall, Udhampur.
AI must deliver better outcomes: Omar
Jammu, Aug 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said Artificial Intelligence must ultimately translate into better outcomes for people. The CM launched the J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and dedicated Project Phoenix, an AI-enabled digital commerce platform at IIT Jammu. The initiatives are aimed at promoting technology-driven governance, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding economic opportunities through the adoption of emerging technologies and enhanced digital market access. Addressing faculty, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and officials, the Chief Minister said Artificial Intelligence should be harnessed to improve governance and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. The Centre of Excellence will help us build more efficient, responsive and citizen-centric governance, while Project Phoenix will create new opportunities for artisans, self-help groups, startups and MSMEs to access wider markets, he said. Highlighting the practical applications of AI, the Chief Minister said the technology should be deployed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and disaster management to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve public service delivery. Referring to recent cloudbursts in Rajouri and Poonch, he stressed the need for AI-enabled early warning systems capable of identifying localised risks and saving lives through timely alerts. He also said AI could assist farmers and horticulturists by providing timely information on crop diseases, treatment and scientific use of agrochemicals. The Chief Minister said Project Phoenix would complement the governments flagship Mission YUVA initiative by strengthening market access, mentorship and incubation support for startups and local enterprises. He called for close collaboration between the Government and IIT Jammu to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem capable of generating employment and attracting investment. The J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, established at IIT Jammu with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and the Information Technology Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, will serve as a hub for AI research, solution development, benchmarking, technology evaluation and deployment support. The Centre will work with government departments, academia, startups and industry partners to develop AI-enabled solutions for real-world challenges across sectors including governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management. Project Phoenix is designed to connect artisans, self-help groups, cooperatives, startups, brands and MSMEs from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with national and global markets through a digital commerce platform offering simplified onboarding, product discovery and market access. Earlier, Director IIT Jammu, Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, said that the institutes commitment to translating research into solutions with tangible societal impact and strengthening collaboration with the Government, industry and startups to build an innovation-led ecosystem for inclusive development. The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology Department Saurabh Bhagat, senior officers, faculty members, students, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
NH-44 is lifeline of J&K: CM Omar
Udhampur, Aug 07: Emphasising that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday directed the concerned agencies to expedite restoration works and take all necessary measures to ensure smooth, safe and uninterrupted movement of traffic. He laid particular emphasis on facilitating the movement of trucks carrying fruit and other agricultural produce, noting that any prolonged disruption on the highway adversely impacts growers, traders and the overall economy. The Chief Minister travelled by road from Jammu to Srinagar via National Highway-44 to personally assess the condition of the highway and review the restoration works being carried out following the recent spell of adverse weather that triggered landslides and disrupted traffic at several locations. During the journey, he was briefed by officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the executing agencies on the progress of repair, restoration and stabilisation works being undertaken along the affected stretches of the highway. Abdullah was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, senior NHAI officials, Traffic Police officers and other concerned officers. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among the NHAI, executing agencies, Traffic Police and the district administration to minimise inconvenience to commuters and ensure effective traffic management during the ongoing restoration works. He instructed the officers to closely monitor vulnerable stretches, deploy adequate manpower and machinery wherever required, and complete the remaining works at the earliest while maintaining the highest safety standards. The Chief Ministers visit comes in the wake of the recent spell of heavy rainfall that triggered landslides, shooting stones and mudslides at multiple locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, leading to repeated closures of the arterial road over the past several days.
Edappally-Aroor elevated highway project in Kochi put on hold
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nithin Gadkari informs Hibi Eden, MP, that the current priority is to widen the rest of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod NH 66
Relief camps shut in Keralas Ernakulam as rain situation eases
The eastern parts of Ernakulam district received only light spells of rain on Friday
Biren Singhs audio clip altered, says Centre; SC allows Manipur civil society group to access report
Petitioner-NGO says earlier tests had shown a 93% match linking the audio clips to the former Chief Minister; plea alleges the leader was involved in the ethnic violence in which over 250 people were killed
Why five years of research for Ph.D. should be considered work experience
Woman auto driver, allegedly denied right to work, reinstated in Keralas Kochi
The 52-year-old, who was reportedly not allowed to work for over four months after her expulsion from the CITU, was reinstated after her plight caught public attention through media reports
Residents of old age home steal the scene at fashion show for senior citizens in Keralas Thrissur
Residents of Thrissur Government Old Age Home win four honours at Niram 2026, proving confidence and creativity only grow with the years
Beyond national interest: role of ethics and emotions in world politics
History offers numerous examples of ethics shaping international politics. Foreign policy is not merely an exercise in strategic calculation; it is also shaped by moral perceptions and collective emotions, as illustrated by the change in public perception towards the Israel-Palestine conflict
5 driving licences, 15 RCs suspended in Budgam
Budgam, Aug 7: The Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) Budgam on Friday recommended the suspension of five driving licences and 15 registration certificates (RCs) of commercial vehicles during a major enforcement drive aimed at ensuring compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act in central Kashmir's Budgam district. The drive was conducted on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, along various routes leading to the tourist destination of Doodhpathri. The drive was conducted by ARTO Budgam Sheikh Manzoor Ahmad, the enforcement campaign focused on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, with particular emphasis on vehicles operating without functional Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs) and other traffic violations. During the drive, the enforcement team issued 20 on-the-spot challans for various offences, with penalties amounting to an estimated Rs 65,000. The violations included riding without helmets, triple riding, and operating commercial vehicles without functional SLDs. Officials also recommended the suspension of five driving licences and 15 registration certificates of commercial vehicles found operating with tampered Speed Limiting Devices, citing serious violations of road safety regulations. As part of the inspection, the team also checked establishments dealing in new and second-hand vehicles to verify compliance with statutory provisions. Dealers were directed to ensure that all legal formalities are completed before the sale or transfer of vehicles. ARTO Budgam said such enforcement drives will continue across the district to strengthen road safety, curb traffic violations, and ensure strict adherence to transport laws.
Delhi HC closes criminal cases linked to 2015 Maggi controversy
