Who is Abelardo De La Espriella, Colombia's new right-wing President?
Nicknamed The Tiger by his followers, Mr. De La Espriella portrayed himself as an anti-establishment savior capable of reviving Colombias ailing economy and restoring order in a country rattled by illegal armed groups and drug trafficking
Group of Nihangs storm gurdwara in Rudraprayag, hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof
A heavy police force was deployed at the site following the standoff that began on Saturday (June 20, 2026) evening and is still on, even though the district administration on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said the situation is fully under control and peaceful
Thousands of Czechs rally against government plan to overhaul funding of public broadcasters
According to the plan approved by the government, public radio and television would be financed from the state budget starting next year, and not from fees paid by individuals, households and businesses
Explosion as Qatar restarts gas export terminal injures 54, leaves 18 missing
Qatar said the blast happened after workers tried to restart facilities there at the Barzan plant
U.S. and Iran conclude high-level talks in Switzerland, mediators say
A joint statement from mediating nations Qatar and Pakistan said the U.S. and Iran agreed to a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Cape Verde fights back for second draw against Uruguay
Cape Verde boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout phase with their second point in Group H
Iranians walk out of talks venue after Trump threat
The negotiations to end a war that sowed chaos across the region and rattled the global economy are meant to trigger a 60-day period to settle broader issues that have dogged U.S.-Iranian relations for decades
FIFA World Cup, Egypt vs New Zealand LIVE: Group G match under way
After draws in their both their opening fixtures, both sides are looking to win their first match of the tournament
President Donald Trump has blamed vandalism for recent problems with the newly renovated pool, including its new blue paint peeling off
Colombia right-wing candidate De La Espriella has lead in tight presidential race
Whoever wins will grapple with high public debt and a divided Congress, which could stymie reform proposals
BEST employees unions call off strike; bus services to resume in Mumbai
Mr. Shinde said permanent and wet-lease employees would receive an interim pay hike of 3,000 and 2,000 per month, respectively
FIFA World Cup | Beiranvand heroics help Iran hold 10-man Belgium to goalless draw
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand repeatedly saved his side with crucial interventions, including an extraordinary stop from a point-blank-range effort from Maxim De Cuyper in the second half
FIFA World Cup, Uruguay vs Cabo Verde LIVE: Group H match under way
Uruguay for their first win against debutants Cabo Verde, who held Spain to a spirited draw
Qatar reports explosion at factory in Ras Laffan, several injured
Several injuries were reported but no leak that threatens safety
She sold her gold to start again. Today, she empowers 40 women
My artisans are my strength, says Neelofar Srinagar, Jun 21: When the orders stopped coming, and the future of her work looked uncertain, Neelofar faced a choice many artisans know too well: give up or start over. She chose the latter. Years later, that decision has transformed not only her own life but also the lives of nearly 40 women who now earn a livelihood through the workshop she rebuilt from scratch. Inside a modest workspace in Nawakadal, Srinagar, Neelofar carefully guides a hooked needle through fabric, creating intricate crewel and chain-stitch embroidery. It is a skill she learned as a child and later refined after marriage under the guidance of her father-in-law. For years, embroidery was more than a craft; it was the familys source of income. But difficult times arrived when work declined, and earnings became unpredictable. There was a period when everything slowed down, Neelofar recalls. The work wasnt coming in as it used to, and sustaining the business became difficult. Many artisans facing similar circumstances have been forced to leave traditional crafts behind. Neelofar, however, was determined to continue. With only a small amount of money available and few options left, she made a difficult decision. She sold her gold and invested the moneyin restartingthe business. It was a risk that could have gone either way. Standing beside her throughout that journey was her husband, Reyaz Ahmad Bhat. My father used to do this work, Reyaz says. I would travel outside Kashmir, including places like Jammu, to sell our products. After my fathers death, I continued the work with my wife. At that time, we had very little money. Whatever gold we had, we invested it in the business. Today, Alhamdulillah, the work is going well. While Neelofar focused on production and training artisans, Reyaz took responsibility for marketing, customer relations, and expanding their reach beyond Kashmir. Together, they slowly rebuilt what had once seemed lost. The effort paid off. Today, the workshop provides employment and training opportunities to around 40 women, many of whom work from their homes while balancing household responsibilities. What started as a struggle to save a family business has grown into a source of livelihood for dozens of households. For these women, the workshop offers more than income. It provides financial independence, confidence, and a chance to preserve a traditional Kashmiri craft that has been passed down through generations. Neelofar says her journey is not just about her own success but about creating opportunities for other women artisans as well. I want to grow together with the women who work with me. If the government extends support, I would like to connect many more artisans with this work and create opportunities for them, she says. For Neelofar, the women working alongside her are much more than employees. These artisans are my strength. They are my arms, my companions on this journey. Whatever we have achieved today, we have achieved together, she says. Neelofar believes that every piece she creates carries a story of resilience. Her own story is one of persistence in refusing to let hardship define the future. It is a story of a woman who risked her savings, sold her jewellery, and placed her faith in her skills when circumstances offered no guarantees. Today, as orders arrive from different parts of the country and abroad, the workshop stands as a reminder that traditional crafts survive not only because of heritage but because of the people willing to fight for them. As her workshop continues to expand, Neelofar hopes to bring more women into the fold, helping them earn an income while preserving Kashmirs rich embroidery tradition. Her vision is simple: to ensure that the growth of her enterprise becomes the growth of every woman who has stood beside her through the years. And for Neelofar, every stitch is proof that sometimes rebuilding begins with letting go of something precious to create something even greater.
LG, CM extend greetings on Jyeshtha Ashtami, Kheer Bhawani
Srinagar, Jun 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday extended their greetings and good wisheson the occasion ofJyeshtha Ashtami and Mela KheerBhawani,being celebrated on June 22. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: Heartiest greetings to all, especially our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters, on the sacred occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami. May Mata Kheer Bhawani continue to guide us on the path of righteousness and bless everyone with peace, happiness, good health and prosperity. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyedhisheartfelt greetings to the people, particularly the Kashmiri Pandit community, on the auspicious occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani, and prayedfor peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people. In his message, the CM conveyed his warm wishes to devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal and at various temples across Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Mela Kheer Bhawani is an occasion of immense spiritual significance and reflects the rich cultural and civilizational heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, symbolising the values of faith, devotion, harmony, and coexistence that have been the hallmark of the region's centuries-old composite culture. Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the sacred occasion would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect among all sections of society, emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir's pluralistic ethos has always drawn strength from its shared traditions and cultural diversity. He wished that the celebrations would usher in happiness, progress, and harmony across Jammu and Kashmir.
Kheer Bhawani Mela today; LG to join at Tulmulla shrine
All arrangements in place; IGP reviews security Ganderbal, Jun 21: The stage is set for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela-2026 at the revered Ragnya Devi Temple in Tulmulla, Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, as thousands of devotees from across the country have started arriving for the grand religious congregation scheduled to be observed on Monday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is expected to participate in the annual mela, adding significance to the occasion that symbolises faith, devotion and Kashmir's centuries-old spiritual heritage. Authorities have put in place elaborate arrangements and a comprehensive security framework to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the mela, one of the most important religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community. The shrine complex has been transformed into a hub of religious activity, with devotees arriving in large numbers to offer prayers at the sacred spring dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi. The district administration and police have completed extensive preparations ahead of the annual congregation.A multi-layered security grid has been establishedaround the shrine and along all major routes leading toTulmulla, while variousdepartments have mobilisedmenandmachineryto facilitate pilgrims visiting the shrine. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhamaon Saturday welcomed the first batches of devotees arriving in the district.The pilgrims were received at the transit accommodation centre established at the Central University of Kashmir, where lodging, food, sanitation and other essential services have been arranged. Interacting with devotees, the DC conveyed greetings on behalf of the district administration and assured them that every possible measure had been taken to ensure a comfortable, safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. He said all departments were working in close coordination to provide seamless facilities to visiting devotees. Officials said arrangements, including accommodation, sanitation, uninterrupted drinking water supply, power, healthcare services, transportation facilities, emergency response teams and round-the-clock help desks, have been established at the shrine and transit locations. Medical teams, ambulances and sanitation workers have also been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the mela. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir ZoneV.K.Birdi,accompanied by DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Omprakash Pande, and SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama,on Sundayvisited the Mata Kheer BhawaniTempleand reviewed the security arrangementsput in placefor the annual pilgrimage. During the visit, the IGP conducted a comprehensive assessment of the security grid and reviewed access control mechanisms, deployment of personnel, surveillance measures, crowd management plans, traffic regulation arrangements and designated parking facilities for devotees. He directed officers to maintain the highest level of vigilance and preparedness to ensure a safe, secure and hassle-free experience for pilgrims. The IGP emphasised the need for seamless coordination among all security and civil agencies and instructed officers to ensure foolproof security arrangements and effective traffic management during the mela. He further stressed thatdevotees should be providedwith every possible assistance and facilitation during their visit to the revered shrine. Police sources said additional security personnel have been deployed at strategic locations, while surveillance and checking mechanisms have been intensified across the district to maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the event. Security agencies have also strengthened monitoring along key approach routes leading to the temple. The Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine at Tulmulla holds immense religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits and remains a powerful symbol of faith, resilience and cultural continuity. Every year, thousands of devotees gather at the shrine to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Ragnya Devi, making the mela one of the most prominent religious events in Jammu and Kashmir.
Over 20 lakh appear for NEET re-exam across 5,440 centres
Srinagar, Jun 21: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Sunday successfully conducted the NEET UG 2026 re-examination for more than 20 lakh candidates across 5,440 centres in India and 14 centres abroad, describing the exercise as a major Team Bharat effort involving multiple government agencies and stakeholders. The examination was held in 13 languages under strict security arrangements, including Aadhaar-based biometric verification, face authentication, CCTV surveillance, jammers and two-layer frisking at all centres. Command and control centres were established at national, state and district levels to monitor the examination process in real time. In Jammu and Kashmir, elaborate security arrangements wereputin place to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the examination. Police personnel were deployed at examination centres, while surveillance and security checks were intensified to preventanyirregularities and maintain transparency in the process. According to the NTA, special attention was given to candidates requiring assistance. More than 10,000 Persons with Disabilitieswere providedsupport, while special arrangements were made for 81 candidates suffering from serious medical conditions, including those undergoing treatment and recovering from injuries. The successful conduct of the examination involved coordination among central ministries, security agencies, state governments, educational institutions and banking partners. Around seven lakh officials, including police personnel, observers and examination staff, were deployed across the country. Several state governments also arranged free transportation, drinking water, food, ambulances and medical support for candidates and their families. Meanwhile, student feedback from different parts of the country suggested mixed reactions to the question paper. Many candidates who appeared for the re-test described the Physics section as tougher and lengthier compared to previous examinations. Biology was largely considered easy and based on NCERT textbooks, while Chemistry was viewed as moderate in difficulty. Students from Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Bhopal and Srinagar reported similar experiences regarding the overall paper pattern. Calling the exercise a symbol of national cooperation, the NTA said the country's administrative machinery worked together to ensurethatcandidates could focus solely on their examination. The agency thanked all stakeholders and candidates for contributing to the smooth conduct of the re-examination.
SMILE SHOCKER: 90% beggars see begging as business, easy earning
Srinagar, Jun 21: The Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme has revealed surprising findings about begging practices inSrinagar, with officialsassociated with the programmeclaimingthat nearly 90 per cent of surveyed individuals engaged in begging view it as a source of regular income rather than a compulsion driven by poverty. The findings emerged from rescue and rehabilitation efforts undertaken over the past two years under the centrally sponsored initiative by Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre, Srinagar. In an exclusive interaction with RisingKashmir, State Coordinator of Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre, Srinagar, Mustafa Nazir Khanclaims that about 90% of individuals involved in begging practices see it as a business and easy earning, while only 5-8 per cent among them are needy. According to Khan, some individuals engaged in begging reportedly earn up to Rs 9,000 a day during Ramadan and during the other months; they earn Rs 500a day. In this scenario, how come these individuals stop such practice, as the society doesnt play its role at this juncture. The people of Kashmir prefer giving alms as charity as per the teachings of Islam, but one should know how such money is being wasted by many among the beggars by using drugs, he said. He added that society shouldnt encourage begging practice, but insteadshould identify theneedywithintheir localitytohelp them secretly, rather than giving alms, which encourages the begging practice. Sharing details, the State Coordinator said they have found many retired government employees involved in such practice, which was quite shocking to them. In the past two years, we have identified 1500 such individuals and above 700 have been rescued and rehabilitated, he said, adding that the elderly are being identified and later reunited. Anyone above the age of 60 years is being enrolled in an old-age pension scheme, while many have been registered under disability and other related pensions. They are also being enrolled under the SEHAT scheme for proper treatment. Furthermore, Khan divulged that the children, after being rescued, are handed over to Child Welfare Committee (CWC), where they are being properly counselled and later sent to the schools. Anyone above 16 years of age, who is reluctant to pursue education, isbeing givenskill training for a dignified livelihood, he added. About the shelter home for women beggars, the State Coordinator informed that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) had launched the scheme as a pilot project in 30 cities only, but after the successful outcome, the Ministry has given a nod for the women's shelter home in Srinagar as well. The women's shelter home will be available soon, he said.
12th International Day of Yoga :Yoga truly unites world: LG Sinha
Guides us toward healthier future Not just workout but pathway to yourself Leads grand session by iconic Dal Lake Urges people to turn inward amid modern stress, screens Srinagar, Jun 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said Yoga truly unites the world and guides us toward a healthier, happier future, as he led the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga by joining thousands of Yoga enthusiasts for a historic yoga session by the Dal Lake. Extending warm greetings to the participants, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted this year's theme andemphasised the power of Yogato unite humanity. True health means balancing the body, mind, and emotions. While modern life constantly pulls our attention outward to screens and stress, Yoga teaches us to turn inward. Proud to see this ancient Indian tradition become the cornerstone of global health, he said. Sinha said that Yoga is not just a workout but a pathway to yourself. Amidst the noise of routine activities of life, Yoga aligns mind and body, helps us decode our inner thoughts, and connects us with nature. Yoga helps in building mental agility. While our minds naturally drift to past worries or future anxieties, Yoga trains us to master the present moment, he said. The LG added, The science of Yoga is truly remarkable. By simply focusing on the breath, the mind settles, and stress reduction begins. Various studies show that regular practice boosts memory, mental focus, and emotional balance. That is why global health experts today recommend Yoga as the most powerful lifestyle changeyou can makefor your health. The Lieutenant Governor told participants that one cannot buy good health but must cultivate it through discipline. Like a plant which needs daily water, our mind and body require consistent discipline, and Yoga is exactly about that discipline. Today, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Yoga is popular across the world, and I am proud to see global medical experts championing Yoga as a vital tool for mental resilience and a balanced life. India showed the world the path to holistic health centuries ago. Yoga teaches us to live not just longer, but better, he said. Sinha said that Yoga is driving real change in the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir movement, helping both prevention and recovery. He called upon people to make Yoga a daily discipline, saying that just a few minutes every day builds long-term health. Yoga transcends all barriers, and it is a universal science for humanity, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address was also telecast live to mark the occasion. The event was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, senior officials, citizens from different walks of life, and a large number of youth who participated in the yoga session on the banks of Dal Lake.
A Cardiologist In The Dock, A Scheme In Question
PMJAY-SEHAT Allegations Raise Hard Questions For The State The suspension of Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor of Cardiology at GMC Anantnag, under allegations of grave procedural fraud and financial impropriety in the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme, has sent shockwaves far beyond the corridors of a single hospital. It strikes at the heart of what little trust poor patients still repose in a system that claims to offer free healthcare but too often delivers anxiety, humiliation, and opaque decision-making. The departmental memorandum is chilling in its detail. It alleges that cross-checking online TMS claims with the Cath Lab register shows a pattern: Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) performed, while funds were claimed for a Dual Chamber Pacemaker. Experts at SKIMS Soura reportedly found that nearly half the audited patients had normal left ventricular function and wide QRS morphology, a clinical profile that, on the face of it, does not warrant such a highly specialised intervention. If these allegations stand scrutiny, they would amount to more than mere technical lapses. They would represent a conscious abuse of public money and a cruel betrayal of patients who are legally entitled to free care under PMJAY-SEHAT. The memorandums claims of false logging, bypassing government supply chains, and extorting money from the poorest of the poor cannot be brushed aside as routine bureaucratic prose. They demand answers; fast, full, and from the very top of the health system. Yet, a memorandum is not a verdict. Dr Maqbool has categorically rejected the accusations as fabricated, insisting that the media narrative is divorced from the actual record and that a detailed rebuttal, backed by documents, has already been submitted. Health activist voices, too, have reminded us of a basic principle: allegation is not guilt, and due process is not a luxury but a constitutional obligation. The government cannot, therefore, hide behind stock phrases about an ongoing inquiry. Health Minister Sakeena Itoo has promised action whoever is found guilty. That promise will ring hollow unless the inquiry is independent, time-bound, transparently conducted, and its findings made public. The people have the right to know whether this is a case of systemic fraud, a targeted witch-hunt, or a deeper rot that implicates more than one individual. At stake is more than the reputation of one cardiologist or one medical college. At stake is the credibility of PMJAY-SEHAT in Jammu and Kashmir. If the poor begin to believe that even a flagship health scheme is a marketplace for exploitation, the damage will be irreparable. Justice must not only prevail; it must be seen to prevail. That means protecting patients from predators, but also protecting professionals from trial by leak and innuendo. Nothing less will restore faith in a system that claims to heal, but too often ends up hurting the very people it is meant to serve.
End the free rein of junk food advertising in India
Restricting the advertising of ultra-processed food (UPF) products and foods high in fat, sugar and sodium (HFSS) is a public health imperative
Yoga at Dal Lake: A Spectacle Must Become a Culture
From symbolic celebration to everyday discipline The sight of thousands of people bending in unison on the banks of Dal Lake, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the 12th International Day of Yoga, was undeniably powerful. Against the backdrop of the Zabarwan range, Sundays mass yoga session was more than a carefully curated spectacle; it was a reminder of a civilisational gift that we in Kashmir have yet to fully weave into our daily lives. The Lieutenant Governors emphasis on Yoga as a timeless gift from India that guides humanity toward a healthier, happier, more balanced future is not mere rhetoric. At a time when our society is increasingly caught between digital distraction, economic uncertainty, and psychological strain, the promise of a practice that aligns body, mind, and emotions deserves serious consideration. It is telling that global health experts now recommend Yoga as one of the most effective lifestyle interventions for both physical and mental well-being. Yet, the question for Jammu and Kashmir is not whether Yoga is beneficial; the science is clear, but whether we are prepared to move beyond annual commemorations. A single day of mass participation, telecast speeches, and high-profile attendance by ministers, senior officials, and youth representatives will mean little if it is not followed by sustained investment in community-level practice. The LG rightly linked Yoga to the campaign for a Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir. Our young people are facing a silent epidemic of substance abuse, anxiety, and alienation. If Yoga is to play any meaningful role in prevention and recovery, it must be available not only on picturesque lawns and curated events but in government schools, colleges, mohalla centres, rehabilitation facilities, and rural health infrastructure. The AYUSH Department, praised for its outreach, needs clear targets, transparent monitoring, and adequate funding to ensure that this is not another slogan-heavy initiative. There is also a cultural dimension that cannot be ignored. For Yoga to take root here, it must be presented not as a political statement but as a universal discipline that transcends all barriers, as the LG himself underlined. That requires sensitivity, respect for local traditions, and a conscious effort to keep partisanship away from public health and well-being. The Dal Lake event has showcased what is possible when the state mobilises its resources. The challenge now is to turn this moment into a movement; one that quietly enters homes, classrooms, and workplaces. If Yoga is to truly unite the world and guide us toward a healthier future, it must first become a lived habit in Kashmir, not just a picturesque photograph on International Yoga Day.
On 27th: A Significant Effort Towards Communal Harmony Urdu, Kashmiriyat, and Shared Cultural Traditions at SKICC When people like Dr. Karan Singh, Shri Manoj Sinha, Prof. Nilofer Khan, Dr. Jyotsna Singh, and Dr. Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed grace the seminar on interfaith dialogue at SKICC, it speaks volumes about the level and efforts towards communal harmony, brotherhood, religious diversity, and fraternity among all religions of the nation. The basic aim of the seminar is to build an idea to spread the message of brotherhood among the religious leaders of different faiths at the grassroots level. Interfaith dialogue is the way to create strong relationships among all faiths in a nation towards progress. It leads us to religious respect, dignity, and brotherhood. The message of interfaith dialogue is to convey to all people that we believe in humanity, religious freedom, and religious diversity. There must be no religious polarization or religious discrimination, as these lead to hate, destruction, and ultimately division in the country. Every religion teaches one basic principle: to respect other religions. These principles make every citizen responsible for their nation beyond religious differences. The seminar on interfaith dialogue is the first of its kind in Kashmir. It is a message, idea, and warning to those who misuse religion and create conflict on a religious basis in the state and the country. It makes clear that besides every religion, there is a constitution, which is a noble document specifying every clause of life in a state. That constitution actually safeguards our rights and clearly states that there is freedom of religion. The seminar is hosting by, The Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India (IFHFI), established in 2005, aims to promote peace and coexistence through interfaith dialogue. Indias rich history of diverse cultures and faiths living together inspires the Foundation's mission to strengthen harmony among communities. In a world marked by extremism, mistrust, and religious conflicts often justified in the name of faith, the Foundation fosters respectful engagement and mutual understanding. IFHFI brings together religious leaders, scholars, and civil society members to encourage dialogue, respect for diversity, and shared ethical values that emphasize compassion, justice, and human dignity. It challenges negative stereotypes, particularly about Islam, highlighting its true teachings of peace and brotherhood. The Foundation advocates that sustainable peace requires addressing root causes of violence and fostering a sense of belonging for all. It promotes social ethos based on moderation, empathy, and shared responsibility, condemning violence in all forms. By creating platforms for constructive conversation and initiatives like Harmony Compounds and Peace and Harmony Awards, IFHFI seeks to build bridges between communities. Its core belief is that dialogue, harmony, and love must replace conflict, division, and hatred for a just and united society. The Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India (IFHFI), established in 2005 in New Delhi, is a national organization dedicated to promoting interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and social harmony among Indias diverse religious communities. It emerged as a constructive response to challenges like radicalization and misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims. Over nearly two decades, IFHFI has created platforms for religious leaders, scholars, and civil society members to engage in open dialogue through seminars, conferences, and public lectures. Notably, it hosted the First National Interfaith Harmony Conclave in 2005 and the South Asia Interfaith Harmony Conclave in 2007, which included delegates from SAARC countries. The Foundation believes that many conflicts attributed to religion stem from ignorance and fear, not genuine theological differences. It emphasizes shared ethical values like compassion, justice, and service to humanity, which transcend religious boundaries. Dialogue, for IFHFI, is about active listening, humility, and mutual learning, fostering trust and empathy between communities. IFHFI envisions a society where religious diversity strengthens social fabric rather than divides it. By encouraging cooperation and ethical engagement, the Foundation aims to build a more peaceful, just, and compassionate world where faith differences inspire respect and collective progress. Different paths, one humanity bound together in dignity, respect, and peace IFHFIs philosophy centres on the belief that peace within societies and nations is tied to harmony among religious traditions. It recognizes that many conflicts attributed to religion arise from ignorance, fear, and miscommunication rather than genuine theological differences. The Foundation promotes shared ethical values such as compassion, justice, humility, and service to humanity, which transcend religious boundaries and encourage social harmony. Dialogue, for IFHFI, is not a superficial exchange but an active, respectful process of listening and learning aimed at building trust and empathy. It encourages sincere engagement where differences become opportunities for mutual growth rather than division. Through its work, the Foundation aims to transform misunderstanding into knowledge and hostility into friendship, fostering cooperation across faiths. IFHFI has initiated landmark events like the National Interfaith Harmony Conclave (2005) and the South Asia Interfaith Harmony Conclave (2007), which brought together religious leaders and delegates from across South Asia to promote understanding and cooperation. Its ongoing programs include youth education, community dialogues, and peace-building initiatives designed to address social challenges and promote collective responsibility. Relevance to the Seminar in Kashmir The seminar on interfaith dialogue in Kashmir holds profound significance within the regions unique social and political context. Kashmir, with its diverse religious traditions and history of conflict, presents both challenges and opportunities for fostering communal harmony. The IFHFIs principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation are crucial in promoting peace and understanding among Kashmirs varied communities. Kashmir has witnessed periods of mistrust and polarisation that threaten social cohesion. The seminar, inspired by IFHFIs mission, aims to create a platform where religious leaders, scholars, and community members can come together to build bridges, counter misinformation, and promote the shared values of brotherhood and respect. This effort aligns with the Foundations vision of replacing fear and suspicion with dialogue and empathy. The participation of all stakeholdersreligious leaders, government representatives, educators, youth, and civil societyis essential to the seminars success. Their collective engagement ensures that the message of interfaith harmony reaches grassroots levels, fostering a culture of peace that transcends religious differences. By embracing IFHFIs approach, Kashmir can move toward a future where its rich cultural and religious diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than a source of division. This will bridge the gap and ensure safety and security in the nation.United we stand, divided we fallis the message. (The Author is a Columnist and can be reached at: Fidafirdous8@gmail.com )
The Dozen Modi Years Made The World Read India Differently
He has stood the longest; he stands out; the record is outstanding. What remains is the mandate of the India century He has proved a crisis manager par excellence. Only his steely resolve, courage and meticulous action could have carried 1.4 billion Indians through the once-in-a-century calamity of the pandemic and made it an opportunity. He now steers India through the perilous upending of the geopolitical and geoeconomic order. Last week Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the longest continuously serving Prime Minister India has elected. The milestone is his, and it is Indias: no one has governed this democracy longer at a stretch, none through three consecutive wins amid politics this competitive. Beyond the record, what matters is what he did: every unforgiving minute filled for India with sixty seconds worth of distance run, each of those dozen years marked by 365 days of milestones, and the new, dynamic India the world now reads in the making. I spent my working life in the field, in capitals, in board and conference rooms, and at the United Nations, where the worlds opinion of nations is made. The change this past decade is the most pronounced I have seen: condescension has given way to competitive attention and the wish to learn, in awe at Indias shift from conscientious objector and system-taker to system-shaper, all multivector engagement and strategic assertiveness, wielding both the power of advocacy and the advocacy of power. The world reads the man accurately: not handed his authority, he reached the highest office of the worlds largest democracy from a childhood on a railway platform, without a family name; one who traversed India understanding its people, breaking the humble chapati with them, sharing joys and sorrows, building a political life from the ground up. To a world weary of inherited power and entitled succession, a leader authored rather than anointed carries particular credibility. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to wear the countrys civilisational self as his identity rather than apologise for it or play the impostor in foreign garb. The measures of global opinion agree: for years Modi has topped the Morning Consult ranking of democratic leaders, above two-thirds, far ahead of the West. Pew finds eight in ten Indians view him favourably, more satisfied with their countrys direction than most mature democracies. Governments concur: 19 foreign parliaments addressed, some 30 state honours, several their nations highest. To his people he speaks directly, baring his mind and heart in Mann Ki Baat each month; to other leaders, a charm holding Washington and Moscow, the Gulf and Europe, with remarkable alchemy. India now exports models rather than importing them. Its digital public infrastructure carries nearly half the worlds real-time payments and moves welfare to hundreds of millions of accounts. 250 million have risen from poverty in a decade on the official measure: Antyodaya, the states operating principle, not a slogan, leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind first, as the UNs Agenda 2030 urged. If any leader has truly governed by that maxim, it is PM Modi. In the pandemic it administered over 2 billion vaccine doses, fed 800 million free, supplied vaccines to nearly a 100 countries and medicines to 150. The UN named him a Champion of the Earth, the Gates Foundation its Global Goalkeeper of the Sustainable Development Goals, for measurable progress on poverty, hunger, health, gender equality, energy and climate; UNICEF and UN Women have lauded his championship of women and girls, from Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to the womens parliamentary quota. His targeted and transversal programmes have engineered a structural shift for women and girls, from home to college, kiosk to corporation, local government to Parliament. He has driven women-led development as a moral and social justice imperative, indispensable to mobilising half the nations capacity. No nation rises without its empowered women; India now acts on that truth at the scale of a continent. He has restored to Indians the pride of being Indian, within the country as much as in the 35 million diasporalargest in the world. The nation has moved as one: in the pandemics collective resolve, behind the armed forces after Operation Sindoor, and at the Maha Kumbh, where over 600 million pilgrims formed humanitys largest gathering. The symbols reach for what binds: a tribal woman in Rashtrapati Bhavan; the turban, cap or tribal headdress he dons region by region in respect and affection; village Indians made heroes in Mann Ki Baat or the Padma awards; 200 million homes under the Tricolour for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav; Vande Mataram in its 150th year; Swachh Bharats 110 million toilets, a peoples movement; one India, diversity knitted together, every region respected. Modi is the first Prime Minister to articulate the ambition of India as a leading power and act on it: military and economic strength, nuclear and space capabilities, a defining role and normative weight in global systems, a critical mass of diplomatic, R&D and technological resources, built purposefully and successfully, while projecting its soft power as never before. On terrorism, the doctrine is zero tolerance, from Uri to Operation Sindoor, even as globally he remains a votary of peace and security through dialogue. Above all, he has proved a crisis manager par excellence. Only his steely resolve, courage and meticulous action could have carried 1.4 billion Indians through the once-in-a-century calamity of the pandemic and made it an opportunity; I shudder to think what would have happened had he not been at the helm. He now steers India through the perilous upending of the geopolitical and geoeconomic order, two major wars and the narcissistic stances of leading powers, holding it to calm and stability, safeguarding its energy security, the fastest-growing major economy. The miracle is that he dares to transform the most populous, youth-rich, complex, federal and self-contesting democracy, rife with veto wielders, vested interests and myopic, anti-national opposition leaders who plot anarchy, invite Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, and block vital reform. Globally, the change is in posture as much as in standing. India convenes where it once attended, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family, has become a record of delivery rather than a slogan. India is at once microcosm and macrocosm of the world: what it solves for itself it proves for everyone, and offers as global public goods. Its digital public infrastructure is shared in the Global South and North; its G20 presidency made the African Union a permanent member; it leads the International Solar Alliance; its Panchamrit climate pledges are clothed with Mission LiFE in the soul of Indian heritage. It hosted the developing worlds first global AI summit; in the fourth industrial revolution, as on the Moon, it no longer plays catch-up but leads, deploying for all. What distinguishes the period most is that India has named its ambition aloud: this, he tells India and the world, is to be Indias century. The economy has climbed from the worlds tenth largest to its fourth; the destination is declared: Viksit Bharat, developed by 2047, the centenary of independence, modernity and heritage one inheritance, not rival claims. The restoration of civilisational sites, the recovery of its antiquities, the reclamation of the name Bharat: these are not nostalgia. They assert that a civilisation over 5,000 years old need not borrow its self-respect and greatness from anyone. The world I spent my career observing measured India against its own unfulfilled promise. It has begun, this decade, to measure itself against destination India instead. The strongest case for this leadership is ahead: India is the vastest laboratory of human development, endeavour and perfectibility on earth, its work immense and unfinished, which is why a country this vast needs such leadership. He has stood the longest; he stands out; the record is outstanding. What remains is the mandate of the Indian century. (The author is the Former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. Courtesy: PIB)
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The Whispering Chinar: Conversations with Ksheer Bhawani
My veins run deep beneath the sacred earth where the spring of Ksheer Bhawani breathesa spring not of water alone, but of memory, of silence that sings, of longing that never dies I have seen centuries bend like reeds in the wind. I have stood tall through suns that blistered the earth, through snows that fell like the quiet sorrow of unspoken partings. My limbs have embraced the changing winds of time. I am the chinar of Tulmulla. My veins run deep beneath the sacred earth where the spring of Ksheer Bhawani breathesa spring not of water alone, but of memory, of silence that sings, of longing that never dies. Here, under this sky that never forgets, the goddess lives in the hush between thoughts. She is not in stone, not confined by sculpted sanctum, not trapped in the folds of a ritual alone. She is a pulse in the very ether, a fragrance upon the breeze that cannot be named. And yet, those who have once stood herebarefoot upon these ancient flagstonescarry her in the hollows of their bones. They may not speak her name aloud, but in their dreams, her anklets echo still. I, the chinar, remember each one of them. Their shadows once danced beneath my branches. Mothers with silver platters of rice and milk, fathers with incense and trembling resolve, children casting petals upon the surface of the spring, watching them circle, as if the goddess herself breathed through the ripples. I remember the girl who plucked wild jasmine and tied them in her braid, whispering a secret into the wind. I remember the widow who lit a thousand lamps in the hope of reunion beyond the veil of death. And I remember the exile who stood afar, tears biting into his cheeks like winter, not daring to cross the threshold, only bowing from a distance, fearing he was no longer worthy. Now they are gone. Some scattered to lands with no chinars, where rivers run dry with forgetfulness. Some buried their language in borrowed alphabets. Some lit lamps in balconies that faced no sanctum but the grey walls of apartments. And some have returnednot with fanfare, but quietly, as one returns to a lost home in a dreamonly to touch the soil, to drink from the spring, to say, Ma, do you still know me? The spring flows still, eternal and unsullied, though its banks grow lonely. It shimmers pale in moonlight and glows milk-white at dawn, as if stirred by invisible fingers. No matter how many seasons pass, it does not forget. It is not water alone; it is remembrance, ancient and alive. Tonight, a slow wind creeps through the valley, like a ghost seeking its name. The moon floats over the temple, its light turning the white marble to translucent blue. The deodars sway as if in prayer, and Irooted in centuriescall out, not with a voice, but with a trembling of bark and breath and belief. Are you still here, Mother? The spring answers first, with a ripple. A slow spiral of colour. Sometimes it turns crimson, as if touched by old wounds. Sometimes it glows green, as if longing to become earth again. Then, from its heart, something stirsnot sound, not light, but presence. She arrives not with thunder, but as a hush. A hush that bends trees, that stirs the soul into stillness. Yes, she is here. I have always been, she says, and her voice is neither outside nor withinit is a fragrance, a vibration, a warmth in the belly of the night. I shudder, and the rustle of my leaves becomes chant. Why, then, does the silence grow deeper? I ask her. Where are your children? Where are the songs they once sang at dawn? Where are the lamps, the laughter, the chants that once rose like incense into your sky? A soft sigh passes over the courtyard, like the breath of a sleeping temple. They were broken, she says. Like clay pots dropped mid-ritual. Their roots pulled from the soil, their tongues scorched by strange lands. But they carry me stillin fragments, in the ache between syllables, in the prayers they dare not speak. Even now, the stones beneath the temple steps hum with names lost to the pages of exile. Shanta, whose sari brushed the springs edge each Jyeshtha Ashtami. Ramesh, who carved a flute from deodar wood and played raga Bhairavi at dawn. Zoon, who swept the courtyard every Thursday for forty years. They are no longer here, but the earth remembers. And memory, like water, seeps deeper with time. I lean forward, as if the weight of remembering bends even the oldest tree. Do they still belong? I whisper. After all this forgetting, do they still have a place in your grace? She does not speak for a moment. The spring stills. A sudden hush falls over even the wind. And then, like the fragrance of a flower opening at midnight, her answer flows through everything. Belonging is not broken by distance. It is broken only by disbelief. Even the silence of a heart that still trembles for me is enough. I am not bound to temples or rites. I am the ache of return. I am the salt in the tear that falls without reason when they hear my name. A fox calls from the nearby grove. The moon slips behind a cloud, as if moved to mourning. They say now that gods are symbols. That faith is nostalgia. That sanctity is a tool of power. But those who have walked barefoot on the dew-kissed courtyard of this temple, those who have lowered their eyes before the spring and seen their own face tremble in its reflectionthey know that she is more than belief. She is a river beneath the skin. She is a memory that remembers you. Once, I say, this place breathed with the footsteps of a thousand pilgrims. Now the wind comes alone. And she replies, The wind carries them. Every whisper of their longing reaches me. Even when they do not name me, even when they no longer remember the mantras, the soul knows the path. The wind rustles fiercely now, as if her words ignite its wings. It travels far, beyond the mountains of Pir Panjal, across the highways of Delhi, beyond seas and continents to lands where Tulmulla is a word uttered like a lost hymn. It finds the man lighting incense in a Boston apartment. The woman in Pune humming a childhood bhajan before sleep. The girl in Bangalore painting the spring from a faded photograph. The wind returns, heavy with dreams. I sway under its touch, and for a moment, I feel young again. The courtyard seems to pulse with unseen presence. The temple bell, rusted with disuse, gives off a faint chimeas if moved by an invisible hand. The goddess speaks again. I am not alone. The deodars stand beside me. The pigeons nest in the rafters of my shrine. The chinar guards my breath. Even the cracks in the walls carry echoes of my name. And I, humbled, say, They need you now more than ever. Her presence deepens. A hush descends that is not silence but fullness. They will return, she says. Not all at once. Not with banners or noise. But quietly, like prayers returning to lips. Like exiles walking backwards into memory. And then, as if to seal her promise, a lotus rises unbidden from the springluminous and trembling. No hand placed it. No season demanded it. It is the blossom of longing itself. The dawn begins to bleed into the sky. The first bird calls. A shadow enters the courtyarda man, middle-aged, his beard flecked with silver. He carries a steel container of milk. He bows, not with ceremony, but with the weariness of one returning home. He pours the milk into the spring and murmurs something only he and the goddess understand. The spring accepts. A marigold drifts from nowhere. The wind, the stones, the deodarall stand still in reverence. I, the chinar, close my eyes for a moment and remember every footfall that ever echoed through this sacred place. And then, I whisper her name into the world. Ksheer Bhawani. Let it reach the ears that need to remember. Let it slip into dreams as a fragrance, as a note of music, as a tear that finally knows its source. Let the scattered find their way not through maps but through memory. Let the spring never stop flowing. Let the goddess never be alone. Let this valley learn to love again. And let me, old and waiting, stand forever beneath her gazewhispering, listening, remembering. (The Author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
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Historic Sheetalnath: Centre of gravity for RSS in Kashmir
Sheetalnath has assumed a great importance in the minds of the people belonging to the Kashmir valley FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS At an outset, it becomes important to give a historical background of the Sheetalnath Temple situated in the Habbakadal area near Sathu Barbarshah in the Srinagar (Kashmir) city. Originally, the whole temple complex, including its big ground was surrounded by water on its three sides. The water body was called Maier. It was originally like a peninsula, and the habitation stood on its fourth side only. It had a specific one route to enter with a big gate of stones, mud and wood linked to the road going from Sathu Barbarshah to Breya-Kujan. The Gadood-Bagh ground is also near to the vicinity of Sheetalnath Mohalla. It had a big Hindu population surrounding the whole complex. Sheetalnath is a prominent Bhairav in the Kashmiri Pandit tradition. There are eight prominent Bhairavas in the Srinagar city, which are as follows: Anandeshwar Bhairav-Maisuma, Vital Bhairav-Rainawari, Bahukesteshwara Bhairav-Chattabal, Mangalraj Bhairav-Fatehkadal, Purnaraja Bhairav-Hari Parbat, Turskraja Bhairav-Narsinghgarh, Hatkeshvara Bhairav (Mahakal)-Malkhah, Nowhatta and Sheeteleshwara Bhairav-Sathu. It is the same Sheetleshwara Bhairav who, with the passage of time, is known as Shetalnath Bhairav. Historical scriptures suggest that King Praversena II of the kingdom of Kashmir established the authority of Asht-Bhairavas, who were later called Rashtradipaties. Prominent Hindu families living in the vicinity of Sheetalnath included the Saroops, Gurtus, Ghasis, Ganjoos and Kauls. There were also some Muslim families living in the area. The Hindu community of the vicinity used to organise a huge Hawan on the occasion of Basant-Panchami every year in the Sheetalnath Temple with great fanfare. Besides other festivities and rituals that were observed on the occasion, the people would burst crackers in the evening on the same day in large numbers that was somewhat very unique in the Santana tradition of Kashmir. Some prominent personalities of the area included Prof. Neelkanth Gurtu -an eminent Sanskrit and Hindi scholar, Kanaya Lal Saroop Retired S.P and Shaiva philosophy scholar, Premnath Ghasi KP Agitation leader, Kailashnath Kaul Jansangh leader who fought Tankipora Assembly constituency elections in 1972 and Prof. T.N.Ganjoo a great scholar on Kashmir history, culture and civilization. There were budding second-generation young men and women in the area of Sheetalnath who have by now achieved great heights in their educational, professional and other choicest pursuits. The great freedom fighter of India, Veer Savarkar, on his only visit to Kashmir prior to 1947 had a historical interaction with the prominent members of the Hindu community at Sheetalnath. Mahatma Gandhi, during his visit to Kashmir in the 1946-47 period, also paid a visit to Sheetalnath and addressed a large gathering of Kashmiri Pandits there. Pt. J.L.Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India (designate), accompanied him on his visit to Sheetalnath. Late Kanaya Lal Saroop, former S.P, J&K Police, was one of the attendees at both the meetings. The office of the then main representative organisation of Kashmiri Pandits -All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (Sanatan Dharam Yuvak Sabha) was situated in one of the main buildings of Sheetalnath. Leading figures among the Kashmiri Pandit community presided over the office of the ASKPC there and led the community affairs from the Sheetalnath office, podium and the surrounding complex. These prominent figures included Hargopal Kaul, Kashyap Bandhu, Justice Jialal Kilam, Shiv Narayan Fotedar, Dr S.N. Peshin and Amarnath Vaishnavi. Way back on 13 July in 1931, when Hindus were attacked by the frenzied mobs in Srinagar and Budgam under the garb of agitation & demonstrations against the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, the ASKPC organised a huge protest in the Sheetalnath complex against the communal attack and the brutalities in which 11 Hindus were killed. It was here that the community decided to observe 13 July every year as the Black Day, which they continue to observe till date. The Hindu Yuvak Forum, a premier organisation of the Hindu Youth in Kashmir during the 1980s, had its office in the main building of the complex. There was also the old-style printing press of The Martand Weekly in the same building. A famous school in the area, named Hindu High School, was an established educational institution in the Sheetalnath complex. This school would usually bag the first prize in the Independence Day parade in the capital of the state of J&K Srinagar on 15th August every year. It was from this Sheetalnath complex that the huge procession carrying the chariot and tableau connected with Lord Krishna was taken out under the leadership of the President of ASKPC annually on the birthday of Shri Krishna. This procession was an annual affair, and it would go round the major parts of the Srinagar city, including the Downtown and the Civil Lines. Then it would conclude at Sheetalnath again, followed by a community programme on the next day at the same venue. In such a programme in 1976, Sheikh Abdullah, the then Chief Minister, had also participated as the chief guest on the occasion. The temple dedicated to Sheetalnath Bhairav in the complex is the main religious point of reverence for the devotees of the area. There was a famous hospital known as Rattan Rani Hospital on the left side of the temple complex. This hospital played a crucial role during the historic 1967 Hindu agitation in Kashmir. Sheetalnath was the Centre of activity during the whole agitation that lasted for two long months. Satyagrahis courted arrest from the same ground. The agitators who were injured during the lathi charge, tear gas attack and other police brutalities were admitted in the above-mentioned hospital, where they got the necessary treatment. This hospital was established by Dr. Omkar Nath Thusoo in honour of his deceased wife, Rattan Rani. In the context of its great historical, cultural and religious importance, and also as the hub of Hindu socio-political activities for the whole year in Srinagar, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also developed its special connection and love with Sheetalnath. When its (RSS's) activities were banned in 1948 throughout the country, its activities were strictly prohibited in the Jammu and Kashmir state as well. Even after the lifting of the ban from the organisation at the national level in 1950, the restrictions in the Kashmir valley continued for a long time. However, RSS, with effect from 1951, adopted various pseudo names to carry on its activities in the valley. One such banner was the Vivekananda Society, and some activities under its name were initiated in the Sheetalnath complex during the 1960s. It was for the first time in 1966 that the RSS started its regular activities (Shakha) in the Sheetalnath grounds. Initially, it was limited to the school-going children who would be asked to participate and take part in the games, physical exercises and other intellectual exercises in the Shakha. With the passage of time, it grew into a larger volume of activity with focus on good conduct, nationalism, patriotism and Hindutva. However, during the winters, the Shakha would convert into indoor activities, and the participants were encouraged to take part in the daily indoor Shakha. With the passage of time, Sheetalnath assumed the position of the centre of gravity for RSS in Kashmir. It became the de facto headquarters of the RSS, practically. In 1967, the activities of RSS got stuck because of the agitation in the Sheetalnath complex. It was after the conclusion of the historic Hindu agitation in July-August 1967 that the Shakha started again in the grounds. This author, for the first time, came into contact with the RSS in September 1967 at the Sheetalnath grounds in the Shakha, which I came to know later was also called Sheetalnath Shakha. It was conducted by a veteran Motilal Zadoo Pushkar, and Upinder Saroop was one of the prominent members of the youth brigade in the Shakha. Vijay Malla, a small boy who later became a big musical voice of Jammu and Kashmir, used to sing a song in the Shakha on a daily basis Bharat Maan Teri Jai Ho Vijay Ho. It was from this point of time that the open activities of the RSS Shakha started from other places also, like Shivala, Kathleshwar, Deewan Mandir and Nai Sarak in the Srinagar city. In 1971, Bapurao Moghe, an All-India leader of the RSS, addressed a gathering of swayamsevaks in Sheetalnath temple hall. A number of programmes were held at the Sheetalnath grounds and hall after that event. Prominent among those who addressed gatherings of RSS there included Brahma Dev, Thakur Ram Singh, Narayan Dass, Dr. Om Prakash Mengi and Bhagwat Swaroop. Immediately after the lifting of the ban from RSS (for the second time) in 1977, a big congregation of swayamsevaks in uniform was held on the Sheetalnath grounds, which was addressed by Thakur Ram Singh, the then Sah-Kshetriya Pracharak -North Zone. Initially, it was decided that Madhav Rao Mule would be addressing the gathering, but due to his sudden indisposition, he couldn't come to the valley. In the 1980s, VHP sponsored Ekatmata Yatra, connected with the Shri Ramjanambhumi movement also stationed here in this ground for a couple of days. RSS activists organised all the affairs of the Yatra and helped VHP in their endeavour. When terrorism gripped the whole valley in the late 1980s, a lot of activities were held at the Sheetalnath complex, thereby building confidence among the minority Hindu community of the Kashmir valley. After the brutal killing of the senior-most BJP leader and senior RSS swayamsevak Tika Lal Taploo on 13 September 1989, his body was kept on the podium of the historical Sheetalnath for two days for the people to have the last 'darshan' of the departed leader of the community. Thousands of people gathered in Sheetalnath to pay their last tribute to their dear leader. It was from this podium that he would address people throughout his life. BJP top leaders like L.K.Advani, Kidarnath Sahni, and Chaman Lal Gupta reached the venue and paid their floral tributes to the great leader of the Kashmir valley. It was from here that his body was taken to the Shamshan-Bhumi in the Karannagar area in a huge procession joined by thousands of people. When, due to the genocide and ethnic cleansing of the Hindu community from the valley, the forced mass-exodus became a reality, Sheetalnath was also put to a siege by the highly trained fundamentalists and terrorists of the area. They virtually occupied the whole complex at the peak of terrorism in the valley in 1989-90, and the rest is history. However, in the early 1990, a permanent police post was created in the complex by the J&K Police on the insistence of the leadership of the community in order to protect it from further damages. Now things stand changed. The whole complex is now surrounded by a big wall, and a number of renovation and developmental activities have started in the complex having support of the local administration. It was in the tough times of the displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community in 2007, that Panun Kashmir organised 'Kashmir Sankalp Yatra' for fifty days covering eleven states and Union Territories throughout the country. The Yatra was inaugurated from the historic Sheetalnath on 10 November 2007 under the leadership of this author, and all the nine members of the Yatra paid their floral tributes to the 1967 agitation martyrs (seven in all) on their samadhi in the complex. It was a great occasion under a heavy deployment of security in the area. We also prayed before the temple of the Sheetalnath Bhairav for the successful conduct of the yatra. Sheetalnath has assumed a great importance in the minds of the people belonging to the Kashmir valley. Everyone has his or her own memoirs about this historical place of huge importance. RSS activities in this complex gave it one more dimension, due to which it remained the centre of gravity for the organisation and its members. (The author is a senior BJP and KP leader, Human Rights Defender and a columnist and can be reached at: ashwanikc2012@gmail.com )
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Thousands Attend Urs of Syed Soliha Khansahib (RA) in Budgam
Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen joins devotees Srinagar, June 21: Patron of Syed Soliha Khansahib (RA) Trust, former Minister and President of Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, on Sunday attended the three-day annual Urs of revered saint Syed Soliha Khansahib (RA) at Khansahib in Budgam, where thousands of devotees from across Kashmir gathered to pay obeisance and offer prayers. The annual religious congregation witnessed a massive turnout of devotees, scholars, and followers who participated in spiritual gatherings, recitation of Darood-o-Azkar, and special supplications at the revered shrine. The atmosphere remained deeply spiritual as devotees prayed for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. The holy Ziyarat of the sacred relic was held after Zuhr prayers, drawing large crowds of devotees seeking blessings. Religious gatherings and Darood-o-Azkar continued throughout all three days of the Urs, with scholars highlighting the teachings of the saint, emphasizing love, tolerance, humility, and service to humanity. Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, who also serves as Patron of the Trust, joined the congregational prayers and prayed for the well-being of the people of Kashmir. He urged people to follow the spiritual path shown by saints and Sufis, stating that their teachings remain relevant in promoting unity and brotherhood in society. Speaking on the occasion, Yaseen said such grand spiritual gatherings strengthen social bonds and preserve Kashmirs rich Sufi heritage. He said the large Ijtimah reflected the deep faith and devotion of people toward spiritual institutions and prayed for lasting peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
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MLA Habba Kadal Reviews Muharram Arrangements
Srinagar, June, 21: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Women's Wing President and MLA Habba Kadal Shameema Firdous, on sunday undertook an extensive tour of various Shia-majority areas of her constituency to review the arrangements put in place for the ongoing holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram. During her visit, she inspected the facilities being provided to mourners and assessed the ground-level implementation of various measures undertaken by the concerned departments to ensure the smooth and dignified observance of Muharram. She visited several localities and Imambaras, where she interacted with religious scholars, community representatives, organisers, and residents. Shameema Firdous expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for the convenience of mourners and appreciated the coordinated efforts of the administration, local committees, and volunteers in facilitating the observance of the sacred month. She stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted essential services, including sanitation, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, and traffic management throughout the period of mourning. While reviewing the arrangements, she also took note of certain local issues and assured the community that all genuine concerns would be taken up with the relevant authorities for prompt resolution. Speaking on the occasion, Shameema Firdous said that Muharram carries a timeless message of sacrifice, courage, justice, and steadfastness in the face of oppression. She said the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions continues to inspire humanity to uphold truth, righteousness, and human dignity.
NC Greets People on Mela Kheer Bhawani
Srinagar, June, 21: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended their heartfelt greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the auspicious occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani (Zyeth Atham). Extending his warm wishes, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said, Mela Kheer Bhawani is not merely a festival; it is a living symbol of Kashmirs soul, where faith and devotion converge with centuries-old traditions of harmony and coexistence. I pray that this sacred celebration brings renewed peace, hope, and prosperity to our region. It remains a shining testament to our shared heritage and the enduring spirit of unity in diversity. Omar Abdullah also conveyed his greetings, stating, Mela Kheer Bhawani Mubarak to our Kashmiri Pandit brethren across the globe. This revered festival serves as a luminous reminder of the pluralistic values that define Jammu and Kashmir. It stands as a testament to our shared history, a rich tapestry woven with threads of brotherhood, spirituality, mutual respect, and coexistence. May this sacred occasion further strengthen the bonds that unite us and inspire a future rooted in harmony and understanding. The party's rank and file have also felicitated the pandit community on the occasion.
Dr Farooq Pays Tributes to Sufi Saints on Urs Observances
Srinagar, June, 21: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has extended his warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of the annual Urs Observances of Hazrat Syed Saleh Khan (RA) of Khansahib, Budgam, and Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din Baghdadi (RA) of Kishtwar. In his message, Dr. Farooq said that these revered saints occupy a distinguished place in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Their teachings, rooted in compassion, humility, brotherhood, and service to humanity, continue to guide people towards the values of peace, harmony, and moral righteousness. He said that such sacred occasions provide an opportunity to reflect upon the timeless message of the Sufi saints and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening communal harmony, mutual respect, and social solidarity. Dr. Farooq prayed for lasting peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that the blessed occasion would bring happiness, well-being, and divine blessings to all.
NCs Proposed Delhi Sit-In Political Drama: Bukhari
Says meaningful dialogue key to addressing public concerns Srinagar, June 21: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday termed the National Conferences proposed sit-in protest in Delhi as a political drama and said such moves were aimed at misleading the people rather than addressing their genuine concerns. Addressing a public convention at SDA Colony, Lachmanpora in Batamaloo, Bukhari said traditional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir had failed to sincerely address public issues over the years. He said the Government of India should initiate meaningful engagement with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, to bridge the trust deficit and address public concerns. Only sincere and constructive dialogue can help resolve issues and strengthen public confidence, he said. During the convention, National Conference Joint Secretary Gulzar Ahmad Bangroo formally joined the Apni Party along with several associates and supporters. Bukhari also criticised what he described as dynastic politics in Jammu and Kashmir and urged people to support parties committed to public welfare. Referring to civic issues in Srinagar, particularly Batamaloo, he alleged that inadequate development and lack of basic facilities continue to affect residents. He raised concerns over drinking water supply, road infrastructure and overall urban development. The Apni Party president also criticised the ruling National Conference over unfulfilled electoral promises, including commitments related to electricity, jobs and welfare measures. He further questioned the existing reservation policy and said concerns of urban populations also need attention. Taking a dig at traditional regional parties, Bukhari alleged that they have repeatedly used public sentiment for political gain. Several senior Apni Party leaders attended the event and welcomed the new entrants into the party fold.
Bukhari Discusses Political Situation, Public Concerns with LG
Srinagar, June 21: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Lok Bhavan in Srinagar to discuss the prevailing political situation, besides raising important public issues and grievances. During the meeting, Bukhari raised a range of issues and problems that people are grappling with and urged the LG to ensure these issues are promptly addressed. They also deliberated on the prevailing political and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir According to a press release issued here, Apni Party President also apprised the LG of the official neglect towards several key developmental issues, affecting the people. He said that residents from various parts of Srinagar city have complained about the inadequate supply of drinking water, while farmers in several areas across the Valley are facing a shortage of irrigation water for their paddy fields. Mr Bukhari expressed concern that the departments and officials responsible for addressing these issues do not appear to be giving them the attention they deserve. As a result, people are being forced to suffer due to these persistent shortcomings, which continue to affect their daily lives and livelihoods. He also raised the issue of Kashmiri mutton traders who are allegedly being subjected to undue charges while transporting livestock to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that livestock-carrying vehicles entering Jammu and Kashmir through Punjab are being charged substantial fees from 15 to 20 thousand rupees at the Simbu and Madhopur checkpoints. He pointed out that these charges are unjustified and not applicable in the case of J&K mutton traders, as they do not procure livestock from Punjab. Instead, they buy their livestock from states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Mr. Bukhari said that these unwarranted charges ultimately contribute to price inflation, placing an additional burden on ordinary consumers in Jammu and Kashmir. He requested the intervention of the LG to put an end to this practice. In response, the LG assured Mr. Bukhari that he would take up the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and make efforts to ensure that the prevailing practice of fee collection is discontinued. Mr. Bukhari thanked the LG for the decision to reopen the historic Naranag Temple in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district for devotees and tourists. At the same time, he requested the LG to consider reopening other tourist destinations and attractions that were closed following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam last year. Responding to the request, the LG said that the administration is regularly reviewing the security situation and assured Bukhari that all presently closed tourist destinations would be eventually reopened in a phased manner. Bukhari also raised concerns about the developmental deficit, particularly in Srinagar city. He stressed the urgent need for the repair and reconstruction of roads, lanes, and by-lanes across various city areas, saying that the poor condition of the infrastructure is causing inconvenience to residents and requires immediate attention from the administration. Apni Party President also apprised the LG of the allegations regarding backdoor appointments, and said that whenever such allegations surface, they create a sense of frustration and disappointment among the youth, who look towards transparent and merit-based recruitment processes. The LG reiterated his commitment to resolving public grievances and taking appropriate measures to ensure that the concerns highlighted by Bukhari receive the attention they deserve.
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Er. Rashid Mulls Stepping Down as Baramulla MP
AIP to seek cadre feedback before final decision Srinagar, June 21: Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, is reportedly considering either resigning from his parliamentary seat or launching a hunger strike while lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail, sources close to him said. The development has triggered concern and debate across Kashmir, as Rashid remains incarcerated in a terror funding case. Sources close to him told Rising Kashmir that he has been deliberating the move for the past several weeks, expressing frustration over his inability to effectively represent and serve the people of north Kashmir while remaining behind bars. Sources said Rashid believes his continued detention has prevented him from fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by voters. They added that both resignation from the Lok Sabha and a hunger strike are among the options under serious consideration. This is not the first time Rashid has indicated dissatisfaction with his political situation. During a previous period of interim bail, he had hinted at the possibility of stepping away from active politics. Engineer Rashid won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat by a massive margin in the 2024 parliamentary elections despite being in custody. He has been lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a terror funding case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). There has been no official statement from Rashid or his legal team regarding the reported plans. However, sources close to him said that everything would become clear in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has decided to seek the opinion of its grassroots cadre on Rashid's expressed intention to step down from the Lok Sabha, citing his inability to effectively reach out to and serve the people who elected him with a massive mandate. In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said that the party's Committee on Political Affairs held detailed deliberations on the issue and resolved to initiate a broad based consultation process involving party office bearers and cadres across all 18 Assembly segments of the Baramulla parliamentary constituency. After carefully examining all dimensions of the issue, the Committee on Political Affairs has decided that party functionaries at various levels will participate in a two day consultative exercise to deliberate on whether Engineer Rashid should continue as Member of Parliament or relinquish the position, Inam said. He added that the party may, if required, conduct a secret ballot among its cadres to ensure members can express their views freely and without any pressure. According to the spokesperson, party office bearers at the panchayat and block levels will engage with the general public and various sections of society to gather feedback on the issue. Their final opinion will reflect the sentiments conveyed by the people during the consultation process. The objective is to ensure that any decision regarding Engineer Rashid's future as MP is guided by the wishes and aspirations of the people who reposed their trust in him and the party, Inam said. He further stated that the outcome of the consultations and any subsequent voting process would be formally conveyed to Engineer Rashid, enabling him to take an informed decision on the matter.
Govt Making Sustained Efforts To Empower Youth: Sakeena
Felicitate outstanding achievers from diverse fields at SKICC Srinagar, June 21: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today said that the Government is making consistent efforts for empowering youth and creating opportunities for them for inclusive growth and development across Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister made these remarks while presides an award function at SKICC here on Sunday, organised by New Light Education and Environmental Services Foundation (NEESF) and New Light Education and Environmental Society (NEES), to felicitate outstanding achievers for their exemplary contributions in the fields of education, social service, youth empowerment, and community development. While addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the transformative role of education in shaping society and appreciated the efforts of NEESF and NEES in recognizing excellence and promoting a culture of achievement among students, educators, professionals, and social workers. She emphasized the need for collective efforts towards empowering youth and creating opportunities for inclusive growth and development. The Minister highlighted that since the formation of this government, the Education department has been given much focus and continuous measures are being taken to improve the quality of education in public educational institutions of J&K. Facilities are being upgraded in all schools to improve the learning environment and other outcomes, she stated. The Minister further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah the education sector witnessed tremendous importance in the allocation of Budget. Highlighting the importance of education for society, the Minister said that in our religion it is said that even if you have to go to China to get education, you should not stop, you should go. The Minister also called upon all the stakeholders to consider its responsibility for making the education sector nest among all sectors, so that the children of Jammu and Kashmir can get the best quality education and can easily face all the competitions in the future. The Minister also congratulated all award recipients and encouraged them to continue contributing positively to society through their dedication, innovation and service.
FIFA World Cup 2026 | Spain finds its scoring boots again as it slams four past Saudi Arabia
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Changed reality: On India and the Strait of Hormuz
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Father, son die after car plunges into Jhelum in Uri
Srinagar, June 21: A pall of gloom descended over Uri in north Kashmirs Baramulla district after a father and his young son lost their lives when their car plunged into the River Jhelum on Sunday. According to officials, the tragic accident occurred at Rajarwani area of Uri when an Alto K10 vehicle bearing registration number JK05Q-4298 skidded off the road and fell into the river. The son, identified as Syed Imtiyaz Hussain (25), son of Syed Ahmad Shah and a resident of Banjra, Uri, died on the spot. His body was later retrieved from the river by rescue teams with the assistance of local residents. His father, Syed Ahmad Shah (68), son of Syed Alam Hussain Shah, a retired Sub-Inspector and resident of Banjra, sustained critical injuries in the accident. He was immediately shifted to the Sub-District Hospital Uri, where he later succumbed to his injuries, officials said. The tragic loss of the father-son duo sent shockwaves across the area, with residents expressing grief over the heartbreaking incident. Eyewitnesses said local volunteers, along with police personnel, rushed to the spot soon after the accident and launched rescue efforts. Police and locals worked together to retrieve the bodies from the river and complete the rescue operation. After the completion of medico-legal formalities, the bodies were handed over to the bereaved family for the last rites. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further proceedings.
J&K Police Marks International Yoga Day Across Kashmir
Srinagar, June 21: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday celebrated International Yoga Day 2026 across several districts of Kashmir, including Ganderbal, Bandipora, Shopian and Sopore, with a focus on promoting fitness, mental well-being and healthy living. Yoga sessions were organised at police establishments, sports grounds and police lines, drawing participation from senior police officers, personnel, youth, students and members of civil society. During the programmes, participants performed yoga asanas, breathing exercises and meditation sessions under expert supervision. The events highlighted the role of yoga in improving physical health, reducing stress, enhancing concentration and supporting overall well-being. Senior officers encouraged personnel to make yoga a part of their daily routine, especially considering the demanding nature of policing, and emphasised its benefits for maintaining physical and mental resilience. Held under the theme Yoga for Self and Society, the celebrations reflected J&K Polices commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles and creating awareness about the importance of holistic wellness across communities. The events concluded with participants pledging to adopt healthy practices and promote the benefits of yoga in society.
Just truths: On DNA evidence and rights
DNA test for paternity, allowed as a last resort, must not violate other rights
Ganderbal Polices Five-Hour Rescue Saves Ailing Shepherd
Ganderbal, June 21: Ganderbal Polices Special Operations Group (SOG) rescued a critically ill shepherd after a five-hour operation in the remote high-altitude forests of Kaindalwa Top in Anderwan and shifted him to hospital for treatment. The rescued man, Najeeb Khan, a resident of Anderwan, had been staying at his seasonal dhok in the upper reaches of Kaindalwa Top when he suddenly developed severe chest pain, triggering what appeared to be a serious cardiac emergency. Accompanied by his two sons, Khan began a difficult descent towards his village on horseback in a desperate attempt to reach medical assistance. Fate intervened when a routine SOG patrol moving through the area encountered Khan in a distressed condition. Realising the seriousness of the situation, the police personnel immediately rushed to his aid, administering first aid, water and emergency medication in an effort to stabilise him. However, as his condition continued to worsen, the team knew immediate evacuation was the only chance to save his life. With no motorable road, no communication facilities and miles of rugged terrain separating the patient from medical care, the SOG team launched a challenging rescue mission. One of Khans sons was sent back to alert family members, while police personnel, assisted by the other son, began carrying the ailing shepherd through dense forests and steep mountain slopes. Battling exhaustion, difficult weather conditions and treacherous terrain, the rescuers took turns carrying Khan on their shoulders for long stretches. After descending nearly a kilometre, the team was forced to halt briefly as the patients condition deteriorated and the physical demands of the rescue intensified. Meanwhile, local villagers joined the effort and arranged a makeshift stretcher, which was transported through the forest to the rescue party. Equipped with the stretcher, the team resumed the evacuation, continuously monitoring Khans condition and providing all possible assistance during the arduous journey. After nearly five hours of relentless effort and determination, the rescue team successfully brought Khan out of the remote forest area and ensured his immediate evacuation by ambulance to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. The efforts proved successful. Later that night, family members informed the rescuers that Khans condition had stabilised. In an emotional gesture the following day, Khan personally contacted the police personnel to thank them for saving his life and expressed deep gratitude to the entire Ganderbal Police team involved in the operation.
Over 32,000 traffic E-Challan cases settled on day one of fine concession scheme
CBSE Releases Class 12 Re-evaluation Results, 87% Cases Declared
Srinagar, June 21: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has started releasing the outcomes of Class 12 verification of issues observed and re-evaluation applications on DigiLocker from June 21 onwards. Students whose marks have been revised can access their updated mark sheets through the DigiLocker portal. CBSE said around 87 percent of candidates who applied for re-evaluation and verification of issues observed have already received their results. The remaining cases will be processed and released in phases as individual applications are completed. The board stated that every application has been examined through a robust and carefully monitored system to ensure fairness and accuracy. Candidates can check the status of their requests on DigiLocker. CBSE had declared the Class 12 examination results on May 13, 2026, for approximately 17.69 lakh students. As part of its post result services, scanned copies of evaluated answer books were made available from May 19 to May 25. Students were later allowed to apply for verification of issues observed and re-evaluation from June 2 to June 7. The board said the process was conducted under the supervision of technical experts from the Digital India Corporation, IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras to safeguard the system and maintain the integrity of the evaluation process. CBSE further announced that candidates whose verification outcome is reported as No Change will be given an opportunity to inspect their answer books at the concerned regional office. The schedule for inspection will be announced shortly. Appealing to students and parents not to rely on rumours or unverified social media posts, CBSE said all authentic updates regarding the post result process will be shared only through official communication channels. Students seeking assistance may contact their respective CBSE Regional Offices or write to resultcbse2026@cbseshiksha.in.
Uri Seeks Tourism Push Amid Rising Visitor Footfall
Srinagar, June 21: Residents of picturesque Uri town in north Kashmirs Baramulla district have urged the government to strengthen tourism infrastructure in the area, saying the lack of accommodation and recreational facilities is preventing the region from realising its full tourism potential. A delegation of local residents said that despite Uri emerging as a popular destination for visitors, particularly after the opening of Kaman Post for tourism and the growing interest in border tourism, the absence of quality lodging facilities remains a major challenge. Abrar Ahmad, a resident of Uri, said the town has only a handful of privately run hotels and all are in poor condition and fail to meet the expectations of tourists. Visitors often avoid staying in these hotels because of their inadequate facilities. There is an urgent need for better accommodation options, he said. He suggested that the Tourism Department establish eco-friendly huts around Uri town and nearby forested areas to attract visitors seeking nature-based experiences. According to locals, even the government-owned guesthouse at Bandi, managed by the Roads and Buildings Department is in a dilapidated state and often faces booking-related issues. Another resident, Bashir Bhat, a resident of Garkote village stressed the need for quality accommodation in remote parts of the valley, particularly in view of Uris growing appeal as a potential filming destination. We want Uri to be explored by Bollywood filmmakers because of its scenic beauty, but the question remains where film crews and artists will stay during their visits. The absence of proper facilities is discouraging, he said. Residents said the issue has become more pressing after the opening of Kaman Post along the Line of Control (LoC), which has witnessed a steady flow of tourists. Hundreds of visitors come to see Kaman Post, but there are hardly any facilities for those who wish to stay overnight. There is no concept of homestays here either, Bhat said. He also pointed out that a rafting project proposed at Hapatkhai Nallah in Boniyar nearly four years ago is yet to take off. Uri needs additional tourist amenities such as parks, adventure activities and recreational spaces to make it a complete destination, he added. Locals highlighted several attractions in and around Uri, including Kaman Post, Nambla Waterfall, Rustum, Zulfiqar Ali Viewpoint, Salamabad Dam, Bosiyan and Limber Waterfall, saying these sites continue to attract both local and non-local tourists. Uri has immense tourism potential and can become a major destination under the governments border tourism initiative. We hope authorities will focus on improving infrastructure and facilities in the area, said Shafiq Ahmad, another resident. Nestled along the banks of the River Jhelum and surrounded by lush green mountains, Uri is known for its scenic landscapes and strategic location near the LoC. The town also gained wider recognition following the release of the Bollywood film Uri: The Surgical Strike. The residents have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, the Omar Abdullah-led government and the Tourism Department to prioritise tourism-related development projects in the border town. Meanwhile, MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi said he has recently taken up the matter with the deputy Chief minister and assured residents that efforts are underway to address the concerns. I have raised these issues with the Deputy Chief Minister and every possible step will be taken to upgrade tourism and public facilities in Uri, he said.
Delhi govt. campaign onwelfareschemes brings relief for some, dejectionfor others
Nearly One in Four Adults in J&K Use Tobacco: Report
Srinagar, Jun 21: Tobacco consumption continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Jammu and Kashmir, with nearly one in every four adults using tobacco in one form or another. Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor, Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar said in a report, titled Tobacco in J&K: The Hidden EpidemicHealth, Economic, Social and Environmental Costs, highlights the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and its far-reaching consequences on health, families, livelihoods and the environment. According to data cited from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2, 2016-17), 23.7 percent of adults in J&K use tobacco, including smoking and smokeless forms. Tobacco use among men stands at 39.7 percent, compared to 6.2 percent among women. Smoking tobacco is used by 35.2 percent of men and 5.1 percent of women, while smokeless tobacco use stands at 6.8 percent among men and 1.5 percent among women. The report identifies commonly used tobacco products in J&K, including cigarettes, bidis, hookah (hukka), gutka, khaini, zarda and tobacco mixed with betel quid (pan). District-wise analysis based on NFHS-5 indicates that tobacco smoking prevalence is considerably higher in Kashmir division than in Jammu division. Kupwara records the highest smoking prevalence at 56.6 percent, followed by Baramulla, Bandipora, Kulgam and Shopian. The lowest prevalence has been reported in Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur districts. The report notes that tobacco use generally begins during adolescence and early adulthood, increases rapidly between 25 and 44 years of age and reaches its highest prevalence among individuals aged 4559 years. Men consistently show significantly higher tobacco consumption than women across all age groups. Health experts have warned that tobacco is linked to multiple cancers, including oral, lung, esophageal, laryngeal, bladder and pancreatic cancers. It is also a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, respiratory illnesses including COPD and emphysema, and maternal and child health complications such as low birth weight, premature births and infant mortality. The report also outlines the heavy economic burden associated with tobacco use. Daily tobacco expenditure of 100 can amount to 36,500 annually, while spending 300 per day can exceed 1 lakh annually. In addition to household financial losses, tobacco-related diseases impose substantial healthcare costs and productivity losses through disability, premature mortality, absenteeism and reduced work efficiency. Beyond health and economics, the report highlights social consequences, including increased poverty, school dropouts, family financial stress, second-hand smoke exposure and intergenerational disadvantages. Environmental concerns linked to tobacco include deforestation, air pollution, cigarette butt waste and contamination of soil and water resources. Calling tobacco use a preventable epidemic, Dr. Khan urged people to quit tobacco and adopt healthier lifestyles. The report emphasizes that quitting tobacco offers immediate and long-term benefits, including improved health, financial savings, stronger families, a cleaner environment and a healthier society.
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World Music Day:One Day Kashmiri Music Will Match Punjabi Industry says Singer Waqar Khan
Srinagar, June 21: On the occasion of World Music Day, popular Kashmiri singer Waqar Khan expressed the growing recognition of Kashmiri music and language on national platforms, expressing optimism about the future of the valleys music industry. Speaking about the evolving music landscape, Waqar said that Kashmiri language and songs have increasingly found space in Bollywood in recent years, contributing to efforts aimed at preserving and promoting the regions rich cultural heritage. He pointed to the success of Kashmiri singer Faheem Abdullah in Bollywood as a positive sign for the industry. Work is being done to keep the Kashmiri language alive and restore its prominence. Artists like Faheem Abdullah are making a mark in Bollywood, which is encouraging for all of us. We are hopeful that one day the Kashmiri music industry will flourish in the same way as the Punjabi music industry, he told Rising Kashmir. Recalling his musical journey, Waqar said his passion for singing began during his school days when teachers recognized his talent. What started as appreciation from my teachers gradually became a hobby, then a passion, and eventually a profession, he said. Addressing comparisons with legendary Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Waqar humbly rejected the title often given to him by admirers. I can never compare myself to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He was a legend and no one can match his stature. Perhaps people call me Junior NFAK because I have recomposed some of his songs. Like millions of others, I have followed and admired him throughout my life, he said. He added that Nusrats timeless music continues to inspire generations across the world. His work was exceptional, which is why people still love and listen to him. I am focused on improving myself every day and growing as an artist, he said. Waqar also spoke about the difficult decision of leaving his government job to pursue a full-time career in music. It was a tough decision, but I believed in my passion and wanted to dedicate myself completely to music, he said. Discussing the challenges faced by independent artists, Waqar noted that social media platforms have transformed the music industry and opened new opportunities for emerging singers. In the past, artists had to travel to Mumbai and meet producers and directors to get a chance. Today, platforms like YouTube and other social media channels allow artists to showcase their work to audiences across the globe. However, one must also understand how to effectively promote content online, he said. While acknowledging the growing popularity of Kashmiri music, Waqar said the valley still lacks large-scale musical events. Very few concerts are organised here, while private events are more common. I hope we will see more concerts and music festivals in the coming years, said Waqar who hails from Kupwara's Karnah tehsil. The singer also stressed the need to identify and promote talented writers and literary figures in Kashmir, saying the region possesses immense creative potential that deserves wider recognition. Apart from music, Waqar has also entered politics and is associated with the National Conference. Explaining his decision, he said his primary objective is to serve people and address local issues. I joined politics because I wanted to help the people of my area. I believe the party stands with the people of Kashmir and works for their welfare, he said. Commenting on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Waqar said the Chief Minister is making sincere efforts to address public concerns. He is working hard to resolve the issues faced by the people to the best of his ability, he said. Sharing his political aspirations, Waqar said he hopes to act as a bridge between the people and the administration. My goal is always to help people and connect them with those who can solve their problems, he said. Describing himself in simple terms, Waqar concluded: I am a common man and a singer.
Srinagar/Bengaluru, June 2026: In a major breakthrough for India's emerging deep-tech landscape, Srinagar-based Quantum First Deep-Tech Innovation Ecosystem Chinar Quantum AI (CQAI), one of the country's pioneering quantum technology companies, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Christ University, Bengaluru, at its Kengeri Campus. The partnership aims to establish a comprehensive Quantum Hub that will offer specialized quantum trainings, internships, startup incubation, research and development, deep-tech innovation, and industry-academia collaboration, contributing directly to the vision of India's National Quantum Mission. As a concrete step toward implementing the objectives of the MoU, CQAI and Christ University successfully organized the two-day Quantum Convergence Workshop on June 1718, 2026. The workshop brought together students, researchers, and faculty members to explore the convergence of Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Post-Quantum Cryptography, and Cybersecuritytechnologies expected to shape the future global economy and national security landscape. The event featured keynote and technical sessions delivered by Dr. Rukhsan Ul Haq, CEO & Chief Scientist of CQAI, and Mr. G. B. Alex, Chief Innovation Officer of CQAI, who highlighted emerging opportunities in Quantum AI, Quantum Computing, Quantum-Safe Security, and deep-tech entrepreneurship. The workshop provided participants with exposure to cutting-edge research directions and innovation pathways in one of the world's fastest-growing technological domains.
FIFA World Cup, Belgium vs Iran LIVE: Group G match under way
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US-Iran talks in Switzerland reportedly ended for internal consultations
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 21 : The first round of high-level US-Iran diplomatic talks currently underway in Switzerland has concluded, with the session suspended after 80 minutes to allow the delegations to conduct 'internal consultations' , according to Iran's Fars news agency. US Vice President JD Vance convened in Switzerland with senior Iranian officials on Sunday to mark the commencement of high-level diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in West Asia. During the talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, Vance articulated Washington's readiness to fundamentally transform its relations with Tehran, relaying a directive from President Donald Trump, who has encouraged both parties to turn a new leaf in their diplomatic engagement. The discussions, which include key stakeholders, are primarily tasked with addressing Tehran's nuclear programme and overcoming critical obstacles within the framework of a fragile interim agreement, including the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz. Highlighting the historic nature of the meeting, Vance remarked, Never before has the Iranian and American leadership met at such a high level. We've already made great progress over just the last few hours, and I expect that we will make additional progress in the hours to come. Vance cautioned that while these discussions are a vital starting point, they are unlikely to yield an immediate resolution. Emphasising the complexities of the diplomatic process, he noted, Peace is never easy. Peace always requires a little bit of work. It always requires a little bit of give and take. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Tehran to immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon, or the US will hit Iran very hard again amid talks in Switzerland aimed at defusing volatility across the region. The escalatory warning was issued via the President's social media platform, Truth Social, marking one of the most aggressive posturing manoeuvres from Washington since the commencement of the alpine diplomatic track. Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don't, we'll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!! Trump posted. (ANI)
Private college teacher held for sexually harassing girl in Erode
CISF to be deployed at five more prisons in Jammu and Kashmir
This includes a new high-security prison in Kathua, four district jails; CISF implements tech upgrades at Central jails, including AI-enabled CCTV systems and advanced video analytics for real-time monitoring
Gunfire at Congress MLAs office shows law and order collapse in Haryana, says Hooda
Not a single gang was active during the Congress governments tenure, because the administrations policy was clear: either give up crime or leave Haryana, says Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda
Right to vote should be a Fundamental Right: Jairam Ramesh
This will ensure safeguards against voter suppressions or arbitrary disqualifications that Mr. Ramesh alleged took place in different states in astronomical numbers under the SIR process
Political parties condole death in ammonia leak at seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district
They urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure safety guidelines are strictly followed in industrial units
VCK urges Vijay to call for all-party meeting on Mekedatu issue
This comes after the CPI(M), AIADMK, and the PMK criticised the resolution passed in the Assembly on the grounds that it was not adopted in accordance with the procedure
Matt Henry roars back with 11 wickets as New Zealand crush England at The Oval
A 10-day break between the games allowed him to fully recover and on Sunday (June 21, 2026) he was named the player of the match in New Zealand's series-leveling win by 253 runs.
Operation Tiger successful, declares Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Those who know me, know that we do not leave any operation incomplete, says Shinde; all six MPs of Shiv Sena UBT are slated to merge with Shiv Sena, say party sources
India beat New Zealand to win FIH women's Nations Cup, title secure Pro League return
This is Indias second Nations Cup title, having won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2022
Over 1,000 kg ganja worth 1.5 crore seized, three arrested
Gehlot questions Shahs intent in demolition of Muslim religious sites along Rajasthan border
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Wyndham Clark turning the U.S. Open into a runaway, Scheffler still has hope for a slam
Wyndham Clark had the right answer for a tough Shinnecock Hills
MVA boycotts CMs tea party ahead of Maharashtra Assemblys monsoon session
The MVA criticises the government for not providing satisfactory answers on many issues, including drought, farmers issues; rise in atrocities against women, and drug trafficking; and deteriorating law and order in the State
Trump wishes U.K. PM Starmer well amid reports of resignation plans
From Shillong to seas: Armed forces celebrate International Day of Yoga across India
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the celebrations in Shillong, accompanied by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and other air warriors; Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi fronted the celebrations with troops in Tezpur; naval platforms and Indian Coast Guards ships at sea and at harbour also took part in the celebrations
Built around the real emergency calls of six-year-old Hind Rajab, Ben Hanias devastating docudrama preserves a record of atrocity in excruciating detail
Diplomatic community joins Yoga Day celebrations
This year marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with the theme Yoga for Healthy Ageing, which emphasised the importance of yoga for all ages
Samiti submits memorandum to Prime Minister seeking AIIMS for Raichur
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant celebrates 12th International Day of Yoga
U.P. Muslim MPs urge government to refrain from targeted action on heritage structures
The MPs say it gave external adversaries unnecessary opportunities to speak about Indias internal matters, and cite Pakistan Presidents comment on a Varanasi mosque
Tourism Department explores opportunities to boost cruise tourism in Mangaluru
Three of a family killed as car rams into tree
Hyderabad to host global non-destructive evaluation events in November
