IIT-Bombay apologises for earlier statement on circumstances surrounding students death
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BDA seeks nod to fell 1,128 trees for short tunnel in Bengaluru, GBA invites objections
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A dangerous dose of deception in Karnataka and beyond
A heap of discarded medical waste near a farmhouse in South Bengaluru district led police to an alleged counterfeit drug repackaging unit and to an inter-State network supplying medicines to hospitals and clinics. The counterfeit drugs allegedly reached patients who were being treated for serious illnesses, including cancer. Shilpa Elizabeth and Imran Gowhar report on the questions raised about safety and accountability
Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha seeks management of new Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan
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Congress leaders raiding legal properties of BRS leaders: Praveen Kumar
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NHAI seeks modification of SC order directing it remove strays from highways
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Prada-Kolhapuri controversy: Can a G.I. tag prevent cultural misappropriation?
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J&K Assembly session begins with renewed demand for statehood restoration
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Huawei Upgrades Stellar AI WAN Solution to Drive All Intelligence Across Industries
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Meloni plans to ban burqas and niqabs, cap foreign students in Italian schools
On Sunday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed plans for a new school policy aimed at capping foreign student numbers and prohibiting burqas and niqabs in classrooms. Addressing her partys youth organization, Meloni said that the measure would also require parents of foreign students with severe integration difficulties to take compulsory Italian language classes.
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Caste bias a 'blot' on Hindu society: RSS leader Hosabale; calls for behavioural change
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Rome , September 21 : Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced plans to prohibit face coverings such as burqas and niqabs in schools, while also proposing a legal cap on the number of foreign students permitted in each classroom. Speaking at Fenix, a youth event organised by her Brothers of Italy party in Rome on Sunday, Meloni said a measure containing the proposed provisions would soon be presented to the Council of Ministers. So, a measure is about to reach the Council of Ministers that legally introduces a limit on the number of foreign students per class. A maximum number, clearly. And that's not all. It also introduces an obligation for parents of foreign students with severe integration issues at school to learn Italian and introduces a ban on burqas and niqabs in schools, she said. The Prime Minister said the measures were aimed at ensuring that people coming to Italy to build their future learn the Italian language, understand the country's culture and respect its rules. For us, anyone who comes to Italy and wants to build their future here must learn our language, know our culture, and respect our rules. It is the only serious way to welcome people, she added. On the proposed ban on face coverings in schools, Meloni said students should attend school with their faces uncovered and linked the measure to gender equality. Because you go to school with an uncovered face and because in Italy, no one, in the name of a real or presumed tradition, can decide that a young woman must hide herself. Gender equality is non-negotiablenot on our streets, and not in our schools, she said. Meloni also said parents of foreign students experiencing severe difficulties with integration into the Italian school system would be required to learn Italian. The government has not yet specified the maximum number of foreign students that would be permitted in an individual class. According to current data from research institute Fondazione ISMU, around 930,000 students without Italian citizenship are currently enrolled in schools across Italy, accounting for nearly 11.6 per cent of the countrys total school population. Addressing higher education at the event, Meloni also spoke about changes to admission procedures for medical school. She said the government had scrapped the multiple-choice entrance test, describing it as an unfair mechanism that restricted opportunities. And then universitythat transition where so many young people choose what they want to be for the years to come. Here too, we inherited a system that claimed in words to guarantee opportunity for everyone but in practice left some behind. We have unseated some of these mechanisms as well, starting with one of the biggest symbols of the senseless injustices created by left-wing governments: the multiple-choice entrance test for medical school. We scrapped this infernal mechanism because if you want to play the lottery, you buy a New Year's ticketyou don't enrol in university, she stated. The announcements were made as Meloni outlined the government's proposed approach to integration in schools, including language requirements for parents of foreign students facing serious integration difficulties, a cap on foreign students per class and a ban on burqas and niqabs in schools. (ANI)
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The paradox of self-reliance: India-China trade dynamics | Data Point
While India is steadily building its manufacturing capabilities, that expansion remains deeply embedded in China-centric, import-dependent supply chains
Antidote to drugs: On the counterfeit medicine racket in Bengaluru, Karnataka
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U.S. seeks AI dialogue with China as officials set stage for Trump-Xi summit
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Visa, MOONTON Games extend collaboration with new three-year partnership for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's M Series-the world's most watched mobile esports tournament
Dont Cry After Elections Asaduddin Owaisis Warning to SP Leader Akhilesh Yadav
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Watch: DK Shivakumar credits Chandrababu Naidu with Hyderabads development
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Typhoon approaches eastern Japan, prompting flood and landslide warnings
At the Asian Games in central Japans Aichi Prefecture, organisers postponed the equestrian eventing competition until Tuesday due to the approaching typhoon.
Bengaluru is most expensive for metro travel as compared to Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai
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Why living in Bengaluru is expensive as compared to Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai
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CM Prem Singh Tamang Assures Medical and Government Support for Soreng Boy Tanish Tamang
CM Prem Singh Tamang Assures Support for Soreng Boy Tanish Tamang After Meeting Mother Gangtok, September 21 : Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) [] The post CM Prem Singh Tamang Assures Medical and Government Support for Soreng Boy Tanish Tamang appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Rudrankksh, Himanshu and Parth Mane finished with a team total of 1890.1; China claimed the gold with a world record team total of 1899.0 points
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As AI marches on math research, scholars ponder the future
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As Rain Intensify In Keralam, Chief Minister Orders Hourly Assessment
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GDC Kargil conducts field visit to Suru Valley
Kargil, Sep 20: The Department of Psychology, Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil, organised a one-day academic field visit to Suru Valley, Sankoo, for students of the 1st, 3rd and 5th semesters as part of their curricular and experiential learning activities. The field visit focused on understanding climate anxiety and psychological responses among local residents, particularly in the context of the recent flash-flood event in the Suru Valley area. The students collected qualitative information through semi-structured interviews and field observations from residents of several villages. The field visit was supervised by Nayeema Manzoor and Mohd Mustafa, Assistant Professors, Department of Psychology. Upon reaching the field locations, the students were divided into groups of three to facilitate systematic interaction, observation and data collection. The activity provided students with practical exposure to interviewing techniques, field observation, qualitative data collection and community interaction, while enhancing their understanding of psychological responses to environmental and disaster-related experiences. The Department of Psychology expressed gratitude to the college administration, local residents and students for their cooperation and active participation in making the field visit successful.
Awareness campaign under Nasha Mukt Yuva continues in Pulwama
Pulwama, Sep 20: Continuing the awareness campaign under the nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, district administration Pulwama on Sunday organised an awareness programme at Circuit House, Pulwama, with the objective of sensitising participants about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society. The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier with the 100-Week Action Plan with the objective of developing physically healthy, mentally robust, and highly confident younger generation completely free from self-destructive habits. The programme brought together representatives from various departments and focused on creating awareness about the physical, psychological, social and economic consequences of drug abuse. Resource persons from the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments highlighted different aspects of substance abuse and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to prevent its spread. Speakers on the occasion highlighted the important role of educational institutions in preventing drug abuse through regular awareness and sensitisation programmes, counselling and active involvement of parents and the community. On the occasion, the resource persons also spoke about the role of awareness, counselling, rehabilitation and support mechanisms for individuals and families affected by substance abuse. Emphasis was laid on ensuring that persons struggling with addiction receive timely support and are encouraged to seek appropriate assistance. Furthermore, experts from the Health Department elaborated on the adverse health consequences of drug addiction and stressed the importance of timely medical intervention, counselling and rehabilitation. Participants were also sensitised about the need to identify cases at an early stage and facilitate appropriate support and treatment. The speakers also emphasised that combating drug abuse requires sustained and coordinated efforts involving government departments, educational institutions, parents, civil society and the community. The participants were urged to actively contribute towards spreading awareness and strengthening collective efforts for realising the vision of Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan.
Residents from the northeast say years of racial slurs, harassment and stereotyping have left them feeling unsafe in a neighbourhood they have called home for decades; Chongtham Singhs killing has deepened those fears and prompted calls for increased police presence
JMC Commissioner initiates redevelopment work at Parade Vegetable Market
Jammu, Sep 20: Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and CEO, Jammu Smart City, Dr. Devansh Yadav on Sunday visited the Old Vegetable Market at Parade and initiated the redevelopment work, marking the beginning of a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at transforming the historic market into a cleaner, more organised and modern trading space. During his visit, the Vegetable Market Association welcomed the Commissioner and expressed its support for the redevelopment initiative. Interacting with traders and members of the association, Dr. Yadav assured those present that the work had commenced and would be completed as soon as possible. He said the redevelopment would provide improved facilities for vendors and visitors, enhance hygiene standards and create a more efficient and customer-friendly market environment. The redevelopment project, with an estimated DPR cost of 5.88 crore, aims to transform the existing mandi through modern infrastructure, upgraded civic amenities and a well-planned layout. The project is expected to improve market functionality, accessibility, sanitation and the overall shopping experience. As part of the redevelopment, a spacious Mild Steel (MS) covered shed will be constructed to provide weather-protected vending space for traders. The facility will accommodate 117 vendor platforms, each measuring 1.8 metres 2.1 metres, ensuring systematic and orderly market operations. The shed area will be developed with Kota stone flooring, while the vendor platforms will feature granite cladding and granite tops to ensure durability, hygiene and ease of maintenance. The project also envisages the construction of 44 permanent commercial shop blocks, each measuring 2.4 metres 2.7 metres, to support vegetable vendors and allied businesses in a structured retail setting. To improve sanitation and cleanliness, the existing drainage network will be strengthened and rehabilitated to minimise waterlogging and ensure efficient disposal of wastewater within the mandi premises. The redevelopment plan further includes a redesigned main entry gate with sandstone cladding, enhancing the visual appeal and identity of the market. Modern public amenities, including separate toilet blocks for men and women and drinking water cooler units, will also be installed for the convenience of traders and visitors. The internal movement and circulation areas will be developed using Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to withstand regular pedestrian movement and light vehicular traffic, ensuring long-term durability and reduced maintenance requirements. Dr. Yadav said the redevelopment had been conceived to improve market functionality through an organised layout, better accessibility, enhanced safety and efficient civic infrastructure. He added that the upgraded facilities would significantly improve hygiene standards and provide a cleaner, safer and more convenient environment for the handling and sale of fresh produce. The initiation of work at the Parade Vegetable Market marks an important step towards the planned modernisation of one of Jammus oldest and busiest markets, with the JMC committed to completing the redevelopment at the earliest possible time.
DC Poonch attends felicitation ceremony for NEET, academic achievers
Poonch, Sep 20: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today attended a felicitation ceremony organised by the Shia Federation Province Jammu at Town Hall, Poonch, to honour students who excelled in NEET and other academic fields. The Deputy Commissioner graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Retired Principal Syed Musarrat Husain Shah attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner congratulated the achievers and appreciated the Shia Federation for organising the programme to recognise academic excellence and encourage young students. He emphasised the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance in achieving success, and urged the students to continue pursuing their educational goals with commitment and sincerity. The DC also interacted with the students and felicitated the academic achievers, appreciating their accomplishments and wishing them continued success in their future endeavours. The programme was attended by members of the Shia Federation, students, parents, prominent citizens and other dignitaries.
J&K Police seize nine vehicles in Shopian, Sopore
Srinagar, Sep 20: Continuing it sustained drive against illegal mining and transportation of minerals, Police have seized nine vehicles including two dumpers and seven tractors involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in Shopian and Sopore. The vehicles were found involved in the extraction and transportation of mining material, without valid authorization and in violation of the prescribed norms. Meanwhile in Sopore, Sopore Police seized two vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the jurisdiction of PS Panzalla and PP Fruit Mandi. Accordingly, the vehicles were seized on the spot and multiple FIRs under relevant provisions of law stand registered at the concerned police stations. Further investigation in the matter has been initiated. J&K Police reiterated its firm commitment to protecting the districts natural resources and taking strict legal action against individuals involved in illegal mining activities. The general public has been urged to cooperate with the police and report any such unlawful activities.
Annual day cum parent teacher meet held at BHSS Achabal
Anantnag, Sep 20: Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Achabal organised its Annual Day cum Grand Parent Teacher Meet with great enthusiasm and active participation of students, parents, teachers and members of the civil society. The programme was graced by the MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi as the Chief Guest. DEPO Anantnag, Assadullah Mir, attended the function as the Guest of Honour, while ZEO Achabal, Liyaqat Ahmad Chachi, and BMO Achabal, Dr. Akhter Hussain, were present as Special Guests. A large number of parents, students, teachers and members of the civil society attended the function. The programme provided a platform to showcase the academic, cultural and co-curricular achievements of the students and to strengthen meaningful interaction between parents and teachers. A major highlight of the occasion was the release of the school's maiden Annual Magazine, Shuhaab. The magazine reflects the creativity, literary talent and achievements of the students and provides them with a platform to express their ideas, thoughts and aspirations. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi highlighted the significant role played by teachers in shaping society and nurturing responsible and enlightened citizens. He appreciated the efforts of the school authorities, teachers and students in organising the Annual Day and bringing out the school's first annual magazine. DEPO Anantnag, in his address, emphasised the importance of collective efforts for the progress and prosperity of the education system. He highlighted the crucial role of parents, teachers and civil society in creating a supportive educational environment and ensuring the proper academic and overall development of children. ZEO Achabal, and BMO Achabal, also appreciated the initiative of the school and the active involvement of parents and students in the programme. The students presented a variety of cultural and educational items, showcasing their talent, confidence and creativity. The performances added colour and vibrancy to the event and were appreciated by the audience. The Annual Day concluded on a positive note, reaffirming the commitment of the school towards academic excellence, creativity, character building and holistic development of students, while strengthening the bond between the school, parents and the wider community.
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Here is a select list of stories to start the day
For many young Israelis, Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh offers an escape from the pressures of military service and conflict, drawing them to Indias Hummus Trail, in search of peace and healing. Though there has been a marginal dip in visitors after the war, locals in the tranquil Himalayan retreat worry about over tourism, drug use, and rave culture, finds Vikas Vasudeva
Mourinho fumes at referee, Simeone urges respect after fiery Madrid derby
Those were two clear red cards; the difficulties we've faced since the sending-off; 11 against 10; well, we can imagine what 50 minutes of 11 against 9 would have been like if justice had been done, said Jose Mourinho
Early returns in Russias parliamentary election show main Kremlin party leading
With some 58% of the precincts counted, United Russia had nearly 58% of the vote for the 225 deputies apportioned by party lists, according to the Central Election Commission
Asian Games 2026: India blank Kazakhstan, set up quarterfinal against Japan in womens badminton
We have a good team, and Japan also is a good, strong team, so its going to be a tough one, said P.V. Sindhu
Changing LifelinePart 4 :Better data, better models key to Jhelums water future
Srinagar, Sep 20: The Jhelum River basin needs a new generation of climate and hydrological modelling to prepare for a changing water regime, with researchers calling for better data, higher-resolution climate models and multiple modelling approaches to reduce uncertainty in future streamflow projections. A study published in an international journal, 'Discover Applied Sciences', has recommended a comprehensive overhaul of future research on the basin, stressing that improving the spatial resolution of climate models should be a priority to capture regional and local climate variations more accurately. The research notes that while climate models provide valuable projections, the complex terrain and varied landscape of the Jhelum basin require finer-scale modelling to better understand how climate change will influence precipitation, temperature, runoff and river discharge. The study has called for enhanced representation of land-surface processes and their interaction with atmospheric conditions. Such improvements, it said, would help researchers better understand the processes that determine how rainfall and snowfall translate into runoff and ultimately affect river flows. A major recommendation is to move beyond reliance on a single hydrological model. The researchers advocate employing more than one hydrological model to assess the range of possible future outcomes and determine the degree of uncertainty surrounding streamflow projections. This, the study argues, would provide policymakers with a more robust scientific basis for water-resource planning, particularly as future projections can vary depending on climate models, hydrological models and their underlying assumptions. The researchers have further recommended the use of fully distributed hydrological models for water management and environmental decision-making in geographically diverse and complex landscapes. The recommendations assume significance in view of the study's projections for the Jhelum basin under different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). The analysis found that mean temperatures are projected to rise throughout the century under all scenarios, while precipitation is also expected to increase, the study notes. However, more precipitation does not necessarily mean more water in the river throughout the year. The study projects a significant seasonal shift in streamflow, with flows expected to decrease during summer and increase during winter compared with the historical period. Under the future scenarios, high flows are projected to mostly decline, while low flows are expected to rise during the near, mid and far future periods. The researchers also found that the emergence of future low-flow conditions could occur earlier than the emergence of changes in high flows, suggesting that the timing and distribution of water could become an increasingly important issue for the basin. The study's flood-frequency analysis also projected a reduction in 30-year flood levels in the future, implying that the severity of such events, according to the model projections, could decrease. However, the researchers' emphasis on improving models highlights the importance of accounting for uncertainties before translating projections into policy. The research said its findings can advance understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on future discharge and serve as a guide for developing watershed water-resource management policies. For the Jhelum basin, therefore, the researchers' message is clear--future water management cannot depend solely on historical river behaviour. Instead, authorities and researchers need to combine finer climate data, better representation of land-surface processes, multiple hydrological models and fully distributed modelling systems to understand how the basin may respond to a warming climate, it adds. The study ultimately calls for a more scientifically robust approach to water-resource managementone that can account for changing seasonal flows, local climatic variations and the uncertainties inherent in long-term climate projections.
Supplements arent a shortcut to better health or longer life
The growing use of self-prescribed supplements, protein products, and fitness boosters is raising concerns among medical experts in Jammu and Kashmir, as more people turn to pills, injections, and specialised diets without assessing whether they actually need them. From vitamins and minerals to protein supplements, steroids, and products marketed for fitness and longevity, supplementation has increasingly become part of everyday life. Experts caution that even commonly used supplements can have adverse effects when taken unnecessarily or without medical guidance. In an interview with Rising Kashmir Health Correspondent Mansoor Peer, Dr Akhtar Purvez, MD, FICS, FASRA, a Kashmiri-American physician and clinical researcher, discusses the benefits, risks, and evidence behind their growing use. Q: How has supplement use changed, and what are the risks of taking them without medical advice? Dr Purvez: Over the years, dietary habits have changed significantly, with more people taking supplements such as vitamins C and E, joint-health injections, protein supplements, steroids, and magnesium without medical advice. While some supplements may be beneficial when medically indicated, unnecessary or excessive use can be harmful and should be avoided without proper medical guidance. Q: How should we think about supplements used for health, fitness, and longevity? Dr Purvez: The word supplement covers very different substances. A vitamin used to correct a deficiency is not equivalent to a compound marketed to everse ageing, and creatine used for athletic performance is different again. The right question is not whether supplements are good or bad, but: What is the specific claim, and what quality of human evidence supports it? A supplement may be valuable for correcting deficiency, useful for a particular purpose, unnecessary when nutrition is adequate, or harmful when used excessively. Q: Has any supplement been proved to make healthy people live longer? Dr Purvez: No dietary supplement currently has convincing evidence that it extends maximum human lifespan. We must distinguish among a biological mechanism, a biomarker, and a meaningful clinical outcome. A substance may increase NAD+, alter a laboratory marker, or produce interesting results in animals without demonstrating that people taking it live longer or healthier lives. Q: What does the evidence show for creatine and protein powders? Dr Purvez: Creatine monohydrate is among the most extensively studied sports supplements. Evidence supports benefits for strength, power, and repeated high-intensity activity, particularly with resistance training. Common studied maintenance doses are around 35 grams daily. These benefits, however, do not establish that creatine prevents disease or extends life. Protein is essential. People who exercise intensively, older adults trying to preserve muscle, or those with inadequate dietary intake may benefit from additional protein. A powder is mainly a convenient source and is not inherently superior to adequate protein from food. Product quality and manufacturing standards also matter. Q: What about vitamin D, K2, B12, and magnesium? Dr Purvez: Vitamin D, B12, and magnesium are essential nutrients, and genuine deficiencies should be corrected. But being essential does not mean everyone needs supplementation. High-dose vitamin D should not routinely be taken in the hope of prolonging life, and K2 does not automatically need to accompany D3. B12 is particularly important for people who are deficient or at risk, including some vegetarians and vegans, older adults, and people with impaired absorption. Magnesium deficiency should likewise be corrected, but claims that magnesium is a universal treatment for sleep, stress, and recovery go beyond the evidence. Q: Should everyone take omega-3 or fish-oil capsules? Dr Purvez: No. Omega-3 fatty acids are biologically important and can lower triglycerides, and clinicians may recommend particular preparations in specific circumstances. But this does not mean every healthy person needs a fish-oil capsule. Eating fish within a healthy diet and taking concentrated omega-3 supplements are not identical interventions. Q: What about ashwagandha, turmeric, and shilajit? Dr Purvez: Traditional use deserves respect and scientific investigation, but traditional use and clinical proof answer different questions. Some ashwagandha preparations have shown potential benefits for stress and sleep, although broader claims remain insufficiently supported and safety considerations exist. Turmeric used in food is not equivalent to concentrated curcumin. Research suggests possible benefits in selected conditions, but not universal disease prevention or longevity. Shilajit has historical and Himalayan appeal, but evidence is insufficient to call it a proven anti-ageing treatment. Purity, contamination, and standardisation must also be considered. Q: What about NMN, NAD+ boosters, resveratrol, spermidine, and Ca-AKG? Dr Purvez: These are scientifically interesting, but scientifically interesting is not synonymous with clinically proven. NMN can influence NAD+ biology, but that does not establish prevention of dementia, cardiovascular disease, or disability, much less long life. This illustrates the biomarker trap: a measurable laboratory change is promoted into a clinical benefit the study never demonstrated. Resveratrol, spermidine, and Ca-AKG likewise remain areas of ageing research rather than established longevity therapies. Early research should tell us what deserves further investigation, not automatically what belongs in our medicine cabinets. Q: Where do CoQ10, collagen, and multivitamins fit? Dr Purvez: CoQ10 has biological functions and has been studied in several clinical settings, but that does not establish a general longevity benefit. Collagen may offer modest benefits for certain skin or musculoskeletal outcomes, but this is not evidence that it slows biological ageing. Multivitamins can be useful when nutritional intake is inadequate, but they do not replace a healthy diet. Preventing deficiency is different from extending lifespan. Q: Does atural mean safer? Dr Purvez: No. Natural describes origin; it does not establish safety. Plants contain biologically active chemicals, which is why they may produce benefits but also cause adverse effects or interact with medications. A substance does not become harmless because it came from a root, leaf, or mountain rather than a pharmaceutical laboratory. Q: Are there concerns about supplements sold in India, especially Kashmir? Dr Purvez: We must ask two questions: Does the ingredient work, and does the product actually contain what the label says? Consumers should consider reputable manufacturing, transparent ingredient quantities, regulatory compliance, and credible independent testing. Proprietary mixtures that conceal individual quantities deserve particular scepticism, especially when manufacturing or storage standards are difficult to verify. Q: What concerns you most about today's supplement culture? Dr Purvez: The gradual disappearance of the distinction between possibility and proof. A laboratory observation becomes supports health. Supports health becomes prevents disease. A biomarker becomes anti-ageing, and eventually anti-ageing becomes longevity, although nobody has demonstrated that people taking the product actually live longer. Science requires us to ask at every step whether the evidence supports the next claim. Q: What should someone do before starting a supplement? Dr Purvez: Start with the objective, not the bottle. Are you correcting a deficiency, seeking an athletic benefit, addressing a medical condition, or simply hoping to remain healthy? Then ask: What exactly is the claim? What is the quality of the human evidence? Does it demonstrate an outcome that mattersor merely a laboratory change? People with chronic illness, kidney or liver disease, pregnancy, or prescription medications should be particularly cautious about unsupervised supplementation. Q: If supplements are not the answer to longevity, what is? Dr Purvez: There is no bottle that can presently promise longevity. The strongest foundations remain appropriate nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, avoidance of tobacco, moderation or avoidance of alcohol, healthy blood pressure and metabolic health, preventive medical care, and treatment of established risk factors. Supplements can have a legitimate place, but they belong on top of the foundation, not in place of it. Q: If you could leave readers with one rule about supplements, what would it be? Dr Purvez: The greater the promise on the bottle, the stronger the evidence we should demand before opening it.
Kashmirs Weddings: All Glitter, Then Litter
Srinagar, Sep 20: Kashmirs increasingly elaborate wedding celebrations are leaving behind more than memories and photographs, with discarded flowers, food, plastic, thermocol and decorative material adding to the Valleys growing solid-waste challenge. From elaborate stage decorations and floral entrances to table arrangements, bouquets and car decorations, flowers have become an integral part of weddings across Kashmir. But once the celebrations end, large quantities of floral material are removed and generally discarded with other municipal waste. Environmentalists say the flowers themselves are not the problem. Being organic and biodegradable, they can be composted and converted into useful material. The bigger challenge is that flowers are often mixed with plastic, thermocol, ribbons, wires and other decorative material, making recovery difficult. Flowers are biodegradable, but when they are mixed with plastic, thermocol, wires and other decorative material, their environmental value is lost. We need segregation at source so that floral waste can be composted and returned to the soil rather than ending up in landfills or being dumped in open areas, climate expert Dr Touseef Ahmad Bhat said. The scale of the wider waste challenge is already significant. Jammu and Kashmir generates around 1,530.8 tonnes of solid waste every day, including approximately 936 tonnes of biodegradable waste and 443.17 tonnes of recyclable waste. Around 352 tonnes a day is reportedly left untreated, highlighting gaps in collection, segregation and scientific processing. There is no official estimate available for floral waste generated specifically by weddings in Kashmir. However, the Department of Floricultures Waste to Wonder initiative demonstrates the potential for recovering flower waste. A recent report on the initiative said floral-waste collection under the programme has reached 8.5 tonnes, with the waste being put to productive use rather than simply being discarded. The figure is not a measure of wedding waste alone, but highlights the volume of floral material that can be diverted from the conventional waste stream through dedicated collection and processing. For wedding venues, environmentalists say segregation can be introduced with relatively simple arrangements. Separate bins for flowers, food waste, plastics and other material could prevent organic waste from becoming contaminated before collection. Every wedding venue should have a basic waste-management plan. Flowers, food waste, plastic and other materials should not be thrown together. What is being treated as waste can actually become a resource if it is properly segregated and processed, Dr Bhat said. The problem becomes particularly visible after the dismantling of wedding stages. Floral arrangements are frequently held together with metal wires, plastic sheets, ribbons, foam and other decorative material. When everything is thrown together, extracting flowers for composting becomes more labour-intensive and costly. Senior environmentalist Dr Tanveer Ahmad Khan said the focus needs to shift from merely collecting waste to recovering and reusing different components. Wedding waste is no longer limited to food leftovers. Large quantities of flowers and decorative material are generated during such functions, and the absence of proper segregation means biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste often gets mixed, he said. He said flowers should ideally be diverted towards composting instead of becoming part of mixed municipal waste. Once flowers are mixed with plastic sheets, foam, ribbons and metal wires, separating them becomes labour-intensive and expensive. The easiest solution is segregation where the waste is generated, Dr Khan said. The challenge assumes significance as Srinagar and other urban areas continue to generate increasing quantities of municipal waste. The J&K Government has also moved towards strengthening waste-processing infrastructure, including a proposed 800-tonnes-per-day Integrated Solid Waste Management facility at Achan for Srinagar. Environmentalists, however, maintain that expanding processing capacity alone will not solve the problem unless waste is segregated at source. Florists and wedding decorators say elaborate functions can consume substantial quantities of flowers, particularly when several stages, entrances, dining areas and vehicles are decorated. Once the function ends, much of the material has little commercial value and is removed as waste. Dr Khan said a dedicated collection mechanism for floral waste could create a circular system.A dedicated mechanism for floral waste can create a circular system in which flowers are collected, composted and converted into useful material. This would reduce pressure on the municipal waste system and also create awareness among citizens, he said. Such a system could bring wedding halls, decorators, florists and municipal authorities together. Floral waste could be collected separately and sent for composting, while plastic, wire and other material could be recovered for recycling. Dr Bhat said the change would also require a shift in public behaviour.We must move towards sustainable celebrations. A wedding is a celebration of life, and it should not leave behind an environmental burden. Even small changes in how flowers and other waste are handled can make a difference, he said.
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LG Sinha chairs SMVDSB meet, approves key initiatives
Jammu, Sep 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday chaired a Special Meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Lok Bhavan, Jammu, to review the progress of the International Museum of Goddess at Katra and discuss important matters concerning the Shrine Board. The meeting was attended by members of the Shrine Board including Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Gunjan Rana, Dr K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj and Sudha Murty virtually attended the meeting. The meeting primarily reviewed the progress towards realisation of the International Museum of Goddess, an important project envisaged to showcase the rich spiritual, cultural, artistic and civilisational heritage associated with the worship of Goddess. The Shrine Board had accorded in-principle approval to the project at its 76th Meeting held on February 8, 2026. As part of the ongoing efforts to establish a strong scholarly foundation for the proposed Museum, the Board was informed that extensive research, documentation and field-based cultural studies are being undertaken. Dedicated teams comprising scholars and researchers are visiting various temples, Shakti Peethas and other important centres of Devi worship to comprehensively document their history, mythology, traditions, rituals, architecture, cultural significance and associated heritage through field research, documentation and videography. The Board ratified the engagement of an Advisor for the Museum Project and deliberated on the preliminary concept design presented by M/s Batul Raj Mehta & Associates (BRMA) and M/s Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd. Taking into account the experience of BRMA in museum concept design and the expertise of M/s Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd. in architectural, fabrication and construction consultancy, the Board approved the consortium of the two agencies for formulation of the preliminary concept design. The Board deliberated at length on various aspects of the project including the scope of work, estimated project cost, implementation schedule, and the consortium fee payable to the engaged firms. Following detailed deliberations, the Board tentatively endorsed the initial projected cost and the proposed consortium fee towards the concept design services. The Board also approved, in principle, the proposed implementation schedule, envisaging completion of the project within an estimated period of approximately 38 months, subject to timely completion of the prescribed project milestones. Keeping in view the significance and strategic importance of the project, the Lieutenant Governor desired that a dedicated project team be constituted specifically for the purpose, headed by an experienced and competent officer having the requisite administrative and project-management expertise, to ensure effective supervision and coordination at all stages of the project. The Board also reviewed the arrangements for licensing, operation, maintenance and management of nine premium cottages located near the Sports Stadium, Katra. Comprising fully furnished 2-BHK units equipped with modern facilities, the cottages are intended to provide quality hospitality facilities. In this regard, M/s J&K Heritage Resorts Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded the facility for its operation under the brand of ITC Hotels Ltd. The Board further discussed the future management of the Shrine Hospital at Kakryal and decided to strengthen its institutional framework by entrusting its management and operations to SMVD Charitable Society. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor released a Special Cover titled Global Symbol of Faith issued by the Department of Posts in honour of the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine to further promote and showcase its rich heritage and universal appeal. Anjani Kumar Singh, Advisor to the Museum Project (virtually); Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Government, Culture Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Alok Kumar Maurya, Addl. CEO, SMVDSB; Brijesh Jha, Director (Academics & Research), Museum Project; Sagar Hanuman Singh, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle; Shah Nawaz Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Jammu; Rajeev Sharma, Superintendent of Post Office Udhampur; Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; Batul Raj Mehta, and other representatives of M/s BRMA and M/s Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd. and senior officers of the Shrine Board also attended the meeting.
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Heritage, dev must walk together: LG Sinha
Jammu, Sep 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that active efforts to preserve heritage will bear the fruits of cultural self-confidence, moral strength and social harmony for generations to come, and that in the journey towards a developed India, preserving cultural identity is as important as building highways, digital networks and industrial corridors. He said physical development gives momentum to a region, while cultural heritage gives society direction and soul. He also said such efforts will protect the younger generation from becoming disconnected from its roots and foster a natural reverence for composite culture and ancient values of life. The Lieutenant Governor made these remarks after laying the foundation stones for projects aimed at the renovation, restoration and revival of the ancient heritage of Purmandal, worth Rs 7.15 crore, and for renovation, restoration and related development works at the sacred Uttervehini site, worth Rs 6.85 crore. Addressing the gathering, the LG said the initiative was not merely about repairing bricks and stones, but about reconnecting the nation's glorious past with a radiant future. Referring to India's cultural ethos, he noted that the preservation of history, sacred knowledge and values rooted in Dharma serves as the lifeline of a nation. A nation that forgets its heritage loses its foundation. But a nation that respects, preserves and revives its roots ensures that its future generations stand with confidence, resilience, self-belief and a strong sense of identity, he said. Sinha observed that Purmandal, blessed by the sacred Devika River, has for centuries been a site visited by saints, sages and spiritual seekers, and that its ancient temples, stone carvings, sacred ponds and historical structures reflect outstanding architectural and artistic achievement, much of which had diminished by time and neglect. He stated that the old Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the old Shiva Temple, the old Ram Temple at Purmandal, and the historic temple complexes at Uttervehini would be restored using a blend of modern conservation techniques and traditional architectural aesthetics. The restoration work, the LG said, would help establish Jammu Kashmir as a leading destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, with improved infrastructure, pathways and lighting creating convenient linkages for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, Shiv Khori, the Raghunath Temple and Baba Amarnath Ji, while also enabling easier access to the spiritual tranquillity of 'Chhoti Kashi.' Highlighting the economic dimension of heritage tourism, the Lieutenant Governor said it will act as a powerful multiplier for local handicrafts, hospitality, homestays, transport and food establishments, generating livelihood opportunities for youth and new markets for artisans and small entrepreneurs. By improving access to these sacred places and enhancing their grandeur and dignity, we are opening the doors to the divine spiritual experience of Purmandal and Uttervehini for spiritual seekers arriving from different parts of the country and the world. Every restored brick, every pathway constructed and every tourist who visits this place will contribute directly to the economic prosperity of the people of the region, he said. Sinha reiterated his commitment to strengthen and improve road connectivity to Purmandal and Uttervehini. He also appreciated the efforts of the District Administration Samba in providing land for the establishment of the Mata Devika Ved Pathshala in Purmandal, stating that funds for its construction will soon be sanctioned through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also launched GCC Gurha Slathia magazine. Chander Prakash Ganga, Member of Legislative Assembly from Vijaypur; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP, Jammu; Shridhar Patil, DIG, JSK Range; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Samba; K.K. Sidha, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums; Rajesh Gupta, President, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, J&K; Dr P.S. Pathania, President, Dharmarth Trust; senior officials, religious heads, prominent citizens, youth and devotees attended the foundation stone laying ceremony.
COUNT THE DAYS FIRST :The paradox behind J&Ks five-day week debate
Srinagar, Sep 20: The school bell in Jammu and Kashmir may ring as late as 4:30 pm, but the school year itself is considerably shorter than in several other parts of the country. That contrast sits at the centre of a debate now reaching the J&K Legislative Assembly: if children are already under academic pressure, should they spend one less day a week in school? National Conference (NC) MLA Hasnain Masoodi has proposed a five-day working week for schools, with Saturdays and Sundays as holidays, saying students are burdened by studies and need time for rest and recreation. Education Minister Sakina Itoo has said the proposal will be examined by the concerned education authorities. A report titled Working Hours Parity Report: An Objective Audit of the Jammu & Kashmir Academic Calendar, records 181 working days for J&K. Its comparison gives Delhi 243 working days, the South India category 236 and West Bengal 217. In other words, the difference between J&K and the three comparison regions is not measured in a handful of days. It is 36 days against West Bengal, 55 against the South India comparison and 62 against Delhi. The report points to one conspicuous reason: the winter break. It records a 76-day winter vacation in J&K, against 13 days in each of the three comparison regions. Overall, it records 184 holiday days in J&K, including 17 national holidays and 26 state holidays, leaving 181 working days. And yet, on a day-to-day basis, J&K can appear to have a demanding school schedule. The report notes the extension of the school day to 4:30 pm and calls the resulting perception the 4:30 PM illusion, the sense that a late closing bell necessarily means a longer academic year. The report puts annual working hours for J&K at 1,086, against 1,458 in Delhi, 1,463.2 in the South India comparison and 1,519 in West Bengal. It calculates the gap between 25.5 per cent and 28.5 per cent, averaging 26.6 per cent across the three comparisons. There is a qualification that matters: these are working-hour figures for teaching staff and the academic calendar, not a direct measure of the hours individual students spend learning. The report therefore cannot establish that a J&K student receives only 1,086 hours of classroom instruction in a year. But it does establish something relevant to the present debate: J&Ks formal school calendar has fewer working days than the three regions against which the report compares it. The report offers another way of looking at the issue. It applies a common 7.5-hour working day to J&K and West Bengal, removing the difference in daily schedules from the calculation. J&K would still have 1,357.5 annual hours against West Bengals 1,627.5, a 270-hour difference, because the number of working days is different. The comparison becomes even more striking against private-school benchmarks cited in the report. It puts annual hours at 1,498 for private schools in Delhi, 1,536 in West Bengal and 1,711 in its South India comparison, against 1,086 for J&K, with reported gaps ranging from 27.5 per cent to 36.5 per cent. None of these figures, however, answers Masoodis central contention that children are burnt out by academic pressure. That is a different proposition, and it requires different evidence. Nor does the report establish that J&K should have more working days. Its purpose is comparative: to show how the distribution of the academic year differs across the regions examined. Its own figures show that the 76-day winter closure is doing much of the work in producing the annual gap. The calendar data also needs to be read against J&Ks existing academic schedule. The JKBOSE 2024-25 academic calendar separately provided roughly 185 working days for the Kashmir division and winter-zone Jammu. That figure comes from a different academic year and calendar dataset from the 181 working days cited in the institutional audit. J&Ks academic calendar has also changed over time. An earlier DSEK academic planner for 2017-18 prescribed 200 instructional days and 800 effective school hours for primary classes, while upper-primary classes were prescribed 220 instructional days and 1,000 effective school hours. The report also examines the effect of the daily timetable across seasons. It puts peak daylight at roughly 13-14 hours between April and July, when the school day may run to 4:30 pm. For September and October, it puts daylight at about 11-12 hours, while during November and December the school day ends at 3 pm. The report describes these as approximate seasonal daylight figures. Itoo has said the proposal will be taken up with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, Directorate of School Education Jammu and the Director of Colleges for examination.
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We Cannot Look Away from Child Labour
Around 70-80 percent of the human population in Jammu and Kashmir is directly or indirectly linked to the horticulture sector. In effect, this sector forms the backbone of the region's economy. With autumn in progress, one finds people in the rural areas busy with apple harvesting all around, a very useful activity for strengthening our economy. Granted that doing physical labour to earn a living can be a virtue, but it is hard to swallow the fact that even children in the age bracket of 10-16 would be seen involved in doing the hazardous task, obviously at the cost of their health and education. Climbing the tricky apple trees and physically carrying the apple boxes through the fields for a kilometre or two to the loading trucks or home has never been a safe activity. These children receive serious injuries at times. A couple of days ago, a child fell off an apple branch and seriously injured his right shoulder; a girl child lost her balance, and the falling apple boxes off her head hit a passing bike. No less serious mishap took place. Busy with the task of supporting their parents or for some money, these school-going children are being kept out of school. Thus, we are finding very low attendance for classwork. With the annual examination just a few days away, academics are taking a severe beating. As per the Central Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, employing children under 14 years old remains unlawful in any commercial setup. For adolescents aged 14 to 18, employment is prohibited in hazardous operations. Several minor children are seen carrying out manual labour in Dhabas, restaurants and railway stations; working as drivers/ conductors and construction workers; pruning apple trees, picking apple fruit, carrying apple boxes and doing other hazardous tasks. Arguably, child labour has become a worldwide challenge, but it cannot be used as a justification for the rising child labour in our society. As per the United Nations figures, there are an estimated 152 million children in child labour; 72 million among them are in hazardous work. In the least developed countries, more than one in four children (ages 5-17) are engaged in labour seen as detrimental to their health and development. After Africa, Asia and the Pacific rank second highest 7% of all children and 62 million in total are in child labour. Together, Asia, Africa and the Pacific regions contribute nine out of ten children in child labour worldwide. The remaining child labour is driven by America (11 million), Europe and Central Asia (6 million) and the Arab states (1 million). In terms of percentage, 5% of children account for child labour in America, 4 % in Europe and Central Asia and 3 % in the Arab states. According to a report on child labour in J&K, there are more than one lakh child labourers in the UT, most of whom work in the handicraft sector, automobile workshops, brick kilns, in agriculture and as domestic servants in homes; thousands of children here are seen working as vendors, bus conductors and auto drivers. Arguably, it is the struggling economic scenario which plunges children into the mire of child labour, pushing them away from schooling. However, the safest route to the shores of salvation from an unwelcome socio-economic situation is considered formal education. Notably, aside from the requirements of good income, parents ascribe the acquisition of skills and uncertainty as to employment avenues to the need for facilities for a better life, as to their preference to let their children earn in place of seeking education. Is it not a moment of concern? Overlooking the education, health and happiness of children for a few rupees does not bode well for any household and society. It is a moral imperative for every parent to look after their children well and protect them from the jaws of illiteracy and ignorance. Children can undertake safer activities, but forcing or misleading them to shoulder hazardous tasks at the cost of their physical, mental and moral health looks disturbing. It forebodes gloom and doom down the road. Many child labourers have suffered serious injuries: not long ago, a minor child labourer driving a passenger auto rickshaw met with an accident; he broke his right leg and stayed in bed for about six weeks, losing both education and days of playing (which is essential for his psychological development). Though no child would be happy to work as a labourer, it is the abject financial position and not yet fully grown educational awareness of an area which largely push children towards hard physical labour. Moreover, the hot and cold nature of the political situation has added to the number of child labourers: thousands of children have lost their parents and guardians over the course of the turmoil and without a breadwinner, these children get trapped in the smithy of child labour aimed at supporting their families. If the number of child labourers has risen in J&K, the onus is on their parents and the wider society to discourage and combat it in cooperation with the institutions authorised to take care of the disturbing trend. Stopping minor children from any hazardous work is possible if both society and the state work together. But if they address it separately, we might end up in chaos. The authorities concerned can launch child welfare schemes and rehabilitate child labourers; otherwise, the result can prove devastating. Children in school is a healthy sign for society. Parents, teachers and preachers can play a key role in stopping child labour and, conversely, put them on the road to sound health and education. Turning a blind eye to child labour is an open invitation to a bleak future. That we can ill afford. (The author is a teacher by profession and RK columnist and can be reached at: sheikhshabir518@gmail.com )
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AIP seeks public release of reservation report
Srinagar, Sep 20: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Sunday urged the government to make reservation rationalisation, particularly the concerns of Open Merit candidates, a priority for discussion in the Legislative Assembly session beginning Monday. The government must make the Cabinet Sub-Committee report on reservation rationalisation public and place it before the Assembly for a transparent debate. There can be no meaningful discussion on an issue affecting the future of thousands of our youth if the report itself remains inaccessible to the public, Inam Un Nabi said. Inam Un Nabi said AIP believes the concerns of Open Merit candidates must be addressed while protecting the legitimate rights of reserved communities. Inam Un Nabi said AIP supports a population-based reservation framework, as suggested by AIP President and Baramulla MP Er Rashid in Parliament, with representation rationalised at the district, divisional and UT levels. He demanded that the government immediately make the Sub-Committee report public, disclose the data and criteria on which its recommendations are based, allow a substantive Assembly debate and provide a time-bound roadmap for implementation. The youth deserve clarity, not secrecy. Let the report be made public, let the data be placed before the House and let elected representatives debate it openly. Open Merit candidates deserve fairness, while the rights of reserved communities must remain protected. A transparent, population-based and data-driven framework can provide a credible way forward, Inam Un Nabi said.
J&K BJP leaders attend national workshop in Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 20: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a Cell-Cluster National Workshop at its central office in New Delhi on Saturday, with representatives from Jammu and Kashmir participating in discussions on strengthening outreach to different sectors of society and the economy. Ved Sharma, Bilal Parray and Manish Khajuria represented Jammu and Kashmir at the workshop, which was chaired by BJP national president Nitin Nabin and national general secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh. The discussions focused on improving coordination between the party organisation and professional, business and community groups, including industry, trade, tourism, healthcare, cooperatives, sports bodies, urban local bodies and panchayats. Participants also discussed strengthening outreach around Central Sector Schemes and other flagship initiatives of the Union Government, with emphasis on ensuring that benefits reach intended beneficiaries. The workshop explored mechanisms for maintaining regular communication with stakeholders and incorporating their concerns, suggestions and developmental requirements into sector-specific organisational activities. Issues related to commerce and industry, tourism, medical services, cooperatives, sports and local governance also figured in the deliberations. The session was coordinated by All Cells National Coordinator Vishnu Datt Sharma, Joint Coordinator Rituraj Sinha and Vishnu Vardhan Reddy. The workshop also provided an opportunity for representatives from different states and organisational units to share experiences and discuss mechanisms for improving the functioning of sector-specific organisational platforms. For Jammu and Kashmir, the participation of Ved Sharma, Bilal Parray and Manish Khajuria marked its representation in the national-level deliberations, with discussions focusing on strengthening outreach among industry, trade, tourism, professional and community stakeholders. The workshop concluded with an emphasis on stronger organisational coordination, wider sectoral engagement and sustained interaction with different sections of society, besides ensuring that the benefits of Central Government schemes and initiatives reach the people for whom they are intended.
BJP reviews organisational activities across Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 20: J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma on Sunday chaired an organisational review meeting in Srinagar to take stock of the partys functioning, ongoing programmes and organisational activities across Kashmir. The meeting, held at Church Lane, was attended by BJP vice president Dr Shehnaz Ganie, general secretaries Mohammad Anwar Khan and Gopal Mahajan, besides state office bearers, spokespersons, district presidents, Morcha presidents and general secretaries. The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the progress of the partys ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, being organised from September 17 to October 17 in connection with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The month-long campaign is being conducted through various programmes and activities at the constituency and district levels. Programme in-charges, district presidents and Prabharis presented detailed reports on activities undertaken in their respective areas and outlined plans for the next phase of the campaign. Addressing the meeting, Sharma stressed the need for greater organisational coordination and sustained grassroots engagement. He said party workers must play an active role in taking the BJPs programmes and initiatives to the people and strengthening the organisation at the ground level. Sharma said the BJP has a clear roadmap for the progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir and called upon party workers to adopt a collective approach to expand the organisations presence and public outreach across Kashmir. He reiterated the partys stated commitment to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, while emphasising regular interaction with people and effective coordination among different organisational units. During the meeting, district presidents and Prabharis briefed the leadership on organisational activities, ongoing programmes and issues emerging from their respective areas. The senior leadership discussed measures to address field-level concerns and improve coordination through structured planning and regular organisational reviews. The meeting concluded with the leadership stressing the need for continued organisational activity, stronger coordination among party workers and sustained grassroots engagement across Kashmir. The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan will continue through October 17.
Bukhari flags Srinagars development, livelihood woes
Srinagar, Sep 20: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday raised concerns over what he described as the continued developmental neglect of Srinagar and demanded an inquiry into alleged changes to the citys Master Plan. Addressing a public meeting at Chinar Colony, Parray Pora, in the Chanapora constituency, Bukhari said the city, particularly downtown areas, had suffered from prolonged developmental and livelihood challenges. He alleged that changes to the Srinagar Master Plan had affected the citys character, with areas originally designated for commercial use being converted to residential zones and vice versa. He also alleged that commercial buildings had been allowed in residential colonies. Bukhari demanded a probe into who altered the Master Plan, at whose behest and for what purpose. He also alleged that attempts were being made to settle outsiders in Kashmir under the garb of development, claiming that some local individuals were allegedly facilitating land purchases on behalf of outsiders. He called for an inquiry into the allegations. On Jammu and Kashmirs political situation, Bukhari reiterated his appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate dialogue with the people, particularly youth, and address their grievances. He also sought constitutional guarantees for protection of domicile laws. He said young people facing police verification issues over past cases should be given an opportunity to move forward and lead peaceful and dignified lives. Bukhari also criticised the government over what he described as failures to address public issues, including unemployment, drinking water, housing, drainage and parking in Srinagar. He said the lack of livelihood opportunities was a major concern for youth and questioned restrictions faced by street vendors. He also called for better housing and drainage infrastructure, saying even minor rainfall led to flood-like situations in parts of the city. On reservation, Bukhari criticised the existing policy and called for a system based on population proportions to ensure what he termed fair representation in employment opportunities. He also raised concerns over the alleged political bias in the execution of road and lane macadamisation works in Chanapora and said playgrounds in the constituency had been left unattended. Party vice president Mohammad Syed Akhoon accused the ruling National Conference of failing to fulfil promises made during the 2024 elections, while general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were facing larger political and environmental challenges. Provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir said the Apni Party would continue to raise public issues and work for the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.
CBI arrests agriculture officer, two others in bribery case
Srinagar, Sep 20: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three people, including a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) and an Agricultural Extension Assistant (AEA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Department, in a bribery case linked to the release of a subsidy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The third accused is a private individual, the CBI said. The case was registered on September 19 following a complaint alleging that the SDAO had demanded 35,000 from the complainant for releasing the subsidy. According to the CBI, the officer directed the complainant to hand over the bribe to either the AEA or the private individual. The agency subsequently laid a trap and allegedly caught the AEA and the private individual red-handed while demanding and accepting 15,000 from the complainant. The SDAO was later arrested from his residence, the CBI said. Further investigation in the case is underway.
Mirwaiz backs five-day school week proposal
Srinagar, Sep 20: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Sunday welcomed the participation of around 2,800 boys and girls from maktabs across Jammu and Kashmir in a Grand Seerah Competition held at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the programme, Mirwaiz said it was heartening to see the Jama Masjid filled with children eager to learn about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He appreciated Maktab Maseeh-ul-Ummah and the Mirwaiz Foundation for organising the event, saying such initiatives were important to connect the younger generation with the values of faith, compassion, good character and service to humanity. At a time when our children and youth are facing many social, emotional and moral challenges, it is extremely important that they remain connected with the Seerah of the Prophet, which offers guidance for every aspect of life, he said. On the proposal before the government to examine a five-day school week in Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz welcomed the move and said the wellbeing of children should remain central to the education system. He said children needed time not only for studies but also to rest, spend time with their families, play and grow in a healthy and balanced environment. He stressed that their mental health and overall wellbeing should remain at the heart of education. Mirwaiz congratulated the participating children, teachers, parents and organisers and expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to promote knowledge, good character and a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings among the younger generation.
Ganderbal seeks inclusion in Ladli Beti scheme
Ganderbal, Sep 20: Despite being the home constituency of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ganderbal continues to remain outside the ambit of the Jammu and Kashmir governments Ladli Beti Scheme, prompting residents to demand its extension to the district in the upcoming Autumn Assembly session. The Ladli Beti Scheme is currently being implemented in only eight districts of Jammu and KashmirJammu, Samba, Kathua, Kishtwar, Srinagar, Pulwama, Budgam and Anantnag. Ganderbal is not among the districts covered under the scheme. The scheme is aimed at providing long-term financial support to eligible girl children. As per the governments scheme details, girl children born on or after April 1, 2015, are eligible subject to the prescribed criteria. From April 2022, applications for the scheme have been facilitated through the e-service portal. The scheme provides a financial corpus at the age of 21 years, along with provisions related to health, nutrition and other support services. The issue has gained renewed attention in Ganderbal ahead of the upcoming Autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, with locals asking whether the government would take up the matter during the short session and extend the scheme to the district. Residents said the exclusion has deprived eligible families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, of a welfare benefit intended to provide financial security to girl children. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Apni Party leader Choudhury Atta Mohammad said the issue should be taken up during the upcoming Assembly session and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure that Ganderbal is brought under the scheme. Through the media, I want to convey to Omar sahib that his own district is deprived of such a scheme. The Ladli Beti Scheme should be available in Ganderbal so that poor fathers and their daughters can benefit from it, he said. Atta said that while the scheme is already operational in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ganderbal has remained outside its coverage. This scheme has already been launched in Jammu and Kashmir. At least this much can be done for the people of Ganderbal during the Assembly sessionthat the Ladli Beti Scheme is implemented in the district, he said. He urged the government to ensure that the prescribed eligibility criteria are followed while extending the scheme to Ganderbal. The people of Ganderbal have trusted the Chief Minister, who represents the district. Through the media, I appeal to the government to understand the feelings of the people and implement the Ladli Beti Scheme in Ganderbal so that eligible girls can benefit, Atta said. The demand comes after the government informed the Assembly earlier this year that the Ladli Beti Scheme remained limited to eight districts. The government said the districts were selected based on the low girl-child sex ratio prevailing at the time of their selection. In March 2026, the government also informed the Assembly that there was no proposal then under consideration to extend the scheme to additional districts. However, the demand for expansion has continued from excluded districts. In April, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali also raised the issue in the Assembly and sought extension of the Ladli Beti Scheme to Ganderbal. With the Autumn Assembly session approaching, residents of Ganderbal are now looking towards the government for a decision on extending the scheme to the district, saying its implementation could provide financial support to eligible families and strengthen welfare measures for the girl child.
Jobs, power top public expectations from Assembly
Srinagar, Sept 20: As the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly prepares to begin its autumn session on Monday, common people across Kashmir are looking towards the elected house with expectations that issues directly affecting their daily lives will find space in the proceedings. The Assembly session is scheduled from September 21 to 30, with seven effective sitting days and issues such as employment, regularisation of temporary workers, electricity, development and governance are expected to figure prominently. For many young people, employment remains among the biggest concerns. Residents said the Assembly should seek clear timelines for filling vacant government posts, address delays in recruitment and discuss opportunities for the private sector. Young people are waiting for years for recruitment and many are crossing the age limit while waiting. The Assembly should ask the government for a clear employment roadmap and time-bound recruitment, said Zaffar Iqbal, a resident of Uri town. The issue of daily wagers and other temporary workers is another major expectation. There are employees who have served for years without job security. Their regularisation and pending wages should be discussed seriously instead of being left to assurances, a daily wager working in the Animal Husbandry Department in Baramulla said on the condition of anonymity. Locals want electricity supply and tariff hikes also to be discussed. Electricity bills have become a major concern for ordinary families. People want the government to explain the tariff structure and take steps to make power more affordable, said Faisal Chaku, a local shopkeeper in Srinagar Residents from rural and remote areas, meanwhile, want the Assembly to focus on roads, healthcare, drinking water, public transport and basic infrastructure. They said development should not remain concentrated around major towns and cities. In villages, people still struggle with roads, transport, healthcare and water facilities. MLAs should raise these issues and seek answers from the departments concerned, said Khushal Ahmad, a local of Kupwaras Karnah village. Residents also expect the house to discuss the problems of traders, small businesses, farmers, tourism stakeholders and people living in border and remote areas. The Assembly should become a platform where ordinary peoples problems are discussed seriously. People want decisions and follow-up action, not only speeches, said Tahir Ahmad, a local of Chadoora tehsil of Budgam district. Locals also want the promotion of border tourism to be taken up during the Assembly session. The government speaks a lot about promoting tourism in border areas. It should tell the people clearly what steps have been taken so far to promote border tourism and how much progress has been made, said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla district.
CAT Jammu among top disposal benches: Dr. Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Sep 20: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jammu Benchs case disposal rate is among the highest in the country, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday. He was speaking after inaugurating the new Office-cum-Court Complex of the CAT Jammu Bench at Bahu Plaza, Jammu. Jitendra Singh said the high disposal of cases by the Jammu and Srinagar Benches reflected their capacity to provide speedy and accessible justice in service matters. He said that since its inception and up to June 30, 2026, CAT had received 10,01,177 cases across the country and disposed of 9,32,723, recording an overall disposal rate of 93.16 per cent. For the Jammu and Srinagar Benches, 20,984 cases had been transferred from the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, while 20,405 fresh cases were instituted before the benches. Of these, 18,392 transferred cases and 13,952 fresh cases had been disposed of, he said. The total number of cases received was 41,389, with minimal pendency. Jitendra Singh said the Jammu Bench had initially functioned with one Division Bench but was later strengthened with another in view of the growing workload. It presently has two Judicial Members and two Administrative Members. He also highlighted that only around 8 per cent of cases from the CAT Jammu Bench had gone in appeal to the Jammu & Kashmir High Court. The Minister said the new complex at Bahu Plaza would provide expanded space and infrastructure to enable the Jammu Bench to function at full capacity and strengthen redressal of service-related grievances. He said CAT had also expanded its use of technology through e-filing, video conferencing, online case information, digital payment of court fees, online certified copies and paperless court facilities. Jitendra Singh said the Jammu and Srinagar experience showed that infrastructure, technology and institutional capacity could strengthen the delivery of administrative justice.
Advocate Ankur Sharma, BJP Spokesperson called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, on Sunday.
Dengue cases in Tamil Nadu decline for third consecutive year as per government data
The State recorded 17,049 cases and nine deaths in 2026 up to September 19
The death of seven-year-old Sidra after she was struck by a vehicle in Barbar Shah on Sunday is not merely another tragic entry in Srinagars accident register. It is a devastating reminder that the citys roads, lanes and crossings remain hostile to the most vulnerable: children, pedestrians, elderly people and those who have no protection except the promise that public spaces will be governed responsibly. Sidra was critically injured and rushed to SMHS Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Behind these brief official details lies a family shattered in an instant. A child who should have been returning home, walking beside a parent or playing in a neighbourhood, became the victim of a collision whose circumstances must be established without delay. The police investigation is necessary, but it cannot be the end of the public response. Every such death raises questions that go beyond the individual driver. Was the road adequately lit? Was traffic moving at a dangerous speed? Were pedestrians forced into the carriageway because footpaths were absent, encroached upon or unusable? Were warning signs, speed controls and enforcement visible? In crowded parts of Srinagar, these are not abstract questions. They are matters of life and death. Urban roads are often designed around the convenience and speed of vehicles, while pedestrians are expected to negotiate whatever space remains. This imbalance is especially dangerous in old and densely populated areas, where narrow streets, informal parking, commercial activity and constant vehicle movement create a permanent hazard. Children cannot be expected to calculate braking distances or anticipate reckless driving. The responsibility lies with drivers, enforcement agencies and urban planners to make streets safe before tragedy occurs. Authorities must therefore treat Sidras death as a warning demanding action, not as an isolated incident to be forgotten after the investigation report. The stretch where the accident occurred should be audited immediately. Speed limits must be enforced, illegal parking removed, crossings marked, and lighting improved. Traffic police presence should be strengthened at vulnerable points, particularly around residential areas, schools, markets and hospitals. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts must be examined transparently, and accountability must follow if negligence is established. But enforcement alone will not solve Srinagars pedestrian safety crisis. The city needs a clear road-safety policy that places human life above traffic speed. Footpaths must be protected from encroachment, crossings made usable and road design aligned with the realities of a dense urban population. Public awareness campaigns are useful, but they cannot substitute for engineering, regulation and sustained enforcement. Sidras family will carry this loss long after public attention moves elsewhere. The least the city can do is ensure that her death does not become another statistic. A child was killed on a Srinagar street. The question now is whether the authorities will merely investigate the incident or confront the unsafe system that made such a tragedy possible.
