States

Uttar Pradesh IAS officer resigns, calls journey unforgettable

Divya Mittal, a 2013-batch IAS officer in Uttar Pradesh, announced her resignation on August 30, 2026, describing her 13-year career as unforgettable

Statehood will return, Article 370 will not: J&K BJP to Mirwaiz

BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said Parliament took a historic constitutional decision on August 5, 2019, and the Supreme Court subsequently upheld the abrogation of Article 370

PM Modi joins yoga session in Uzbekistan

Mr. Modi is on a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This is his fourth visit to the country.

Gas pipeline leak causes traffic diversion along highway in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Traffic between the Hadas Pimpalgaon and Maliwada areas along the Samruddhi Highway resumed at 4 a.m. on August 30, according to district officials

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi calls on citizens to make India drug-free

The Prime Minister also said the PM SVANidhi Yojana, a welfare scheme for street vendors, is helping lakhs of women street vendors expand their businesses, increase their incomes and build a better future for their families

Palm Festival begins at Isai Ambalam school in Auroville

As part of the programme, students prepared and displayed several palm-based value-added foods, including palm fruit jam, palm porridge, palm-tuber-flour laddoos, cakes, cookies and juices.

After years of neglect, restoration of heritage Puducherry Police Headquarters begins

The landmark building, constructed in the 1790s, is believed to have served as the Barracks and is said to be one of the oldest remaining military buildings dating back to the French period in the India.

News in Frames: Hope hangs in the skies

Rescue teams in Nepals Nuwakot district are searching for people feared trapped in a blocked hydropower tunnel in Rasuwa, while families at relief camps wait anxiously for helicopters carrying their loved ones

Nepal warns of more possible floods as communities grapple with devastation

The latest warnings came after Chinese authorities informed their Nepalese counterparts of increased water flow upstream

Congregation-facing Mass resumes at St. Marys Cathedral Basilica in Kochi

A sizeable share of priests and laity members of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese had been demanding this mode of Mass, while opposing the Unified Mass that the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church had been insisting on

BJP brainstorming on Gen Z outreach concludes cohort is not homogenous

Sources said some leaders in the meeting suggested avoiding the term Gen Z and instead using the broader term youth or references to specific age groups

Park your car over your open well

With the right design, an open well need not be a space taker; it can instead offer space for parking or anything else in addition to providing water-related benefits, as these communities in Chennai discovered with the help of The Rain Centre

Watch: Parandur airport scrapped: What do the youth say? | The Hindu Ground Report

Following Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijays announcement to officially drop the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur, social media and political corridors have been consumed by debates over Chennais aviation capacity, economic growth, and ecological preservation. This ground report focuses on the voices living with the immediate consequences: the local youth across Parandurs affected belt, whose lives and careers have been split into two distinct paths.

Trump says he'll be at the Presidents Cup at Medinah as the honorary chairman

The Presidents Cup began in 1994 to include international players from non-European countries who were not eligible for the more famed Ryder Cup. The name of the tournament comes from including the head of state of the host country to be honorary chairman

The Bhotekoshi flood | A Himalayan tragedy

Scientists investigate how a high-altitude rock-and-ice avalanche may have triggered one of Nepals most devastating floods; while experts have not directly attributed this event to climate change, they note that rising temperatures are warming the Himalayas and accelerating glacier melt

Emotional Federer full of love and gratitude at Hall of Fame induction

Federer, who was inducted alongside broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo, reflected on his storied career in a speech that brought him to tears a few times.

A spicy dish from Burma naturalised in Madras

Atho is a gift Indians repatriated from Burma gave to Madras, their new home. And by owning and relishing this dish, Madras gave them a sense of connection with their past, people and culture as return gift

Short: Private school vans totally illegal under MVA: ARTO

Sikkim Tourism Digital Payment System to Take Effect From September 1

From September 1, the Bank Receipt System will be discontinued for tourism services that are already available online. Applicants will instead be able to use [] The post Sikkim Tourism Digital Payment System to Take Effect From September 1 appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Short: Kashmir gets first basmati rice variety developed by SKUAST-K

Short: CS visits Zehanpora archaeological site, marks commencement of Phase-II excavation

Short: 2,000-year-old Buddhist site in Baramulla could rewrite history

Short: From Celebration to Transformation: Revisiting Sirah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Nine UDP MLAs set to join BJP, claims party insider

Shillong, Aug 29:In a move that could redraw Meghalayas coalition math, nine of 12 UDP MLAs are set to join BJP after the second round of talks on August 30, a senior UDP leader claimed on condition of anonymity. Those likely to stay back are party president Metbah Lyngdoh, Nujorki Sungoh and Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar. [] The post Nine UDP MLAs set to join BJP, claims party insider first appeared on Highland Post .

Auto, taxi unions demand fare hike, threaten strike over CNG price rise

CNG now costs 86.98 per kg in Delhi;drivers call for CMs intervention, say they will stage a strike on September 9 if demand not met; IGL cites sharp increase in global LNG prices, says revision of 3.89 per kg necessary to offset hike in input gas cost

CAG: No test, no papers, no problem

Shillong, Aug 29: TheComptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged major lapses in the Transport Department such as licences issued without tests, government vehicles running with registration certificates expired for 15 years, and stolen vehicles still shown as active on the VAHAN portal. According to the Performance Audit 2019-24, it was found that [] The post CAG: No test, no papers, no problem How Meghalaya Transport runs first appeared on Highland Post .

Audit flags serious lapses in Meghalaya budget management

Shillong, Aug 29: The Comptroller and Auditor General has flagged serious lapses in Meghalayas budget management for 2024-25, citing weak forecasting, last-minute decisions and misuse of Contingency Fund. In its State Finances Audit Report, the CAG said advances were drawn from Contingency Fund to spend across 56 schemes. Total expenditure was Rs 2,434.89 crore, of [] The post Audit flags serious lapses in Meghalaya budget management first appeared on Highland Post .

Ardent laments no discussion on FCRA in Assembly

Shillong, Aug 29:The Voice of the Party (VPP) President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said it was a loss that Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) could not be discussed in the Autumn Session of Meghalaya Assembly. I brought a discussion through a resolution so that the House could pass a resolution to show that we as a [] The post Ardent laments no discussion on FCRA in Assembly first appeared on Highland Post .

Use of Rice Husk Ash in Controlling Pests

By Prof. M. Sumarjit Singh The main purpose of soybean, maize and pea seeds for small scale farmers in Manipur is to ensure household supplies and seed for planting, since agricultural production is seasonal while the demands for agricultural commodities are more evenly spread the year, proper storage of food grains is necessary to prevent [] The post Use of Rice Husk Ash in Controlling Pests first appeared on Highland Post .

North Korea Defence Minister dismissed: state media

Kim Song Gi, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, was named as the new Defence Minister

DLSA Gbal continues legal awareness campaign under NALSA JAGRITI Scheme

Ganderbal, Aug 29: Continuing the legal awareness campaign launched on August 24, 2026, under the NALSA (JAGRITI) Scheme, 2025, themed Empowered Youth, Stronger India, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ganderbal, on Saturday conducted two legal awareness programmes at Sindh Valley Educational Institute, Kangan, and Royal Public High School, Badampora, Ganderbal. The campaign is being conducted under the guidance of the Chairman, DLSA Ganderbal, Abdul Nasir, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Ganderbal, and under the supervision of the Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, Sheikh Babar Hussain, with the objective of promoting legal literacy, awareness of rights and responsibilities, and empowering young persons and students. The programme at Sindh Valley Educational Institute, Kangan, was conducted on Empowering Youth for Evolving Future. The session was conducted by Adv. Tariq Ahmad Raina, Member, JAGRITI Unit, who sensitised the students about the important role of youth in shaping an informed, responsible and progressive society. He emphasised the importance of education, awareness, confidence and responsible decision-making in enabling young people to contribute meaningfully towards society. At Royal Public High School, Badampora, Ganderbal, awareness programme was conducted on Constitutional Values, Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties. The session was conducted by Adv. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Member, JAGRITI Unit, who apprised the students about the significance of constitutional values and the Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties of citizens. The students were sensitised about the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, along with the importance of respecting the rights of others and fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. The session aimed at fostering constitutional awareness and promoting responsible citizenship among the students. Both programmes witnessed active participation from the students and faculty members and provided an interactive platform for enhancing awareness regarding legal rights, constitutional values and civic responsibilities. That the awareness campaign, which has started on August 24, 2026, is being carried forward through a series of programmes focusing on youth empowerment, legal literacy and awareness of rights and responsibilities.

World Liberty Financial | Trumps crypto U-turn

Investments from a top UAE official into U.S. Presidents crypto enterprise attract criticisms of conflict of interest and foreign influence

Manoj Jarange Patil begins indefinite hunger strike for Maratha reservation

Addressing media at the protest site, Jarange Patil said the government should not resort to delaying tactics.

SWD Srinagar holds awareness cum career counselling session under BBBP

Srinagar, Aug 29: Social Welfare Department (SWD), SANKALP-HEW Srinagar organised an Awareness-cum-Career Counselling Session at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Tailbal, Srinagar. The session was aimed at sensitizing students about various opportunities available for their educational and career development. The officials from SANKALP-HEW Srinagar interacted with the students and provided guidance on career planning, skill development, vocational education and different avenues available to them after completing their schooling. The students actively participated in the interactive session and raised questions regarding career choices, educational opportunities and skill-based courses. The Officials from SANKALP-Hew Srinagar encouraged the students to identify their interests and abilities and make informed decisions while choosing their future career paths. The Social Welfare Department emphasized the importance of such awareness and counselling programmes in empowering young students with relevant information and helping them make confident and informed career choices. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, with students expressing their appreciation for the initiative and the guidance provided during the session.

Handicrafts & Handloom Directorate mourns former Director Gazanfar Ali

Srinagar, Aug 29: The Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir on Saturday held a condolence meeting to mourn the death of Gazanfar Ali, former Director, Handicrafts, who passed away on Thursday night in Srinagar. Officers and officials of the Directorate attended the meeting, expressing deep grief over his demise. Participants prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Recalling his distinguished service, attendees remembered Gazanfar Ali's tenure in the Handicrafts Department for his friendly and caring nature. They also acknowledged his role in strengthening the sector's institutional framework, noting his professional conduct and dedication as key parts of his legacy. The meeting observed that his passing is a loss not just to his family and friends, but to all who worked with him. Speaking on the occasion, the Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, expressed deep anguish over the loss, saying Gazanfar Ali Sahib would be remembered for his dedicated service, professional integrity and commitment. He noted that his contribution to public service and the promotion of traditional crafts would remain part of the department's institutional memory, and conveyed his condolences to the family, praying for strength to bear this irreparable loss. Directorate stands with the bereaved family in this difficult hour, sharing in their grief.

Labour Dept holds one-day workshop on four labour codes

Jammu, Aug 29: The Labour Department, Jammu and Kashmir organised a One-Day Orientation-cum-Training Programme on the Four Labour Codes at the Meeting Hall of the Labour Commissioner, Jammu, under the chairmanship of Labour Commissioner, J&K, S. Charandeep Singh. The programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of departmental field functionaries and promoting effective, uniform and transparent implementation of the new labour law framework across Jammu Division. The programme was attended by the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Jammu, Assistant Labour Commissioners, Labour Officers, Inspectors-cum-Facilitators and other departmental officials from various districts of Jammu Division. The programme provided a platform for interaction, knowledge-sharing and detailed deliberations on the practical aspects of implementation of the Four Labour Codes. Addressing the participants, the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Jammu, welcomed all the officers and officials and highlighted the importance of developing a common understanding of the Four Labour Codes. He emphasised that effective implementation of labour reforms depends not only on knowledge of statutory provisions but also on their consistent, fair and practical application at the field level. The training covered the Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. Detailed discussions were held on minimum wages, payment of wages, industrial relations, trade unions, standing orders, grievance redressal, social security, registration of establishments, occupational safety and health, working conditions, contract labour and inter-State migrant workers, besides other important statutory and compliance-related provisions. The technical sessions featured detailed presentations by the Resource Persons/Master Trainers on various provisions, objectives and practical implications of the Four Labour Codes, with particular emphasis on their implementation at the field level. The Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) also made detailed presentations on relevant aspects of the Labour Codes, followed by an interactive Question-and-Answer session. The session provided an opportunity for participating officers to seek clarifications, share field experiences and discuss practical issues concerning implementation. Addressing the gathering, Labour Commissioner, J&K, S. Charandeep Singh, emphasised the importance of strengthening the capacity and professional preparedness of field functionaries for effective implementation of the new labour framework. He stressed the need for a balanced and facilitative approach that safeguards workers rights and entitlements while ensuring that employers are adequately guided regarding their statutory obligations and compliance requirements. He further called upon the officers to ensure uniformity, transparency and consistency in the implementation of the Labour Codes across all districts. The programme concluded with a wrap-up session, wherein the key takeaways from the training sessions were recapitulated and observations and feedback of the participating officers were discussed. A valedictory session was subsequently held, during which sweets were distributed among the winners and certificates were presented to all participants in recognition of their participation in the programme. The Labour Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening labour administration, promoting statutory compliance and safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers, while facilitating a fair, transparent and conducive environment for industry and employment.

SKUAST-K mobilises 200 farmers at Kokernag to strengthen FPOs, farm-based livelihoods

Anantnag, Aug 29: A Mega Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Mobilisation-cum-Sensitisation Drive was organised at Kokernag, Anantnag, under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP), bringing together around 200 farmers, rural youth, FPO promoters, agricultural experts, officials and other stakeholders to promote farmer collectivisation, entrepreneurship and sustainable farm-based livelihoods. The programme focused on strengthening awareness about FPOs and their potential to improve farmers' access to markets, technology, finance and value addition through collective action. It also provided a platform for interaction with FPOs and startups and discussions on opportunities for strengthening farmer-led enterprises. Chief Guest and Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, stressed that FPOs must focus on collectivisation, value addition, branding and market linkages, citing the AMUL model as an example of successful farmer collectivisation. Highlighting the potential of Mushk Budji rice, he called for robust value chains, branding and quality standards to position the distinctive Kashmiri rice in wider markets, including international markets such as Japan. Prof. Ganie also highlighted the role of the SKUAST-K Branding Centre in professional branding and packaging of agricultural products to enhance their market identity. Referring to the Junglenad, Pulwama model, he noted that around 60 farmers pooled nearly 100 kanals of land for consolidated farming and adoption of High-Density Plantation (HDP), with the HDP apple plantation generating more than 1 crore in returns within one year. He described the initiative as a replicable model of collective farming and technology adoption. He further informed the gathering that SKUAST-K has initiated a Centre of Excellence for Tulip at Sagam, Kokernag, aimed at promoting advanced tulip cultivation, quality planting material, technology dissemination and value-chain development, with such centres having the potential to serve as models for technology transfer and commercialisation while creating new livelihood opportunities for farmers. Dr. Ashaq H. Pandit, Project Coordinator, JKCIP, highlighted the role of FPOs in empowering farmers and creating opportunities for rural youth. Prof. H.R. Naik, Nodal Officer, JKCIP, SKUAST-Kashmir, spoke on institutional support and the importance of collectivisation in strengthening the agricultural sector. The Chief Agriculture Officer, Anantnag Shahnawaz Hussain and Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-Kashmir, also shared their perspectives on strengthening farmer institutions and agricultural development. Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension and Chairperson, Upscaling Collectivization, emphasized farmer aggregation, capacity building and collective marketing. During the inaugural session, Dr. Danish Mushtaq, FPO Development Officer (FODO), JKCIP, set the context for the programme, while Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Coordinator, UC-JKCIP, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the mobilisation drive. The programme also witnessed the release of literature related to FPO development and farmer-oriented initiatives. Cheques were presented to beneficiaries as part of the project's efforts to support sustainable livelihood opportunities among farmers and rural communities. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ishtiyaq A. Khan, Head, KVK Anantnag.

CS visits Zehanpora archaeological site, marks commencement of Phase-II excavation

Baramulla, Aug 29: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Saturday visited the ongoing archaeological excavation site at Zehanpora in Baramulla to review the progress of excavation works, the historical and archaeological significance of the site and mark commencement of Phase-II of the excavation. The visit was attended by Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla; Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums; SSP Baramulla; SDM Uri; faculty members of University of Kashmir Government and Degree College Baramulla besides other concerned officers and officials. Pertinently, Zehanpora is an important archaeological site in the Baramulla region and holds considerable potential for providing valuable insights into the settlement patterns, material culture, technology and way of life of communities that inhabited the region during earlier periods. Archaeological excavation at such sites enables researchers to understand the past through material remains, including structural remains, pottery, tools, metal objects, skeletal remains and other archaeological deposits, thereby helping in reconstructing the history and cultural development of the region. The first phase of excavation at Zehanpora yielded several significant findings, providing important clues about the nature of the site and the activities of the people associated with it. Among the notable discoveries was a pebble wall constructed using naturally available stones and pebbles. The remains provide evidence of construction activity at the site and may help archaeologists understand the layout and building practices of the settlement. A number of iron nails were also recovered, indicating the use of iron objects and providing insights into the technological practices and material culture of the period. Several pottery fragments were recovered from the archaeological deposits, which are important indicators for understanding the chronology, cultural practices and everyday life of the communities that occupied the site. One of the most significant discoveries during Phase-I was a human skeleton recovered from the excavated area. The finding is of considerable archaeological importance, as skeletal remains can provide valuable information regarding burial practices, health, lifestyle and the biological characteristics of past populations. Further scientific examination of the remains is expected to provide additional information about the individual and the context in which the skeleton was found. Building on the findings of Phase-I, Phase-II of the excavation has now commenced with the objective of undertaking a more detailed investigation of the archaeological deposits and gaining a deeper understanding of the site's historical significance. The excavation will involve systematic exploration, scientific documentation and analysis of archaeological remains and cultural layers. The continuation of the excavation is expected to provide further evidence regarding the nature and extent of the settlement and help researchers establish a clearer understanding of its chronology, architecture, material culture and patterns of human occupation. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of archaeological research in understanding the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir and highlighted the role of universities in promoting field-based research and providing students and scholars with practical exposure to archaeological work. He also stressed the importance of bringing the region's historical and cultural heritage to wider public attention through sustained research, conservation and awareness initiatives. The Director, Centre for Archaeological Studies (CAS), emphasized the need for systematic and scientific excavation of the site, proper documentation of the findings and adoption of appropriate measures for the preservation and protection of the archaeological remains. The Director, SPS Museum, also stressed the importance of proper documentation, preservation and conservation of archaeological discoveries to ensure that the recovered material is scientifically studied and safeguarded for future generations. The district administration, assured all necessary cooperation and support for the smooth conduct of the excavation and protection of the archaeological site. The presence of senior officers from the Culture Department, University of Kashmir, Archives, Archaeology & Museums and the district administration reflected the importance being accorded to archaeological research and the preservation and promotion of the region's rich cultural heritage.

SKUAST-K celebrates National Sports Day with Ek Ghanta Maidan Mein at Shalimar

Shalimar, Aug 29: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) celebrated National Sports Day at its Shalimar Campus with a series of sporting activities centred around the theme Ek Ghanta Maidan Mein, encouraging students to devote at least one hour every day to physical activity and sports. The programme was organized at the Sports Ground of the Shalimar Campus to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary Indian hockey player and one of the country's greatest sporting icons. The programme was inaugurated by Dean Students Welfare, Prof. S. A. Gangoo, who interacted with the participating students and encouraged them to make sports and physical activity an integral part of their daily routine. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Gangoo highlighted Major Dhyan Chand's remarkable contribution to Indian hockey and his enduring sporting legacy. He stressed that regular participation in sports is vital for physical fitness, a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being, urging students to spend at least one hour every day on the sports ground. The celebration featured a volleyball match and a tug-of-war competition between student teams from the Faculty of Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering. The Faculty of Horticulture team emerged victorious in volleyball, while the Agricultural Engineering team won the tug-of-war competition. The winning teams and participants were felicitated with medals in recognition of their sporting performance and spirit. Dr. Mudasir Ali and Dr. Owais, along with many students and spectators, witnessed the matches and cheered on the participating teams. The programme was organized by Students Welfare Officer Dr. Seemi Lohani, who said such activities provide students an opportunity to engage beyond the classroom while promoting teamwork, discipline, fitness and sportsmanship. The celebration, she added, contributes towards creating a vibrant, healthy and dynamic campus environment and encourages students to adopt an active and balanced lifestyle.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Death toll rises to 675; India sends tunnel rescue team to Nepal

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the government is with the flood-affected citizens of the country and its priority is to save the life of every citizen

In China, the new and the old worlds live in harmony

In Nanjing and Changsha, ancient monuments and traditions continue to thrive alongside rapid urbanisation and new technology

Police officer dead, second injured in shooting at South Carolina park

The suspect was a 33-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record, the chief said

2,000-year-old Buddhist site in Baramulla could rewrite history

Srinagar, Aug 29: Beneath the soil of Zehanpora in north Kashmir lies a story waiting to be told a nearly 2,000-year-old Buddhist settlement that archaeologists believe could rewrite the region's ancient history. The second phase of excavation at the Kushan-period archaeological site began on Saturday, with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo visiting the location to inaugurate the work. He was accompanied by officials from the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums (DAAM), University of Kashmir, police and civil administration. Speaking to reporters, Dulloo said the excavation had so far indicated the presence of a Buddhist archaeological site dating back around 2,000 years. Last year, in October, the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and the Centre of Central Asian Studies at the University of Kashmir decided to carry out excavation at this site. After obtaining the necessary permissions, excavation was conducted last year, and some surprising findings emerged, he said. He said permission has now been granted for the second phase of excavation and the work has commenced. What we have understood so far is that this is a nearly 2,000-year-old Buddhist archaeological site. Its description is found in several historical documents, and the department is now trying to match those accounts with the archaeological findings, Dulloo said. The CS said the excavation would help establish how people of that civilisation lived and what tools and instruments they used. Once the excavation is completed, more things will become clear, and it will add to our history, he said, adding that the site could also emerge as a major tourism attraction. Dulloo congratulated the University of Kashmir and its students for undertaking the excavation, saying modern technology was being used in the archaeological work. The results are going to be interesting, he said. The Chief Secretary said excavation work had begun in November last year but could continue for only about a month due to the onset of winter. This year, the team has been permitted to undertake excavation for around three months. Whatever findings we get from here are being tested, he said. Dulloo further said that understanding and excavating the entire archaeological site could also take up to five years. Officials from DAAM had earlier told Rising Kashmir that excavation at the site had yielded remains of three stupas, structural walls, pottery, copper artefacts and apsidal stupas believed to belong to the Kushan period. The findings are considered significant as they could provide insights into the religious, cultural and material life of the region around 2,000 years ago. Officials said the excavation would also provide students involved in the project with valuable practical and academic experience in archaeology. The site was identified through a combination of literary and scientific evidence, including references in Rajatarangini, historical travelogues and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys, which indicated the presence of ancient structures beneath the surface. The excavation is being undertaken jointly by DAAM and the Centre of Central Asian Studies at the University of Kashmir. The two institutions had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 31 last year to strengthen archaeological research, documentation and heritage conservation in Jammu and Kashmir. The collaboration includes joint fieldwork, scientific study of artefacts for research and museum display, 3D digital documentation, and the development of on-site museums and interpretive spaces. Preliminary surveys involving drones, mapping and ground verification had identified large mounds near Zehanpora, which were long believed to contain remnants of ancient stupas. Archaeologists are now using modern techniques, including high-resolution mapping, drone documentation and digital archiving, to systematically excavate and document the site. Officials and archaeologists believe further excavation could reveal additional structures and artefacts, helping researchers piece together the historical significance of the Kushan-era Buddhist settlement and its place in Kashmirs ancient past.

Kashmir gets first basmati rice variety developed by SKUAST-K

Kulgam, Aug 29: When Kashmir's rice fields yield over 100 quintals per hectare nearly three times the national average the credit goes to a research station in Kulgam that has spent decades turning food security into a reality for the Valley. The Mountain Research Station for Field Crops (MRFC) at Khudwani has been the backbone of Kashmir's rice revolution, Prof (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), said during a visit to the station on Saturday. The Vice Chancellor said that decades ago, rice productivity in the region stood at around one tonne, but research carried out at the station over the past 30 to 40 years has raised the potential yield to between 10 and 12 tonnes. This progress has come even as the region faces a growing population, shrinking agricultural land, and mounting pressure from climate change and global warming, all of which continue to push up food requirements even as resources shrink, he said. National blast reference centre The VC said MRFC Khudwani also functions as the country's National Blast Reference Centre, where every rice variety released nationally is tested for resistance to blast disease. The station's testing has shown that the majority of nationally released varieties and traditional landraces suffer losses of 50 to 100 per cent when affected by blast, he said. Prof Ganai cited the example of Mushk Budji, a native Kashmiri rice variety that had gone extinct after proving highly susceptible to blast, which scientists at the station managed to recover through targeted breeding for blast resistance. He said Kashmir's red rice, another local landrace known for its premium quality and high nutritional value, particularly its iron and zinc content, had also been vulnerable to blast and was similarly recovered through breeding efforts by the station's scientists. A Kashmiri Basmati, for the first time The Vice Chancellor said the station has also developed what he described as Kashmir's first Basmati rice variety, a medium-grain variety with a stronger aroma than mainland Basmati varieties, and a yield potential of eight to nine tonnes. He noted that Basmati rice had historically been associated only with the plains, and had never previously been cultivated in Kashmir. Research on climate resilience and labour-saving technology Prof Ganai said ongoing research at the station is also focused on reducing pesticide use and labour requirements in rice cultivation. He pointed to Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), a newer technology introduced by the university that has significantly cut down labour, manpower and water use in cultivation. He said Kashmir's current rice productivity level is nearly three times the national average, standing at over 100 quintals per hectare compared to a national average of around 30 quintals. The potential yield of a newer variety being developed at the station, close to 12 tonnes or 120 quintals per hectare, would place it among the highest rice productivity levels recorded anywhere in the world, comparable, he said, to levels achieved in China, he said. Comparable to International Rice Research Institute The Vice Chancellor said he took pride in the fact that the station's work stood on par with that of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, one of the world's foremost rice research institutions. He said senior scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) working on rice breeding were aware of the station's achievements. He credited the station's breeders, agronomists and pathologists, both past and present, for the progress made. The university's continuing goal, the VC said, is to improve farmers' profitability while lowering the cost of production, since rice remains a staple diet in Kashmir that the region cannot do without. Postgraduate college in the works The VC SKUAST-K announced that the station, which has so far functioned purely as a rice research facility, is this year being developed into a postgraduate college of agriculture for South Kashmir, where Master's and PhD programmes in agriculture will be introduced. The move is intended to meet the growing need, both in Kashmir and across the country, for skilled and well-trained agricultural scientists, he said. Prof Ganai said the station's research also involves breeding rice varieties suited to different altitudes, low, medium and high, since maturity periods vary significantly with elevation, and varieties suited to low altitude do not necessarily mature at higher altitudes. The Vice Chancellor said an academic and laboratory block, along with separate hostel blocks for boys and girls, are currently under construction at the station, as part of the university's broader effort to develop it into a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for South Kashmir.

Private school vans totally illegal under MVA: ARTO

Srinagar, Aug 29: Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Enforcement, Jammu and Kashmir, Mubashir Jan has raised serious concerns over the use of private vans for transporting schoolchildren, stating that such vehicles do not meet the prescribed safety standards for school buses under the Motor Vehicles Act and the AIS-063 protocols. Speaking to reporters here, Jan said school vans being used for transporting children are totally illegal and warned that authorities and society should not wait for a mishap before taking the issue seriously. We often wake up when a mishap happens, Jan said, stressing the need for parents to opt for approved school buses instead of hiring private vans for community transport. He urged parents to ensure that vehicles used to ferry children comply with prescribed safety standards. I will request them to hire approved vans, and it is best if they choose school buses, he said. The ARTO said enforcement teams across districts have been conducting regular checks against traffic violations and unfit vehicles. He added that action has intensified in recent times, with thousands of driving licences and Registration Certificates (RCs) being suspended for violations. Jan said road safety enforcement is an ongoing process and cannot be expected to resolve all violations overnight. He stressed that greater public cooperation, coupled with the use of technology, would be crucial in making enforcement more effective. If people support us, whether it is regarding scrapped vehicles, oversized vehicles, alterations in vehicles or traffic violations, enforcement can be 100 per cent efficient with two thingstechnology and peoples support, he said. Giving details of enforcement measures, the ARTO said that more than 4,000 Registration Certificates and driving licences have been suspended so far. He explained that suspension of a driving licence entails further compliance, including a fresh 15-day training programme, medical examination and a new driving test before the licence can be restored. The officer cited action taken against heavy commercial vehicles, saying that the department had cancelled the fitness of 46 dumpers and tippers in Budgam and Pulwama for violations, including failure to display rear number plates and poor tyre conditions. Jan said the enforcement drive against unfit and unsafe vehicles would continue. Addressing traffic congestion in Srinagar, the ARTO said that halted and improperly parked vehicles remain a major cause of traffic problems, particularly in Lal Chowk and the Central Business District (CBD). He said a significant number of rickshaws and other vehicles contribute to congestion when they remain halted on busy roads. Proper parking arrangements and strict regulation of roadside parking, he said, could substantially ease the problem. Jan pointed out that traffic movement is comparatively smoother during strikes and at certain off-peak hours, which, according to him, demonstrates the impact of unnecessary roadside parking on congestion. He appealed to shopkeepers and commercial establishments to avoid keeping vehicles parked outside their shops throughout the day and instead use designated parking spaces. The ARTO called for greater use of technology in Srinagars CBD and other busy areas to improve traffic management, parking regulation and enforcement. He also acknowledged that overloading continues to be a concern, partly due to inadequate public transport availability, although he said there has been considerable improvement in the public transport system. Jan urged citizens to actively report violations and unfit vehicles to the authorities, saying that enforcement teams cannot be present at every location simultaneously. People are messaging us that a particular minibus is unfit or overloaded. We cannot be everywhere, he said, while appealing to the public to assist the administration in curbing violations. He maintained that sustained enforcement, public cooperation and technology-driven monitoring would be essential to improving road safety and preventing avoidable accidents across Jammu and Kashmir.

AI in healthcare is here to stay, but doctors must remain the final decision-makers: experts

Dr. Jayanthi said AI has become an important part of healthcare and medical education, and doctors and institutions must adapt to the AI era.

IFFJ&K 2026 promises grand spectacle

Srinagar, Aug 29: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) to review preparations for the upcoming 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJ&K). During the meeting, the Div Com directed all concerned departments to ensure befitting, comprehensive and meticulous arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival and to execute their assigned responsibilities with utmost efficiency. He instructed designated Nodal Officers to remain stationed at their respective venues and maintain close coordination with all stakeholders. He observed that the presence of officers on-site would facilitate prompt resolution of issues and help streamline arrangements. Emphasising that there should be no gaps in preparations, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the importance of comprehensive venue management, proper sequencing of events and detailed crowd-management plans at SKICC and INOX. He also reviewed arrangements for night screenings, floating cinema, the gala dinner and other proposed activities and issued necessary directions for their smooth and successful conduct. The Tourism Department was directed to finalise brochures and audio-visual content showcasing the tourism potential of Jammu & Kashmir for promotion during the festival. The Handicrafts & Handloom Department was asked to prepare and share brochures containing relevant information for guests and participants regarding stalls, craft and artisans. The Higher Education Department was directed to establish dedicated registration desks for students participating in the festival, while the RTO Kashmir was asked to sensitise hired drivers regarding the festival schedule, sightseeing packages for guests, tour packages and timely participation in scheduled programmes. The meeting was informed that films from 40 countries will be screened during the festival, underlining its international character and significance. The Divisional Commissioner directed all departments to extend full support to the event management team and emphasised the need for effective micro-traffic management and robust security arrangements while ensuring minimum inconvenience to guests, participants, filmmakers and the general public. He further directed the concerned agencies to ensure comprehensive arrangements at the airport and establish attractive selfie points at the SKICC back lawns and INOX premises. For effective inter-departmental coordination, the Director Information was directed to ensure close coordination among all concerned departments. The Joint Director Information Kashmir was asked to remain stationed at SKICC as the single-point Nodal Officer for coordination and communication. The Divisional Commissioner also stressed the need for conducting a comprehensive dry run ahead of the festival to identify and address any gaps in arrangements. He called for a seamless and horizontal flow of communication among all stakeholders for the smooth execution of the festival. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Information, Heads of Departments and designated Nodal Officers. Later, Div Com Kashmir along with DC Srinagar, VC LCMA, Director Info and others conducted inspection of Dal Lake in a motor boat to assess the cleaning of the lake for aesthetic presentation and attraction of film makers.

Is Kashmir going Nepal way? Himalayan extremes set alarm bells ringing

Srinagar, Aug 29: The devastation in Nepal has sent a chilling warning across Jammu and Kashmir: when a warming climate meets fragile mountain terrain and unchecked human intervention, an extreme weather event can rapidly turn into a catastrophe. For J&K, the question is no longer whether climate change is altering the Himalayan environment. It is whether the Valley is adequately prepared for the increasingly erratic and intense weather events being witnessed across the region. Nepal recently witnessed a devastating flash flood in the Lhende Khola area near the Nepal-Tibet border after an ice-and-rock avalanche entered the river system. The torrent swept away homes, roads, bridges and critical infrastructure, leaving a trail of destruction and triggering a major rescue operation. The disaster has once again drawn attention to the growing vulnerability of Himalayan communities to glacial, geological and weather-related hazards. Kashmir, meanwhile, has been experiencing its own alarming pattern. J&K has witnessed 40 cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides this summer, with incidents reported from Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Pahalgam, Shopian, Kulgam, Bandipora and Kupwara. In several cases, streams that normally remain relatively calm have transformed into torrents within minutes, damaging roads, bridges, homes and agricultural land. Climate expert Dr Tauseef Ahmad Bhat said the developments in Nepal should be viewed as a warning for the entire Himalayan region. Kashmir should not wait for a Nepal-like catastrophe to understand the seriousness of what is happening in the Himalayas. We are witnessing increasing climate volatility, where prolonged dry periods can be followed by short-duration, extremely intense rainfall. In mountainous terrain, even a few minutes of extreme precipitation can trigger flash floods, landslides and debris flows, Bhat said. He said the concern was not simply about whether Kashmir receives more or less rainfall. The bigger concern is the changing character of rainfall and the increasing intensity of extreme events. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, while warming can also contribute to instability of snow, ice and mountain slopes. Kashmir needs to prepare for compound disasters rather than treating every cloudburst as an isolated incident, he said. Senior environmentalist Dr Tanveer Ahmad Khan said Kashmirs vulnerability was being compounded by human pressure on an already fragile ecosystem. Nepal is a warning, not merely a tragedy happening in another Himalayan country. Kashmir shares many of the same vulnerabilitiessteep slopes, fragile geology, changing climate and increasing pressure from construction and infrastructure development. If drainage channels, river buffers, wetlands and unstable slopes continue to be disturbed, the impact of extreme weather will become much more severe, Khan said. He said development planning had to take future climate risks into account. We cannot continue to build as if the climate of the past is going to remain unchanged. Roads, hydropower projects, tourism infrastructure and settlements in mountain areas must be planned according to future climate risks. Every blocked natural drainage channel and every disturbed vulnerable slope reduces our margin of safety, Khan added. The Nepal disaster has also underlined how quickly a single extreme event can cripple mountain infrastructure. Roads, bridges and power installations can be destroyed simultaneously, cutting off entire communities and making rescue operations far more difficult. For Kashmir, where highways, hydropower projects, tourism infrastructure and settlements are steadily expanding into mountain areas, experts say the lesson is particularly relevant. Afreen Khurshid, PhD research scholar at the University of Kashmir, said the focus must shift from responding to disasters to anticipating them. The biggest lesson from Nepal is that vulnerability is created long before a disaster actually occurs. Climate change may intensify the hazard, but exposure and poor planning determine how devastating the final impact becomes. Kashmir urgently needs detailed hazard mapping of slopes, streams, flood channels and settlements, particularly in rapidly developing mountain areas, she said. Khurshid stressed that early-warning systems must reach vulnerable communities on the ground. An early warning is useful only when it reaches the last person living near a stream, a shepherd in the upper reaches, a tourist, a pilgrim or a person travelling through a vulnerable mountain corridor. Community preparedness, clearly identified evacuation routes and local response mechanisms can make the difference between an extreme weather event and a mass-casualty disaster, she said.

22nd convocation held at NIT-C

Judiciary proactively responded to emerging fraudulent schemes like digital arrest: CJI

This exemplifies a broader pattern: an Indian Judiciary that proactively responds to emerging fraudulent schemes, rather than waiting for Parliament to address them, says Chief Justice of India Surya Kant

Doctors to be recruited to CCRC on priority basis: Keralam fisheries Minister

A recruitment board has been constituted, and the required staff will be recruited soon so that the facility gets fully operational: AbdulGafoor

Wayalaying of Keralam CM: K.V. Thomas flays action against Cong. leader

Former Congress leader draws parallel with K. Karunakarans handling of a similar incident involving Congress workers

Technology must serve humanity: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Aug 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said modern tools should inspire solutions for easy accessibility of the best possible healthcare to all citizens. He urged stakeholders to make Jammu and Kashmir a laboratory for low-cost, high-impact innovations such as drone-based delivery of medical supplies and solar-powered cold chains for high-altitude health centres. Inaugurating the 3rd edition of the CII Jammu & Kashmir Health Conclave, the LG emphasised the transformative vision of Health Services Anytime, Anywhere and highlighted the role of innovation, resilience and inclusive growth in shaping the future of healthcare. Extending best wishes to Ujala Cygnus for its new initiative, the Peace and Wellbeing Foundation, Sinhaa said the conclave is a platform for discussion and a collective opportunity to redefine healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir and other states. Citing the example of an ASHA worker using tele-consultation to connect patients in remote villages with district hospitals, the LG said telemedicine is a revolutionary step that eliminates geographical barriers. He stressed that technology must serve humanity, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to timely medical care. The Lieutenant Governor outlined three pressing challenges confronting global health systems, including rising healthcare expenditure. He called for a shift towards prevention, early intervention and regular screening to reduce dependence on costly treatments. We need to move beyond a system that treats illness to one that protects and promotes health. We must prioritise regular screening, easy access to primary healthcare services and timely treatment, he said. He also emphasised expanding training capacity, supporting wellbeing of medical staff and leveraging telemedicine to extend reach. We need to expand training capacity in medical and nursing education and ensure access to health services in rural and remote areas through telemedicine. Most importantly, we must also take care of the wellbeing of our health workers. Better staffing, reduced administrative burden and mental-health support are fundamental requirements of a strong health system, he said. The LG said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accessibility, affordability and universal insurance coverage has been ensured and health inequality has been eliminated. Under the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, efforts are being made to link health records across the country through a secure digital system. This will enable any authorised doctor, wherever they may be, to access a patient's health history within moments. At the same time, patients retain control over who can view their information and how much information they can access, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir's healthcare infrastructure, including 2 new AIIMS institutions, 10 new medical colleges, 2 State Cancer Institutes, specialised hospitals including Bone & Joint and Paediatric facilities, 52 nursing colleges, 23 paramedical colleges and 5 pharmacy colleges which he described as historic steps towards social justice and equitable healthcare. Sinha urged the conclave to deliberate on key priorities: developing modern primary health centres in every village linked to district networks, harnessing AI for early detection of diseases while supporting doctors' decisions, strengthening disease surveillance, genomic capacity, and local manufacturing of diagnostic kits, and building a robust health workforce through nursing and paramedical institutions, continuous skill development and strong collaboration between government and private sector. Private hospitals and industries associated with the health sector must also join this effort, recognising it as an important task of nation-building. I believe that the strongest health systems are those in which the government and the private sector work together for public welfare, combining their capabilities, speed and innovation, he said. LG Sinha reiterated that the true measure of success lies in improved lives. He envisioned a future where families in Kupwara need not travel hours for routine care, workers in Rajouri are free from financial fear and medical graduates can build their careers within the Union Territory. Advanced treatment and modern health facilities must be accessible to all so that we may establish the principles of social justice and equality. The health of an individual or a family affects opportunities, productivity and overall well-being of the society, he said.

IIT student death: panel begins probe, aid for kin approved

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Emergency laparoscopic surgery performed on high-risk patient

Hyderabad hospital performs 400 kidney transplants

Youth arrested for cheating delivery executive of 4,000

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The police found that Veeramani brought several minor girls to a house in Teynampet and indulged in sexual offences

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Postcard collection with artist Pavithra Srinivasans illustrations released

Chennaidentistbecomes first Indian president of global endodontic body

The Floating Palaces of Dal: A Sanctuary at a Crossroads

For centuries, the wooden houseboats of Kashmir have rested upon the serene waters of Dal and Nigeen lakes like floating palaces. Crafted from resilient Deodar cedar, their ornate Khatamband wood-panelled ceilings and delicate Pinjrakari lattice-work windows stand as living archives of the Valleys artistic soul. Yet their origins were born out of clever adaptation. During my school days at the prestigious Islamia High School, Srinagar, our school excursions would take us through the pristine waters of the lake. Starting from Baba Demb, near the present Khanyar police station, we would journey all the way to the various Mughal Gardens aboard local doongas. These traditional boats were simple and unadorned, much like a passenger transport plane. They had a working kitchen on board, and the owners family lived in the aft section. We students thoroughly enjoyed those memorable trips to distant shores, freely drinking water straight from the lakea source so pure back then that it required no boiling or filtration. Today, to my deep heartbreak, that once-pristine water body has been turned into a virtual cesspool. In the late 19th century under Dogra rule, foreign visitors and British officers were prohibited by law from purchasing land or constructing permanent houses in Kashmir. To bypass this restriction, an enterprising Englishman named M.T. Kennard partnered with local boat builders in the late 1880s. Together, they adapted the traditional doonga into luxurious, stationary floating homes. Waterborne living, however, is not unique to the Valley. Floating habitations exist across the globe: Amsterdam, Netherlands: Over 2,400 houseboats (woonschepen) line historic canals, originally converted from surplus cargo barges after WWII. Kerala, India: The famous Kettuvallams of the southern backwaterstraditionally used to transport rice and spicesnow serve as gliding tourist retreats. Inle Lake, Myanmar & SE Asia: The Intha and Bajau communities reside in stilt houses and traditional wooden craft (lepa-lepa) designed entirely around an aquatic lifestyle. Unlike mobile river barges, Kashmirs houseboats are stationary masterpieces. But today, they stand at a delicate crossroads. Overcrowding in prime basins restricts open water, straining the lake's natural self-cleaning capacity. Furthermore, natural decay, strict environmental caps, and an ageing community of master carpenters (Naav Chaan) have reduced the fleet from thousands to under 800. Indiscriminate removal would devastate local livelihoods and erase a defining cultural identity. The solution lies in scientific ecology and smart engineering. The single most vital step is implementing closed-loop, zero-discharge sanitation: attaching sealed, modular bio-tanks beneath each hull. These floating waste containment units can collect all human waste without a single drop touching the water. Specialised service barges can then conveniently detach, drain, and reinstall the sealed tanks on a routine schedule. Preservation does not mean freezing a tradition in timeit means allowing it to evolve safely. By combining spatial management with modern, detachable sanitary infrastructure, Kashmir can restore its pristine waters while keeping its iconic floating heritage proudly afloat for generations to come. (The Author is a former Collector of the erstwhile Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) and RK Columnist. Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )

Soil Conservation: Protecting the Ground Beneath Our Future

Soil is often treated as if it were endless, a quiet layer beneath our feet that will always be there, no matter how carelessly we use it. But that assumption is one of the most dangerous habits of modern life. Soil is not just dirt. It is the foundation of agriculture, the storehouse of nutrients, the sponge that holds water, and the living system that sustains forests, farms, and human settlements alike. Yet across the world, and increasingly in our own region, soil is being eroded, exhausted, and degraded at a pace that should alarm every policymaker, farmer, and citizen. In a place like Jammu and Kashmir, where agriculture remains central to livelihoods and where the natural landscape is both beautiful and fragile, soil conservation is not a technical issue to be left to experts alone. It is a matter of survival. Mountain slopes, riverbanks, orchards, and farmlands are all vulnerable to erosion, landslides, unplanned construction, deforestation, and climate-linked rainfall extremes. When the soil goes, it takes with it productivity, ecological balance, and economic security. What remains is often a cycle of lower yields, higher dependence on chemical inputs, and greater vulnerability to floods and droughts. The tragedy is that soil loss is usually invisible until the damage becomes severe. A patch of land may appear fertile one year and exhausted the next. A hillside may hold firm until a single spell of heavy rain washes away the topsoil that took nature centuries to build. This is why soil conservation must be understood as a long-term investment, not a seasonal concern. Topsoil, the uppermost layer rich in organic matter and microorganisms, is incredibly precious. Once lost, it is not easily replaced. Farmers may compensate temporarily with fertilisers, but fertilizers cannot fully restore the biological health and structure of soil that has been stripped of its natural richness. There is also a deeper policy failure at work. Development has often been pursued without sufficient regard for ecological limits. Roads are carved into unstable slopes, riverbeds are disturbed, trees are removed, and catchment areas are weakened, all in the name of progress. But progress that destroys the very ground on which prosperity depends is a false bargain. Soil conservation requires a different mindset one that sees land not as a commodity to be consumed quickly, but as a living resource to be managed carefully and passed on responsibly. The good news is that soil conservation is neither mysterious nor impossible. Simple and proven measures can make a major difference. Terracing, contour ploughing, afforestation, mulching, crop rotation, check dams, retaining vegetation cover, and regulated grazing all help reduce erosion and improve soil health. Farmers can adopt organic and mixed farming practices that build soil fertility over time rather than deplete it. Local administrations can integrate soil protection into land-use planning, mining permissions, road construction, and flood management. Schools and communities can be made part of awareness campaigns so that conservation becomes a shared civic habit, not just an agricultural slogan. Technology too has a role, but it must be used wisely. Satellite mapping, soil testing, and climate forecasting can help identify vulnerable zones and guide intervention. Yet no technology can substitute for political will and public responsibility. A society that neglects soil will eventually pay for it in imported food, damaged watersheds, and environmental instability. Conversely, a society that protects soil is investing in food security, clean water, biodiversity, and resilience against climate shocks. Soil conservation should therefore be placed at the heart of environmental and agricultural policy. It deserves the same seriousness as road building, power generation, and urban planning. In fact, without soil conservation, all of these efforts rest on shaky ground. The issue is not only about farms or forests; it is about the continuity of life itself. Every grain of soil lost to erosion is a quiet loss of future productivity, future stability, and future hope. If we are serious about sustainable development, we must begin with the ground beneath us. Protecting soil is not an abstract environmental ideal. It is a practical necessity, a moral obligation, and a civilizational duty. The health of the land will decide the health of the people. And if we fail to conserve the soil today, we may discover too late that we have eroded the very future we hoped to build. (The author is a research scholar and freelancer)

The Weight They Carry Alone!

FAMILY & SOCIETY DR SHABEENA YAQOOB Behind every child with a developmental or intellectual disability, there is a family quietly absorbing stares, unsolicited advice, rigid workplace expectations, and persistent self-doubt. Within this struggle, these families especially mother are also crafting a lesser-told story one of adaptation, support networks, and hard-won resilience. It usually begins with a glance. A stranger's stare a beat too long in a marketplace, a relative's carefully worded question at a family gathering, or a teacher's hesitant phone call home. For parents of children with special needs whether the diagnosis is autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, or another developmental condition these small moments accumulate into something much larger: a persistent, low-grade pressure that shapes daily life long after the initial shock of diagnosis has passed. This pressure rarely announces itself as an act of cruelty. More often, it wears the face of pity, unsolicited advice, or well-meaning but wounding comparisons to ormal children. Sociologists have long described this phenomenon as courtesy stigma, a social penalty extended not to the child alone but to the entire family associated with a stigmatized condition. Parents report being quietly excluded from social gatherings, second-guessed on their parenting choices, and, in more conservative settings, outright blamed for their child's condition. The result is slow erosion of confidence, community, and, for many, their career. The Invisible Job behind the Job What is less visible than the social sting is its collision with the working life. Parents mothers in particular routinely describe an impossible arithmetic: therapy appointments that clash with office hours, employers unwilling to offer flexibility, and colleagues who view caregiving responsibilities as a private matter that should not intrude on professional performance. When workplace culture treats such disclosures with suspicion rather than support, parents face a cruel choice between their child's needs and their livelihood. Researchers studying occupational well-being often use a simple but powerful framework: every job carries both demands (the things that drain us) and resources (the things that sustain us). For parents of children with special needs, the demands multiply additional caregiving hours, therapy costs, and emotional labor while the resources that could offset them, such as flexible scheduling, understanding supervisors, or on-site support, are frequently absent. When demands consistently outstrip resources, exhaustion is not a possibility; it is close to being inevitable. This exhaustion is not confined to the workplace. It follows parents homes, shaping how patiently they respond to a meltdown, how present they are at the dinner table, and how much emotional reserve remains for their marriage or for their other children. Work-life conflict, once thought of as a middle-class inconvenience, has become a determinant of mental health for these families. What the Data and the Doorstep Both Say Emerging research on families of children with autism and other developmental conditions consistently finds that social stigma and unsupportive work environments are strongly linked to poorer psychological well-being among parents, primarily through two pathways: emotional exhaustion and work-family conflict. However, the same body of evidence offers something hopeful: these pathways are not fixed destinies. Two factors consistently soften the blow: family support and resilience. Where the extended family shares the caregiving load without judgment and where a spouse actively co-parents rather than delegates, the corrosive effect of stigma on mental health weakens considerably. Similarly, parents who have developed resilience through faith, community, therapy, or simply time and experience are better equipped to withstand the strain that work-life conflict places on their well-being. Importantly, resilience is not a fixed personality trait that some parents are born with and others are not. It can be built, taught, and supported by the government. From Sympathy to Structural Change It is tempting to respond to these findings with sympathy. However, sympathy without structural change leaves the underlying pressures untouched. Several shifts at different levels of society would make a tangible difference. Workplaces can move from rigid attendance-based cultures to outcome-based, flexible arrangements and train managers to treat caregiving disclosures as ordinary workforce realities rather than red flags. Schools and community institutions can create structured, judgment-free spaces parent support groups, sibling programs, and awareness campaigns that normalize developmental disabilities rather than mystifying them. Extended families can be gently educated on the difference between helpful involvement and intrusive commentary. Mental health services, which are still under-accessed by caregivers who see their own well-being as secondary to their child's needs, need to be made more visible, affordable, and stigma-free in their own right. Policy has a role too. Workplace policies that explicitly recognize caregiving for children with disabilities through flexible leave, remote work options, or on-site counseling would convert what is currently an individual burden into a shared institutional responsibility. Kashmir and similar regions, where extended family networks remain strong but formal support systems are still developing, are particularly well placed to build on existing community bonds while investing in professional support structures special educators, therapists, accessible mental health counseling that families still lack. The Story Beyond the Struggle This is not to suggest that families of children with special needs are solely defined by hardship. Many parents describe a parallel, quieter narrative: a deepened sense of purpose, a recalibrated understanding of success, and bonds of friendship with other parents who simply understand without needing an explanation. Resilience research reminds us that struggle and growth are not opposites; they frequently occur together, in the same household, on the same day. These families are not asking for pity. It is recognition that their exhaustion is real, that their caregiving is skilled and demanding labor, and that the pressure they absorb from workplaces, extended families, and society at large is a solvable problem rather than a private misfortune to be endured in silence. A society is measured not by how it speaks about its most vulnerable members but by how it structurally supports the families who care for them every single day. (The Author is a Research scholar and can be reached at: kanshabeena91@gmail.com)

Power Tariff Hike: Omar Government Adds to the Burden of the People of Jammu & Kashmir

ADV SUNIL SETHI The decision to increase electricity tariffs in Jammu & Kashmir at a time when ordinary families are already struggling with the rising cost of living is deeply disappointing. More importantly, it raises a fundamental question of political accountability: what happened to the promises made to the people before the Assembly elections? The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved an average tariff increase of 6.83 per cent, applicable from September 1, 2026. For metered domestic consumers, the rate for consumption up to 200 units has increased from 2.30 to 2.45 per unit; for 201400 units, from 4.00 to 4.20; and above 400 units, from 4.35 to 4.60 per unit. These figures may appear small when viewed from the comfort of government offices. For an ordinary household, however, every additional financial burden matters. From Promise of Relief to Reality of Higher Bills The National Conference went before the electorate promising 200 units of free electricity. That promise naturally created expectations among families that desperately needed relief. Today, instead of experiencing the promised relief, consumers are confronting increased tariffs. The government may argue that its promise of free electricity and the general electricity tariff are technically separate matters. But politics cannot be reduced to technical explanations. The real question is what an ordinary voter understood when promises of cheaper or free electricity were made. People vote on the basis of promises and the reasonable expectations created by those promises. If financial constraints, distribution losses and the cost of purchasing electricity were realities after the election, they were realities before the election as well. Governments cannot discover economic realities only after obtaining the mandate of the people. Kashmir's Winter Cannot Be Viewed Through Ordinary Consumption Calculations The impact of electricity prices assumes an even greater significance in the Kashmir Valley. For people sitting outside Kashmir, electricity may be regarded primarily as a source of lighting and running household appliances. During Kashmir's severe winter, electricity is intimately connected with survival, warmth and basic human comfort. Temperatures fall below freezing in many areas. Water pipes freeze. Snowfall disrupts normal life. Families depend increasingly upon electric heaters, boilers, geysers, heating blankets and other appliances. The elderly, children and economically weaker families suffer the most. This means that electricity consumption during the harsh winter months cannot simply be treated as discretionary consumption. A Kashmiri family using additional electricity to keep its children or elderly parents warm is not indulging in luxury. It is responding to climatic necessity. And the timing is particularly unfortunate. The revised tariff becomes applicable from September 1 and will remain applicable through the approaching winter until March 31, 2027. The government should therefore ask itself a simple question: Is the period immediately preceding the harsh Kashmir winter the appropriate time to make electricity more expensive for households? Don't Make Consumers Pay for Inefficiency There is undoubtedly a financial problem in the electricity sector. Power has a cost. Distribution companies require revenue, and transmission and distribution losses have historically presented a serious challenge. But the solution cannot perpetually be to transfer the consequences of inefficiency onto honest consumers. The first responsibility of government should be to reduce losses, improve billing and collection, prevent electricity theft, modernise infrastructure and improve the efficiency of distribution companies. A family that pays its electricity bill regularly should not become the easiest source for balancing the books. Before asking consumers to pay more, the government must demonstrate what measurable reduction it has achieved in distribution losses and what administrative reforms it has undertaken to bring down costs. Efficiency must come before additional burden. The Government's Defence Does Not Answer the Political Question Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has defended the increase by arguing that the government never promised that electricity tariffs would remain static and that power continues to be substantially subsidised. That may constitute an administrative defence. It does not answer the political question. The issue is not whether electricity continues to receive subsidy. The issue is whether the government is moving towards the relief that was promised to the electorate or away from it. The people were promised 200 units of free electricity. They are entitled to ask when that promise will translate into meaningful relief in their monthly household budgets. A government cannot seek political credit for promises and subsequently seek refuge behind regulatory calculations when people demand their implementation. BJP Must Stand With the Consumer The Bharatiya Janata Party should unequivocally stand with the ordinary electricity consumer of Jammu & Kashmir. This is not an issue concerning Jammu or Kashmir alone. A shopkeeper in Jammu, a middle-class employee in Kathua, a farmer in the countryside, a pensioner in Srinagar and a family facing the freezing winter in north or south Kashmir all ultimately confront the same question: How much more can the household budget absorb? The BJP should demand that the Omar Abdullah government reconsider the tariff increase, particularly its impact upon domestic consumers, and immediately place before the people a transparent roadmap for fulfilling its electricity-related electoral commitments. Special consideration should also be given to the extraordinary electricity requirements of Kashmir during the winter months. If necessary, the government should explore a targeted winter electricity relief mechanism for vulnerable and middle-income domestic consumers in the Valley rather than allowing climatic necessity to translate into financial punishment. Promises Carry a Moral Obligation Democracy does not end when votes are counted. An electoral promise creates a political and moral obligation. Governments must either implement their promises or candidly explain why they cannot do so. What they cannot reasonably do is promise relief while seeking votes and subsequently impose additional burdens after coming to power. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have endured decades of difficulties. They deserve governance that reduces their burdens rather than adding to them. The BJP must therefore raise its voice firmly, both inside and outside the Legislature, and demand: Withdraw or substantially reconsider the burden of the power tariff hike on domestic consumers. Protect Kashmir's households during the harsh winter. Reduce distribution losses before passing costs to consumers. And, above all, honour the commitments made to the people. Electricity in Jammu & Kashmirparticularly during a Kashmir winteris not merely another commodity. For many families, it is warmth. It is security. It is a basic necessity of life. And a government elected on promises of relief should remember that before making that necessity more expensive. (The Author is the Chief Spokesperson of JK BJP)

The Morning We Are Quietly Losing

At around 1 pm, the alarm finally rings. Sunlight has already filled the room, but the mind still feels strangely heavy. The phone becomes the first companion of the day, not because there is anything urgent to see, but because it is easier than confronting the uncomfortable truth that half the day has already passed. Breakfast has quietly turned into lunch, and the feeling of starting fresh never really arrives. This has become an increasingly familiar routine for many teenagers. Sleeping at 3 or 4 in the morning and waking up around noon is often dismissed as a harmless habit, especially during holidays or after long hours spent on social media, gaming, or binge-watching. As long as six or seven hours of sleep are completed, many believe there is nothing to worry about. Yet our bodies do not rely on sleep duration alone. They also depend on consistency. Sleep experts recommend that teenagers not only get enough sleep but also maintain a regular sleep schedule, as a stable body clock plays an important role in concentration, mood, and overall well-being. The human body follows a natural internal clock that influences sleep, energy, alertness, and even mood. When that rhythm is repeatedly disrupted, many teenagers begin to notice changes that are difficult to explain. They wake up feeling unrefreshed despite sleeping for several hours. Their concentration weakens, motivation fades, and even simple tasks begin to feel exhausting. It is not always because they are lazy or unwilling. Sometimes, their daily routine has quietly started working against them. There is another feeling many teenagers quietly recognise but rarely talk about. After waking up late, the day can already feel as though it has slipped away. The remaining hours seem too few to accomplish anything meaningful, creating a quiet sense of urgency that often leads to procrastination, guilt, and frustration rather than productivity. Perhaps the biggest loss is not sleep itself - it is the morning. For many people, morning offers a sense of possibility that is difficult to recreate later in the day. Waking up at 7 a.m. leaves enough time to exercise, study, plan the day, spend time with family, or simply enjoy a few moments of peace before responsibilities begin. The day feels open rather than rushed. There is room to make mistakes, recover from them, and still move forward. Now compare that with waking up at 1 p.m. By the time you freshen up, have lunch, and settle down to begin your work, the clock is already moving toward evening. Instead of feeling ahead of the day, you feel as though you are constantly trying to catch up with it. Productivity suffers not because there are fewer hours in the day, but because there are fewer meaningful hours left to use. Before long, one day begins to look much like the next. Of course, not everyone who sleeps late is unhealthy or unsuccessful. Doctors, nurses, emergency workers, and many others work through the night because their professions demand it. The concern is different for teenagers whose late nights are becoming a daily habit rather than an unavoidable necessity. We often search for motivation in books, videos, and productivity hacks while overlooking one of the simplest foundations of a disciplined life: a consistent sleep schedule. The quality of our mornings often begins with the choices we make the night before. No teenager sets out to waste a day. Yet many unknowingly give away the most productive hours of it, one late night at a time. Before blaming ourselves for lacking focus or discipline, perhaps we should ask a simpler question: Are we giving our minds the opportunity to begin with the day, or asking them to catch up after much of it has already passed? A better future is rarely built through dramatic changes alone. Sometimes, it begins with a quiet decision made the night before to turn off the screen, close our eyes, and let tomorrow start on time. (The author is a NEET aspirant based in Kashmir. He can be reached at: sayanshabirbhat@gmail.com )

FDA conducts 140 food safety inspections

Srinagar, Aug 29: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K, conducted food safety enforcement activities across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, the officials said during the drive, 140 inspections were conducted and 55 food samples were lifted for testing of quality and safety parameters. The samples included Milk and Milk Products, Edible Oils and Spices, besides other food commodities. As part of the enforcement action, 17 Improvement Notices were issued to various Food Business Operators under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and 11 cases were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, involving a total penalty of 11,000. Further, 97 food labels were scrutinized for compliance with the prescribed labelling requirements, out of which two labels were found non-compliant with the applicable labelling provisions. Besides, one food business registration was cancelled in Reasi district for contravention of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The enforcement activities covered food business establishments, e-commerce establishments dealing with food items, milk and milk products, edible oils, spices and imported food items. Food supplied through PDS, MDM and ICDS channels was also covered during the exercise. The activities were carried out in the districts of Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Srinagar, Anantnag, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Budgam. The concerned Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been instructed to continue inspections, sampling, label scrutiny and enforcement activities and to take action against violations in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made there under. Consumers have been requested to remain vigilant and report any suspected case of unsafe, adulterated or sub-standard food through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.

Army holds free medical camp in Langate

Handwara, Aug 29: In a major healthcare outreach initiative, the Indian Army organised a free medical camp at Ananwan in Langate on Saturday, bringing doctors, medicines and basic healthcare services closer to residents of the remote area. The camp was organised under Operation Sadbhavana and witnessed participation of around 650 to 700 residents from Ananwan and adjoining villages. Children, women and elderly people were among those who attended the camp and availed free medical services. A team of Army and civil doctors, including doctors from Government Medical College, Handwara, conducted consultations and basic health screenings. Medicines were also provided free of cost to patients, along with medical advice based on their individual health concerns. Doctors paid special attention to seasonal illnesses, maternal and child health, hygiene, nutrition and preventive healthcare. Residents were also advised to maintain proper sanitation, consume safe drinking water and seek medical attention without delay when health problems arise. For residents of Ananwan and nearby areas, the camp provided an opportunity to consult doctors without travelling long distances to healthcare facilities. The initiative was also held on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. (SAW). The Army said the programme reflected the spirit of compassion, service and community outreach. The camp received a huge response from residents, who appreciated the availability of free consultation and medicines in their locality. The interaction between doctors, Army personnel and villagers also provided an opportunity to discuss healthcare concerns affecting people in the area. The Army said the initiative was part of its continued efforts under Operation Sadbhavana to address the healthcare and welfare needs of people living in remote areas of Kashmir. The programme also highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and regular medical consultation, while providing residents with direct access to medical professionals and essential medicines.

Budgam-Katra direct train service resumes

Budgam, Aug 29: Direct rail connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region was restored on Saturday with the resumption of train services between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The Jammu Railway Division of Northern Railway has reintroduced Train Nos. 04688 and 04687 on the Budgam-Katra route from August 29, providing passengers with a direct rail link between the Valley and the popular pilgrimage destination. As per the revised schedule, Train No. 04688 will leave Budgam Railway Station at 7:20 am and reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 1 pm. The return train, No. 04687, will depart from Katra at 1:45 pm and reach Budgam at 8 pm. The restoration of the service is expected to provide considerable relief to passengers travelling between Kashmir and Jammu, particularly devotees heading to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Students, employees and other daily travellers are also likely to benefit from the direct service. Railway authorities said the move was aimed at improving passenger convenience and strengthening connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region. Passengers have been advised to check the latest operational status and train timings before travelling through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) mobile application, the Indian Railways website or helpline number 139.

At 387, city turns up the spirit at The Hindus Made of Chennai festival

Phase-II UG admissions notified; registration opens Sept 1

Srinagar, Aug 29: The Higher Education Department, J&K, has notified the commencement of Phase-II of Undergraduate admissions for the Academic Session 2026-27 in Government Degree Colleges of J&K. The admissions are open to candidates who have qualified the Biannual / Supplementary / Private Examination of Class 12th, Session 2026, the results of which have been declared by the Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education and other recognised Boards. The admission process will be conducted through the Departments in-house Centralised Admission Portal, https://jkadmissions.in. Vacant seats shall be filled through two parallel modes - through In-Person Counselling and through Walk-in Admission. Detailed timelines for registration, choice-filling, in-person counselling, walk-in admissions, etc are given on the admission notice available on the Centralised Admission Portal. Besides fresh passouts of the biannual examination, candidates who had registered during Phase-I but could not secure admission, candidates who were allotted seats earlier but did not complete admission formalities, and candidates whose applications were rejected during verification may also participate, subject to fulfilment of eligibility conditions. However, candidates who have already confirmed their admission in Phase-I, and candidates who cancelled a confirmed admission, shall not be eligible. Fresh applicants shall submit their application online on https://jkadmissions.in and pay the prescribed non-refundable application fee of 200. All candidates are advised to carefully verify their mobile number and email address on the Portal to ensure timely receipt of admission-related communications. Aspirants have been advised to view the vacancy positions available on the Centralised Admission portal and submit a sufficient number of well-considered programme choices, and to explore the various available course offerings. Counselling and Facilitation Centres established at all Degree Colleges shall remain available for assistance in registration and submission of choices. Director Colleges J&K, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, appealed to all eligible aspirants who have qualified the biannual examination to avail this opportunity and complete all admission formalities strictly within the notified timelines. He further advised candidates to regularly check the JK Admissions Portal and follow the official WhatsApp Channel for Admissions 2026-27, linked on the Portal, for updates, notices, schedules and other information. Phase-II shall stand concluded on 10-09-2026, and no admission shall be effected thereafter.

Stipend row: MBBS interns protest

Srinagar, Aug 29: MBBS interns in Jammu and Kashmir who have decided to suspend services from Aug 31 on Saturday protested against the government over the failure to enhance their monthly stipend, saying their demands have remained unaddressed for seven years. We have been suffering for the past seven years. No one is hearing us, as if we are not part of this society, said Ahmad Faraz Malik, an MBBS intern at SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, during their protest at Pratap Park. The interns said they remain on duty for long hours, including emergencies, and often handle responsibilities comparable to those of regular doctors. They said the existing stipend is inadequate amid rising living costs. Interns posted in peripheral areas are suffering the most. They can hardly manage room rent, food, travel and other basic expenses, they said. Resident Doctors Association (RDA), SKIMS Medical College and Hospital (SKIMS-MCH), Bemina, acknowledged the concerns raised by intern doctors and called for an urgent revision of their monthly stipend. Intern doctors serve as a vital pillar of clinical services across emergency units, inpatient wards, intensive care facilities and outpatient departments, regularly managing demanding hours and substantial workloads, the association said. It said the existing stipend of Rs 12,300 per month falls short of covering basic living and professional expenses in view of rising costs. The RDA also highlighted the lack of institutional health coverage or social security for interns in case they fall ill or face occupational hazards during clinical duties. The Dental Surgeons Association Jammu and Kashmir (DSA-JK) also extended support to BDS and MBBS interns ahead of their proposed strike from August 31. The association demanded an increase in the monthly internship honorarium from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) also expressed solidarity with intern doctors serving across hospitals and medical institutions in the Union Territory. The Democratic Medical Association (DMA) J&K also extended support to the interns, describing them as an indispensable part of the public healthcare system.

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Dr. Priya Selvaraj is Director, GG Hospital, Fertility Research and Womens Specialty Centre, Chennai

Two youth held for chain snatching in Vellore

City hospital performs 20-hour surgery to remove rare mesenteric tumour in 29-year-old

Alkhuddam Hajj Services resume after 4-year gap

Srinagar, Aug 29: Alkhuddam Hajj and Umrah Services has resumed its operations after a gap of four years and announced plans to provide pilgrims with enhanced and personalised services. Addressing a news conference here, Sheikh Feroz Ahmad Sidiq, Managing Director, Alkhuddam Hajj and Umrah Services, said the company was once again ready to serve pilgrims and was committed to further improving its services. After four years, Alkhuddam Hajj and Umrah Services is again on track and ready to serve the pilgrims. The services have been restored again, he said. Sidiq said the company, which started its operations in 2000, had served people across the country over the years and received 99.99 per cent positive feedback from its customers. We are committed to serving the pilgrims and wont leave any stone unturned in providing them the best services. We will improve our services further in every aspect, he said. He said that after the four-year gap, the company would cater to segments that it had not been able to serve earlier. He also announced the introduction of a Premium Economy package priced at Rs 7.5 lakh, stating that the company would ensure that pilgrims receive every benefit under the package. He further announced a Premium Platinum package under which services would be personalised for pilgrims. This year, the experience will be unimaginable for the people, Sidiq said. He also said that nearly 250 people continued to support the company during the four-year period when its services remained suspended. As a gesture of appreciation, the company would conduct a draw of lots through which eight among them would be selected to perform Umrah free of cost. Sidiq thanked the people for continuing to support the company during the four-year gap and expressed commitment to serving pilgrims with improved facilities and services.

Man held for murdering woman from Andhra near Uthukottai

17 J&K Haj group organisers eligible for Haj 2027

Srinagar, Aug 29: The Ministry of Minority Affairs has published the list of Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) found eligible for registration for Haj 2027, with 17 organisers from Jammu and Kashmir making it to the list. The ministry had invited online applications from firms intending to operate as Haj tour operators for Haj 2027 through Notice No. HAJ-15/2/2026-HAJ-MoMA (e-151636) dated July 3, 2026. The applications submitted through the HGO Portal were scrutinised and evaluated against the eligibility criteria prescribed under the HGO Policy for Haj 2027, including documentation, financial eligibility, experience and compliance with applicable provisions. The eligible HGOs have been placed in different categories, including Category-I, Category-II Experienced Applicants and Category-II New Applicants. Among the 17 eligible organisers from J&K, three have been placed in Category-I: Labaika Haj & Umrah Service, Alkhuddam Hajj & Umrah Services and Al Hayat Hajj and Umrah Travel Services. Ten organisers have been listed under Category-II Experienced Applicants. These are Raj Baba Tour and Travels, Al Gazali Tours & Travels, Gazi Tours & Travels, Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah Services, M/S Universe Travel Corporation, Al Safeer Tour and Travels, Al Ansar Tours & Travels, Fly High Tours and Travels, Sahar Tours & Travels and Al Haram Tours Hajj & Umrah Services. Four have been listed as Category-II New Applicants: Khadim Al Mecca Tour & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Anabia Holidays and Tourism, M.G Tours & Travels and Leena Travels. Under Clause 4.4 of the HGO Policy for Haj 2027, selected Lead HGOs have been directed to constitute Combined Haj Group Organisers (CHGOs) by inviting eligible HGOs from different categories. Each CHGO should have a quota as close as possible to 2,000 and must include at least one Category-I Lead HGO, one Category-I Non-Lead HGO and one new Category-II HGO. The Lead HGOs are required to submit details of CHGO formation to the ministry within three days. However, quota distribution and allotment to HGOs has not yet taken place. Bookings for Haj 2027 will commence only after the CHGOs are formally constituted and quota allotment letters are issued. The details will subsequently be notified to the general public.

Blacktopping of roads begins in Habba Kadal

Srinagar, Aug 29: Road macadamization works have commenced in Gawkadal, Basant Bagh, Chadpora, Habba Kadal and Chinkral Mohalla at a cost of Rs 47 lakh, under the initiative of MLA Habba Kadal, Shameema Firdous. In a statement, Shameema said that the works are aimed at improving road conditions and providing better connectivity and safer passage to residents in the affected areas. MLA directed the concerned executing agencies to ensure timely completion of the works within the stipulated time frame, while strictly maintaining quality standards. She also called for proper coordination to minimise inconvenience to the public during the execution of the works. The MLA expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the elected government for their continued focus on development and its outreach towards Srinagar. She said that improving basic civic infrastructure remains a priority and that such interventions will provide tangible relief to residents. Shameema Firdous reiterated her commitment to addressing the developmental and civic concerns of the people of Habba Kadal and ensuring that pending issues are taken up with the concerned authorities for early resolution.

NC worker joins Apni Party in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 29: Apni Party leaders on Saturday welcomed Abdul Hameed Bhat, a prominent political activist from the Bagh-i-Mehtab area of Chanapora constituency, into the party fold. Bhat, who was earlier associated with the National Conference (NC), formally joined the Apni Party during an event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. On the occasion, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior party leaders warmly welcomed him into the party.

Nainar Nagenthran accuses TVK-led government of bringing religious politics into Assembly

He says the Speakers constitutional position required him to remain above caste and religious considerations

Dr Farooq condoles demise of wife of District Secretary Budgam

Srinagar, 29 Aug: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Saturday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of the wife of partys District Secretary Budgam, Khawaja Ghulam Ahmad Mir alias Naseem. In his condolence message, Dr Farooq expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for strength and fortitude to them to bear the irreparable loss. He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal peace and the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give patience to the bereaved family during this difficult time. Dr Farooq conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Khawaja Ghulam Ahmad Mir and other members of the bereaved family.

Security cover reduced for DMK president M.K. Stalin

The Personal Security Officer and security assigned to the former CM for his personal protection will continue as usual

Gadkari takes note of green corridor demand: AIP

Kupwara, Aug 29: AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said that the demand raised by AIP President and Lok Sabha Member Er. Rashid for a dedicated Green Corridor for fruit-laden trucks on NH-44 has received the attention of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. In a statement, Nabi said Er. Rashid had taken up the matter through Letter No. MPLS/Hqsgr/1431 dated 02.08.2026, seeking a dedicated Green Corridor at Qazigund, Banihal and vulnerable stretches of NH-44 to ensure uninterrupted movement of perishable horticultural produce from Kashmir.m Inam Un Nabi said the Ministry, through its communication No. 266023/M (RT&H)/VIP/2026 dated 19.08.2026, has conveyed that the matter is being looked into for action. Welcoming the response, Inam Un Nabi said, This is an important issue for Kashmirs horticultural economy. Thousands of growers depend on timely transportation of their fruit to markets outside the Valley. Any prolonged halt or disruption on NH-44 can result in huge losses to growers. Inam Un Nabi said the proposed Green Corridor, if implemented effectively, will bring much-needed relief to the entire community of fruit growers across Kashmir by ensuring priority and uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks during the peak horticulture season. Er. Rashid has raised this demand keeping in view the genuine difficulties faced by our growers. We appreciate Nitin Gadkari Ji and his Ministry for taking cognisance of the matter. We hope the assurance of action will soon translate into a clear mechanism on the ground, he added. Inam further said that the Green Corridor should cover the critical stretches of NH-44, particularly Qazigund and Banihal, and remain operational during the peak fruit season so that Kashmirs horticultural produce reaches national markets without avoidable delays. AIP will continue to pursue the matter until a practical and permanent arrangement is put in place for the smooth movement of fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir.

Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioners transferred

Kin of 2 fishermen from Mayiladuthurai shot dead by pirates in Saudi Arabia get 10 lakh each

The solatium was given from the Chief Ministers General Relief Fund

Srinagar suffered decades of neglect: Bukhari

Srinagar, Aug 29: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday accused successive governments, particularly the ruling National Conference (NC), of neglecting Srinagar and failing to deliver on promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. He made the remarks while addressing an event at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar, organised to welcome new members into the party. Peoples Conference district president Srinagar Nighat Gul and former Nawaz Bazar corporator Inayat Hussain Mir, along with their associates, joined the Apni Party on the occasion. Welcoming the new entrants, Bukhari said the Apni Party belonged to the people and was committed to serving them. He said the continued joining of new members reflected growing recognition of the partys commitment to public issues. Expressing concern over what he described as the pathetic condition of Srinagar, Bukhari said traditional political parties had repeatedly secured the citys mandate but failed to provide adequate development, infrastructure and civic amenities. He alleged that the people of Srinagar had endured decades of neglect and political exploitation, particularly since 1990. Referring to the 2024 elections, he said voters had once again been deceived by promises that had not been fulfilled. Bukhari also criticised the Peoples Democratic Party, saying people had initially viewed it as an alternative to the National Conferences dynastic politics, but it too eventually became a family-based party. Calling for dialogue between the Centre and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, Bukhari said young people primarily wanted dignity and adequate livelihood opportunities. He said the Centre needed to understand the regions ground realities and take concrete measures to create employment and economic opportunities for youth. Asked about reports regarding National Conference MP Aga Ruhullahs possible resignation from the party and Lok Sabha, Bukhari declined to comment, saying it would be premature to do so. He, however, said Ruhullah appeared to have realised that the ruling NC had failed to deliver effective governance and fulfil its electoral promises. Bukhari said the NCs biggest failure was its inability to implement the promises contained in its election manifesto.

No material to prove Thaman was paid 10 lakh to compose TVK song, Vijay tells Madras High Court

Makes the submission in an application filed for rejecting the election petition challenging his victory from Perambur constituency

Sakeena calls for public-private health partnerships

Srinagar, Aug 29: Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on saturday inaugurated the Department of Radiology, including CT Scan, along with the Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology and Medical Oncology at Imam Hussain Multispecialty Hospital, Hamdania Colony, Bemina, Srinagar. The newly operationalised services mark a significant step towards expanding access to specialised and affordable healthcare facilities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the Imam Hussain Hospital Foundation for its sustained contribution to the healthcare sector and for providing medical services on a no-profit, no-loss basis. The hospital, which has been functioning since 1990, has progressively expanded from its initial healthcare initiatives, including a Blood Bank, into a multispecialty healthcare institution offering a range of specialised medical and surgical services. The Minister said that strengthening diagnostic and specialised treatment facilities closer to the people is essential for ensuring timely intervention and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for advanced healthcare. The hospital authorities informed that during 2025-26, the institution provided OPD services to approximately 20,000 patients. Around 700 surgical procedures, including major oncology surgeries, were also performed during the last 14 months. The hospital further conducted approximately 2,500 dialysis sessions, while around 500 dialysis sessions were provided free of cost to patients before the hospital was linked with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). The hospital is presently providing services through multiple speciality departments at affordable and subsidised rates, with particular focus on patients from economically weaker sections. A number of surgical procedures have also been undertaken free of cost for underprivileged patients. The Minister underscored the importance of partnerships between the public and non-profit healthcare sectors in strengthening the overall health ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the availability of modern diagnostic, cardiac and oncology services under one roof would provide greater convenience and timely care to patients. She expressed hope that the newly inaugurated facilities would further enhance the hospitals capacity to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services to the people.