Happiness of the poor is true measure of development: Chief Minister
At Pedala Pattabhishekam in Vijayawada, Naidu says land titles are being distributed to nearly 60,000 poor beneficiaries in Visakhapatnam, Mangalagiri and Vijayawada, with the land valued at about 52,000 crore; calls it the coronation of the poor and urges beneficiaries to preserve the properties for future generations.
Model of Danish ship that landed at Tharangambadi in 1620 donated to Maritime Museum
Elephant was part of a fleet of two warships and three merchant ships, which had set sail with the objective of establishing trade links with South Asia
The ED said its investigation revealed that candidates were allegedly made to pay between 30 lakh and 40 lakh each, after an initial demand of around 80 lakh, for access to the leaked question paper and correct answers.
Kalyanapuram S. Aravind delights with a carefully curated repertoire
From Dikshitars kriti in Kamboji to ragamalika virutham, Aravinds recital conveyed complex musical ideas with clarity and ease.
The Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha has also proposed that the members must not misuse the protection given to them for free speech in Parliamentary proceedings
The major news headlines of the day and more.
Additional Director (Infrastructure) inspects development works in Salem Corporation
School bus operators flag financial burden of mandatory EV adoption
School bus operators flag financial burden of mandatory EV adoption
Kerala has immense potential for investment and growth: Kalyan Silks MD
World Malayalee Council, Indian Regions first business conclave brings together over 200 entrepreneurs from different States
Kerala has immense potential for investment and growth: Kalyan Silks MD
World Malayalee Council, Indian Regions first business conclave brings together over 200 entrepreneurs from different States
Armenian music finds a resonant home in Chennai
Presented at The Music Academy, the evening showcased how different musical traditions find common ground in melody, rhythm and tonal colour while introducing audiences to a rich and relatively unfamiliar repertoire.
Private bus operators to take out Secretariat march on October 14, 2026
Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation says if the State government fails to take a favourable decision despite the protests, the bus operators will launch an indefinite strike by suspending all services in the first week of November
Passport Adalat to be held at Regional Passport Office in Madurai on November 4
Watch: GPT-6.1 Astra: Why OpenAI halted its release
OpenAI has chosen to hold back GPT-6.1 Astra after internal tests showed that the model fell short of the companys safety and alignment requirements. The model reportedly had difficulty staying within its authorised scope and accurately explaining the tasks it had performed.
Special PMLA Court frames charges against Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in land fraud case
The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition and transfer of the land in the Bargain area of the state capital.
CRPF ADG Ravideep Singh Sahi retires after 40 years service
The 1987-batch officer played a key role in anti-terror operations and maintaining law and order during the sensitive period surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 during his tenure as IG, Srinagar Sector, from 2016 to 2020
Watch: Flydubai passengers terrified as sudden dive forces landing in Tabuk
Flydubai Flight FZ1073, carrying approximately 150 Israeli passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to execute an emergency diversion to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia following a severe in-flight crisis. Flightradar24 data showed the Boeing 737 plunged nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds before broadcasting general emergency and unlawful interference signals over Jordanian airspace. While Israeli officials attributed the emergency signals to a physical altercation between the pilots, passenger accounts reported a passenger threatening a pilot with a knife. The aircraft landed safely in Saudi territory, triggering an immediate security response across regional intelligence networks while airline representatives confirmed all passengers were safe following the ordeal.
Palla Srinivasa Rao flags off Tirupati-Varanasi bike rally to mark Modis 25 years in office
Twenty-five riders of the TNSF set out from Alipiri on the Seva Sankalp Yatra and are to reach Varanasi on October 8
BJP for transferring POCSO case to CBI
Justice V. Lakshminarayanan calls for status report from an SIT probing the POCSO case against R. Veeramani of Gem Granites
Killing of Moosa by Indian security forces is a serious blow to LeT ecosystem: MHA
With Moosas killing, the entire group of four senior LeT Commanders operating in the UT since 2022, and responsible for sensational attacks stands neutralized, reads the MHA statement
TGNPDCL to encourage rooftop solar system installation, provide information on application process
Eligible domestic consumers can avail Central Financial Assistance of 30,000 for a 1-kW rooftop solar system, 60,000 for a 2-kW system and up to 78,000 for a 3-kW system
Tie up with IITs, IIMs to train Andhra government employees: Chandrababu Naidu to officials
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister wants skill training for employees to be continuous, as it is for IAS officers
Tie up with IITs, IIMs to train Andhra government employees: Chandrababu Naidu to officials
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister wants skill training for employees to be continuous, as it is for IAS officers
Stock markets fall for third day; Nifty down 96 points, Sensex slips to 72,480
30-share BSE Sensex declines 48.78 points, or 0.07%, to settle at 72,480.29 on fag-end selling; 50-share NSE Nifty drops 95.75 points, or 0.42%, to end at 22,620.45
Stock markets fall for third day; Nifty down 96 points, Sensex slips to 72,480
30-share BSE Sensex declines 48.78 points, or 0.07%, to settle at 72,480.29 on fag-end selling; 50-share NSE Nifty drops 95.75 points, or 0.42%, to end at 22,620.45
Investigators have sent two mobile phones, a laptop, and a tablet belonging to Sahil Wakode to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Kalina to decode and unlock the electronic devices.
Investigators have sent two mobile phones, a laptop, and a tablet belonging to Sahil Wakode to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Kalina to decode and unlock the electronic devices.
IIHRs Arka Shakti root stock could help farmers tackle Gummy Stem Blight disease in watermelon
The scientists noted that soil develops infection when watermelon is cultivated in the same soil without any crop rotation for a long time
Virudhunagar DVAC unit invites complaints from public on bribery in government offices
People can lodge a complaint in person by visiting the DVAC office located behind the Old District Collectors Office or by phone at 94981-06118, 83000-36678, or 04562-252678.
Reorganisation of State-level technical committee sought
Water level in Mettur Dam stands at 77.45 feet
Rupee rises 13 paise to close at 95.81 against U.S. dollar
The rupee gained as crude oil prices retreated and the U.S. Dollar index declined overnight, though weak domestic markets capped sharp gains
The Centre tells the court the CSIR-NEERIs report on new generation joined firecrackers finds they are different from conventional firecrackers in shell/tube size, formulation, bursting duration, and frequency of bursting, with corresponding reductions in noise, particulate emissions, and solid waste generation
Cloud cover over pedagogy and academic culture in IITs
Cabinet approves Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for Delhi
Cabinet approves 1,789.52 crore ITMS project to overhaul Delhis traffic with real-time data, AI-powered signals, and automated enforcement across 42 corridors over 24 months
Guntur man gets life imprisonment for killing his wife at Motadaka village
Bharavath Tava struck his wife on the head with a grinding stone in April 2024, police said; she died in hospital three days later
Becoming fully renewable energy-based by 2040 may be challenging for Keralam: study
Keralam will need at least 27 gigawatts of renewable capacity addition to meet the 2040 electricity demand purely from renewables, hydro and nuclear without any thermal power support, according to a study by WRI India
Cabinet approves 1.86 lakh crore Green Energy Corridor to evacuate 135GW renewable energy
Green Energy Corridor initiative will strengthen Indias Intra-State Transmission System to enable evacuation of up to 135 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy across States/Union Territories
How sports-tragic father steered karate black belt holder Chikitha to archery
The young sports champion credits one of India's most decorated compound archers Abhishek Verma for helping and teaching her
SpaceX Starship engine failure could hit NASA moon mission plans
While Starship accomplished a number of key objectives in its latest test launch, the mission was cut short by several hours after a malfunction of its propulsion system
Can Indias cities rise to the looming demographic challenge? | In Focus podcast
Apoorva Jadhav speaks to us about Indias demographic dividend, the need to build an urban dividend, and whether its cities are ready for the jobs and growth ahead.
Why is Konaseema still waiting for its railway line, 26 years on? | Explained
Most of the Kotipalli-Narsapur lines bridge pillars are up, but the States land and cost share hold it back; campaigners in Amalapuram now plan a peoples movement and a bandh
Two arrested for stealing gold from grocery shop owners house in Maduravoyal
One of the accused was employed by the grocery shop owner
Keralam CM declines State police request to increase his security vehicles
State police had earlier sought to add one more security vehicle to Satheesans convoy following recent black flag protests by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists against him and other Ministers, say sources
The Bench came down heavily on Ravi Nair's counsel for seeking an urgent hearing in the High Court on September 19, without disclosing before it the fact that he had also approached the sessions court for his client's bail
Keralam govt orders Vigilance probe into Mundamveli P&T apartment project
Order dated September 22, issued by Additional Chief Secretary, directs VACB director to conduct preliminary inquiry against officials responsible for irregularities detected
Veli-Kadinamkulam passenger-cum-tourist boat service inaugurated in Keralam
Minister says Veli will be developed into a transport hub and it has immense potential for development in the transport and tourism sectors, given its proximity to major air, rail, water and road transport networks
Court admits actor Ansiba Hassans contempt plea against SHO
Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Ernakulam, issues notice to Keralam government
Donald Trump says White House AI Accord as morally binding, almost like a constitution
The hidden forms of caste bias inside IITs
In IITs, merit is often labelled as equal and neutral, but for many students from marginalised backgrounds, merit is a label that excludes them.
IND vs WI 2nd ODI: India opts to bowl in Guwahati, Auqib Nabi to make international debut
Pacer Auqib Nabi, who made into the playing eleven in place of Nitish Reddy, was handed his debut cap for India; West Indies made as many as four changes
IDSFFK: Salt of resistance captures a forgotten chapter in Keralams coastal history
Impure movie: Varahi Mallipamulas Telugu-English dramedy addresses patriarchy and virginity
Producer-actor Varahi Mallipamula, director Nishanti Evani and actor Kireeti Damaraju on the film that won the Audience Award at the Indiewood Film Festival 2026 in Los Angeles
Techie Kavin Selvaganesh murder: when caste pride slays young love in Tamil Nadu
The recent killing of C.KavinSelvaganesh, a Scheduled Caste youth, just because he was in love with a girl of an intermediate caste, has again spotlighted rampant caste pride in southern Tamil Nadu.P.SudhakarandC.PalanivelRajanexamine the specific circumstances leading to the murder and also highlight the caste hegemony in the region
Sivakasi fireworks industry upbeat as Supreme Court permits manufacture of joined green crackers
Joined crackers formed at least 20% of total production of fireworks sector; it was banned in 2018 by the apex court over pollution concerns
Watch: How Moddys became Ootys chocolate destination
Moddys, one of Ootys well-known chocolate brands, marks 75 years of chocolate-making in the Nilgiris. From its beginnings at Modern Stores in 1951 to its signature hot chocolate, handcrafted chocolates, cakes and eggless bakery products, discover the story behind this family-run confectionery.
J&K to draft guidelines regulating social media journalists
Minister Sakina Itoo tells the Legislative Assembly that a House Committee has given the Information Department four months to formulate new guidelines
Young couple on bike harassed in Bihars Gaya, amid a spate of such incidents
The incident, which took place near Sherghati police station in Gaya district, is the latest in a spate of such cases reported from Jamui, Samastipur, Banka, Kishanganj and Begusarai districts of Bihar
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court rules that the evidence cited to link them to the murder and to alleged caste-based offenses was insufficient to proceed to trial.
23 years after invasion, U.S. leaves Iraq; stays in Iran
The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 was its second target in its war on terror. But its war against Iran now has made it increasingly difficult for the United States to keep a large group of troops in a region thats turning hostile.
Asian Games: India sweep compound archery golds
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge advocates pre-SIR rolls and ballot voting as part of the INDIA blocs push for transparency, accountability, and broader voter inclusion ahead of future polls
Keralam bypoll results a strong indicator that CPI(M) has not lost its ground: A. Vijayaraghavan
CPI(M) Polit Bureau member says the electorate has responded against UDF government at the first opportunity after it came to power
Indian sailor among five killed, another injured as Somali forces retake hijacked tanker
Puntland Maritime Police Force says three Pakistanis, one Indian and one Myanmar national were killed before it retook the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25 from pirates
No seat belt on bikes, no helmet in cars: Odishas bizarre traffic fines
CAG finds 2,988 two-wheelers were fined for not wearing seat belts, while 4,786 three- and four-wheelers get challan for not having helmets on their heads
Saudi Arabia denies talks with Netanyahu in UAE: official
No official meetings. No talks. Nothing whatsoever. Our stance on Israel remains unchanged, a Saudi official said
MLA Budgam Aga Muntazir Raises Key Public Issues in Assembly
Srinagar, September 30: MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi today raised a series of pressing public issues during Zero Hour in the assembly, seeking time-bound intervention from the government on road connectivity, health infrastructure, the ongoing demarcation process, justice, and employment-related concerns. He highlighted the longstanding connectivity problem faced by the people of Soibug, stating that the road at Sharifabad had been occupied by the Army in the 1990s, leaving residents without adequate direct access. He urged the government to provide an alternative road and resolve the issue on priority. The people of Soibug cannot continue to suffer because of the absence of a proper road. Successive governments have failed to provide an alternative route, and this issue now requires time-bound intervention, he said. He also expressed serious concern over the ongoing demarcation process, urging that the exercise be conducted transparently and that the concerns of affected people be duly addressed. On the Galwanpora rape and murder case, he appealed for an expedited trial, stressing that justice should not be delayed. He urged that the accused, if convicted, be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He also raised concern over the stoppage of work on the 125-bedded District Hospital at Rishipora, Budgam, calling for immediate resumption and completion of the project within a defined timeline. When health infrastructure is already under pressure, work on a 125-bedded hospital cannot remain stalled. The project must be resumed and completed within the stipulated timeline, he said. He further urged the government to expedite the pending demands of veterinary interns and agriculture graduates. He also brought a Call Attention Notice regarding the inordinate delay in execution of the 13-kilometre water supply pipeline project sanctioned under AMRUT 2.0 for 13 wards of the Municipal Committee Budgam. Drawing the attention of the Minister in charge of Jal Shakti to the issue, he stated that the delay is causing significant hardships to residents and called for immediate steps to expedite the project. The AMRUT 2.0 water supply project is directly linked to the basic needs of thousands of residents. The prolonged delay is causing hardship, and the concerned authorities must expedite the work and ensure its timely completion. Aga Syed Muntazir reiterated that issues affecting basic services and the day-to-day lives of people must receive priority and concrete action from the government.
The documentary, produced by Sharib Khan and Vikas Kumar, follows women cyclists Gareema Shankar and Renu Singhi, on their journey to the London-Edinburgh-London cycling event in 2022
News from the world of Education: September 30, 2026
Information on colleges, admissions, scholarships, events, MoUs, and more
Iran receives U.S. feedback on seven-day trust-building plan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi received the feedback via Qatari mediators in Doha, with the sequencing of steps the main sticking point
AAP not part of INDIA bloc, won't attend meeting: Sanjay Singh
There is no question of joining the meeting. Aam Aadmi Party is not part of the INDIA bloc, says AAP MP Sanjay Singh
At 82, she faced a 102 sodium level and a brain tumour: PARAS Srinagar team took surgical challenge
Srinagar, Sept 30: In a high-risk neurosurgical intervention, doctors at PARAS Health Srinagar have successfully removed a complex pituitary tumour from an 82-year-old woman who presented with sudden loss of vision, severe headache and altered sensorium. The case was particularly challenging as the patient had a pacemaker, was on blood-thinning medication and had severe hyponatraemia, with her sodium level recorded at 102 at admission. MRI revealed a pituitary macroadenoma with apoplexy, a potentially life-threatening complication involving bleeding or infarction within a pituitary tumour. The patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Basharat Kanth, Consultant Neurosurgery, and Dr Danish Andrabi, Director, ENT & Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, with the support of the Department of Endocrinology, Cardiology, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and ENT. Doctors said the patient had previously been evaluated at a government institution, where surgery was considered unsuitable in her prevailing condition. At PARAS, the immediate priority was to stabilise her medically. Under the care of Dr Mehroosa, Endocrinology, her severe electrolyte imbalance was corrected over five days, allowing the surgical team to proceed after adequate optimisation. Given her cardiac history and blood-thinner use, the patient was also evaluated and optimised by the Department of Cardiology, including Dr Fayaz, Principal Consultant, Cardiology, as part of the pre-operative multidisciplinary assessment. The tumour was subsequently removed completely through an extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, a minimally invasive skull-base technique that provides access to the pituitary region through the nasal passage. Dr Danish Andrabi said the patient's advanced age and multiple medical risk factors made the procedure particularly demanding. This was an extremely challenging case given the patient's age, severe hyponatraemia, cardiac history and use of blood thinners. Once she was adequately stabilised, we decided to take up the surgical challenge. He said the tumour was firm and closely related to critical structures, including the carotid and cavernous areas. With meticulous dissection, we were able to achieve complete removal of the tumour and decompress the optic chiasm, Dr Andrabi said. The ENT and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery team played a key role in providing the endoscopic surgical access and skull-base expertise required for the procedure. The patient was successfully extubated immediately after surgery by the Anaesthesia team. Doctors said she developed neither cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage nor diabetes insipidusrecognised complications following pituitary surgery. She was discharged three days after the procedure in a stable condition, with significant improvement in her vision and resolution of her headache. Dr Basharat Kanth, Consultant Neurosurgery, said the case demonstrated that advanced age and multiple co-morbidities can require careful optimisation rather than automatically precluding complex neurosurgical intervention. Dr Murtuza Habib, Facility Director, PARAS Health Srinagar, said the outcome reflected close coordination across multiple departments. Treating an 82-year-old patient with such complex medical and neurosurgical challenges required meticulous preparation and seamless coordination between neurosurgery, ENT, endocrinology, cardiology, anaesthesia and critical care. The successful outcome reflects the expertise and teamwork of the entire clinical team. Seema Vig, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, PARAS Health, said the case highlighted the growing availability of specialised healthcare in the region. Complex cases such as this require not only specialised surgical expertise but also the ability to stabilise and manage patients before and after surgery. This successful outcome reflects our commitment to providing advanced and comprehensive care closer to patients in the region. The hospital also acknowledged the contribution of the Anaesthesia, Operation Theatre and ICU teams, whose peri-operative management was critical to the patient's safe recovery. The case was described by the treating team as a significant multidisciplinary achievement, combining neurosurgery, endoscopic skull-base surgery, endocrinology, cardiology, anaesthesia and critical care in the management of a high-risk elderly patient.
Auqib Nabi earns maiden India cap, makes India debut
Srinagar, Sep 30 : Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi made his international debut after being named in Indias playing XI for the second ODI against the West Indies. The Baramulla-born pacer, as per the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), becomes the third cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India at the international level, following Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik. Popularly known as the Baramulla Express, Nabi has risen through the ranks on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket before making his mark during his recent stint in county cricket. His maiden India call-up marks another significant milestone in the 28-year-old pacers career and adds to the growing list of J&K cricketers who have reached the international stage. Nabis inclusion in the playing XI also means he will miss J&Ks Irani Cup clash against Rest of India, beginning Thursday at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.(KNO)
Emotionally attached kin preserve Mumbai mans body for 4 years after natural death: Police
Ruling out any foul play, the police said the man passed away in 2022 after suffering from cancer, kidney failure, and other age-related ailments
Aadhav Arjuna says TVK will win both Tamil Nadu bypolls
Watch: Trump says White House AI Accord is morally binding, almost like a constitution
Indian academias drift from reason to ritual
Academic institutions must remain spaces for scepticism, dissent and fearless inquiry
Keralam Forest dept begins operation to tranquillise, capture elephant KM-1 at Aralam
Prohibitory order imposed in parts of Aralam
Shiva Cement to merge with parent JSW Cement
The transaction is expected to be completed within 12-14 months, subject to timely receipt of regulatory approvals
LG Sinha Attends Closing Ceremony of Indian Armys Mega Eye Surgical Camp under Operation Drishti
Srinagar, September 30 : The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended the closing ceremony of 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti, which marks another milestone in the Indian Armys healthcare outreach in the UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Honble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh and commended the Indian Army for their dedication. The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the selfless service of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Operation Drishti is a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage, and resolve. He highlighted that 144 surgeries were successfully performed at the Srinagar camp, while the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district marked a historic milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border. Despite challenging terrain and the constant threat, doctors and soldiers created an underground operation theatre and restored vision to 220 patients in just two days. Those who have seen Tangdhars geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted that modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginable. Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella, and surrounding villages benefitted from the camp. This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt that where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by Indian Army, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor underscored that the 364 surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar represent not just medical statistics but transformed lives. He said under the leadership of Indian Armys doctors, every surgery became a story of restored dignity and revived hope. The Lieutenant Governor also observed that at the national level, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Operation Drishti has strengthened trust between the Army and communities, proving that the Indian Army is not only a force of defence but also a source of compassion and healing. He saluted the courage of support staff, Air Force pilots, and soldiers who transported equipment, prepared underground theatres and ensured complex surgeries in adverse conditions. Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust, and togetherness, he said. The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that the 11th camp in Srinagar is not the end but a continuation of the journey. He expressed confidence that Operation Drishti will reach more villages and towns across the country ensuring that quality healthcare is not confined to big cities. He reiterated that the Tangdhar camp serves as an inspiring example for remote areas across India. The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country. This is the resolve of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and under the leadership of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, it is being ensured that no citizen is left behind, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the Doctors and medical staff of Defence forces for their valuable services during the camp. He also handed over post-operative kits to the beneficiaries. Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps; Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; Brig B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior officials of Defence Forces attended the closing ceremony. Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar were also present.
Buzz on space privatisation upstages ISROs moment of glory
1 lakh casual, other workers await regularisation policy in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 30 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has registered the particulars of 1,00,501 casual and other workers engaged across different departments and institutions, while a committee constituted to examine their regularisation is yet to recommend a policy or timeline for a final decision. The figures were disclosed in a reply of the General Administration Department to a question by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma in the Legislative Assembly regarding regularisation of daily wagers. The department said the workers particulars were registered through an Aadhaar-based biometric identification and skill-profiling exercise. The government said a committee was constituted through Government Order No. 384-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated March 29, 2025, to examine the issue of casual, seasonal and other temporary, contractual and need-based workers engaged across different departments. According to the government, the committee is examining the nature and duration of engagement, mode of appointment, eligibility of workers, availability of sanctioned posts, applicable recruitment rules, financial implications and the legal position governing regularisation. The department said the policy would also have to be examined in light of judicial pronouncements, statutory provisions, recruitment rules and financial considerations, with the government seeking a uniform and legally sustainable approach to the issue. The department-wise data shows that Public Works (R&B) has the largest number of registered workers at 38,585, followed by Planning, Monitoring and Development with 13,616, and Education with 12,646. The data covers multiple categories of workers rather than only conventional daily wagers. Of the total, 69,696 are classified as casual labourers, 8,534 as seasonal labourers and 8,836 as daily-rated workers/work-charged employees. The list also includes part-time workers, CIC operators, drivers, hospital development-fund workers, part-time sweepers and others. At the district level, Jammu has the highest number of registered casual and other workers at 13,425, followed by Srinagar with 11,825, Anantnag with 8,823 and Baramulla with 7,774. Budgam has 5,772, Pulwama 5,651, Kupwara 5,547 and Rajouri 5,191. On the question of pending wages and other legitimate dues, the government said different departments have engaged daily-rated workers and other categories according to their operational requirements and programme guidelines. It said wages were being paid according to the applicable terms and, in the case of daily-rated and casual seasonal workers, as per the minimum wages notified by the government. The government further said funds had been released to all concerned departments for the current financial year to ensure timely disbursement of wages. However, on the long-pending demand for regularisation, the government did not provide a definite timeline. It said the issue was under active consideration and efforts were being made to complete the examination and consultations at the earliest, but it would not be appropriate to indicate a rigid time-frame at this stage because of the multiplicity of categories and the legal, administrative and financial implications involved. The government said any final policy decision would be taken after examination of all relevant aspects and receipt of inputs from the concerned departments and authorities, in accordance with the legal and constitutional framework and with regard to fairness, transparency and financial sustainability.(KNS)
Loud blast heard from Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals premises, boiler explosion suspected
It is being said that one of the boilers in the refinery premises exploded causing the blast and resulting in the smoke.
APSPDCL first discom in Andhra to cross one lakh rooftop solar connections, all for SC and ST homes
The 210-MW capacity added under the Utility-Led Aggregation model puts Andhra Pradesh fourth among States in solar installations; the Southern Discom aims for 2.07 lakh homes across nine districts
Vande Bharat Express from Bengaluru to Goa via Mangaluru: Railway Minister
Sources said the Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (26655) is likely to depart Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru at 6.05 am to reach Madgaon in Goa at 7.15 pm
Who is Justice Surya Kant, the 53rd Chief Justice of India?
Justice Surya Kant will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027 on attaining the age of 65 years
Sahil Wakodes death: Parents continue hunger strike for third day; Youth Congress workers join
While late students father, Ravindra Wakode, refused to speak to the media, the familys lawyer said they have not received any response from the government so far over their demands
12-member U.P. family rescued from alleged bonded labour in Hyderabad
The family cooked and defecated inside rooms. They were allegedly forced to work seven days a week, faced physical and verbal abuse when unable to work or asked for wages.
