ISRO-ESA broaden co-operation agreement to include human and robotic exploration
ISRO and ESA extended their long-standing cooperation agreement for a further five years, until January 8, 2032
Gates Foundation warns AI could widen inequality as foundation pledges $1B to expand access
AI will either be the greatest equalizer or the worst source of injustice wrote Bill Gates in a social media post
SUPCON Showcases Industrial AI and Autonomous Operations at Gastech 2026
SUPCON Showcases Industrial AI and Autonomous Operations at Gastech 2026
Onward Technologies renews multi-year Managed Digital Services contract valued at 44.46 Crore
Onward Technologies renews multi-year Managed Digital Services contract valued at 44.46 Crore
Houthis must immediately cease strikes against Saudi Arabia: G7 foreign ministers
The statement also called on Iran to end its arming of and support for the Houthis
Bill Gates pushes for smart use of AI as his foundation builds more representative language data
The Gates Foundation is convening Anthropic, Google, OpenAI Foundation and dozens of other organisations to help make artificial intelligence more accessible in underrepresented languages
Trump inaugurates new WH helipad, but networks skip coverage during First Amendment fight
Donald Trump has long crowed about how the new helipad would impress Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrives on September 23 for a state visit
Punished for importing Russian oil
The Real Sultan Sumerbugh qualify for semifinals
Srinagar, Sep 21, 2026: The Greenlam Laminates BIG Premier League 2026 witnessed an exciting quarter-final clash at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, with The Real Sultan Sumerbugh defeating Royal Goodwill Cricket Club by two wickets to secure their place in the semifinals. In the first quarter-final, The Real Sultan Sumerbugh won the toss and elected to field first, inviting Royal Goodwill Cricket Club to set a target. In a closely contested encounter, The Real Sultan Sumerbugh held their nerve to register a thrilling two-wicket victory and advance to the semifinal stage. Hinan Malik was the standout performer of the match, scoring a brilliant 89 runs. He was declared Player of the Match for his outstanding batting performance, which played a crucial role in his teams victory. With this win, The Real Sultan Sumerbugh advanced to the semifinals of the Greenlam Laminates BIG Premier League 2026. The second quarter-final of the day featured Valley Fresh Cold Chain and Cyber X Strikers. Valley Fresh Cold Chain won the toss and elected to field first, inviting Cyber X Strikers to set a target as both teams competed for a place in the semifinals. The Greenlam Laminates BIG Premier League 2026 is being organised by 92.7 BIG FM in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council. The tournament features eight teams competing for the coveted title and provides a platform for emerging cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir. The tournament is supported by Greenlam Laminates as Title Partner, Excise Department, J&K as Powered By Partner, Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of J&K, J&K Forest Department, Qureshi Kabab Corner and Kanwal Spices as Co-Powered By Partners, J&K Bank as Official Banking Partner, Arsh Autos as Auto Partner, Le Delice as Food Partner, JK Sports Time as Streaming Partner, Rising Kashmir as Print Partner, The Country Side Resorts as Hospitality Partner, and Team Ideation as Event Partner. The tournament continues to promote sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy engagement among young people while providing emerging cricketers an opportunity to showcase their talent.
75 CRPF organises volleyball tournament at Khonmoh
Srinagar, Sep 21: Under the Civic Action Programme (CAP) 202526, a Volleyball Tournament was organised by 75 CRPF on Monday at Tulbagh Stadium, Khonmoh with the objective of promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and a healthy competitive spirit among local youths. The event was attended by Pal Singh Siwal, Commandant, Sumit Kumar, 2-IC, Sanjay Kumar Yadav, 2-IC, Anurag Dangi, AC, Alok Kumar Singh, AC of 75 CRPF, SDPO Panthachowk; SHO Panthachowk; BDO Khonmoh and several other civil prominent officials and members of society. Their presence encouraged the participating teams and added significance to the event. On the occasion, prizes were distributed by Commandant 75 CRPF to the players among the winning and participating teams in recognition of their performance. Pal Singh Siwal, Commandant 75 CRPF appreciated their efforts and encouraged them to continue pursuing sports with dedication, discipline and a positive competitive spirit, while utilising their talent for personal growth and future opportunities. During the valedictory function, local people expressed their sincere appreciation to Commandant 75 CRPF for organising the sporting event and providing a positive platform for the youth to showcase their talent and sporting abilities. They appreciated that such initiatives encourage young people to engage in sports and contribute towards their physical fitness, discipline and overall development.
Where Kolkatas hilsa comes from and why its waters may shape its taste
Is Ganga hilsa really different from Padma hilsa? What is Gujarat hilsa doing in Kolkatas markets, and why did old Calcutta connoisseurs claim they could taste the stretch of river a fish came from? Following the hilsa from ocean to river to plate reveals a story of ecology, appetite and inherited taste
Peace agreement not implement on ground: Sohtun after Maikhuli visit
Shillong, Sep 21: The agreement for maintaining peace and tranquility between Meghalaya and Assam is not being implemented on the ground, Cabinet Minister and Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun flagged on Monday after visiting Maikhuli village. Sohtun rushed to Maikhuli to take stock after Assam residents allegedly erected fencing and blocked village roads on Saturday, triggering [] The post Peace agreement not implement on ground: Sohtun after Maikhuli visit first appeared on Highland Post .
Science outreach program held at GDC Sopore
Sopore, Sep 21: The IQAC and UGC & Research Committee of Government Degree College Sopore, in collaboration with the colleges Science Departments, organised a one-day Science Outreach Programme for higher secondary school students of Sopore. Held under the supervision of Principal Prof. (Dr.) Syed Muzaffar Ahmad, the programme aimed to promote scientific awareness, curiosity and inquiry among students through interaction with researchers and hands-on exposure to scientific activities. A total of 56 students from Government Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore participated. The programme was moderated by Dr. Nowsheen Hameed, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology. Dr. Javeed Ahmad Sheikh, Coordinator IQAC, delivered the welcome address, while Principal Prof. (Dr.) Syed Muzaffar Ahmad, in his presidential address, stressed the importance of scientific awareness, academic engagement and meaningful learning opportunities for students. The programme featured interactions with accomplished researchers from Baramulla district. Zeeshan, a neuroscience researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, encouraged students to develop scientific thinking through questioning and observation. Dr. Adil Majeed Rather, DST INSPIRE Faculty at NIT Srinagar, introduced students to biomimicry and explained how nature can inspire technological innovation. Dr. Rahila Nazir shared her academic journey from GDC Sopore to research experience at institutions including Johns Hopkins University and encouraged students to pursue their ambitions with perseverance and self-belief. Dr. Javeed Rasool, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Boston University, highlighted the importance of discipline, consistency, curiosity and hard work in achieving academic and professional growth. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Pervaiz Ahmad Dar, Convener, UGC & Research Committee. Students subsequently attended hands-on sessions across various science departments.
Responsibility for UDP troubles due to leadership: Bindo
Shillong, Sep 21: Former United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Bindo M Lanong has blamed the party leadership for the current situation amid a possible mass defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to Highland Post, Lanong, a former Deputy Chief Minister, said that now the rebel MLAs are talking openly about the possibility of [] The post Responsibility for UDP troubles due to leadership: Bindo first appeared on Highland Post .
War Jaintia an emerging transit route for illegal Bangladeshis with local help: WJSU
Jowai, Sep 21: War Jaintia has become a transit route for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators with active help from local facilitators, the War Jaintia Students Union (WJSU) alleged, flagging a sharp spike in illegal entry through Dawki and other border points. In a petition to SDO (Civil) Amlarem, the union said Amlarem Sub-Division shares a long [] The post War Jaintia an emerging transit route for illegal Bangladeshis with local help: WJSU first appeared on Highland Post .
Meeting to draw up river action plan soon: DC
Shillong, Sep 21: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the district administration will soon convene a meeting with stakeholders to draw up an action plan to address pollution in Shillongs rivers, including the Umshyrpi and Wahumkhrah. Baranwal said river pollution has consistently been flagged as a major concern by residents and other stakeholders [] The post Meeting to draw up river action plan soon: DC first appeared on Highland Post .
Health camp held at GCW M.A. Road
Srinagar, Sep 21: A general health screening camp for hostel boarders of Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar, was conducted in collaboration with Khyber Medical Institute on Saturday, with 136 students availing themselves of the facility. An eight-member medical team from the Institute, led by Dr. Shahnawaz Amin, Administrator & I/C Operations, carried out comprehensive health screening of the boarders. The screening included medical consultations and health assessments, along with blood pressure, random blood sugar, BMI, CBC, serology and urine examinations. The medical team also provided health-related guidance and awareness to the students. Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq appreciated the initiative and thanked Khyber Medical Institute for extending healthcare support to the students. She underlined the importance of such initiatives in ensuring timely access to healthcare and promoting preventive health awareness, particularly among hostel boarders. Convener Hostel Committee, Dr. Suzana Bashir, appreciated the medical team for conducting the screening within the College and providing necessary advice and guidance to the students. The health camp followed discussions between the College and Khyber Medical Institute on extending healthcare support to students. As part of the collaboration, the Institute has offered concessional rates for medical consultations and investigations to the hostel boarders of the college, besides a free 247 ambulance service for hostel boarders in case of medical emergencies.
The Art of Making the Deal: An inexpugnable alternative solution at ending the US Iran War
By Melarbor L Thabah The animosity between the USA and Iran started when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill asked for help from America to remove the democratically elected socialist Prime Minister of Iran Mohammed Mossadegh when he decided to nationalise the vast oil field resources located in southern Iran held by the British-ownedAnglo-Iranian Oil Company(AIOC). [] The post The Art of Making the Deal: An inexpugnable alternative solution at ending the US Iran War first appeared on Highland Post .
The weather in the Northeast is no longer predictable. It is becoming unstable. A new scientific study looking at 52 years of weather data, from 1971 to 2022, has confirmed what many farmers and families in Meghalaya, Assam and other states have been feeling. Our region is facing two opposite problems at the same time [] The post Unstable Monsoon first appeared on Highland Post .
Is the FCRA Being Used to Target Christian Institutions?
Editor, The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have caused deep concern among Christian institutions and charitable organisations across India. While the government maintains that the law applies equally to all communities and is intended to regulate foreign funding, many Christians fear that, in practice, the provisions could disproportionately affect Christian churches, [] The post Is the FCRA Being Used to Target Christian Institutions? first appeared on Highland Post .
SKUAST-K project targets livelihood resilience of tribal farmers in Gbal
Ganderbal, Sep 21: More than 200 tribal and marginal farmers received agricultural inputs under an ICAR-sponsored project implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, to strengthen farm livelihoods and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices in the district. The input distribution programme was organised at Bagpati Gund, Kangan, under the project titled Strengthening Livelihoods and Agricultural Resilience of Tribal and Marginal Farmers in Ganderbal District through Technology-Driven Resource Packages. The programme was attended by MLA Kangan Mian Meher Ali as Chief Guest; Prof. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi; SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai; Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth; and Associate Director Extension Prof. Amal Saxena. Prof. Rajbir encouraged farmers to adopt modern and eco-friendly agricultural practices to improve productivity and farm incomes. He also appreciated the efforts of SKUAST-K and KVK Ganderbal in extending agricultural interventions to tribal and marginal farming communities. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai highlighted the resilience of tribal farmers and emphasised youth engagement, equitable access to resources and science-driven interventions to support long-term livelihood security and dignity. Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth urged farmers to adopt eco-friendly farming practices to protect soil and water resources, conserve biodiversity and improve incomes. She stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural approaches in strengthening rural livelihoods. MLA Kangan Mian Meher Ali appreciated the efforts of SKUAST-K and KVK Ganderbal in directly engaging tribal households. He also acknowledged the University's work in research and farmer welfare. The dignitaries acknowledged the externally funded project secured by Dr. Ajaz Malik, Head, KVK Ganderbal and Principal Investigator, and its focus on strengthening household resilience among economically vulnerable farming communities.
Google to report child abuse content directly to Indian authorities
The decision comes after two Indian government sources told Reuters they had in recent weeks pressed tech companies like Google and Microsoft to report child abuse content concerning India directly
Jan Sewa Bhawan at Lumsey: Sikkim
Gangtok, September 22 : Jan Sewa Bhawan at Lumsey has been developed as a major integrated administrative complex in Sikkim, bringing several key government departments together under one roof to strengthen administrative infrastructure, streamline interdepartmental coordination and improve public service delivery. According to a report compiled by the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), the [] The post Jan Sewa Bhawan at Lumsey: Sikkims Integrated Administrative Complex Brings Key Departments Under One Roof appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
KU witnessing major expansion across campuses
Srinagar, Sep 21: The University of Kashmir is witnessing a major infrastructure expansion across its Main, South, North, Zakura and Kupwara campuses, with several projects worth crores either under construction, in the final stages or already completed, as per a government reply submitted in the J&K Legislative Assembly. The reply was submitted in response to a question tabled by Javid Hassan Baig, MLA Baramulla, regarding the status of projects at different campuses of the University of Kashmir. The Higher Education Department said there was no disparity in the sanctioning or allocation of infrastructure projects and funds among the Main, South and North campuses. It said project priorities and fund allocation are processed through the Registrar, University of Kashmir, based on priorities, availability of funds and applicable financial and administrative requirements. At the Main Campus, construction of two residential quarters has an allotted cost of Rs 16.10 crore and is in the final finishing stage. The project was sanctioned in March 2023 and is scheduled for completion by September 25, 2026. The second-floor Administration Block, Phase III, has an allotted cost of Rs 4.32 crore and has been completed and handed over. A multipurpose indoor stadium has an allotted cost of Rs 12.35 crore and is currently under progress. The project is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2026. Road upgradation and macadamisation work at the University has an allotted cost of Rs 3.63 crore and is also under progress, with completion targeted for September 30, 2026. The upgradation of the Convocation Complex and Gandhi Bhawan has an estimated cost of Rs 10.50 crore, with the allotted cost still under process. The work is being executed by the Mechanical and Hospital Division, Srinagar, and the Construction Division. The IT Park at Kashmir University is also receiving HVAC and infrastructure work, with an allotted cost of Rs 2.31 crore. The work is in the final finishing stage. Work related to NAAC preparation has an allotted cost of Rs 1.71 crore and is under progress. At Zakura Campus, construction of a Skill Development Centre has an allotted cost of Rs 2.96 crore and is under progress. It is scheduled for completion by October 31, 2026. Another major project at Zakura Campus is a three-storeyed building for classrooms, faculty rooms, library, Teachers Education Lab, scholars room and washrooms. The project has an allotted cost of Rs 4.57 crore and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2027. At North Campus, Delina, three infrastructure works have been completed. These include a greenhouse facility with a DSLR camera, a boundary wall from RD 0 to 500 and another boundary wall from RD 500 to 1000. However, construction of the boundary wall from RD 1000 to 1500 remains halted due to a road-related issue with villagers. The project has an allotted cost of Rs 24.86 lakh. The government said the issue is expected to be resolved shortly. The government reply also showed that Rs 40 lakh had been released for the project, while expenditure remained at zero. At Kupwara Campus, construction of the administrative block has an allotted cost of Rs 7.90 crore and is in the final finishing stage. Several other works, including boundary walls, installation of a submersible pump and construction of a gravel-packed production tube well, have been listed as completed. The South Campus is also witnessing infrastructure expansion. Construction of a residential block for teaching staff has an allotted cost of Rs 3.13 crore and is in the final finishing stage. The project is scheduled for completion by October 30, 2026. Construction of a hostel at South Campus has an allotted cost of Rs 6.86 crore, with civil work currently in progress. The expected completion date is March 31, 2027. The government has maintained that infrastructure projects are being taken up across the university campuses according to identified priorities and subject to availability of funds and administrative requirements.
Aadhaar card not valid document to determine age: Supreme Court
A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Ujjal Bhuyan said the age of the deceased person had to be determined from the date of birth mentioned in the school leaving certificate.
Batamaloo water supply to get boost
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that water supply in Batamaloo and adjoining densely populated areas is being augmented through new overhead storage tanks, upgraded pumping capacity and additional water treatment plants. According to the Government, Batamaloo lies at the tail-end of the distribution networks of three Water Supply Schemes including WSS Doodhganga, WSS Sukhnag and WSS Rangil. As a result, variations in demand and consumption in upstream areas affect the availability of drinking water in Batamaloo, the government said. As an immediate measure, the existing 5 HP motor at the Sump-cum-Pump House at Recca Chowk, Batamaloo, has been replaced with two 10 HP motors. The upgraded pumping system is intended to improve water supply to 13 lanes of S.D. Colony that are directly fed by the scheme, the government said. The government added a 70,000-gallon capacity RCC Overhead Tank is being constructed at Danderkha, Batamaloo, under AMRUT 2.0. Another 70,000-gallon OHT is being constructed at Khadi Mill, Aloochi Bagh, at an estimated cost of Rs 213 lakh, including electromechanical works and operation and maintenance. Both projects are targeted for completion by the end of 2026-27. The Khadi Mill OHT is expected to improve water supply to around 477 households in Aloochi Bagh and adjoining areas. The government also said two new Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) are under execution including one with a capacity of 5.50 MGD at Alusteng and another with a capacity of 5.00 MGD at Rangil. Both are expected to be commissioned by the end of the current year. A further 2.50 MGD WTP has been proposed at Mehjoor Nagar, with its Detailed Project Report already prepared and submitted for approval. The Government said the ongoing and proposed works are aimed at improving the adequacy, reliability and service levels of potable water supply in Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh, S.D. Colony and adjoining areas.
PHCs in Karnah face manpower crunch
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Government has acknowledged that some healthcare institutions in Karnah may be functioning without doctors, while stating that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure continuity of healthcare services in the remote and difficult area. This was stated in response to a written reply to a starred question raised by Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, MLA Karnah, regarding whether PHCs at Teetwal, Chiterkote and Panzgam and NTPHCs at Gundishart, Kandi and Nachiyan are without doctors and paramedical staff. The Government said it is committed to providing adequate manpower and requisite healthcare facilities, particularly in remote and difficult areas. The House was informed that while there may be a few institutions without doctors, necessary arrangements are being made through internal deployments to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services. It further stated that AYUSH doctors are posted at PHC Chiterkote and PHC Panzgam, while paramedical staff is available at PHC Chiterkote, PHC Teetwal, PHC Panzgam and PHC Nachiyan. To fill vacant posts, the Department has referred 480 posts of Medical Officers (Allopathic) to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) for selection. Against these posts, 416 candidates have been recommended by the Commission, of whom 335 Medical Officers have so far been appointed. The newly appointed doctors will be posted appropriately, keeping in view the requirements of peripheral, underserved, remote and difficult-area health institutions, including ALC areas. The Government also said that the National Health Mission (NHM) provides supplementary human resources under various approved programmes. At present, 73 personnel are working under NHM in the Karnah constituency. Besides, 466 non-gazetted posts under the establishment of the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, have been referred to the recruiting agency for selection of suitable candidates. In response to another question regarding shortage of doctors, paramedics and FMPHWs in health centres in Karnah due to their attachment to other areas of Kupwara district, the House was informed that no NHM staff or employee belonging to Tangdar and Karnah is presently attached, deployed or posted outside their respective places of duty within District Kupwara. However, regarding regular staff, the Government said the issue of deployment and attachment is being examined to ensure equitable distribution of available manpower and minimise avoidable shortages at peripheral and difficult-area health institutions.
JKPSC, JKSSB finalize 7,580 selections since Oct 2024: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) have finalised 7,580 selections since October 2024, the government said on Monday. The information was provided in reply to an unstarred question in the Legislative Assembly raised by MLA Sajjad Gani Lone regarding selections finalised by the two recruitment agencies. According to the government, JKPSC finalised 1,768 selections, while JKSSB completed 5,812 selections during the period, taking the combined total to 7,580. The category-wise breakup of the JKPSC selections shows 855 selections under OM, 198 under SC, 166 under ST-1, 156 under ST-2, 114 under OBC, 65 under ALC/IB, 149 under RBA, 139 under EWS, four under PSP and six under the ST backlog category, totalling 1,852 selections. For JKSSB, the category-wise figures include 5,173 OM, 1,104 SC, 1,248 ST-1, 1,212 ST-2, 933 OBC, 495 ALC/IB, 1,174 RBA and 1,079 EWS selections, totalling 12,418. The government said figures shown against the direct quota also include posts already referred to recruiting agencies and posts advertised by the agencies for which selections are at various stages. The reply also disclosed that 899 new posts have been created or sanctioned since October 16, 2024 across nine departments. The highest number of newly created or sanctioned posts is in the Health and Medical Education Department at 485, followed by Housing and Urban Development with 266 and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs with 82. Other departments include Jal Shakti with 43 posts, DMRRR with 16, Cooperative with three, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs with two, ARI & Trainings with one and Transport with one. The government further said 27 posts in the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and 11 posts in the Culture Department had remained vacant for more than two years and were subsequently surrendered.
Qingpu Bailian Outlets Opens Second Phase, Sets Sights on Asia
Qingpu Bailian Outlets Opens Second Phase, Sets Sights on Asia
The science of Gaganyaan parachutes | Explained
Why does Gaganyaan need multiple parachutes? How are they tested?
Notice Doesn't Mean Deletion: Delhi Poll Body Amid SIR Row
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Delhi, said no name can be removed without giving the elector an opportunity to be heard and passing a reasoned, appealable order.
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
A case was registered at Nanded Rural Police Station on September 19, 2026, under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Trump praises leftist Mamdani after meeting in New York
Hopefully, youre going to be a great [mayor]; Ill be able to say youre going to be a great one, and youre off to a start, Donald Trump told Zohran Mamdani
40,672 vacant posts under direct recruitment
Srinagar, Sep 21: As many as 40,672 vacant posts are available under the direct recruitment quota across various departments of Jammu and Kashmir, with Health and Medical Education accounting for the highest number of vacancies, the government has informed the Legislative Assembly. The figures were provided by the government regarding department-wise vacancies, posts referred to recruiting agencies and the status of recruitment examinations. According to the government figures, a total of 40,672 vacancies under the direct recruitment quota comprise 3,318 Gazetted, 24,427 Non-Gazetted and 12,927 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) posts. The Health and Medical Education Department has the highest number of vacancies at 12,797, including 2,125 Gazetted, 8,064 Non-Gazetted and 2,608 MTS posts. It is followed by the Agriculture Production (Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Horticulture) Department with 4,939 vacancies, comprising 84 Gazetted, 1,925 Non-Gazetted and 2,930 MTS posts. The Housing and Urban Development Department has 2,741 vacancies, including 30 Gazetted, 801 Non-Gazetted and 1,910 MTS posts, while the Power Development Department has 2,415 vacancies42 Gazetted, 953 Non-Gazetted and 1,420 MTS. The Public Works (R&B) Department has 2,190 vacant posts, including 770 Non-Gazetted and 1,420 MTS positions. Forest, Ecology and Environment has 1,942 vacancies, while Finance has 1,829 and Industries and Commerce 1,787. On recruitment delays, the government said 147 posts under J&K PSC have selection processes delayed, with candidates awaiting clarification regarding equivalence of degrees, nomenclature of posts and availability of syllabi. Some selections are also stalled because cases are pending before courts. The government further stated that 169 written examinations were conducted by JKSSB during the last five years, while 40 examinations were delayed, cancelled or rescheduled from 2022 to 2026. These examinations were subsequently conducted. It said both recruiting agencies have introduced examination calendars to facilitate systematic planning and timely conduct of recruitment examinations. The government maintained that measures are being taken to ensure vacancies are filled through a time-bound mechanism, including advance planning, monitoring of recruitment timelines, streamlining procedures and greater use of technology. It also said departments have been directed to refer vacancies falling under the direct recruitment quota to recruiting agencies under the applicable rules.
64,439 posts vacant across J&K depts
Srinagar: As many as 64,439 district, department and cadre-wise posts are lying vacant across various departments of Jammu and Kashmir, with the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) and School Education Department (SED) accounting for a substantial share of the vacancies. According to figures accessed by Rising Kashmir, the details of these vacancies, along with posts referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and other recruiting agencies, have been uploaded on the National e-Vidhan Application. The overall vacancies comprise 6,391 Gazetted, 42,572 Non-Gazetted and 15,476 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) posts. The Health and Medical Education Department has 12,797 vacancies, comprising 2,125 Gazetted, 8,064 Non-Gazetted and 2,608 MTS posts, according to the annexure furnished with the reply. The highest vacancies of 3115 including 2,223 Non-Gazetted posts, are recorded in DHS, Kashmir. The School Education Department has 9,857 vacant posts, including 3,082 Gazetted, 6,732 Non-Gazetted and 43 MTS positions. The Agriculture Production, Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Horticulture Department has 5,991 vacancies, including 79 Gazetted, 2,888 Non-Gazetted and 3,024 MTS posts. The Power Development Department has 5,191 vacancies, comprising 195 Gazetted, 3,508 Non-Gazetted and 1,488 MTS posts. Similarly, the Housing and Urban Development Department has 4,833 vacant posts, including 373 Gazetted, 2,633 Non-Gazetted and 1,827 MTS positions. The government said the figures reflect vacancies under the direct and promotion quotas, with vacancies being referred to recruiting agencies or filled through Departmental Promotion Committees in accordance with applicable rules and regulatiaons. On whether individuals had been engaged through outsourcing against sanctioned or vacant posts, the government said no appointments had been made through outsourcing against any sanctioned/vacant post on the regular establishment of the government. The government said it has adopted a structured approach to ensure vacancies are filled through an efficient and time-bound mechanism. This includes periodic assessment of vacancies and prompt referrals to recruiting agencies to avoid procedural delays. The scale of vacancies comes amid the governments stated efforts to streamline recruitment and ensure timely filling of sanctioned posts across departments.
Regularisation issue under examination: Govt
Srinagar, Sept 21: The Jammu & Kashmir government on Monday said the committee constituted to examine the regularisation of casual, seasonal, daily-rated and other temporary workers has not yet submitted its final report, as the issue continues to be examined from legal, financial, administrative and humanitarian perspectives. Replying to a question by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone during the sixth session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, the government said the committee was constituted vide Government Order No. 384-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated March 19, 2025, to examine the matter relating to casual, seasonal and other temporary, contractual and need-based workers engaged in different departments. The issue assumes significance as daily wagers and other temporary workers have been holding protests and repeatedly seeking regularisation of their services and a clear policy for their future. The government said the committee had been tasked with examining various issues, including humanitarian, legal and financial aspects related to the regularisation of these workers. The matter involved a diverse set of workers engaged at different points in time under varying terms and conditions of engagement, the reply reads. Therefore, the proposed policy is required to conform to the applicable statutory provisions, legal position, prescribed recruitment framework while duly accounting for the consequential financial implications. The committee, it added, was undertaking a comprehensive examination for formulation of a uniform framework that would be legally enforceable and administratively implementable across all departments. The matter involves a diverse set of categories of workers whose engagements have taken place against different requirements of the departments. The Committee is examining the matter comprehensively, the reply stated. On the status of the committee and whether it had submitted its report, the government said consultations with concerned departments and examination of the issues from administrative, legal and financial perspectives were required before a final policy decision could be taken. The government will take a considered decision after completion of the examination of all relevant aspects and receipt of the requisite inputs from the concerned departments and authorities, it said. On payment of wages to temporary employees, including daily-rated workers, the Government said various departments had engaged daily-rated workers and other categories of workers based on their operational needs. The wages are being paid as per the guidelines and terms and conditions under which they are engaged. In case of DRWs/CSLWs etc, wages are being paid as per Minimum Wages notified by the Government, the reply reads.On filling vacant posts, the government said it had taken a series of measures to ensure that vacancies were filled in a time-bound manner. These measures include timely identification and referral of vacancies to recruiting agencies, adherence to the prescribed statutory framework, advance planning of recruitment cycles and close monitoring of recruitment timelines at various stages, the reply reads, adding that the government said efforts had also been made to streamline procedures, strengthen coordination with recruiting agencies and leverage technology to expedite the recruitment process while ensuring transparency, fairness and merit.
Rajouri floods: CM says Rs 3.22 cr relief disbursed
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Jammu & Kashmir government told the Legislative Assembly on Monday that it has assessed the damage from July's flash floods and landslides in Rajouri and disbursed Rs 3.22 crore in relief. Permanent restoration of infrastructure is still at the proposal and tender stage. Replying to a starred question by Rajouri MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds the Disaster Management portfolio, said the district administration received 149 family-wise relief cases. Rs 40.61 lakh was disbursed under SDRF norms. A further Rs 2.81 crore, released to the district from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, was distributed among affected families. On roads, a preliminary assessment led to a proposal for permanent restoration of 403 roads and bridges at Rs 185 crore. On power, damage of Rs 27.99 crore was assessed across Rajouri district, of which Rs 9.39 crore was in Rajouri constituency. Supply on the 132 KV Rajouri-Draba line was restored temporarily with an ERS tower, and tendering for permanent restoration is under way. The reply said no SDRF/NRDF funds have been released for that line's damage. Of the Rs 1.25 crore received under SDRF for temporary power restoration in the district, Rajouri constituency got Rs 57.60 lakh, Thannamandi Rs 43.40 lakh, Budhal Rs 10.05 lakh, Nowshera Rs 7.60 lakh and Sunderbani Rs 6.35 lakh. The Agriculture Department assessed 15% damage on 416 hectares of maize and 65% on 101.50 hectares of paddy. Jal Shakti details put temporary restoration of water supply schemes at Rs 86.83 lakh. Irrigation and flood-control damage from July 1825 needs Rs 3.67 crore for temporary and Rs 123.55 crore for permanent restoration. The government said all damaged roads, bridges, water and power schemes were temporarily restored within a month, and detailed project reports for permanent work are under consideration. Flood-prone power infrastructure will be strengthened and realigned, with spares kept ready. On enhancing SDRF compensation, it said the norms fall under the Union Home Ministry.
LG hands appointment letter to deceased PSIs wife
Jammu, Sep 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday handed over the appointment letter, on compassionate grounds, to Dr Vaishali Misra, Wife of J&K Police Sub-Inspector Sachin Verma. The Lieutenant Governor assured all possible assistance and support from the Administration to the family. PSI Sachin Verma of 23 Bn IRP lost his life in an unfortunate road accident in the Nowgam area of Srinagar on August 11, 2025.
Selfless service true soul of Yatra: LG
Jammu, Sep 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday felicitated the organisers and volunteers of Langar organisations following the successful culmination of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026. The true soul of Lord Shiva's pilgrimage lies not only in reaching the holy cave, but also in the remarkable spirit of selfless service visible at the base camps and along those difficult routes, the LG said. He described Langar volunteers as living embodiments of selfless service and compassion. He stated that every stakeholder associated with the sacred pilgrimage is a carrier of India's eternal cultural consciousness, and that history will remember the contribution of each one. The 57-day yatra, which began on July 3 and concluded on Raksha Bandhan, August 28, 2026, saw more than 4.80 lakh devotees have darshan of Baba Barfani. About 82 per cent of darshans were completed within the first 20 days and 95 per cent within 30 days. The yatra was affected by rainfall for over 10 days, and an unexpected rush of unregistered pilgrims arrived in the first four to five days. The Lieutenant Governor noted that the Shrine Board's coordination, swift decisions and stakeholder cooperation ensured that services and facilities were provided to all. We saw the spirit of selfless service manifest in the early days of the yatra and despite the unforeseen crowds, there was no shortage of any kind, the Lieutenant Governor said. Sinha said 120 Langar Organisations set up service camps at base camps and along the arduous routes. Thousands of volunteers worked day and night, despite the biting cold, and none sought recognition or reward. The selfless seva of Langar Organisations gave strength to lakhs of pilgrims, he observed. Highlighting the management of the yatra, the Lieutenant Governor noted that about 1.87 lakh devotees used palanquin and pony services through the digital pre-paid system, ensuring adherence to prescribed rates, swift redressal of complaints and an end to overcharging. A total of 93 medical facilities were set up, including over 595 beds and 26 oxygen booths. DRDO and the Department of Health & Medical Education established 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari. A total of 1,430 doctors and health workers were deployed round the clock, along with 48 ambulances, including 44 vehicles for inaccessible routes. Around 7,900 toilet and bathing units were installed and 7,900 sanitation workers were deployed, realising the resolve of a zero-waste yatra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned the Swachh Amarnath Yatra in Mann Ki Baat. The Lieutenant Governor said the yatra had again shown that when the administration, civil society, local residents of Jammu and Kashmir and the Langar Organisations work with shared resolve, no challenge is insurmountable. Calling them custodians of India's shared civilisational heritage, he urged all stakeholders to begin preparations for next year based on this year's experience, and to work with the Shrine Board so that the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is regarded nationwide as a model spiritual pilgrimage. My prayer is that Lord Shiva may continue to shower His divine grace upon you all, and that every year you may continue to serve Baba's devotees in the same manner, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the Shrine Board and Langar organisations to explore the inclusion of millets in community kitchens and bhojnalayas, and promote healthier dietary habits.
Millets are food of future: LG Sinha
Jammu, Sep 21: Countries across the world that are facing the challenge of climate change are also realising that the food of the future will not merely be food that can be produced in large quantities. It will have to be nutritious, profitable for farmers and sustainable for the planet, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday, as he addressed two separate millet-focused events in Jammua National Dialogue on Millets for Health at SKUAST-J and a 'Millets for Health' seminar at Government Medical College (GMC). Speaking at the National Dialogue on Millets for Health: Building Healthy Ecosystems, Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems at SKUAST, Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor said the occasion was not merely a seminar but a celebration of a revolution rooted in India's villages. Expressing gratitude to Padma Shri Dr Khadar Vali, popularly known as the Millet Man of India, and Umendra Dutt of Kheti Virasat Mission, Sinha lauded their efforts in creating a new awakening through the Millets Mission in Jammu and Kashmir. Millets were part of our agricultural memory for centuries. The time has now come to restore them to the consciousness of society, the LG said, tracing the heritage of sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, kodo millet, little millet, foxtail millet, and barnyard millet, which he said have nourished generations of farmers and families. He noted that millets, once sidelined as food of the poor, are now reclaiming their place at the intersection of tradition and modern science. He reiterated the ancient wisdomAnnam Brahma hat food is divine, and healthy food builds healthy citizens, strong societies, and resilient nations. Highlighting the relevance of millets for Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha underscored that over 80 per cent of the region's farmers are small and marginal, dependent on uncertain weather. Millets, requiring less water and fewer inputs, offer them confidence and sustainability. I see the Millets Mission as the greatest hope for the smallest farmer in our villages. Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan, we prepared a strategy three to four years ago to ensure the health of future generations, the prosperity of our farmers and the protection of our earth, the LG said. I believe that millet cultivation can give marginal farmers in Jammu Kashmir a new sense of confidence while also helping reduce the risks associated with farming. Although the size of your landholding may be small, your contribution to building a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir can never be small, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the health benefits of millets, noting their dietary fibre, low glycaemic index, and rich nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. He called upon citizens to bring millet-based foods like bajra rotis, ragi dishes, and barnyard millet rice back to their plates to combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. I see millet's cultivation as a powerful means of empowering women, promoting dignity and respect for women, and reviving the rural economy. The value-added products can shape the region's next economic success story, he said. Addressing the 'Millets for Health' seminar at GMC Jammu later, the Lieutenant Governor said the seminar was more than an academic exercise. It is a reminder of shared responsibility towards the Earth, its water, farming families, villages and the health of every citizen. Nature's message is clear that limits cannot be crossed, and millets offer a credible alternative, he said. Citing the 2018 ICMR report, Sinha noted that non-communicable diseases accounted for 61.8 per cent of all deaths in 2016, up from 37.09 per cent in 1990. The National Family Health Survey, he said, records high blood pressure in 11 per cent of women and 15 per cent of men aged 1549. I believe these are not merely medical problems but they directly affect family economic conditions, social life, and national productivity. I firmly believe that, in such times, greater inclusion of our traditional food, millets, can show us an important path towards disease prevention and a healthy lifestyle, he said. Millets offer us a simple lesson from nature: the solutions to many health challenges due to modern lifestyle of today lie within our own traditions, he added. Stressing that the time has come to move from discussion to action, the Lieutenant Governor appealed to farmers to diversify their crops and to scientists to develop high-yielding, climate-suited varieties. I urge all doctors and nutrition experts to create evidence-based awareness about the role of millets in a balanced diet. I appeal to all citizens of Jammu Kashmir to prioritise the nutritious and balanced food of millets over processed food, he said. I call upon every household to give millet products a place on their plate and strengthen farmers, empower women, and ensure a healthier future for generations. Let us work together to ensure that every village has opportunities and future generations inherit a healthy planet, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released several publications, including 'A Laboratory Manual on Soil Microbiology'; 'Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing', and 'Package of Practices for Minor Millets'. Padma Shri Dr Khadar Vali; Prof B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu; Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission; Dr Anjani Kumar, IFPRI; Prof S.K. Gupta, Director Research, SKUAST Jammu; Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal, GMC Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; experts, policymakers, researchers, senior officials, progressive farmers, agri-preneurs, members of Self-Help Groups, faculty and students attended the events.
Govt running away from issues: LoP
Srinagar, Sep 21: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA) and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma on Monday accused the National Conference-led government of failing to address pressing public concerns and now running away from issues being raised by the Opposition in the House. Speaking to reporters after the adjournment of the House, Sharma said the BJP would continue to raise issues concerning employees, workers, unemployed youth and ordinary households, and demand clear answers from the government. He said concerns of NHM employees, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, GRS, technical staff and daily wagers could not be ignored, particularly when thousands of families depended on these jobs for their livelihoods. The LoP also targeted the government over the increase in power tariffs, saying the rising cost of electricity was adding to the financial burden on households. He said the Opposition would also continue to raise the issue of cooperative bank victims and seek resolution of their grievances. When genuine public concerns are raised in the Assembly, it is the responsibility of the government to provide clear answers. The Opposition will continue to raise the voice of the people and seek accountability from the government, Sharma said. The LoP said the BJP would not allow issues affecting the people to be pushed to the background. Sharma said employment security, regularisation, livelihoods, rising electricity costs, public services and opportunities for the youth were matters requiring concrete answers and a clear roadmap from the government. The BJP will not remain silent on issues affecting the people of Jammu & Kashmir. As a responsible Opposition, we will continue to question the government, demand answers and ensure that the concerns of the people reach the floor of the House, he said. LoP Sharma reiterated that the Opposition would continue to discharge its constitutional and democratic responsibility by raising matters of public importance and seeking accountability from the government.
Speaker warns of action against disruptions
Srinagar, Sep 21: Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA) Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather on Monday warned that strict action as per the law would be taken against members who disrupt proceedings, asserting that the House cannot be reduced to a platform for sloganeering when public money is being spent to conduct its business. Speaking to reporters after the House was adjourned for the day, Rather said the Assembly had taken up its listed business despite attempts by BJP members to disrupt proceedings. Today, our list of business comprised a few items including obituary references, Question Hour, a report on the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and a bill to be presented by the Cooperative Minister. The entire business was taken up, he said. The Speaker said BJP members also had questions listed for Question Hour, but chose to raise slogans instead.They wasted their own time because they had their questions in the Question Hour as well. They resorted to anti-government slogans, he said. He said members were bound by the rules of the House and warned that disciplinary action would follow if disruptions continued. I warn any member irrespective of the party affiliations, that as per the rules, action will be taken against those who violate the rules and disrupt the House proceedings, Rather said. He stressed that the Assembly was meant to deliberate on issues concerning the people and seek solutions rather than become a venue for protests and sloganeering. For this session, peoples money is being spent, and peoples issues should be resolved. The House is not for sloganeering. It is not a fish market. It is meant to find solutions to the issues of the people, he said. The Speaker said members should use the parliamentary platform to raise questions and seek replies from the government, pointing out that ruling National Conference members had participated in Question Hour and sought responses from the government. NC members raised their questions and sought replies from the government. We did our job, he said. On criticism over the duration of the autumn session, Rather said there was no fixed rule limiting such sessions to a particular number of days and cited variations in the duration of legislative sittings in different states. The autumn session was never limited. I want to tell the LoP that in Assam there was only a one-day session, while somewhere it was for a week or five days. Why does he not raise his voice there? Rather said, adding that the present session had a substantial number of sittings. The Speaker also said he had asked the Opposition to nominate one leader to put forward its issues so that the government could respond. I asked them to appoint one leader, which is the LoP. The government will listen and reply, but they resorted to sloganeering, wasting the time of the House and the money of the people, he said. On the report of the JJM committee and alleged irregularities, Rather said the Opposition should have sought a discussion on the matter in the House. He said the report would now be taken up through its committee chairman, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi. On the JJM report and the irregularities, the Opposition should have taken up the matter for discussion. Now the chairman of the committee on JJM, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, will be given time, and then the government will be allowed to reply, Rather said. The Speakers remarks came on a day when proceedings of the Assembly were marked by heated exchanges and slogan-shouting, with the Opposition seeking to press its issues while the Chair maintained that legislative business must continue in accordance with the rules.
J&K has 21,346 sq km of forest cover: Govt
Srinagar, Sept 21: Jammu and Kashmir has 21,346.39 square kilometres of forest cover, accounting for 39.07 per cent of its digitised geographical area, while the estimated annual economic potential of its forest resources has been pegged at Rs 10,878.51 lakh (Rs 108.79 crore), the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday. The figures were disclosed by the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department in a written reply to a question raised by Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen regarding the state of forest resources and the functioning of the J&K Forest Development Corporation Limited (JKFDC). According to the reply, J&K has a total geographical area of 54,634.12 sq km, based on digitised boundaries provided by the Survey of India. The forest-cover assessment is based on the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The government data showed that JKFDC fell short of its timber extraction targets during each of the last three financial years, although its performance improved in 2025-26. In 2023-24, against a target of 28.016 lakh cubic feet (cft), the corporation extracted 21.413 lakh cft and realised Rs 13,329.54 lakh, including GST. In 2024-25, the target was 30.772 lakh cft, against which 22.483 lakh cft was extracted, generating Rs 10,759.57 lakh in revenue. During 2025-26, JKFDC had a target of 30.770 lakh cft and achieved 26.643 lakh cft, while revenue stood at Rs 10,702.36 lakh. The reply also showed that the corporation's expenditure exceeded its income in each of the three years. JKFDC reported income/revenue of Rs 13,329.54 lakh against expenditure of Rs 14,500 lakh in 2023-24. In 2024-25, income stood at Rs 10,759.57 lakh against expenditure of Rs 15,450 lakh, while in 2025-26, revenue was Rs 10,702.36 lakh against expenditure of Rs 13,905 lakh. The government said JKFDC operates on grant-in-aid provided by the government, while all revenue generated through its operations is deposited in full into the Government Treasury through the office of the PCCF and HoFF, J&K. The corporation had recorded a net profit of Rs 1,402.29 lakh in 2022-23, according to its balance sheet. However, its accounts for 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 are presently under statutory audit. The government reply disclosed total liabilities of Rs 46,270.68 lakh (around Rs 462.71 crore) on JKFDC's balance sheet. Of this, Rs 6,213.66 lakh pertains to government loan and interest liability inherited from the erstwhile State Forest Corporation. Another Rs 1,234.17 lakh relates to liability pursuant to a Supreme Court order, while Rs 38,822.85 lakh is payable as royalty, also described as a legacy liability of the erstwhile State Forest Corporation. Responding to the question on steps being taken to make the corporation financially sustainable and improve timber extraction, the government said JKFDC had assessed the factors affecting its operational efficiency and initiated corrective measures. These include directing field staff to explore potential catchment areas to bring more markings and coupes under operation and ensuring rational utilisation of existing manpower. The corporation is also coordinating with the Territorial Wing to increase timber marking and extraction. The government said JKFDC is working to improve timber extraction and transportation mechanisms, including upgrading off-road transportation systems. The use of mechanical cutters will be regulated, while skylines and aerial ropeways will be encouraged wherever feasible. The Board of Directors will also consider penalties for delays in timber extraction, the government said. Besides, JKFDC plans to open additional timber sale depots outside Jammu and Srinagar to strengthen its distribution network and make timber available to consumers at comparatively cheaper rates.
J&K Assembly Autumn Session : Day One: Slogans Fly, House Adjourned
Srinagar, Sep 21: The opening sitting of the autumn session turned chaotic on Monday as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs stormed into the Well of the House, raising slogans over regularisation of daily-wagers, the grievances of National Health Mission (NHM) employees and the recent electricity tariff hike. Amid pandemonium, Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather adjourned the House for a day. The uproar began shortly after obituary references were concluded, with BJP legislators rising from their seats and seeking government intervention on issues concerning employees and the public. Carrying placards, they raised slogans demanding justice for daily-wagers and NHM employees and protesting against power supply and tariff-related issues. Jo Sarkar na de sake bijli pani, woh sarkar nakami and Insaf karo, daily-wagers ke saath were among the slogans raised by the BJP members as Question Hour got drowned in the din. The BJP legislators also raised the issue of NHM employees, shouting slogans seeking justice for workers engaged under the health mission. Their protest soon intensified, with BJP MLAs storming into the Well of the House and continuing their sloganeering. Several BJP members also raised Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram slogans while holding placards. Speaker repeatedly asked the protesting members to return to their seats and allow the proceedings to continue. Go to your seats, the Speaker told the protesting legislators, warning that continued disruption could invite action. However, the BJP members remained in the Well, leading to further exchanges between the Opposition and treasury benches. Congress MLAs Irfan Hafiz Lone and Iftikhar Ahmad also countered the BJP members amid the uproar, though their remarks could not be clearly heard due to the continuing sloganeering. When CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami rose to intervene, the confrontation intensified further, with BJP legislators continuing their protest in the Well. The ruling National Conference (NC) members then joined the slogan war, raising the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood. The competing slogans turned the opening sitting into a noisy confrontation between the Opposition and treasury benches, with neither side willing to yield. NC MLA Nazir Gurezi accused the BJP of wasting the valuable time of the legislature. They should protest in Delhi rather than here, Gurezi said, accusing the BJP of using the Assembly to divert attention from what he described as its failures. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also hit out at the BJP, saying the government was prepared to respond to the issues being raised by the Opposition. If they are sincere to the people of J&K, they should listen to the governments answers. The government is ready to respond, Choudhary said. He questioned the need for disrupting Question Hour when ministers were present in the House to respond to questions concerning public issues. The BJP maintained that the protests were aimed at drawing the governments attention to issues affecting thousands of workers and ordinary consumers. Regularisation of daily-wagers emerged as one of the principal issues raised by the BJP, along with the concerns of NHM employees and the electricity tariff hike. The Opposition members also accused the government of failing to address issues confronting different sections of society, while the treasury benches maintained that the issues could be debated through the established legislative process. The Speaker repeatedly appealed for calm and urged members to return to their seats so that the House could conduct its scheduled business. The continued disruption, however, overshadowed Question Hour and much of the planned legislative proceedings. Amid the din, the government continued with some scheduled business, with Minister for Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar introducing a bill seeking amendments to cooperative law. But the proceedings remained hostage to the sloganeering, with legislators from both sides repeatedly moving towards the Well. After failing to restore order, Speaker Rather eventually adjourned the House for the day. The dramatic opening has set the tone for the autumn session, with regularisation of daily-wagers, NHM employees issues, electricity tariff, employment, governance and restoration of statehood expected to remain among the major issues confronting the House. For the government, the challenge will be to ensure legislative business proceeds amid a determined Opposition campaign; for the BJP, the opening-day protest has placed employment and power-related grievances at the centre of its Assembly strategy.
112.86 cr Ladli Beti payments pending: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has acknowledged that 112.86 crore under the Ladli Beti scheme is pending for disbursement, affecting 2,25,720 beneficiaries between April and August 2026. The disclosure was made by the government in response to a question on Funding of Welfare Schemes tabled by Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana during the ongoing Assembly session. According to the government, the pending payments under Ladli Beti have remained beyond the prescribed timeline and the delay has been attributed to reconciliation pending at the J&K Bank level. The government said that during the financial year 2026-27, the Finance Department has released 2,211.88 crore against an approved provision of 3,159.66 crore for welfare schemes implemented by various departments. Of the released amount, 1,325.07 crore has been utilised so far. The schemes are being implemented mainly through the Social Welfare Department, Health & Medical Education Department, Tribal Affairs Department, Agriculture Production Department, School Education Department, and Industries & Commerce Department. On monitoring pending payments, the government said the concerned departments maintain scheme-wise records of pending payments, including the status of amounts due to beneficiaries. The Finance Department, it said, facilitates availability of funds by periodically authorising funds, either in bulk or on the basis of requisitions received from implementing departments, taking into account expenditure and utilisation. The government further stated that, generally, 50 per cent of the approved budget provision is authorised during the first six months of the financial year, followed by quarterly authorisations, subject to requirements and requisitions from implementing departments. However, the actual frequency and timeline for disbursement to beneficiaries are prescribed and managed by the respective implementing departments according to the guidelines of individual schemes. The government said it remains committed to timely disbursement of beneficiary-oriented payments and will continue to monitor the availability and utilisation of funds and take measures to minimise delays.
112 damaged houses get relief after Surankote floods: Govt
Srinagar, Sept 21: Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that 112 houses damaged in the July 18-19 natural calamity in Surankote constituency have been provided relief under SDRF norms, while assistance under the Chief Ministers Relief Fund has been disbursed to 59 affected households. The government was responding to a question by Choudhary Mohammed Akram, MLA from Surankote, who sought details of the damage caused by heavy rains, cloudbursts and flash floods on July 18 and 19, 2026, particularly in Dara Sangla, Kalan Katha, Gunthal and Nurraah, and asked about the shifting and permanent rehabilitation of affected families, including allotment of five marlas of land. In its reply, the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction said several kachha and pucca residential houses were washed away or suffered extensive damage in different parts of the constituency. The government said the District Administration, Poonch, immediately shifted affected families to nearby safer locations, including schools and Panchayat Ghars, and provided free ration kits, food kits, LPG cylinders, tents, tarpaulins, blankets and mattresses. Till date, 112 no. of damaged houses under various categories like fully, severely and partially houses, both kachha and pucca, were provided relief as per SDRF norms, the government said, adding that some more cases were still under verification. Besides SDRF assistance, relief from the CM Relief Fund had been disbursed to 59 households, while a further list of 53 households from Surankote constituency had been submitted by the Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, to the Chief Ministers Office for assistance. The total amount disbursed by the District Administration, Poonch, under SDRF and the CM Relief Fund stands at Rs 189.23 lakh. On permanent rehabilitation and allotment of five marlas of land, the government referred to Government Order No. 01-JK(REV) of 2026, issued by the Revenue Department on January 2, 2026. Under the order, five marlas of state land can be granted on lease for residential purposes to eligible landless families rendered landless by specified natural calamities, without premium, with an annual ground rent of Rs 10 per marla for 40 years, extendable under rules. The government order, however, specifically applies to families affected by natural calamities occurring between August 1 and September 30, 2025, and therefore its applicability to families affected by the July 2026 Surankote calamity is not established by the reply. The order requires verification by the District Disaster Management Authority and stipulates that the affected family must have been rendered landless by the calamity and must not own other proprietary land in the affected village.
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28,199 Anganwadi centres operating across J&K
Srinagar, Sep 21 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday said that 28,199 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are currently functional across the Union Territory, with measures being taken to ensure that children and women from migratory populations continue to receive essential services during seasonal migration. The information was provided by the Social Welfare Department in response to a question regarding the establishment and functioning of Anganwadi Centres for migrant and seasonal populations. According to the department, the establishment of Anganwadi Centres is governed by prescribed norms of the Government of India. In rural and urban areas, one Anganwadi Centre is generally established for a population of 400 to 800, while in tribal, hilly and difficult areas the population norm ranges from 300 to 800. The department said that the Government of India has not prescribed specific norms for establishing Anganwadi Centres at migration points, _dhoks_ and other seasonal habitations. However, the department has been making efforts to ensure that migrant families do not miss out on supplementary nutrition, pre-school education and other services provided through Anganwadi Centres. As part of these arrangements, three Anganwadi Centres from Jammu district are shifted to Kashmir Division during the summer migration period, with the centres operating in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts to facilitate delivery of Anganwadi services to eligible beneficiaries belonging to the migratory population. The department further said it was committed to ensuring effective and equitable coverage of eligible beneficiaries, including tribal, migrant and seasonal populations, within the framework of government norms and guidelines. On the education of migrant children, the Social Welfare Department said it is working in coordination with the School Education Department to facilitate continued access to education. Migratory children are to be appropriately covered under existing school-education schemes during the migration period. The department also stated that the number of Anganwadi Centres in Jammu and Kashmir has been rationalised in line with the provisions of the National Education Policy and Poshan 2.0. Any proposal for establishing additional Anganwadi Centres is to be examined in accordance with prescribed norms. As per the district-wise data furnished by the department, 28,199 functional Anganwadi Centres are operating across Jammu and Kashmir, with their distribution covering rural, urban and areas inhabited by migratory and tribal populations. The department said the arrangements are aimed at ensuring continuity of nutrition, early childhood care and education and other Anganwadi-related services for beneficiaries, including those who migrate seasonally.
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JKPCC imposes 3.10 cr environmental penalty on firm
Srinagar, Sep 21 : The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has imposed an environmental compensation of 3.10 crore on M/S NKC Projects Pvt Ltd for violating of the terms and conditions governing extraction activities from Shaliganga Nallah, the J&K Government has informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday. The matter came to light in a written reply to a starred question raised by MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, who sought details regarding the reported penalty and its recovery. According to the Mining Department, the JKPCC imposed the compensation on M/S NKC Projects Pvt Ltd for violating the prescribed terms and conditions while carrying out extraction from Shaliganga Nallah. On the issue of recovery, the government said the matter is currently sub judice before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, where the imposition of environmental compensation has been challenged by the company. The government further said that, as part of efforts to recover the amount, the JKPCC has formally approached the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), requesting it to withhold and recover the environmental compensation directly from the pending bills/payments of M/s NK Projects Pvt Ltd. The response was issued by the Mining Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, in connection with the question raised in the Assembly.
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The historical record does not support the idea that Islam required women to be confined to their homes or excluded from public life
Free LPG scheme for AAY families under examination: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that its proposal to provide six free domestic LPG cylinder refills annually to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families is currently under examination, with the modalities of the scheme still being worked out. The information was provided by the government in response to a question raised by Sajad Gani Lone, MLA, regarding the issuance and verification of AAY ration cards and the implementation of the free LPG cylinder announcement made in the Budget 2026-27. According to the government, the scheme envisages reimbursement of the refilling cost of six domestic LPG cylinders per year for AAY families through Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into beneficiaries bank accounts. Necessary action for implementation of the scheme is underway, the government said, adding that various aspects and modalities are presently being examined. It further stated that the exact financial implication will be worked out after finalisation of the scheme. The government also furnished constituency-wise data on AAY beneficiaries. As per the figures provided, 2,74,695 beneficiaries were covered under the AAY category in Jammu division as on January 1, 2025, while the corresponding figure for the Kashmir division stood at 6,04,417 beneficiaries. Together, the figures indicate 8,79,112 AAY beneficiaries across J&K as on that date. In Jammu division, the district-wise figures include 32,106 beneficiaries in Jammu, 7,445 in Samba, 25,477 in Kathua, 19,242 in Udhampur, 21,? in Reasi, 94,? in Doda, 17,047 in Ramban, 19,782 in Kishtwar, 48,083 in Rajouri and 30,917 in Poonch, as reflected in the government annexure. (Some figures in the supplied scanned annexure are unclear.) In Kashmir division, the highest district-wise AAY beneficiary figures included 1,20,671 in Kupwara, 1,09,815 in Baramulla, 40,307 in Bandipora, 22,613 in Ganderbal, 26,450 in Srinagar, 68,785 in Budgam, 59,063 in Pulwama, 28,149 in Shopian, 48,619 in Kulgam and 79,945 in Anantnag. The government also provided constituency-wise details of AAY ration cards after verification/re-verification of AAY, PHH and NPHH categories, along with details of additions and deletions. The data shows 12,718 additions and 3,312 deletions in AAY ration-card records in the Kashmir division in the period covered by the supplied annexure. For Jammu division, the annexures separately provide addition/deletion figures for the corresponding periods.
Persistent antagonism towards Urdu
The antagonism towards Urdu is rooted in the perception that it is exclusively a language for Muslims
Govt steps up measures to tackle Dal Lake pollution
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that more than 10.77 crore has been spent on weed clearance in Dal Lake over the last three financial years, while a series of measures are being implemented to tackle sewage pollution and prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into the lake. In a written reply regarding weed clearance and sewage pollution in Dal Lake, the Housing and Urban Development Department said weed growth in the lake is being managed through regular mechanical de-weeding operations. The department said the exercise is aimed at maintaining the lakes cleanliness, ecological health and aesthetic value. According to the government, 305.77 lakh was spent on weed clearance during 2023-24, followed by 421.55 lakh in 2024-25 and 350 lakh in 2025-26, taking the total expenditure to 1,077.32 lakh (10.7732 crore). The department said the expenditure varies depending on the extent of weed growth, prevailing weather conditions, location and environmental conditions. The government said different agencies have been engaged for the mechanical removal of weeds. The reply said the work for 2023-24 was awarded to Iqbal Trading Corporation, while Globe Labour & Security Ltd was engaged for 2024-25 and 2025 - 26 The department said the physical and financial targets during these years included the removal of weeds from Dal Lake and their transportation to the NAFED plant for conversion into bio-fertilizers. More than 10,000 cubic metres of weed is collected from Dal Lake every year. It said employment generation through the engagement of labourers for de-weeding is taking place, while preservation and conservation of Dal Lake through the removal of weeds and other aquatic plants is also underway. On sewage pollution, the government said the area from Ishber up to Tailbal is presently not fully connected to the sewerage network. Consequently, the inflow channels to Dal Lake, including Meerak Shah Nallah, Pazwalpora Nallah, Butkul and Tailbal Nallah, receive polluted water generated primarily due to the discharge of domestic wastewater into these channels. To address the direct discharge of wastewater into Dal Lake, the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA) has developed detention ponds along the Northern Foreshore Road (NFR). These detention ponds intercept the wastewater before it reaches the lake and facilitate its natural treatment, thereby reducing the concentration and load of nutrients entering Dal Lake, the government said. In addition, 100 bio-digesters have been installed in the Tailbal area to provide localised treatment of sewage generated by households and minimise the discharge of untreated wastewater into drainage channels. The government informed the Assembly that, as a long-term and permanent solution, a 30 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is presently under construction by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), J&K. The STP is intended to cater to sewage generated from the presently unconnected areas and will facilitate their integration with the sewerage system. The untreated discharge from these areas into the inflow channels of Dal Lake is expected to be substantially reduced. The hamlets within the Dal also drain sewerage into the Dal Lake. However, the sewerage line has been laid for six hamlets and DPR for installation of two STPs with combined capacity of 310 KLD for an amount of Rs. 18.16 crore is under technical scrutiny, the reply said. Besides this, under Integrated Management Plan of Dal-Nigeen Lake, DPR for an amount of Rs. 212.389 crore has been approved by MoEF&CC which shall cater sewerage coming from 28 more hamlets, it said. Additionally, the JKLCMA has initiated a detailed survey to work out the total requirement of STPs. After completion of the survey, any shortfall will be proposed through a new STP, the government said. The government said several sewage treatment plants connected with Dal Lake are already functional. These include STP Laam with a capacity of 4.5 MLD, STP Habak with 3.2 MLD, STP Hazratbal with 7.5 MLD and STP Brarinambal with 16.10 MLD. The department said the existing plants are being used to treat sewage from connected areas before discharge. It further said the unconnected areas are proposed to be connected with the 30 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant at Gupt Ganga, being constructed by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), J&K, along with the laying of a sewer network in the unconnected areas from the northern areas of the lake. The work is likely to be completed during the financial year 2028-29 , the government said.
100% drought likely to be declared in Maharashtra by month-end, says Minister
Never seen such severe dry spell: Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil; he adds govt. has initiated measures such as fee waiver for students, electricity bill waiver, and deployment of water tankers
From Controllers to Companions
Parenting is no longer what it used to be. The old model was built around authority, obedience and unquestioned instruction. Parents decided, children followed, and the distance between the two was often mistaken for discipline. Today, that model is being challenged by a world in which children encounter more information, more choices and more pressures than any previous generation. The changing role of parents does not mean the end of discipline. It means discipline must be redefined. A parents responsibility is no longer limited to providing food, education and protection. It now includes helping children navigate social media, peer pressure, competition, anxiety and a rapidly changing understanding of identity and success. Children need boundaries, but they also need to be heard. A home where every question is treated as disobedience may produce silence, but not necessarily wisdom. Parents who listen without immediately judging create space for their children to speak about fear, failure and confusion. That openness is not weakness. It is one of the strongest forms of protection a family can offer. The pressures on parents are equally real. Many are working longer hours, coping with financial uncertainty and trying to remain emotionally available in an age of constant distraction. Yet children do not measure parenting only through material comfort. They remember whether someone attended to their concerns, noticed their distress and made time for them. The most important shift is from control to connection. A parent cannot monitor every conversation, search every device or prevent every disappointment. What they can do is build values strong enough to guide children when supervision is absent. Honesty, empathy, responsibility and respect cannot be installed through lectures alone. They are learned from daily conduct. Parents must also accept that their children are growing up in a world different from the one they knew. Their own experiences remain valuable, but they cannot become a rigid template for the next generation. Advice must replace command, and conversation must replace interrogation. At the same time, the changing role of parents must not be confused with excessive permissiveness. Children require structure, accountability and consequences. Love does not mean approving every choice. It means correcting without humiliation and setting limits without breaking trust. The ideal parent today is neither an authoritarian nor a passive friend. They are a steady guide, willing to lead when necessary, listen when required and learn when the times demand it. In a world that often leaves children overwhelmed, the greatest gift parents can offer is not control over every outcome, but the confidence that home remains a place of understanding, courage and belonging.
When the House Becomes the Battleground
The first day of the autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly offered a troubling reminder of how quickly democratic institutions can be reduced to theatre. A House convened to debate public concerns, question the government and legislate for the people instead became a stage for competing slogans, angry exchanges and political one-upmanship. The disruption during Question Hour was not a minor procedural lapse. Question Hour is among the most important instruments available to legislators and the public. It is the time when ministers are required to answer, records are placed on the table and the government is held accountable. Every minute lost to shouting, sloganeering and confrontation is a minute denied to the people whose concerns brought the members to the Assembly in the first place. The Speakers appeal to BJP legislators to return to their seats and allow proceedings to continue was both necessary and expected. His warning that action could be taken if the disruption continued underscored the seriousness of the situation. Yet the appeals failed to calm the House. Instead, the treasury and opposition benches traded accusations, with Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi alleging that the BJP members were deliberately wasting the Assemblys time. The exchange became sharper when CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami urged the BJP members to raise a slogan demanding restoration of statehood. That intervention may have captured a deep political grievance, but it also added fuel to an already volatile situation. The question is not which slogan carried greater political weight. The question is why slogans were allowed to displace the business of the House. Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford a legislature consumed by spectacle. The region faces unresolved political questions, a fragile economy, unemployment, developmental deficits and a long list of issues affecting ordinary citizens. The Assemblys limited autumn session was meant to provide space for debate on these matters. Instead, its opening day was overshadowed by a contest in political theatre. The responsibility lies with every member, not with one party alone. Opposition parties have a duty to challenge the government, but dissent loses its democratic value when it becomes disruption. The ruling side, likewise, cannot use provocation or majoritarian slogans as a substitute for substantive debate. A legislature is not a street rally, and the Assembly chamber cannot be treated as an arena for settling electoral scores. Honourable Speaker had appealed to members to use the short session judiciously. That appeal must now be honoured. Tuesdays sitting should begin with a collective commitment to restore decorum and protect Question Hour from further disruption. The people of J&K deserve answers, not noise; accountability, not theatrics; and a legislature that works, not one that merely performs.
Pseudoexfoliation: The Silent Eye Disease Kashmir should not Ignore
DR. SHEIKH SAJJAD | DR. OURFA ASHRAF | DR. YOUNIS AHMAD | ERUM KHATEEB When people think about eye diseases, cataract is usually among the first conditions that come to mind. However, another eye disorder deserves greater attention Glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is the leading cause of glaucoma in Kashmiri population. Pseudoexfoliation is a condition in which abnormal, whitish, flaky material accumulates within the eye, particularly on the lens and around the pupil. Although these deposits may appear harmless, they can interfere with the eyes drainage system and substantially increase the risk of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, a potentially blinding form of glaucoma. Why is it important in Kashmir? PEX syndrome has been reported to be particularly common among populations of Scandinavian heritage, although it occurs worldwide. Its prevalence varies considerably between different ethnic and geographical populations. Pseudoexfoliation appears to be particularly relevant to the Kashmiri population. Interestingly, the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in the Kashmiri population appears to be on the higher side compared with several other parts of India. Population-based studies from South India have reported PXF prevalence ranging from approximately 3.8% to 6.0% among individuals aged 40 years and above. A study of 1,117 patients undergoing cataract surgery through eye camps in rural Kashmir reported pseudoexfoliation in 26.32% of patients, with considerable variation between different geographical areas. The study also found that the condition became more common with increasing age. Another community-based study from South Kashmir involving individuals aged 45 years and above reported pseudoexfoliation syndrome in 7.1% and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma in 3.1% of participants. Nearly half of those with pseudoexfoliation in that study had glaucoma. Pseudoexfoliation is a significant eye-health concernin Kashmiripopulation and deserves attention during routine eye examinations. Why might Kashmir have a higher prevalence? The relatively high prevalence of PXF and PXF glaucoma reported from Kashmir may be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The majority of the Kashmiri population has traditionally depended heavily on agriculture for employment and income. This involves considerable outdoor exposure and, consequently, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Chronic outdoor exposure has been proposed as a potential environmental risk factor for pseudoexfoliation. Climatic conditions and genetic differences between populations may therefore contribute to the geographical variation observed in the occurrence of PXF. However, the exact reasons for the relatively high prevalence in Kashmir are not completely established and require further research. More than just a white deposit. The characteristic pseudoexfoliative material is usually detected during a detailed examination with a slit lamp. It may be seen on the anterior surface of the lens or along the pupillary margin. But pseudoexfoliation is more than a visible deposit. The material can obstruct the eyes drainage pathways, resulting in increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma can be particularly aggressive, with higher eye pressures and potentially faster damage to the optic nerve than some other forms of glaucoma. Importantly, a person can have pseudoexfoliation without having glaucoma when it is first detected. This does not mean that the condition is harmless. In fact, all patients diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation syndrome should be followed up as glaucoma suspects, with periodic assessment of intraocular pressure, optic-nerve health and, when indicated, visual fields and other glaucoma investigations. Age is an important risk factor Pseudoexfoliation is predominantly an age-related condition, and its frequency increases with advancing age. In the South Kashmir study, prevalence increased from 2.8% in individuals below 50 years to 10.8% in those above 70 years. Therefore, older adultsparticularly those above 5060 yearsshould undergo regular comprehensive eye examinations. This is especially important when pseudoexfoliation has already been detected in one eye, as the fellow eye may also develop the condition over time. Why cataract surgery needs special attention. Pseudoexfoliation is particularly important in patients undergoing cataract surgery. The condition may be associated with weakness of the structures supporting the natural lens, known as zonular weakness. The pupil may also dilate poorly. These factors can make cataract surgery technically more challenging and increase the risk of complications. Patients with pseudoexfoliation are therefore at an increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications during cataract surgery. Zonular weakness, poor pupillary dilatation and increased fragility of ocular structures can present challenges to the operating surgeon. This is why early diagnosis, detailed preoperative examination, anticipation of potential complications and the ability to manage them are key to achieving a successful surgical outcome. A study from Kashmir published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology found pseudoexfoliation among cataract patients and reported its association with higher intraocular pressure and greater optic-disc cupping. Identifying pseudoexfoliation before cataract surgery therefore allows the ophthalmologist to anticipate potential challenges and plan the surgery accordingly. Can pseudoexfoliation be prevented? At present, there is no established treatment that eliminates the underlying tendency to produce pseudoexfoliative material. However, its most serious complicationglaucomacan be detected and treated. Depending on the severity, treatment may include pressure-lowering eye drops, laser treatment or glaucoma surgery. The goal is to control eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. This is why regular follow-up is so important. A patient with PEX may have normal eye pressure and a healthy optic nerve today, but may develop glaucoma later. The danger of waiting for symptoms: One of the greatest dangers of glaucoma is that it is a sneak thief of sight. A person may have raised eye pressure and progressive optic-nerve damage without experiencing pain, redness or noticeable changes in vision. By the time visual impairment becomes obvious, significant and irreversible damage may already have occurred. This is why waiting for symptoms is not a safe strategy. A comprehensive eye examination can detect glaucoma at a stage when treatment may still preserve useful vision. A message for Kashmir With an ageing population and a substantial burden of cataract and glaucoma, awareness of pseudoexfoliation should become an integral part of eye health in Kashmir. Anyone above 50 yearsparticularly those with a family history of glaucoma, a previous diagnosis of pseudoexfoliation, or those planning cataract surgeryshould undergo a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. A routine assessment including slit-lamp examination, measurement of intraocular pressure and evaluation of the optic nerve can identify individuals at risk. And for those already diagnosed with PEX, the message is simple: do not consider it merely a harmless deposit. PEX patients should be followed regularly as glaucoma suspects. Pseudoexfoliation may begin as nothing more than a few flakes inside the eye. But if associated glaucoma goes undetected, it can become a serious threat to vision. The good news is that early detection, regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help protect the optic nerve and preserve vision. (The author is Prof. & Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, KMCH Sempora. And Dr Ourfa Ashraf is Asst. Professor; Dr Younis Ahmad, Asst. Professor and Dr Erum Khateeb, Asst. professor)
India's cable map was never built for this moment. Eighteen international systems land at just five or six cities, and Mumbai alone reportedly carries something like ninety-five percent of the country's international bandwidth, according to Carnegie India's July analysis of the country's subsea posture. Versova's thirteen-cables-in-six-kilometres cluster, flagged by the Takshashila Institution's July governance review, is the kind of concentration that planners elsewhere would call a single point of failure and route around on principle, war or no war. Even a perfectly rerouted cable runs into a second problem: India cannot repair its own undersea infrastructure. Takshashila's review counts zero Indian-flagged cable repair vessels. A break is fixed by ships based in Singapore or Dubai, and a routine repair takes four to five months to complete, longer if the vessel has to be diverted through a warzone or if its home government decides the trip is not worth the risk. Eleven of India's eighteen cables are already past twenty years old, edging toward the end of a typical twenty-five-year service life, which means the odds of needing that repair are only rising. The diversification underway is real. Lightstorm, Microsoft, Singtel and Tata Communications are building I-2SEA, a Singapore-to-India system landing at Machilipatnam and Chennai, explicitly pitched for the AI and hyperscaler traffic feeding Hyderabad's data centres. Google's separate America-India Connect programme adds three more paths out of Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Mumbai, reaching Singapore, South Africa and Western Australia, which Google itself frames as reducing India's reliance on its existing Mumbai and Chennai landings. But oil and data fail differently. A tanker rerouted around a chokepoint still delivers its cargo late; a cable rerouted into a new chokepoint still goes dark the same day something cuts it, and geography alone does not shorten the four-to-five-month repair clock. Takshashila's own prescription is telling: before anything else, it wants undersea cables formally designated Critical National Infrastructure, a step still stuck on whether the Telecommunications Act, 2023 even permits it without fresh legislation, alongside a sovereign repair fleet the government has targeted, optimistically, for 2027. Neither depends on which ocean the next cable crosses.
BJP to raise NHM, daily wage issues in Assembly
Ganderbal, Sept 21: Jammu and Kashmir BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma on Monday said the party would raise issues concerning National Health Mission (NHM) employees, daily-wage workers, electricity tariffs and other public concerns during the ongoing Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly. Sharma was speaking to reporters in Ganderbal after attending a programme organised by the Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Ganderbal, as part of the partys month-long campaign marking Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday and his years of public service. Speaking about the programme, Sharma appreciated the participation of students from classes 7th to 9th in painting, speech and debate competitions centred on the countrys development and future. He said the participation of young students reflected their aspirations for a developed India and thanked the institutes chairman and teachers for encouraging students to engage with issues concerning the country. Sharma said the programme was part of the BJPs month-long public-service campaign being organised across the country. The party has announced programmes from September 17 to October 17 in connection with Modis birthday. Turning to Jammu and Kashmirs political situation, Sharma alleged that the National Conference-led government had not met peoples expectations during its tenure. He said BJP legislators would question the government in the Assembly and seek clarity on its performance over the past two years. Sharma has also said the BJP would seek a white paper detailing the work carried out by the government during its tenure. There are many issues related to NHM and regularisation of daily wagers, Sharma said, adding that these matters would be raised by BJP legislators in the House. He also criticised the government over electricity tariffs and said the BJP would seek the governments response on issues affecting the public. The Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly began on September 21 and is scheduled to continue until September 30, with seven sittings. On the opening day, BJP legislators also raised the issues of NHM employees, power tariff and regularisation of daily wagers inside the Assembly, displaying placards over the demands. Sharma further said the government should clearly state its position on various issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir and maintained that BJP legislators would continue to raise public concerns both inside and outside the Assembly. The BJP leader was accompanied during the Ganderbal programme by senior party leaders, including Gopal Mahajan, Anwar Khan and other party functionaries.
Heart Attacks Are Changing: Why Younger Adults Are Increasingly at Risk
HEALTH WATCH For many years, a heart attack was something most people associated with old age. A man in his sixties or seventies, perhaps with a long history of smoking, high blood pressure or diabetes, was considered the typical patient. That picture is changing. Today, doctors are increasingly seeing younger adults with heart attacks and other forms of coronary artery disease. A person in their thirties or forties may walk into an emergency department with chest discomfort and turn out to have a serious blockage in a coronary artery. Sometimes there is no dramatic warning beforehand. The person may consider themselves reasonably fit, may be working full-time, may not have any obvious symptoms and may never have thought of themselves as a heart patient. This is one of the reasons premature cardiovascular disease deserves much more attention. A heart attack does not suddenly begin on the day a person develops chest pain. In many cases, the process has been developing silently for years. The heart does not care about your age Age remains an important risk factor for coronary artery disease. However, age is only one part of the story. High blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, chronic stress, inadequate sleep and a family history of premature cardiovascular disease can all contribute to cardiovascular risk. Some of these risk factors are becoming increasingly common at younger ages. This is particularly relevant in countries such as India, where cardiovascular disease often develops at a younger age compared with many Western populations. South Asians also have a higher susceptibility to cardiometabolic disease, including diabetes and coronary artery disease. The result is an uncomfortable reality: being young does not automatically mean being protected from heart disease. The problem often begins quietly Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol-rich material and other components accumulate within the walls of arteries. At first, there may be no symptoms at all. A person can feel completely normal while the underlying disease progresses. This is why cardiovascular prevention is so important. Waiting for chest pain before thinking about heart health may mean waiting until significant disease has already developed. Over time, an atherosclerotic plaque may become unstable and rupture. A blood clot can form over the ruptured plaque and suddenly obstruct blood flow through a coronary artery. That is what can produce an acute myocardial infarction, commonly called a heart attack. The frightening part is that this event can occur even in someone who did not know they had coronary artery disease. Why are younger people developing these problems? There is no single explanation. Modern lifestyles have changed considerably. Many people spend most of their working day sitting, travel predominantly by vehicle, exercise irregularly and consume diets that are increasingly rich in refined carbohydrates, processed foods, sugar and excess calories. At the same time, sleep has become shorter for many people. Late-night work, prolonged screen exposure, shift work, social media and irregular schedules can all interfere with healthy sleep patterns. Smoking and tobacco use remain important contributors. In younger adults, exposure to tobacco products can accelerate vascular damage and substantially increase cardiovascular risk. Then there is obesity, particularly excess abdominal or visceral fat. The number on the weighing scale does not tell the whole story. Two people with the same body weight can have very different metabolic health. Excess fat around the abdomen is particularly associated with insulin resistance, diabetes, abnormal lipid levels and inflammation. Diabetes changes the equation Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Persistently elevated blood glucose can damage blood vessels and promote atherosclerosis. Diabetes is also frequently accompanied by other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and abdominal obesity. The concerning part is that diabetes can remain unnoticed for years. A person may have high blood sugar without experiencing obvious symptoms. This is why periodic screening becomes important, particularly for people with obesity, family history, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol or other risk factors. Prediabetes should also not be dismissed as harmless. It represents an opportunity to intervene before full-blown diabetes develops. Cholesterol: it is not just about the total number When people hear the word cholesterol, they often immediately think about total cholesterol. But cardiovascular risk is more complicated than one number. LDL cholesterol plays a central role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Other lipid parameters, including triglycerides and lipoprotein(a), can also be clinically relevant. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), deserves particular attention because it is largely genetically determined and can contribute to cardiovascular risk even in people who otherwise appear healthy. Unlike ordinary lifestyle-related cholesterol abnormalities, Lp(a) may remain elevated despite an apparently healthy lifestyle. A family history of premature heart disease is therefore an important clue. If a close family member had a heart attack or coronary intervention at a relatively young age, it should not simply be dismissed as bad luck. It may be a reason to discuss cardiovascular risk assessment with a doctor. The danger of abdominal obesity Not everyone who suffers a heart attack is visibly overweight. Some people have a relatively normal body weight but carry a significant amount of visceral fat around their abdomen. This is sometimes referred to as metabolically unhealthy normal weight. Visceral fat is metabolically active. It is associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and adverse changes in lipid metabolism. This is one reason waist circumference can provide useful information in addition to body weight and body mass index. For many people, reducing abdominal fat is not simply a cosmetic goal. It is a cardiovascular goal. Exercise is powerful, but exercise alone cannot cancel everything else Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways of improving cardiovascular health. It can improve blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, physical fitness and body composition. But there is an important misconception that occasionally needs correcting. A person who exercises for one hour every day but spends the remaining 12 hours sitting, sleeps poorly, smokes and eats an unhealthy diet cannot assume that exercise has cancelled the other risks. Health is cumulative. A brisk walk, strength training, cycling, swimming, running or any other sustainable form of physical activity can be extremely beneficial. The important thing is consistency. For most adults, the goal should be regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity combined with muscle-strengthening activity, adapted to their age and medical condition. Even modest increases in daily activity are better than remaining sedentary. Stress is real, but it should not become a convenient explanation for everything People often say, It was because of stress. Stress can certainly influence cardiovascular health. Chronic psychological stress may affect blood pressure, sleep, eating behaviour, physical activity and other biological pathways. Acute emotional stress can also produce significant cardiovascular effects in susceptible individuals. But blaming every heart attack on stress oversimplifies the problem. A person experiencing chronic stress may also smoke more, sleep less, exercise less and eat poorly. These behavioural changes can indirectly increase cardiovascular risk. The better approach is not simply to avoid stress, which is often impossible. It is to develop healthier ways of responding to it. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, social connection, relaxation techniques and professional support when necessary can all be useful. Sleep is increasingly recognised as part of heart health Sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice when life becomes busy. Working late, waking early and repeatedly sleeping for only a few hours may appear manageable in the short term. Over time, however, chronic sleep deprivation can affect blood pressure, glucose metabolism, appetite regulation and cardiovascular health. Sleep apnoea is another important but frequently overlooked condition. People who snore heavily, have witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, wake up choking or gasping, or remain excessively sleepy during the day may require assessment for obstructive sleep apnoea. Treating sleep disorders is not simply about feeling less tired. It can also be part of cardiovascular risk management. Smoking remains one of the biggest avoidable risks Despite all the discussion about newer cardiovascular risk factors, tobacco remains an old and powerful enemy. Smoking damages the vascular endothelium, promotes inflammation, increases clotting tendency and accelerates atherosclerosis. The risk is not limited to conventional cigarettes. Tobacco exposure in other forms can also be harmful. For someone who smokes, quitting is one of the most important steps they can take for their cardiovascular health. It is never too late to stop. What about alcohol? Alcohol is sometimes promoted as being protective for the heart. This idea has been heavily debated, and people should not start drinking alcohol for cardiovascular protection. Any potential associations between low alcohol consumption and cardiovascular outcomes are complicated by confounding factors, and alcohol itself carries several health risks. For cardiovascular prevention, there are much safer strategies: physical activity, healthy nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol and avoiding tobacco. Young people often ignore symptoms One of the most dangerous assumptions is: I am too young to have a heart attack. Because of this belief, chest discomfort may be attributed to acidity, gas, muscle pain or anxiety. Sometimes it is indeed one of these things. But sometimes it is not. Chest pressure, tightness, heaviness or squeezing, particularly when associated with sweating, breathlessness, nausea, dizziness or discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw, should never be casually dismissed. Some heart attacks can present atypically, especially in women and people with diabetes. Not every heart attack begins with dramatic crushing chest pain. Sometimes the symptoms are surprisingly subtle. When should you seek emergency help? If someone develops symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, waiting to see whether they settle down can be dangerous. Emergency medical evaluation should be sought promptly. A patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome may require an ECG, cardiac biomarkers such as troponin and other investigations depending on the clinical situation. The ECG is particularly important because certain forms of myocardial infarction require urgent reperfusion treatment. Time matters. The longer the coronary artery remains blocked, the greater the potential for irreversible heart muscle damage. Prevention should begin before the first symptom Perhaps the biggest mistake we make is waiting for disease before taking prevention seriously. A person does not need to wait until their forties or fifties to start thinking about cardiovascular health. Young adulthood is precisely when many long-term habits become established. A healthy diet does not need to be complicated. More vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts in appropriate portions and minimally processed foods can form the foundation of a heart-friendly eating pattern. Protein sources can be chosen sensibly, while excessive intake of processed meats, trans fats, highly processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages should be avoided. Salt intake also deserves attention, particularly in people with hypertension. The objective is not to follow a perfect diet. It is to create a pattern that can realistically be maintained for years. Know your numbers A surprisingly simple approach to cardiovascular prevention is to know your basic health numbers. Blood pressure. Blood glucose or HbA1c when appropriate. Lipid profile. Body weight. Waist circumference. These measurements do not tell the entire story, but they can reveal risk factors long before symptoms develop. People with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease may require a more individualised assessment. There is no universal screening schedule that applies identically to every person. Age, family history, existing diseases and overall cardiovascular risk all matter. Prevention is not about fear The purpose of talking about heart attacks in younger adults is not to make healthy people anxious. It is to change the mindset from treatment to prevention. A heart attack at 35 or 40 should not be considered an unavoidable event of modern life. Many important cardiovascular risk factors are modifiable. Blood pressure can be treated. Diabetes can be prevented or controlled. Cholesterol can be managed. Smoking can be stopped. Physical activity can be increased. Excess weight can be reduced. Sleep can be improved. Dietary habits can change. These interventions may sound ordinary, but their cumulative effect can be enormous. The heart attack that never happens Medicine often celebrates dramatic interventions: the emergency angioplasty, the bypass operation, the new drug or the advanced cardiac procedure. But there is another success story that receives much less attention. It is the patient who never develops a heart attack because their hypertension was detected early. The person who stopped smoking before developing significant coronary disease. The individual who recognised diabetes and controlled it. The young adult who changed their lifestyle before obesity and metabolic disease became established. The family that recognised a strong history of premature heart disease and sought appropriate evaluation. These are quieter victories, but they are perhaps more important. Heart disease does not always announce itself loudly. Much of the damage can occur silently, years before the first symptom. That is why cardiovascular health should not begin in old age. It should begin much earlier, when prevention still has the greatest opportunity to change the course of disease. A heart attack may happen in minutes, but the story behind it may have been developing for decades. The most effective time to intervene is therefore not when the ambulance arrives. It is much earlier. It is when the blood pressure first begins to rise, when the waistline slowly expands, when blood sugar starts creeping upward, when LDL cholesterol remains persistently elevated, when smoking becomes a daily habit, or when sleep is repeatedly sacrificed for work. Those moments may seem insignificant. They are not. They are opportunities to protect the heart before it has to ask for our attention. (The Author is a registered medical practitioner and RK columnist and can be reached at: mir.muzaffar@yahoo.com)
BDCC bank waiting for govt. sanction for recruitment, says MLA
Apni Party stages protest outside Assembly
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Apni Party staged a protest outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday, accusing the government of failing to fulfil its commitments and address public concerns during the opening day of the Autumn Session. Led by provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir, party leaders and workers raised slogans and highlighted various issues, with particular emphasis on the demand for a fair, transparent and judicious reservation policy. Police stopped the protesters and detained several of them, including Mir and the partys Srinagar district president Zaffar Habib Dar. Before his detention, Mir criticised the government over the existing reservation policy, describing it as unjust and contrary to the principles of merit. He also questioned the governments decision not to make the Cabinet Sub-Committees report on reservations public and demanded greater transparency on the issue. Mir called for a new reservation policy that, he said, would ensure justice, equity and fairness for all sections of society. He also raised concerns over unemployment and accused the government of failing to fulfil promises made during the election campaign. He referred to commitments relating to jobs, free electricity and gas cylinders, and additional ration quota, saying the promises had not been fulfilled. Addressing a press conference later, party chief spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin said the Apni Party had taken to the streets because it had no representation in the Legislative Assembly. Apni Party has no representation in the Legislative Assembly, so peaceful protest is one of the few democratic means available to us to raise our voice against government failures and highlight the concerns of the people, he said. Mohiuddin criticised the detention of party leaders and workers, including women members, and termed it an unjustified restriction on their right to express their concerns. He said the detentions would not deter the party from raising public issues and grievances. We remain committed to raising our voice for the rights of the people and will continue to highlight public issues and grievances, no matter what pressure or obstacles we face, he said.
Belagavi students trained by zilla panchayat get into premier institutions
Dy CM criticises BJP over Assembly protests
Srinagar: J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday accused the BJP of creating a spectacle in the Assembly instead of using the short session to raise issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Choudhary said the protests should not be termed a riot, arguing that the Assembly was established through the sacrifices made for democracy in the country. He alleged that the BJPs protests were aimed at gaining media attention rather than raising issues through the legislative process. The oppositions job is to highlight the governments mistakes, identify them and bring them before the government. They should come with questions, not with a spectacle, not with slogans, he said. Choudhary said issues such as daily-wage workers regularisation, electricity, water, roads, schools and healthcare were mentioned on placards during the protests, but questioned why these matters were not raised properly in the House. He also referred to the Jal Jeevan Mission, saying the BJP could have participated in discussions on the issue and raised questions about the report of the Assembly sub-committee. On the BJPs demand for a CBI inquiry into alleged irregularities, Choudhary said the party should raise the demand inside the Assembly rather than limiting its protest to the media. If you want a CBI inquiry, who stopped you in the Assembly? You should have stayed there and raised the issue, he said. The Deputy CM also hit out at BJP leader Sunil Sharma over the issue of daily wagers, asking why their regularisation was not carried out when the BJP-PDP government was in power. He said the present government was committed to addressing the issue and claimed that the process would begin once the Chief Secretary seeks the relevant report. We want to regularise the daily wagers and they should also get a salary, Choudhary said, adding that the government would take steps after the required report is received. Choudhary further defended the performance of the Omar Abdullah-led government, claiming that the government had undertaken more development work than the PDP-BJP dispensation during its tenure. He appealed to BJP legislators to utilise the remaining days of the 10-day Assembly session for raising public issues. Use it for the people of J&K. Do not waste the time of the Assembly, the government or the people, he said.
Delhi SIR: BJP, Congress seek more time for filing claims, objections
Both parties demand extension of September 30 deadline; Cong. leaders meet CEO, flag delays in issuing notices, long queues at election offices
Karnataka to track cancer patients after fake drug bust
In order to make it easy for laboratories, doctors, and pharmaceutical firms to differentiate between fake and original drugs, the department has written to the headquarters of Pfizer to release their reference standards, says Health Minister U.T. Khader
ASR Collector reviews Trishul strategy against crime in district
Extension of special trains in A.P. ahead of festivals
86,489 stray dogs vaccinated against rabies in Chennai
Private hospital launches bike ambulances
Paneer, khoya, sweets in focus as Delhi steps up food adulteration checks ahead of festive season
Police coordinate with Food Safety Department for joint raids; officials flag use of detergents, chemicals and other adulterants in food products
Candidate appearing for Delhi Police physical exam falls unconscious, dies later
It says the demand is based on the principle of pro-rata sharein the flows realised. TheCauverytribunal and the SC had referred to the concept of pro-rata for adoption in times of distress
Delhi CM launches solar portal for citizens to register for rooftop solar scheme
NewDUSUoffice-bearers visit SatyaNiketan, promise action on housing issues
Lawyers strike work over 50% pre-deposit for challan appeals
One more person held in murder of SI in Nungambakkam
The police had earlier arrested the victims wife in connection with the case
DTC contract drivers threaten to intensify stir on September 28
City police widens probe in case against Veeramani
CM exudes confidence in victory of party candidate in bypoll
A resolution was adopted thanking the voters of the Union Territory for giving a second term for the NDA government in Puducherry
Forum urges govt. to address concerns of fishermen on Karaikal Port master plan
The draft of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had stated that the project was at the public hearing stage
Collector inspects dengue prevention measures in Cuddalore
Residents were advised to remove unwanted objects in which rainwater could collect, prevent water stagnation in household articles, and clean overhead water tanks at least once a week
SIT files chargesheet in Sai Krishnas alleged custodial death case
GCC identifies 593 mosquito breeding hotspots in city, intensifies measures for prevention of dengue
The GCC has imposed a fine of 5.91 lakh to penalise building owners responsible for mosquito breeding on their premises
Paramount reaches deal with states to settle their case challenging Warner buyout, AP source say
Today, billionaires have yet again bribed, censored, and bullied their way to the top, Alvaro Bedoya, senior adviser at the American Economic Liberties Project and former FTC commissioner, said in a statement
WRDs institute takes training to the field, adopts Ariyalur village
