Over the course of April 2000 to March 2026, Mauritius accounted for $186 billion of FDI, which is nearly a quarter of the total FDI that entered the country during that period.
Rupee gains 9 paise to 95.65 against U.S. dollar in early trade
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 95.69, then rose to 95.65, higher by 9 paise from its previous close
Why are close to 1.08 crore voters staring at mass exclusion? | Decode Karnataka
1,07,96,415 crore, that is the number of voters facing possible exclusion from the Karnatakas electoral rolls.
Centre denies permission for Telangana CM Revanth Reddys U.S. visit
The State government was informed of the denial of permission for the U.S. visit after the official delegation had already reached the U.K.
Student well-being in India declines sharply through senior school years, finds study
According to the findings of the study, sleep declined steadily and sharply as students moved into higher grades; the grade-level trend showed a deterioration in sleep as academic pressure increased.
Why are some Americans destroying Flock cameras? | Explained
Flock, the maker and operator of surveillance cameras and license plate readers, has come under fire as critics accuse it of surveilling Americans and not doing enough to curtail abuse
Going viral: Slogans that built solidarity during freedom struggle
With the internet nowhere in sight, Indias independence struggle across the countrys different parts harmonised via slogans. Anyone could shout these watchwords, anyone could understand them, and so everyone did.
Column by Devdutt Pattanaik | The most Indian leaf is imported
Tambula came from Southeast Asia, but is now such an intrinsic part of the country that no Hindu ceremony is considered complete without it
Directed by Ambiecka Pandit and written by Amita Vyas, the film also stars Barun Sobti and Anshumaan Pushkar in pivotal roles
We are not going to ask you who the Father of the Nation is... We are not going to ask you who was Indias first Prime Minister... We are not going to ask you when India became a republic either... This is not your routine Independence Day quiz.
Sweet songs of freedom: How poetry stirred a nation to fight for its rights
Before speeches filled stadiums and hashtags flooded social media, songs carried the dream of freedom from one voice to another. Discover how music and poetry united a nation and continue to inspire generations today.
How media helped create the idea of a free India
Newspapers and journalists played an instrumental role in Indias freedom movement, not just by giving people news, but also by turning into their voices. They encouraged dialogue and arguments and got people on board to the idea of envisioning themselves free from foreign rule. Here are a few quick capsules that take us through more than 150 years, highlighting notable newspapers and journalists and how they contributed to the overall cause
Nil Darpan to Nabanna: The role of theatre in freedom struggle
The arrival of the British in India changed theatre from a form of entertainment to a powerful space which saw colonial influence, political resistance, and cultural change.
At 55, the writer uses artificial intelligence deliberately letting it take over the repetitive work but not surrendering her skills and creativity
Interview | Tishani Doshis poems ofdisbelief in her new book, Egrets, While War
The poems explore grief and conflict via the imagery of birds, says the writer and dancer
South Asians are missing from global health databases: why this matters and what needs to change
Advances in AI are allowing scientists to mine vast amounts of genomic data to detect disease earlier, predict risk and tailor treatments to individuals. But at the heart of this lies an old, constant problem the data used to build these tools lack diversity. South Asian scientists now want to build their own tools
How Gaganyaans thermal protection system will survive re-entry | Explained
Why does Gaganyaan need a thermal protection system? How does its ablative heat shield work?
Unexplained lumps and what you should do about them
Sarcomas, rare types of cancer, can often first appear as seemingly harmless lumps. Some are even operated on before a diagnosis is properly established. But a first operation performed without sarcoma-specific planning can make subsequent treatment more extensive
Anthropic plans to change enterprise data retention policy, source says
Anthropic had said in June it would require 30-day retention of all enterprise customer traffic on its more powerful Fable and Mythos models
Digitising Kannada: A work in progress
From electronic typesetting to ASCII-based proprietary fonts to Unicode to AI-enabled translation, Kannada has come a long way in its digital journey. But Indian languages face unique challenges in todays fast-evolving tech landscape, writes Shilpa Elizabeth
Sibal asks Shah if Modi as CM, Vajpayee as PM sang full version of Vande Mataram
Mr. Sibal questioned if the BJP leaders who did not sing the full version of Vande Mataram were also anti-national
AI reshapes India's IT services sector contracts as clients demand more for less
Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech and Cognizant are rejigging business models, increasingly tying fees to performance outcomes instead of hours worked
Eight injured as crane topples onto houses in Mumbais Kurla
According to the BMCs Sion Hospital, six injured persons have been admitted and all are in stable condition
A secular republics sacrilege problem
Punjabs new sacrilege law has reignited debate over the criminalisation of religious offence in a secular state; its definition of sacrilege extends beyond physical desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib to words, signs and representations, bringing expressive conduct within the scope of the law
Tata Motors to hike car prices by Rs 25,000; joins Maruti, Hyundai as costs hurt pockets
Tata Motors will increase prices for its cars and SUVs by up to Rs 25,000. This price adjustment will affect both internal combustion engine and electric vehicle models. The company cites rising input and commodity costs as the primary reason for this decision. This move follows similar announcements made by other major automobile manufacturers. The price revision aims to partially offset increased operational expenses for the automaker.
42-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Srinagars Dughwan Forest
Srinagar, Aug 21 : The body of a 42-year-old man was recovered from the Dughwan forest area on the outskirts of Srinagar early Friday morning, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the mans body was found in the Dughwan forest area and was taken to PHC Harwan, where doctors declared him brought dead. He said the body was later shifted to SMHS Hospital for further medical examination. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Lateef (42), son of Mohammad Aalam, a resident of Thugla in Rajouri district. Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated and further proceedings in the matter are underway.(KNO)
Poet Ashutosh Parida to get this years prestigious Sarala Puraskar
His poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi, published by Prabha Publication in year 2024 was adjudged as inspiring compendium by IMPaCT.
Mystery about discovery of tunnel sparks excitement in 500-year-old Golconda Fort in Hyderabad
The Golconda Fort is a multi-layered fort that dates back to the Kakatiya and Qutb Shahi dynasties. There have been rumours about secret tunnels and passages connecting the fort to various parts of Hyderabad including Charminar, Goshamahal, Chowmahalla Palace and Naubat Pahad.
Himachal Pradesh bans sale of synthetic paneer as genuine dairy paneer
The News Mill
DC Anantnag reviews AgriStack Progress, Directs Time-Bound completion
Anantnag, Aug 20: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, IAS, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of AgriStack implementation and other digital agriculture initiatives across the district. The meeting was attended by both Additional Deputy Commissioners, ACR, SDMs, Tehsildars and other concerned officers. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress achieved in digitisation, AgriStack implementation and Farmer ID generation. He stressed the need for close coordination among revenue officials, field functionaries and agriculture officers to address bottlenecks and ensure the timely completion of pending work. The DC directed the concerned officers to expedite the process and set time-bound targets for achieving 100 per cent saturation of farmer profiles. He also called for intensified Farmer ID registration through village-level camps, along with daily monitoring to maintain the quality and accuracy of the data. The meeting was informed that the implementation of AgriStack has been taken up in mission mode, with the district administration and field functionaries working in a coordinated manner to meet the assigned targets within the stipulated timelines. Out of a total of 5,02,985 entries pertaining to the district, 3,04,720 entries have been completed so far, representing approximately 60.5 per cent progress. The completed entries are being processed through the prescribed three-tier mechanism of submission, verification and approval. The Deputy Commissioner placed particular emphasis on quality control, directing officials to ensure thorough verification and accuracy of records before their incorporation into the system. He stressed that reliable and accurate data is essential for the effective delivery of digital agriculture services. Meanwhile, more than 84 Farmer ID registration camps are currently operational across the district, through which 2,830 registrations have been completed so far. Field teams are continuing their efforts to accelerate the registration process and facilitate greater farmer participation. The district administration has also undertaken awareness and mobilisation activities in coordination with various departments and field functionaries. These efforts are aimed at sensitising farmers about the importance of Farmer IDs and encouraging them to complete their registration at the earliest. Reiterating the administration's commitment to speed, accuracy and quality, the DC directed all concerned to maintain close monitoring and ensure that the assigned targets are achieved within the prescribed timelines. At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Bhat said that AgriStack would serve as an important foundation for modernising the agricultural sector and would provide significant benefits to the farming community by enabling more efficient and targeted delivery of farmer-centric services.
Director NIT Srinagar visits key sections, reviews Mega Hostel work
Srinagar, Aug 20: Director, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, on Thursday visited various administrative and academic sections of the Institute and interacted with faculty and staff members. During his interactions, he took feedback from the staff regarding the functioning of their respective sections and emphasised the importance of coordination, efficiency and timely disposal of work. The Director also visited the Counselling Cell, where the ongoing undergraduate (UG) admission process is being conducted. He reviewed the arrangements made for students and their parents and interacted with the officials involved in the admission process. Prof. Misra appreciated the arrangements put in place by Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Bashir Ahmad Mir and his team for ensuring a smooth and systematic admission process. He also appreciated the efforts of the officials and staff engaged in admission-related duties and stressed the importance of providing all possible assistance to students and parents visiting the institute. The Director also reviewed the ongoing work on the Mega Hostel project. He took an update on the progress of the construction and related works and directed the concerned officials to ensure timely completion of the remaining work. Prof. Misra stressed that the hostel facility is important for strengthening student infrastructure at the Institute and called for close monitoring of the work to ensure that the project is completed at the earliest. He also directed the concerned officers to maintain coordination among different agencies and sections involved in the project and ensure that any pending issues are addressed promptly. Registrar NIT Srinagar Prof. Atikur Rehman and Deputy Registrar (Administration) accompanied the Director during the visit. Later, Prof. Misra was also briefed about the Institutes NBA accreditation, NIRF ranking, digital infrastructure and other key institutional initiatives and achievements. He took feedback on the ongoing efforts towards strengthening the institutes academic, administrative and technological infrastructure. Earlier Director also planted a sapling on the Institute campus, underlining the importance of environmental sustainability and green initiatives.
Gandhi's daily notes on truth, ahimsa fetch record Rs 16.2 crore at auction
Gandhis daily notes on truth ahimsa fetch record Rs crore at auction
KUs EMMRC begins 2-day orientation programme on MOOCs
Srinagar Aug 20: The Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC), University of Kashmir (KU), commenced a two-day orientation programme on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) aimed at familiarising academics with digital learning platforms and encouraging greater integration, visibility and enrollment of MOOCs in higher education. Titled Promoting MOOCs in Higher Education: Integration, Visibility and Enrollment, the programme brought together faculty members from universities and colleges across Kashmir. It seeks to strengthen the capacity of teachers to develop and engage with digital learning resources and platforms, while promoting wider access to quality education beyond conventional classroom spaces. In her message Vice Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, emphasised the importance of embracing digital transformation in higher education and highlighted the role of MOOCs in expanding access to quality learning and strengthening the academic ecosystem. MOOCs have emerged as an important instrument for widening access to quality education and connecting learners with knowledge beyond geographical and institutional boundaries. As higher education continues to evolve with technology and AI, it is important that our teachers and institutions remain prepared to embrace these changes and make meaningful use of digital platforms, she said. Speaking on the inaugural session, Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, stressed on the need for academic institutions to focus on developing human resources capable of competing at the international level. Initiatives like MOOCs provide us an opportunity to take education to everyone. It provides us an opportunity to build human resources that are digitally equipped, globally competitive and prepared for the changing demands of education, he said. In his remarks Registrar, KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, highlighted the valuable role of EMMRC in strengthening digital education at the University and encouraged faculty members to make greater use of the Centres expertise and resources. Speaking on the occasion, Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Wilayat Hussain Razvi, highlighted the digital education initiatives of the Ministry of Education and the changing role of teachers in the digital learning landscape. Senior Producer, EMMRC KU, Shafqut Habib, shared his experiences in MOOC production and highlighted the Centres contribution to digital learning initiatives. Earlier Director, EMMRC, KU, Prof. Syeda Afshana, in her welcome address, emphasised the importance of taking education beyond conventional classroom spaces and described the programme as a beginning towards greater academic interaction and collaboration. Prof Afshana, who recently took over the role of the Director EMMRC KU, stressed on the importance of human resource management in the contemporary times. There is now new technology, challenges, opportunities, and AI. However, we must remember that the most valuable is our human resource, and we must know how to nurture and manage it effectively, she said. The two-day programme features ten technical sessions led by resource persons from within and outside EMMRC, covering diverse aspects of digital learning, MOOC development, integration, visibility and outreach.
IUST invites researchers, academicians to participate in J&K Science Congress 2026
Awantipora, Aug 20: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Govt. of J&K, will host Jammu & Kashmir Science Congress 2026 from Sept 29 to Oct 1, 2026, at the University campus. The Congress, titled Science, Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable and Viksit J&K, will bring together researchers, innovators, policymakers, industry representatives, and students from across the country to explore emerging scientific and technological solutions for sustainable development. More than 500 scientists and researchers are expected to participate in the Congress. The Congress invites researchers, academicians and scientific professionals to actively participate and contribute their research and perspectives to the deliberations. The event will feature plenary lectures by eminent scientists, technical sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, start-up showcases, innovation displays and policy dialogues, providing opportunities for meaningful academic and professional engagement. The thematic tracks cover a broad range of contemporary areas, including Advanced Materials, Nanoscience and Sustainable Manufacturing; Drug Discovery, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Healthcare Innovations; AI, Data Science and Emerging Digital Technologies; Biotechnology and Bioeconomy; Sustainable Energy and Himalayan Ecosystem Resilience; Water Security and Earth System Sciences; Science, Society and Sustainable Development; Science Communication, Media and Public Engagement; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Humanities, Ethics and Emerging Technologies; Sustainable Food Processing; Smart Engineering Systems and Industry 5.0; Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences; and Natural Sciences, Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Sustainability. A dedicated school-level science outreach programme will further engage young learners through competitions, exhibitions, poster and model presentations, and other interactive activities, encouraging scientific curiosity and innovation among school students across Jammu & Kashmir.
CS reviews administrative reforms; launches online DPC Portal to fast-track promotions
Srinagar, Aug 20: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the functioning and performance of the Administrative Reforms, Inspections (ARI) & Trainings Department, with a focus on key governance and administrative reform initiatives, including finalization of Recruitment Rules, cadre restructuring, resolution of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) issues, and operational efficiency of the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) and Government Press. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, ARI & Trainings Department; Chairperson, J&K BOPEE; General Manager, Government Press; and other senior officers. Issuing directions for expediting the ongoing reforms, the Chief Secretary called for smooth and time-bound operationalisation of the online DPC Portal, besides ensuring swift completion of Recruitment Rules for all departments and their respective services. He stressed that the digital mechanisms should translate into tangible improvements in administrative efficiency and timely disposal of service-related matters. Dulloo directed that a comprehensive mechanism be devised to ensure filling up of all available seats/vacancies in professional courses through BOPEE, to achieve optimum utilization of the infrastructure, faculty and other resources available in institutions of higher learning across the Union Territory. The Chief Secretary thereafter took a detailed live demonstration of the DPC Portal's end-to-end workflow. Developed through BISAG-N under the supervision of the ARI & Trainings Department, the portal is designed to fully digitize and streamline the process of holding DPCs across the Union Territory, thereby reducing procedural delays and ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in processing promotion cases. During the demonstration, the Chief Secretary reviewed the portals multi-tiered workflow, under which cases move seamlessly through designated administrative levels of Maker, Checker and Approver. He emphasized that the digital platform should help eliminate administrative bottlenecks and facilitate the time-bound conduct of DPCs. The portal has now been formally handed over to the General Administration Department (GAD), which will function as the Super Admin and issue necessary circular instructions for its immediate adoption and onboarding of all Government departments. The meeting was also apprised of the Online Portal for Processing Recruitment Rules, developed in collaboration with BISAG-N. The portal has successfully cleared its security audit through the Information Technology Department, incorporates active SMS alerts, is hosted at the State Data Centre and is being integrated with the e-Office system. Commissioner Secretary, ARI & Trainings, Shabnam Kamili, apprised the meeting of the ongoing modernization of service guidelines. She informed that the Standing Committee has held 61 meetings since January 2024 and has cleared Recruitment Rules for 36 services, while another 13 services have been cleared through Executive Orders. Preliminary meetings have also been concluded for 88 additional services. On human resource optimization, the Commissioner Secretary stated that a structured calendar is being devised for reviewing individual departments with a view to undertaking budget-neutral cadre restructuring and resolving MTS-related issues in consultation with the concerned line departments. The meeting was further informed that the Union Territory's progress under the national iGOT Karmayogi platform has received appreciation from the Capacity Building Commission, Government of India. The ARI & Trainings Department has successfully onboarded participants and trained 222 officers and officials through five intensive one-day Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram batches conducted by certified State Master Trainers. Reviewing the functioning of the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE), the meeting was informed that the Board has transitioned completely to digital operations, with all counselling rounds for the 2026-27 session being conducted through the online e-Counselling platform. An advance examination calendar has also been issued, while examination centres are being expanded beyond Jammu and Srinagar to facilitate students from rural and remote areas. The meeting also reviewed intake trends across various professional courses and noted high seat occupancy in streams including M.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing and CET Engineering. It was observed that the Higher Education Department may engage with AICTE for suitable modifications in course streams in line with emerging market requirements, enabling BOPEE to conduct additional counselling rounds wherever necessary. Taking stock of the functioning of the Government Presses, the meeting was informed that 751 out of 1,146 printing jobs received65.53 per centhave already been executed by the Srinagar and Jammu presses. The two presses have generated combined revenue of Rs 500.78 lakh against a target of Rs 1,300 lakh for the financial year 2026-27. The meeting also deliberated upon several pending administrative matters, including the proposed constitution of the J&K Administrative Reforms Commission, delegation of powers to the Director, Press; recovery of Rs 12.50 crore in outstanding printing charges from various departments; and the possibility of outsourcing heavy printing workloads to ensure uninterrupted operations of the Government Press.
No intel failure, according to Tynsong as Govt tries to restore order
Shillong, Aug 20:Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home portfolio, today rejected allegations of an intelligence failure over the violence during the Khasi Students Union (KSU) rally in Shillong yesterday, saying that permission was granted based on assurances that the protest would remain peaceful. There was no such failure, Tynsong said, backing the [] The post No intel failure, according to Tynsong as Govt tries to restore order first appeared on Highland Post .
Meghalaya-Assam travel opens up following Govt cooperation
Shillong, Aug 20:Traffic movement along the Shillong-Guwahati National Highway was restored on Thursday evening after Meghalaya and Assam authorities intervened to resolve blockades reported at Jorabat and Khanapara, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said. Tynsong said the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of both states were in touch throughout the day and eventually resolved the [] The post Meghalaya-Assam travel opens up following Govt cooperation first appeared on Highland Post .
DC revokes permission for sit-in today
Shillong, Aug 20:East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal informed today that permission for a sit-in demonstration by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) on Friday will be cancelled in light of yesterdays violence during a rally through the city streets. The KSU had sought permission for yesterdays rally as well as a march from Jaiaw [] The post DC revokes permission for sit-in today first appeared on Highland Post .
Arrests will strengthen our resolve: Lambok
Shillong, Aug 20:The Khasi Students Union (KSU) today said that the arrest of its three top leaders late on Wednesday night will not pour cold water on their spirit but will add more fire to the unions resolve. The KSU does not consist of only these three leaders, there are other central executive committee members [] The post Arrests will strengthen our resolve: Lambok first appeared on Highland Post .
Peaceful protest the way to go: Ardent
Shillong, Aug 20:Voice of the People Party (VPP) President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit today said that non-violent agitation is far more effective, as violent protests allow the government to hide behind law-and-order concerns and divert attention away from genuine public demands. In a video statement on Thursday, Basaiawmoit said unrest breeds fear, invites condemnation and allows [] The post Peaceful protest the way to go: Ardent first appeared on Highland Post .
Citizen orgs slam violence; pressure groups more worried by action on KSU
Shillong, Aug 20:Different civil organisations have expressed deep concern over the violence yesterday that accompanied a bike rally organised by the Khasi Students Union (KSU), which resulted in damage to property and injuries to 16 innocent bystanders. Some groups, who broadly share the KSUs ideology and aims, were also troubled by the way the police [] The post Citizen orgs slam violence; pressure groups more worried by action on KSU first appeared on Highland Post .
Shylla urges NEIGRIHMS to become Meghalaya
Shillong, Aug 20:Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Wednesday visited NEIGRIHMS and called for urgent measures to make the institute the primary referral centre for patients from the state. Chairing a meeting with NEIGRIHMS administration and senior health department officials, Shylla said while the institute has state-of-the-art facilities, local patients were not utilising multi-specialty services optimally. [] The post Shylla urges NEIGRIHMS to become Meghalayas first-choice referral centre first appeared on Highland Post .
Mumbai Police bust interstate racket supplying 25.45 crore mule accounts for cyber fraud
According to the police, the three agents who would prepare these mule account kits were from Madhya Pradesh.
By Benjamin Lyngdoh According to National Skill Development Mission under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India, less than 3%of the workforce in India has been exposed to formal skill training as compared to 68% in the UK, 75% in Germany, 52% in USA, 80% in Japan, and 96% in South Korea. This [] The post Gen Z Job Market Some Musings first appeared on Highland Post .
Government allows duty-free import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar until October 31
To control prices, the government imposed a stockholding limit on bulk consumers using more than 10 tonnes of sugar a month
Bombay High Court refuses to condone 650-day delay in appeal against acquittal
A Single-Judge Bench of Justice Mahendra Nerlikar at the Nagpur seat imposed costs of 50,000 on the Anti Corruption Bureau, Yavatmal district, while refusing to entertain the State's appeal.
IGEL Brings Now & Next Workspace & Endpoint Security Summit to Melbourne, Australia
IGEL Brings Now & Next Workspace & Endpoint Security Summit to Melbourne, Australia
NagaWorld Earns Great Place To Work Certification in 2026 with an Outstanding 97% Trust Index Score
NagaWorld Earns Great Place To Work Certification in 2026 with an Outstanding 97% Trust Index Score
Over 11.18 lakh permanent houses to be built in Bihar under PMAY-G, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan
The Grih Pravesh ceremony for 2.35 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas units was completed in the 2026-27 financial year; house keys to beneficiaries and sanction letters to newly selected beneficiaries distributed
South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy says mulling US shipyard investment
South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd said in a regulatory filing on Friday it is considering various measures for U.S. shipbuilding participation, including acquiring U.S. shipyards or taking a stake
Black dust chokes lives in Visakhapatnam
For residents of the One Town area, pollution is no longer an occasional problem but an everyday reality, with black dust settling on homes, vehicles and streets and concerns mounting over its impact on health. From the port-adjoining lanes of the Old City to parts of Gajuwaka, residents say that coal and iron ore dust, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution have made the air a persistent source of fear, writes Harish Gilai.
Manifesting Modis mantra in Muzaffarnagar
Cultivating harmony in the sugarcane bowl, philanthropist Ameer Ahamed empowers Muslim youth by anchoring modern education in theological values
Congress MLAs boycott first days proceedings at Rajasthan Assembly monsoon session
The Congress MLAs staged a dharna outside the Assembly, protesting school entry restrictions and demanding Education Minister Madan Dilawars resignation
BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleges caste discrimination at Uttar Pradesh temple event
The MLA urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take notice of the incident.
Jailed Pakistan ex-PMImran Khan moved to hospital after court order, his party says
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad following Supreme Court order, confirms Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
Rybakina retires from Cincinnati clash with Swiatek
Rybakina's injury coming 10 days before the U.S. Open begins sends Swiatek into a Cincinnati semi-final with third-seeded Jessica Pegula, who defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4).
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Tharoor calls new Parliament building 'soulless conference centre', lacking in intimacy
There is a sort of distancing, which almost seems to be a metaphor for the polarisation of our politics, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor
Five years after Taliban takeover, life in Afghanistan marred by many struggles
While the Taliban have retained power, a weak economy, suffocating restrictions on women, international isolation and growing tensions with Pakistan remain key challenges; widespread poverty, unemployment and dependence on humanitarian assistance are the reality for millions
PM Modi Says Data Is A National Asset, Urges Secretaries To Break Silos And Use AI Wisely
On artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister called for its effective use in governance, while making clear that human intervention and judgement must remain central to [] The post PM Modi Says Data Is A National Asset, Urges Secretaries To Break Silos And Use AI Wisely appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Casteist Slur Behind Closed Doors Not Enough For SC/ST Act, Rules Supreme Court On
New Delhi, Aug 20: The Supreme Court has held that an alleged casteist insult made inside a closed room cannot automatically be treated as an [] The post Casteist Slur Behind Closed Doors Not Enough For SC/ST Act, Rules Supreme Court On Public View Test appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
U.S. pushes allies, China to back Trumps economic war on Iran
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents comments underscored how Mr. Trump is shifting to economic rather than military pressure on Tehran the war drags toward the six-month mark
Investigators probe dramatic midair crash as landing plane hits hovering helicopter
Investigators are trying to understand why a small plane crashed into a hovering Pennsylvania State Police helicopter
Gen Alpha rises, one school at a time
Inspired by Gen Z protests, students are now questioning their education leaders. Around 300 girls protested, forcing the administration to reconsider their schools merger with a distant institution
Rising Autoz brings premium two-wheelers to Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 20: Rising Autoz, a new two-wheeler showroom offering a wide range of premium and iconic brands, was inaugurated in Srinagar onThursday, with Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari asthe chief guest. Chairman of the Hotelier ClubMushtaq Chaya attended the inaugural function as the special guest, while SSP Traffic Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Bhat was the guest of honour. The inauguration was attended by a galaxy of prominent personalities, including Syed Ashiq Bukhari, JunaidQureshi, Editor-in-Chief KNSMuhammad Aslam and prominent journalists representing various media organisations. Piaggios Networking Head Gaetano Pignataro also graced the occasion, along with other senior officials and staff members of the company. Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Ayaz Hafiz Gani, whois also the owner ofRising Autoz, welcomed the guests and thanked them for joining the inauguration of the new venture. Rising Autoz offers customers a diverse range of two-wheelers, including Aprilia 125 and 175 models, besides the legendary Vespa and other Piaggio offerings. The showroom aims to provide customers in Kashmir access to a wider choice of stylish, modern and premium two-wheelers under one roof. Speaking on the occasion, Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari termed the launch of Rising Autoz a welcome development for Kashmir and congratulated Ayaz Hafiz Gani on the new venture. Rising Autoz is a welcome addition to the business landscape of Kashmir. Such ventures are important not only for providing people with quality products and services but also for creating employment opportunities for our youth. I congratulate the entire team of Rising Autoz and wish the venture great success, Bukhari said. Hesaid thegrowthofprivate enterprise and entrepreneurshipwasessential for strengthening the local economy and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Mushtaq Chaya welcomed the launch of Rising Autoz, describing it as a positive step towards expanding the automobile and mobility sector in Kashmir. Rising Autoz is a promising venture, and I am confident that it will establish itself as a trusted name among customers. I congratulate Ayaz Hafiz Gani and his team on this new beginning and wish Rising Autoz tremendous success in the years ahead, Chaya said. SSP Traffic Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Bhat extended his best wishes to the management and team of Rising Autoz on the occasion. The presence of leading media personalities, business figures and distinguished guests added further significance to the inauguration, marking the beginning of what the management described as a new journey in Kashmirs two-wheeler market. Rising Autoz management said the showroom would focus on providing customers with a quality buying experience, a diverse product range and professional after-sales support.
The Man Who Still Repairs Time In Srinagar
In the old lanes of Fateh Kadal in Srinagar, Mohammad Shafi Zargar sits at his workbench surrounded by watches. Some are ticking, some have stopped, while others are waiting to be brought back to life. For more than five decades, Zargar has worked with these tiny timepieces, carefully opening them, examining their delicate mechanisms and repairing them by hand. Zargar learned the craft from his father when he was young. What began as a skill passed down through the family eventually became his profession and livelihood. There was a time when his small shop remained busy, with customers bringing everything from ordinary wristwatches to branded timepieces for repairs. A broken watch was rarely something people simply threw away. They repaired it, preserved it and often kept it for years. Today, there is hardly any work. Earlier, this profession was doing very well, but now it does not. No one would prefer this work today, and my children will not take it up either, because there is no livelihood in it anymore, Zargar says. His words reflect the struggle of a craft that once provided a dependable livelihood but is now slowly losing its place in everyday life. The rise of smartphones, smartwatches and modern gadgets has changed the way people keep track of time. A phone is now enough to tell the time, while smartwatches offer a range of features that traditional watches cannot. As technology moved forward, the demand for traditional watch repair gradually declined. Today, much of Zargars work is limited to changing cells, repairing straps and carrying out minor fixes. The complicated mechanical repairs that once kept him busy have become increasingly rare, and the steady flow of customers has slowed. For Zargar, the decline is not only about fewer customers. It is also about the future of a profession that once supported families. He knows that the work can no longer provide the kind of income it once did. His children, he says, are unlikely to follow in his footsteps because there is little financial security in the trade. Yet Zargar continues to return to his shop every day. His hands still move carefully over tiny mechanisms, just as they have for decades. He continues to repair whatever comes his way, even if the work now comes only occasionally. His story is not simply about an old watchmaker struggling to find customers. It is about a traditional skill slowly disappearing in a world where repairing has increasingly given way to replacing. A watch that once stayed with a person for years can now be discarded or replaced when it stops working, while newer devices constantly take its place. Inside Zargars shop, however, time still has an older meaning. Every watch on his table carries a history, a gift, a memory, a family connection or simply a reminder of another time. For him, repairing these watches is not just about fixing a mechanism; it is the work he has known for most of his life. With smartphones and smartwatches dominating the way people keep track of time, Zargar remains in the old lanes of Fateh Kadal, surrounded by ticking clocks and tiny tools. His profession may no longer provide the livelihood it once did, but for now, he continues to keep these old watches running even as the craft itself slowly runs out of time.
Praggnanandhaa finishes second in Sinquefield Cup
After a tie-break loss to Wesley So, Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa finishes second in the Sinquefield Cup
Union Cabinet approves High Court Bench in Ladakh
Leh, Aug 20: In a significant decision aimed at strengthening access to justice in the Union Territory, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the setting up of a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh. The decision is being described as a major step towards addressing the long-standing demand for greater access to judicial services in the geographically vast and difficult terrain of Ladakh. The establishment of a High Court bench in the Union Territory is expected to reduce the time, distance and logistical difficulties faced by residents seeking legal remedies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had decided to establish the High Court bench in Ladakh. He said the move would significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of the Union Territory by reducing the time required to avail themselves of legal services to which they are entitled. Shah said the Centre remains fully committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards for its people. The decision assumes particular significance for Ladakh, where scattered settlements, long distances and challenging geographical conditions have historically made access to institutions, including judicial services, more difficult for people living in remote and far-flung areas. Welcoming the Union Cabinet decision, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for what he termed a historic decision. Saxena said the establishment of a High Court bench in Ladakh would not only facilitate speedy justice but would also reaffirm the government's commitment to the overall development of the Union Territory and to fulfilling the long-standing collective aspirations of its people. The move is expected to bring judicial services closer to the people of Ladakh and strengthen the institutional framework of the Union Territory. It is also likely to ease the burden on litigants who otherwise have to undertake lengthy journeys to access higher judicial forums. The announcement comes amid the Centre's continued focus on strengthening administrative and constitutional mechanisms in Ladakh following its creation as a Union Territory. The establishment of the High Court bench is being viewed as another important step towards building stronger governance and public institutions closer to the people. For residents of Leh, Kargil and remote parts of the Union Territory, the decision is expected to have a direct impact on access to justice, particularly for litigants who face difficulties travelling long distances due to terrain, weather and limited connectivity.
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Punjab delegation calls on LG Sinha
Jammu, Aug 20: A public delegation from Punjab, led by S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Member of Legislative Assembly from Ajnala, Amritsar, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday and briefed him on recurring monsoon overflows from the Ujh River affecting several parts of Punjab. The delegation requested the Lieutenant Governor to take up the matter with the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Jal Shakti for construction of a suitable dam or reservoir project on River Ujh, or any other technically feasible flood-moderation measure, after undertaking a comprehensive feasibility study and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The delegation highlighted that such a project could help regulate and maintain the flow of River Ujh and mitigate flood situations in several districts of Punjab, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Amritsar, particularly Ajnala Sub-Division. It was further submitted that besides flood management, a reservoir project could facilitate the storage of excess monsoon water for future use, while also offering potential for hydroelectric power generation and promoting tourism, water-sports and recreational activities in the area. The delegation said the proposed intervention could contribute to long-term water management, strengthen flood resilience and support sustainable economic development in the region. The Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation that the issue would be given due consideration and taken up with the concerned authorities for technical evaluation.
Wildlife Dept to introduce non-lethal methods to reduce human-animal conflict
Srinagar, Aug 20: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kashmir, the Wildlife Department is set to introduce new methods to deter wild animals from entering residential areas amid the growing instances of human-wildlife conflict across the valley. The department plans to use a range of non-lethal deterrent techniques, including playing music, using devices or sticks capable of producing a mild electric current, and pepper spray, to drive wild animals away from populated areas without causing them harm. Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva told Rising Kashmir that the department is preparing to introduce these methods as part of its efforts to strengthen preventive measures and reduce encounters between humans and wild animals. He said the new techniques would provide people with additional means to protect themselves when wild animals venture close to residential areas. The department is also planning to provide some of these deterrent instruments to local residents in vulnerable areas so that they can use them during emergencies and keep themselves safe until wildlife response teams reach the spot. The move comes amid an increase in reports of wild animals, particularly bears, entering residential areas and posing a threat to people. Wildlife officials have been receiving a large number of distress calls related to animal movement and human-wildlife encounters across Kashmir. Deva said the objective is to prevent animals from entering human habitations through safe and non-lethal methods rather than resorting to measures that could injure or kill the animals. The proposed measures are expected to complement the department's existing response mechanism, under which specialised teams are deployed to respond to distress calls and drive wild animals back into their natural habitats. Officials believe that involving local communities in the prevention mechanism could help residents respond more effectively when wild animals are spotted near homes, agricultural fields or other populated areas. The department is likely to identify vulnerable locations and train residents on the safe use of the equipment before distributing the instruments. The initiative assumes significance as expanding human settlements, increased human activity near forest areas and shrinking natural spaces have contributed to more frequent encounters between people and wildlife in several parts of Kashmir. Wildlife officials have maintained that people should avoid approaching, chasing or provoking wild animals and instead immediately alert the department so that trained personnel can handle the situation. The new deterrent measures, officials said, are aimed at creating a safer buffer between wildlife and human settlements while ensuring that animals are driven away without causing unnecessary harm.
Modern mechanised abattoir to come up in Sgr
Srinagar, Aug 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 25.87 crore state-of-the-art mechanized Abattoir here at Allochi Bagh, marking a significant step towards establishing a regulated, hygienic and scientifically managed meat-processing facility for Srinagar city. The constructionofmodern mechanised Sheep & Goat Abattoir in Srinagar City includes Testing & Commissioning on EPC Mode under CAPEX/SASCI. CM Abdullah said the modern abattoir would mark an important step towards bringing Srinagars meat-processing infrastructure in line with contemporary standards. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, MLA, Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Fazl ul Haseeb and other concerned officers were present on the occasion. The proposed abattoir will have a processing capacity of approximately 5,000 sheep and goats per day, making it one of the largest dedicated mechanized sheep and goat abattoirs in the country. The facility will incorporate modern mechanised systems covering slaughtering, carcass handling, processing, chilling, cold storage, sanitation, by-product management and other allied operations. Commissioner SMC briefed the Chief Minister that the project is aimed at substantially improving meat hygiene and food safety, ensuring safer working conditions, strengthening veterinary and quality-control mechanisms and establishing a regulated, efficient and scientifically managed slaughtering system for Srinagar city. A key feature of the project is its emphasis on environmental safeguards and scientific waste management. The facility will incorporate a bio-digestion system and an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to scientifically treat organic waste and wastewater generated during operations. These systems will help reduce the organic pollution load, control foul odour, facilitate resource recovery and enable reuse of treated water for suitable non-potable purposes. The project, once completed, is envisaged as a state-of-the-art mechanized abattoir and a significant urban infrastructure initiative for Srinagar, bringing modern standards of hygiene, food safety, animal handling, waste management and environmental protection to the citys meat-processing sector.
J&K sets up State Control Room to enforce Single-Use Plastic ban
Srinagar, Aug 20: In a major push to curb plastic pollution and strengthen enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUP), the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has established a State Control Room (SCR) that will serve as the central monitoring and coordination mechanism for implementing the ban across the Union Territory. According to an official order available with Rising Kashmir, the State Control Room has been constituted in line with the decisions of the National Task Force taken during its third meeting held on June 26, 2022. The control room has become operational with immediate effect. The initiative marks a significant shift from merely imposing restrictions to ensuring effective enforcement through a dedicated institutional mechanism. Officials believe the facility will improve coordination among enforcement agencies, urban local bodies, district administrations and pollution control authorities whileensuringfaster response to complaints and violations. As per the official order, the State Control Room will provide assistance, guidance, clarification and information to citizens, industries and other stakeholders on all aspects of the single-use plastic ban. This includes details about items covered under and excluded from the ban, availability of environmentally friendly alternatives in Jammu and Kashmir, and guidance on filing complaints through the SUP Public Grievance App and using the SUP Compliance Monitoring Portal, the order reads. The control room will also assist plastic producers and manufacturers on issues relating to consent, registration, regulatory compliance, closure procedures and non-renewal of permissions. It will further facilitate compostable plastic manufacturers by providing information on certification procedures, testing facilities and approved manufacturing standards. Besides offering technical and regulatory support, the order states that the State Control Room will continuously monitor enforcement of the ban through concerned stakeholders and coordinate awareness campaigns to encourage a transition towards sustainable alternatives. Officials said the monitoring mechanism is expected to improve surveillance against the manufacture, stocking, transportation, sale and use of prohibited plastic items while enhancing accountability among enforcement agencies. India prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of several identified single-use plastic items from July 1, 2022, under the Plastic Waste Management Rules. The ban covers products such as plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, plates, cups, trays, wrapping films around sweet boxes and invitation cards, earbuds with plastic sticks and several decorative plastic items because of their low utility and high littering potential. The challenge, however, remains enormous. According to figures submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee before the National Green Tribunal, the Union Territory generates around 34,384 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, averaging nearly 2,865 metric tonnes every month. A separate audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that over 2.23 lakh metric tonnes of plastic waste was generated in Jammu and Kashmir between 2017-18 and 2021-22, highlighting the magnitude of the plastic waste management challenge facing the region. Despite the ban, single-use plastic continues to be widely used in markets across Jammu and Kashmir, posing serious environmental challenges. Plastic waste frequently finds its way into rivers, lakes, wetlands and forests, where it remains for decades without decomposing. Over time, it breaks down into microscopic particles known as microplastics, which contaminate drinking water, agricultural soil and the food chain. Environmental experts say the consequences are particularly severe in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. Plastic waste clogs drainage systems, contributes to urban flooding, degrades landscapes, threatens livestock and wildlife, pollutes rivers and wetlands, and adversely affects tourism, one of Jammu and Kashmir's key economic sectors. Kashmir's iconic water bodies, including the Jhelum River, Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Anchar Lake and several wetlands, have repeatedly witnessed accumulation of plastic waste, raising concerns over deteriorating water quality, shrinking aquatic habitats and the long-term health of the Valley's ecosystems. Environmental expert Dr Touseef Bhat described the establishment of the State Control Room as a welcome and timely intervention but stressed that enforcement alone would not be enough. A dedicated State Control Room can significantly improve implementation of the single-use plastic ban by strengthening monitoring and ensuring better coordination among enforcement agencies. However, its success will ultimately depend on consistent enforcement, public participation and easy access to affordable eco-friendly alternatives, he said. He said plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most serious environmental threats facing Jammu and Kashmir. Single-use plastics not only pollute our rivers, lakes and wetlands but also block drainage channels, harm wildlife and eventually break down into microplastics that enter our food and water. Protecting Kashmir's fragile Himalayan ecosystem requires a combination of strict enforcement, behavioural change and sustained public awareness. Every plastic bag avoided today is an investment in the Valley's environmental future, Dr Bhat added. The official order states that the State Control Room is expected to serve as the nerve centre of Jammu and Kashmir's campaign against single-use plastics by facilitating enforcement, resolving stakeholder issues, promoting eco-friendly alternatives and ensuring that the ban translates into tangible environmental gains on the ground.
Border villages are frontline of Indias identity: LG Sinha
Kathua, Aug 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said border villages are not India's last villages but its first villages and the frontline of the nation's identity and development, while handing over benefits under several government schemes to local families and appointment letters to youth. Addressing the residents from six strategic villages under the Vibrant Village Programme-Phase-2 (VVP-2) Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gujjar Chak, Gajnal, Bobiya, and Kadiyala the Lieutenant Governor noted that for decades, the word order carried a sense of distance and these villages were far from the priorities ofgovernance, butunder the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, border villages have been brought into the mainstream of development, adding that when the story of India's development is written, its first chapter should begin in villages like Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gajnal, Bobiya, Kadiyala and Gujjar Chak, where India's border breathes and the tricolour flutters. Highlighting progress since 2019, the LG said that all 216 border villages of Kathua district are now connected by road, with full electrification achieved and telecommunication and television access, once limited, now reaching every household. These figures, he said,are not just numbers and reports but represent real change in people's lives. Sinha shared data highlighting that poverty levels have declined sharply, migration to cities has halved, rural incomes have risen by 30 per cent, employment opportunities have expanded with unemployment reduced to nearly half of earlier levels, and more than 2,000 individual and community bunkers have been constructed for the safety of borderfamilies, addingthat the goal shouldbe that the entire population movesabove the poverty line. The Lieutenant Governor also commended the role of Nari Shakti in transforming border economies, stating that under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, over 1,300 self-help groups have been formed benefiting more than 12,000families, with womenengaged in tailoring, embroidery, crafts, and small enterprises strengthening both household and village economies. He urged the young generation of border villages to dream as big as those in metro cities, noting that government schools now have improved facilities, digital classrooms, vocational training and full academic sessions, adding that this is not a minor change but a generational transformation. The Lieutenant Governor outlined four key resolves for the development of bordervillages self-reliance by connecting villages not just to roads but to markets and promoting horticulture and dairy cooperatives; youth empowerment by creating opportunities in agriculture, tourism, defence-support services, and crafts; improved health facilities by strengthening healthcare and tele-medicine connectivity; and robust security infrastructure by enhancing coordination between civil administration and armedforces, statingthat development and security are not separate goals but two pillars of the same goal, and only a secure village can become a prosperous village,and only prosperous villagescan build a self-reliant and developed India. Sinha called upon the youth and families of Karol Krishna and neighbouring villages to take responsibility for shaping their future, stating that their ancestors held this soil through difficulties for many decades after Independence and now it is their responsibility to take it forward. Resources are now in your hands, and if there is any shortfall anywhere, it will be addressed immediately, he said. The LGsaid the big question is how far they will take their village, whether Karol Krishna will be known only as a border village or as a border village that produces the country's finest youth, andassured all families that the light of development will reach every home. The Vibrant Villages Programme is a national resolve, and border villages will not remain behind, as they are India's 'first name' and the frontline from where India becomes visible, he said. During his visit to the Karol Krishna Border Out Post (BOP), the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the Jawans and commended their steadfast commitment to securing the nation's borders and their exceptional service during Operation Sindoor, emphasising the need for continuous vigilance to disrupt and neutralise any hostile attempts by the enemy. Among those present were Advocate Vijay Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly from Hiranagar; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Asif Jalal, IG BSF; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Mohammad Aijaz, Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua; senior officials and people from different walks of life.
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Forest department holds tribal public darbars in Langate
Handwara, Aug 20: The North Kashmir Forest Circle on Thursday held a series of Tribal Public Darbars in the Rajwar and Mawar ranges of Langate Forest Division to address the concerns of forest-dependent communities at their doorstep. The outreach programme was chaired by Conservator of Forests, North Circle Sopore, Irfan Ali Shah. The meetings were held at Galgaza Zachaldara in Rajwar forests and Reshwari tribal village in Nowgam, Mawar, and witnessed participation from tribal representatives, residents and local stakeholders from Sathkoji, Yemlar, Wadder, Rajpora and adjoining areas. A key issue discussed during the public darbars was the settlement of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The Forest Department assured the tribal communities that their statutory rights would be addressed through a transparent and participatory process. The Conservator listened to the grievances and demands raised by tribal representatives and issued directions to field officers for improving infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in tribal areas. He directed officials to develop eco-tourism facilities in Monbal Mawar and Sathkoji Rajwar, including trekking routes, viewpoints, rain shelters, Forest Rest Houses and eco-parks. Directions were also issued for improving forest infrastructure at Reshwari, Nowgam, and upgrading Kashtawaar Forest Huts on the route to Bungus Valley. The CoF also called for the development of eco-cabins in Bungus Valley. During an inspection of the Model Forest Check Post in Handwara, Shah directed officials to establish a Van Dhan Kendra to provide a dedicated platform for marketing organic and indigenous tribal products. Tribal representatives welcomed the initiative and appreciated the on-the-spot directions issued by the Forest Department, particularly for eco-tourism and walnut-based livelihood programmes. DFO Langate, Ihjaj Pajwari, conducted the proceedings and thanked the tribal communities for their continued support to the department's development programmes. Officials from the Revenue Administration, Forest Protection Force, Tourism Department, Army, and Forest Department also participated in the public darbars.
Antibiotic Resistance: A Silent Crisis That Demands Urgent Public Action
DR ASAD ROUF Antibiotics once transformed modern medicine. They turned infections that were once deadly into treatable conditions and made surgeries, childbirth, cancer care and intensive treatment far safer than before. For decades, these drugs were regarded almost as miracles powerful, reliable and widely available. But that confidence is now under severe strain. Around the world, bacteria are evolving faster than medicine can keep up, and antibiotic resistance is steadily undermining one of the greatest achievements in human health. What was once a medical concern confined to hospitals and laboratories has become a public crisis that affects families, patients, farmers, pharmacists, doctors and policymakers alike. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria adapt in such a way that the medicines designed to kill them no longer work effectively. This does not mean that the body becomes resistant; rather, the germs themselves become stronger, harder to treat and more dangerous. Infections that used to be cured with a simple course of medicine now require stronger drugs, longer treatment, costly tests and, in some cases, hospital admission. In the worst cases, they may become untreatable altogether. The danger lies not only in the spread of resistant bacteria, but in the gradual normalisation of their presence. The problem has not appeared overnight. It is the result of years of misuse, overuse and careless dependence on antibiotics across human health, animal farming and even everyday life. In many places, antibiotics are taken for illnesses they cannot cure, such as viral fevers, colds and flu. Some patients stop treatment as soon as they feel better, rather than completing the prescribed course. Others use leftover medicines from earlier illnesses or take antibiotics without proper medical advice. Each such act gives bacteria more opportunity to survive, adapt and spread. What appears to be a small act of convenience or impatience at the individual level can contribute to a much larger public health threat. In our region as elsewhere, this danger is compounded by gaps in awareness, weak regulation and a culture of self-medication. Antibiotics are often treated as routine remedies rather than powerful drugs that must be used responsibly. A fever, a sore throat or a seasonal infection is sometimes enough to trigger demand for an antibiotic, even when it is not medically required. Pharmacies may dispense medicines without strict checks, while patients often expect immediate relief and may not distinguish between different kinds of infections. This creates a dangerous cycle in which antibiotics are used too often, too casually and sometimes without proper diagnosis. The consequences are already visible. Resistant infections mean longer illness, higher medical costs and greater pressure on an already stretched healthcare system. A patient who might once have recovered at home in a few days may now need repeated consultations, advanced testing and stronger medication. Hospital stays become longer, recovery becomes slower and the risk of complications rises. For families, this means emotional stress and financial burden. For doctors, it means losing some of the confidence that once came with prescribing a known and effective medicine. For society, it means the threat of routine infections becoming harder and more expensive to treat. The matter becomes even more serious when one considers the role of hospitals. Healthcare facilities, which should be places of healing, can also become centres where resistant bacteria spread if infection control is weak. Poor hygiene, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and careless use of antibiotics can combine to create conditions where dangerous bacteria thrive. That is why antibiotic resistance is not only a matter of prescription habits; it is also a matter of hospital management, public infrastructure and health governance. Animal husbandry and agriculture have added another layer to the problem. In many parts of the world, antibiotics are used not only to treat sick animals but sometimes to promote growth or prevent illness in crowded farming conditions. This practice encourages the development of resistant strains that can spread through food, water and the environment. Human health cannot be separated from animal health or environmental health. Antibiotic resistance is therefore a classic example of why the One Health approach matters. What happens in farms, drains, kitchens, clinics and households is all connected. Another troubling aspect of the problem is misinformation. Many people still believe that stronger medicines mean faster recovery, or that antibiotics are a cure-all for any illness accompanied by fever or weakness. Others discontinue treatment once symptoms ease, not realising that this may allow the most resilient bacteria to survive. Education is therefore critical. Public health campaigns must explain, in simple and practical language, when antibiotics are needed and when they are not. People must be made to understand that taking antibiotics unnecessarily can do more harm than good, not just for the individual but for the wider community. Doctors too carry a heavy responsibility. While patients may demand antibiotics, medical professionals must resist the pressure to prescribe them without proper need. Good clinical practice requires diagnosis, restraint and patient education. In many cases, the most responsible medical decision is not to prescribe an antibiotic at all. But this can only succeed if doctors are supported by a health system that values caution over speed, evidence over convenience and long-term protection over short-term satisfaction. Equally, medical practitioners must stay alert to evolving resistance patterns and choose medicines wisely when treatment is genuinely necessary. Policy intervention is equally urgent. Governments must strengthen regulation on the sale and use of antibiotics, monitor prescriptions more carefully and ensure that medicines are not sold casually over the counter. Surveillance systems are needed to track resistance patterns so that health authorities can respond before the problem becomes unmanageable. Laboratories, hospitals and public health agencies must work together to detect trends early and update treatment guidelines accordingly. Without data, there can be no effective response. Without regulation, there can be no meaningful restraint. The public, however, cannot be left out of this effort. Antibiotic resistance will not be defeated by doctors and officials alone. Households must play their part through responsible use, hygiene, sanitation and trust in medical advice. Handwashing, vaccination, clean water, safe food practices and better awareness all reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place. Prevention is far cheaper and more effective than cure. Every avoided infection is one less opportunity for resistance to grow. The stakes are enormous. If antibiotic resistance continues unchecked, the consequences could be devastating. Minor injuries could become dangerous. Routine infections could become prolonged. Medical procedures that depend on effective antibiotics could become riskier. Progress that took decades to build could begin to unravel. This is not a distant nightmare. It is a present and growing reality. The tragedy is that antibiotic resistance is, to a large extent, preventable. It is driven not by a single enemy, but by many ordinary failures careless prescribing, unnecessary consumption, poor regulation, weak hygiene and public ignorance. That also means the solution lies in collective discipline, not despair. We already know enough to act. What is missing is the seriousness to act consistently. If society treats antibiotics as precious tools rather than casual remedies, if doctors prescribe with caution, if pharmacies follow the law, if hospitals strengthen infection control and if the public learns to respect the limits of medicine, the tide can still be turned. Antibiotic resistance is a silent crisis, but silence is no longer an option. The time to respond is now before the medicines that once saved the world lose their power to do so. ( The author is a registered medical practitioner and health columnist)
Sustainable Urban Planning: Building Cities That Breathe, Grow and Endure
SYED TAHA Sustainable urban planning has moved from being a policy ideal to an urgent necessity. Across the world, cities are facing a difficult reality: rising populations, shrinking open spaces, stressed infrastructure, worsening pollution and a climate that is becoming increasingly unpredictable. In this changing landscape, the way cities are designed, managed and expanded will determine not only how people live today, but also how safely and comfortably future generations will live tomorrow. At its core, sustainable urban planning is about balance. It seeks to meet the needs of growing populations without exhausting natural resources or damaging the environment. It is not merely about constructing more roads, buildings and colonies. It is about creating cities that are livable, inclusive, efficient and resilient. A sustainable city is one where people can move easily, breathe clean air, access public services, find affordable housing and enjoy green public spaces. For regions like Jammu and Kashmir, the debate around urban planning is especially significant. Rapid unplanned growth in urban centres has begun to place immense pressure on roads, drainage systems, water supply, waste disposal and public transport. Once-open spaces are being converted into concrete clusters, while traffic congestion and environmental degradation are becoming more visible with every passing year. In such a situation, sustainability cannot remain a slogan. It must become the foundation of all future planning. One of the most important pillars of sustainable urban planning is compact and mixed-use development. Instead of allowing cities to sprawl endlessly into agricultural land and ecologically sensitive areas, planners must encourage growth that is dense, efficient and well-connected. When homes, workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities and markets are located within reasonable distances, dependence on private vehicles goes down, carbon emissions are reduced and daily life becomes more convenient. Public transport is another crucial element. A city that depends almost entirely on private vehicles is a city headed towards congestion and pollution. Reliable buses, shared mobility systems, pedestrian-friendly streets and cycling lanes can transform the way people move. Sustainable planning must therefore prioritise people over cars. Footpaths should not be an afterthought. They should be safe, wide and accessible to all, including children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Green spaces also play a vital role. Parks, urban forests, roadside plantations and protected wetlands are not ornamental luxuries. They are essential urban infrastructure. They help moderate temperatures, improve air quality, absorb rainwater and provide much-needed relief in crowded neighbourhoods. In a city under pressure from climate change, every tree and every open space matters. Urban planning must therefore treat environmental protection as a central objective, not a secondary concern. Water management is another area where sustainable planning can make a major difference. Cities must be designed to capture rainwater, protect natural drainage channels and reduce flooding risks. Too often, natural water bodies and drainage systems are encroached upon or ignored until disasters strike. A sustainable city respects the natural flow of water rather than trying to force concrete over it. Rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment and groundwater recharge should become standard features of urban development. Equally important is the question of housing. A sustainable city cannot be built on exclusion. Affordable housing, planned settlements and inclusive neighbourhoods are necessary to prevent the growth of unsafe informal settlements. Urban planning must ensure that the poor are not pushed to the margins, far from essential services and livelihoods. Development should create opportunity, not deepen inequality. Technology can support these goals, but it cannot replace political will and good governance. Smart systems for traffic management, waste collection, building approvals and energy use can improve efficiency. Yet technology must serve a larger vision rooted in accountability, transparency and public participation. Citizens should have a voice in how their cities grow. After all, the people who live in a city understand its needs better than any blueprint drawn in isolation. The urgency of sustainable urban planning lies in the fact that poor decisions today are difficult and expensive to reverse tomorrow. A road widened without planning, a wetland filled without thought or a colony approved without infrastructure leaves behind problems that last for decades. On the other hand, thoughtful planning can create cities that are healthier, safer and more resilient. The challenge is clear: urban growth cannot be stopped, but it can be guided. The future of cities depends on whether planners and policymakers choose short-term expansion or long-term sustainability. If the goal is to build places where people can live with dignity, safety and hope, then sustainable urban planning must move from the margins to the centre of policy and practice. ( The Author is a lecturer in HED)
Social Media Responsibilities: Power, Speech and the Duty to Act Wisely
MUBASHIR SHAFI Social media has become one of the most powerful forces shaping public opinion in the modern world. It influences politics, moulds social behaviour, frames narratives and often decides what people choose to believe before they have had time to verify a fact. What was once meant to connect people has now grown into an arena where influence is measured in likes, shares, comments and followers. In such a space, the question is no longer whether people have the right to speak, but whether they understand the responsibility that comes with that right. The rise of social media has given ordinary people an extraordinary platform. A citizen can now report an event, expose a wrong, support a cause or challenge authority with a single post. This democratisation of voice is one of the great strengths of the digital age. It has made communication faster, wider and more immediate than ever before. Yet the same medium that empowers can also mislead, divide and damage. The speed with which information spreads online has made it easier for rumours to travel as facts and for emotional reactions to overpower reason. This is why social media responsibility matters. Every user, whether a journalist, activist, student, public figure or casual consumer of content, must remember that digital expression is not weightless. A careless post can hurt reputations, inflame tensions, spread panic or deepen prejudice. In societies already dealing with political sensitivity, communal pressures and social fragility, irresponsible online behaviour can have consequences far beyond the screen. Words that may appear harmless in haste can become dangerous once amplified. One of the most important responsibilities on social media is the duty to verify before sharing. In the race to be first, many users forget the far greater value of being right. False information often travels faster than corrections, and by the time a clarification appears, the damage may already be done. This is especially visible in cases involving breaking news, protests, violence, health scares and public emergencies. A responsible user does not forward content merely because it is dramatic or emotionally appealing. He or she pauses, checks the source and asks whether the content is credible, complete and necessary to share. Another crucial responsibility is restraint. Not every thought needs to be posted. Not every disagreement needs to become a public spectacle. Social media has encouraged a culture of instant reaction, where anger is rewarded with attention and outrage is mistaken for strength. But the ability to respond immediately is not always the same as the wisdom to respond appropriately. Responsible use requires discipline: the discipline to avoid abuse, the discipline to resist humiliation, and the discipline to disagree without dehumanising others. The question of tone is equally important. Online spaces often become harsher than real life because anonymity and distance reduce empathy. People say things on screens that they would never say face to face. This has created an environment where insults, sarcasm, threats and ridicule are normalised. Such behaviour does not strengthen free speech; it weakens public discourse. A responsible digital citizen understands that civility is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of maturity. Respectful expression allows disagreement without destruction. Social media responsibility also includes a sensitivity to privacy. Too often, users upload photographs, videos, names or personal details without consent. In doing so, they violate the dignity and safety of others. A viral clip may attract attention, but it may also expose a person to embarrassment, harassment or harm. The right to post does not automatically override someone elses right to privacy. Responsible use means asking whether a piece of content should be shared at all, and if so, whether it can be shared without violating someones dignity. There is also a growing responsibility to resist manipulation. Social media platforms are built to capture attention, not necessarily to promote truth. Algorithms often reward outrage, repetition and sensationalism. This means users must become more conscious, not less. They must learn to distinguish between opinion and evidence, between entertainment and information, between activism and performance. In the digital age, awareness itself has become a form of responsibility. Young people, in particular, must be guided carefully in this regard. They are among the most active users of social media and also among the most vulnerable to its pressures. The desire for validation, popularity and visibility can push them toward reckless sharing, comparison and self-exposure. Schools, families and communities must therefore treat digital literacy as seriously as traditional education. A young user should be taught not just how to use social media, but how to use it wisely, ethically and safely. Public figures and those with a large following carry an even greater burden. Their words travel farther and carry more weight. A comment from such an account can shape public mood, fuel debate or trigger conflict. That is why influence must come with self-awareness. Those who lead digital conversations should avoid feeding hatred, spreading half-truths or exploiting emotion for engagement. Popularity does not reduce responsibility; it increases it. At the same time, social media responsibility does not mean silence or fear. It does not mean that people should avoid criticism or stop speaking up on important issues. On the contrary, social media can be a valuable tool for justice, accountability and civic awareness when used properly. But meaningful speech requires more than passion. It requires accuracy, dignity and a sense of consequence. A responsible user understands that a platform for expression is also a test of character. As society becomes more digitally connected, the need for ethical online behaviour will only grow stronger. Laws can punish some abuse, but no law can replace individual conscience. The final safeguard is not technology, but responsibility itself. If social media is to remain a force for good, its users must treat it not as a playground for impulse, but as a public space shaped by words, memory and impact. In the end, social media reflects the people who use it. If we fill it with falsehood, anger and carelessness, it will become a source of division. If we use it with honesty, restraint and empathy, it can become a platform for awareness, dialogue and change. That choice rests with every user, every day. ( The author is an educationist and social worker)
Ladakh begins preparations for Panchayat Elections
Leh, August 20: Ladakh Administration has decided to commence preparations for Panchayat elections, marking a significant step towards strengthening grassroots democracy in the Union Territory. Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra made the announcement while addressing a press conference in Leh on Thursday, where he outlined a series of major administrative, recruitment, land, political and governance-related developments. He said the State Election Commission would undertake preparation and revision of electoral rolls, followed by formal notification and other statutory processes for holding the Panchayat elections. Kundra said the Administration would coordinate with the competent authorities to ensure that all requisite legal, administrative and electoral processes are completed at the earliest. The move assumes significance as Ladakh has recently expanded its administrative structure to seven districts, with the government simultaneously working on strengthening institutions and grassroots governance. Giving an update on recruitment, the Chief Secretary said 1,340 out of 1,609 posts advertised under the administrative recruitment process have already been filled. Another 314 vacancies have been filled through the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) process. He said recruitment for 302 Group B and Group C posts has been advertised, while the recruitment process for around 1,205 additional posts is expected to be taken forward in the coming weeks. Recruitment for 40 Sub-Inspector posts has also been initiated, while notifications for Teachers and Police Constables are expected to be issued shortly. On recruitment through the UPSC and for professional posts, Kundra said 224 gazetted vacancies have been notified, including 125 posts of Medical Officers. Interviews for the Medical Officer posts are expected to begin next month. He also briefed the media about recruitment and appointments in the education and higher education sectors, including Lecturers, Assistant Professors and Associate Professors. Several appointments have already been completed, while further recruitment is scheduled in the coming months. The Chief Secretary said Ladakh now has seven districts and that administrative infrastructure, manpower and institutional arrangements are being strengthened to make governance more efficient and accessible. He said new tehsils have been created in place of 17 Sub-Tehsils in several areas. Requests from other areas seeking tehsil-level administrative arrangements would also be examined to ensure equitable delivery of public services. On the issue of Nautor land, Kundra announced that the Administration has decided to regularise long-pending tenancy rights, including cases involving unauthorised allotments. Draft rules for a one-time regularisation process have been prepared, under which the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) will be authorised to implement the process. He said eligible Nautor land being used for commercial purposes, including hotels, shops and other establishments, would also be eligible for conversion of title on payment of prescribed land-use charges and other applicable dues. The Chief Secretary also said a mechanism is being established to enable eligible landowners to use agricultural land for permissible non-agricultural purposes, including industrial and other productive activities. A dedicated portal is being developed to facilitate applications through a transparent and accessible process. On tourism, the Chief Secretary said the sector has been brought within the ambit of industrial units. Giving an update on the September 24 incident, the Chief Secretary said cases against 25 individuals found to have had limited or no involvement would be withdrawn. He said necessary closure proceedings would be undertaken in accordance with law. At the same time, Kundra said charge sheets have been filed against nine persons in cases where evidence was available, adding that the matters would remain subject to proceedings before the competent courts.
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SEHAT payment delay puts J&K private hospitals, dialysis centres in crisis
Srinagar, Aug 20: Private hospitals and dialysis centres empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat/SEHAT Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a severe financial crisis as payments amounting to eight months remain pending. A group of private hospital and dialysis centre owners expressed grave concern over what they termed a complete financial breakdown of the State Health Agency (SHA), which is implementing the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY/SEHAT Scheme in J&K. The hospital owners said that while payments to private hospitals empanelled under the scheme have remained pending for the last eight months, salaries of district-level SHA staff have also not been released for the past four months. After releasing a mere 1015 per cent of the dues about a month ago, payments have again been stopped for reasons best known to the SHA, one of the private hospital owners said. If the implementing agency itself cannot pay salaries to its district staff for four months and incentives for years, how can it be expected to clear the dues of private hospitals? It seems there are no funds left with the SHA, he said. The hospital owners said private hospitals were being forced to operate on loans while continuing to provide cashless treatment to poor and needy patients under the SEHAT scheme. We cannot continue to pay our doctors and nurses and maintain critical services such as dialysis without timely reimbursement, they said. The private hospital owners appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, to intervene immediately and ensure the release of pending payments. They warned that if the funds are not released within a week, it could lead to a crisis-like situation in private hospitals, particularly dialysis centres, affecting essential healthcare services for beneficiaries.
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US advisory review raises hope for Kashmir tourism revival
Srinagar, Aug 20: Tourism stakeholders in Kashmir have welcomed the positive remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor over a possible review of the travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, saying the move could open the door for a fresh rise in American and other foreign tourist arrivals. During his recent visit to Srinagar, Gor indicated that the US travel advisory for the valley would be reviewed. Tourism stakeholders said the statement has created fresh optimism among hotels, travel operators, guides, handicraft sellers and other businesses dependent on international visitors. They said a favourable change in the US advisory could also encourage other countries to reconsider their travel warnings, helping restore confidence among foreign travellers planning visits to Kashmir. The Ambassadors remarks have raised hopes across the tourism sector. If the advisory is eased, we expect more American tourists and a gradual return of visitors from other international markets, tourism stakeholders said. Foreign visitors currently in Srinagar have also spoken positively about their experiences, describing the city as peaceful and welcoming. Many have expressed appreciation for Kashmirs natural beauty, Sufi traditions, local music, culture and hospitality. Stakeholders said foreign tourists are particularly important for Kashmirs traditional handicraft sector, which includes products such as carpets, shawls, papier-mch and other locally made crafts. An increase in international visitors could provide fresh business opportunities for artisans and traders. They also pointed to the different travel patterns of domestic and foreign tourists. While domestic visitors largely arrive between April and June, foreign tourists traditionally visit Kashmir from July onwards, with trekking, cultural experiences and nature-based activities among the major attractions. Tourism players said an improvement in international travel advisories, combined with continued improvements in the security situation, could help Kashmir strengthen its position as a destination for global travellers. They expressed hope that the positive developments would translate into increased bookings and a stronger international tourism season in the months ahead.
It also submits a proposed interim Zone of Influence prepared by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management
Delhi master plan notified; 40 lakh houses planned
Master Plan for Delhi-2047 will direct citys development in line with its future needs, says CM; will help address rising population in Capital, expected to reach 3.2 cr. in two decades: Manohar Lal; cap on height of buildings removed in most areas, clearing way for vertical expansion; FAR raised to 500
Full-time neurology service to begin at Ernakulam General Hospital
