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Kashmir Universitys Moment of Recognition, and Responsibility
The University of Kashmirs elevation to Category-I status by the University Grants Commission is a moment worth celebrating, not only for the institution itself but for Jammu and Kashmirs higher education landscape as a whole. It is an acknowledgement of sustained academic progress, improved standards, and the Universitys growing capacity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the countrys leading institutions. This recognition comes on the back of KUs A++ grade in the NAAC re-accreditation cycle, a distinction that speaks of seriousness, consistency and institutional discipline. It is a reminder that when universities invest in quality teaching, meaningful research, stronger faculty engagement and better governance, the results do arrive. For a university that has long carried the expectations of the region on its shoulders, this is a significant and well-earned milestone. Yet this is also a moment that demands reflection. Category-I status is not merely an award to be displayed on paper or quoted in official speeches. It brings with it enhanced academic, administrative and financial autonomy, and with autonomy comes accountability. The real question is not whether the University has achieved a higher status, but whether it will now use this freedom to transform itself in visible and lasting ways. The opportunities are substantial. Greater flexibility in introducing new academic programmes, revising curricula, strengthening interdisciplinary education and building research ecosystems can allow KU to respond better to the needs of a changing world. The prospect of international collaborations, visiting foreign faculty, foreign student admissions and open and distance learning programmes can widen its reach and deepen its relevance. If handled with imagination and seriousness, this status can help KU emerge as a more dynamic, globally connected centre of learning. But the challenge lies in execution. Autonomy is meaningful only when it leads to innovation, not inertia; to academic excellence, not administrative complacency. Kashmirs youth deserve a university that is not content with ceremonial success, but one that continuously raises the bar in teaching standards, research output, digital infrastructure and student support. There is also a larger message here for the higher education system in the Union Territory. KUs recognition should serve as a benchmark and an inspiration for other institutions. It shows that excellence is possible, but it requires institutional honesty, academic seriousness and sustained support from all stakeholders. The role of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and the higher education department will remain important, but the responsibility now rests equally on the Universitys leadership, faculty and students. In that sense, this is more than a recognition; it is a call to action. The University of Kashmir now has the space, the status and the opportunity to redefine its role in the region and beyond. It must seize this moment with ambition, discipline and a clear vision. If it does, Category-I status will not remain a formal designation it will become the foundation of a new academic era.
Protecting Merit, Restoring Trust
Parliaments passage of the anti-paper leak amendment bill marks an important recognition of a deep and recurring wound in the countrys education system. Paper leaks are not minor administrative failures; they are betrayals of merit, ruined dreams and a direct assault on the faith of young people who prepare for years in hope of a fair chance. By proposing harsher punishment, fast-track trial provisions and tighter investigation mechanisms, the government has signalled that it wants to treat the problem with the seriousness it deserves. That intent is welcome. A society that normalises cheating in public examinations cannot expect to build a competent, confident or ethical generation. When question papers are leaked, the damage goes far beyond a single exam cycle. It rewards criminal networks, demoralises honest candidates and creates a belief that hard work matters less than access and influence. In that sense, the bills tougher penalties, especially for organised crime, are a necessary warning that examination fraud will no longer be treated lightly. Yet legislation alone will not heal the system. India has seen enough laws, committees and assurances to know that the real test lies in enforcement. If leaks continue, the problem is not the absence of punishment but the weakness of institutional safeguards, internal controls and accountability at every stage of examination design, storage and transmission. The new law must therefore be matched by robust prevention, not just stronger punishment after the damage is done. The governments claim that the bill takes a holistic view of exam reform is worth examining carefully. It is certainly better that the law is not confined to one agency alone, but covers a wider range of examinations and institutions. That breadth is important because the scandal of paper leaks is not limited to one recruitment body or one level of government. Still, the answer cannot be to merely widen the net on paper while leaving loopholes in practice. Every exam authority must be made answerable for security protocols, vendor oversight and digital safeguards. The oppositions walkout does not help the seriousness of the issue. Public debate on such a sensitive subject should have been used to press for better safeguards, not to stage a symbolic exit. But the government too would do well to hear the unease behind the criticism. Students are not asking only for punishment after leaks happen. They want certainty that the system will not fail them in the first place. They want accountability when police action is excessive, when recruitment processes are compromised and when committees are formed but recommendations move at a glacial pace. The larger challenge is one of trust. The youth of the country have already endured too many shocks, from exam cancellations to leak scandals to endless uncertainty. If the state is serious about protecting their future, it must go beyond strong words and harsh penalties. It must build a culture where examination papers are secured, institutions are transparent, culprits are swiftly punished, and innocent students are never left to pay for the failures of a broken system. The bill is a beginning, not an end. Its real value will be judged not by the severity of its clauses, but by whether the next generation can finally sit for an exam without fear that someone else has stolen its future.
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How AI and human exploration are gradually shaping a shared future beyond Earth
DAL LAKE TO DEEP SPACE Beneath Kashmirs calm night sky, the vastness above often feels close. The stars move slowly across the darkness, and Dal Lake reflects them in still water. For generations, people here have looked upward with curiosity, asking what lies beyond. That sense of wonder has always been present. In a place shaped by its landscape and traditions, the sky has offered a moment of reflection, a space where thoughts settle, and questions arise. Today, something new is unfolding. The distance between observation and participation is slowly narrowing. In April 2026, Artemis II carried astronauts around the Moon and safely back to Earth. For the first time in more than fifty years, humans travelled far beyond Earths orbit again. The crew Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen spent nearly ten days in space, reaching more than 250,000 miles from Earth and travelling close to 694,000 miles in total. Their safe return marked an important step. It showed that careful preparation, steady learning, and cooperation continue to guide human progress in space. The next step builds on this work. Artemis 3 is planned to place astronauts near the Moons south pole. Scientific observations have shown evidence of water ice in this region, which may support future exploration. This opens a measured possibility. The Moon may not remain only a place for brief visits. Over time, it may allow longer missions and deeper study, gradually extending human presence beyond Earth. As these missions advance, they are increasingly supported by technology. This journey, however, is not shaped by human effort alone. Space presents unique challenges. Communication between Earth and distant missions can take several minutes, and in deep space it can take even longer. In such situations, systems must operate with a degree of independence. Artificial intelligence is becoming central in meeting this need. At NASA, AI is used to assist with navigation, mission planning, and data analysis. It helps teams manage large volumes of information and respond to changing conditions with greater precision. On Mars, the Mars 2020 Perseverance mission reflects this shift. The rover studies its surroundings, identifies safe paths, and continues its work even when communication delays occur. It moves forward within defined limits, gathering data and adapting to its environment. This marks a meaningful change in how exploration is carried out. Artificial intelligence itself is also evolving. A newer approach, often described as agentic AI, is being explored. These systems are designed to carry out tasks with greater independence within defined boundaries. Researchers at MIT Sloan School of Management describe them as systems that can plan steps, use tools, and complete tasks in structured environments. Companies such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google are working on such developments. In the years ahead, these systems may become an important part of how space missions are managed and supported. Alongside this, machines are gradually learning to assist in physical work. Robotic systems, including those being explored by companies like Tesla, are being designed to handle tools and perform repetitive tasks. In space, such systems may support mission preparation, help build early structures, and reduce risks for human crews. Their role will be to assist human effort, not replace it. Space exploration today is also shaped by cooperation. Through initiatives like the Artemis Accords, countries are working together to ensure that space activities remain peaceful and coordinated. This reflects a shared understanding that space is a common domain, where cooperation benefits everyone. India is contributing to this effort in meaningful ways. Through the Indian Space Research Organisation, it has achieved important milestones. Chandrayaan-3 successfully reached the Moons south polar region. The planned Chandrayaan-4 aims to return lunar samples for study. India is also preparing for human spaceflight through Gaganyaan. These efforts contribute to a broader and shared understanding of space. In parallel, the space economy is also growing steadily, with private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin developing launch systems and spacecraft for human spaceflight, and companies like Virgin Galactic enabling suborbital human travel. Alongside these developments, agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency, and the China National Space Administration continue their exploration efforts, with contributions from partners including the Canadian Space Agency, while India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation, is preparing for human spaceflight under programmes such as Gaganyaan. As space continues to develop, an important question remains. How widely will its benefits be shared? Space is not only about exploration. It is also about access to knowledge, opportunity, and resources. Ensuring that this progress is inclusive will shape how meaningful this journey becomes. For Kashmir, this moment carries a quiet relevance. The region holds curiosity, depth, and a thoughtful sense of understanding shaped by its surroundings and way of life. With greater access to science and technology education, students here can take part in this evolving field. Because the beginning of space exploration lies in learning. With the right opportunities, meaningful contributions can come from anywhere. Space is already connected to daily life in visible ways. Satellites help monitor glaciers, track changes in snow cover, and improve weather forecasting. These systems support agriculture, disaster preparedness, and environmental awareness. Programmes like the Copernicus Programme provide data that helps regions like Kashmir respond to change. In this way, space science is not distant. It is already present. Amid all this progress, one simple truth remains. Technology can guide and assist, but the sense of wonder felt under the night sky remains deeply human. It encourages curiosity, reflection, and a desire to understand more. This is why this moment matters. Space is opening in a way that allows more people to learn and take part. In the years ahead, exploration will continue to involve not only astronauts, but an even wider community of engineers, researchers, scientists, and professionals across many fields. It is possible to imagine a student from Srinagar contributing to a future mission, or a researcher from the region studying discoveries made beyond Earth. These are no longer distant ideas. They are possibilities that are gradually taking shape. Artificial intelligence is already supporting missions beyond Earth. Human exploration continues step by step, guided by learning and care. And the Moon, once distant, is slowly becoming more accessible. Under the skies of Kashmir, the stars remain unchanged. What is changing is how humanity chooses to reach them. (The author writes on science and technology. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
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Public Examination Amendment Bill is a Systemic Reform
The Government of India has introduced the Public Examination Amendment Bill 2026 ( PEAB) in the parliament to improve the education standards in the country, a significant move considering the recent turmoil over an alleged paper-leak case with respect to the NEET. It is expected that the bill will establish certain tough measures and reforms aimed at curbing malpractices / unfair means affecting the public examinations. In other words, the overall purpose of the bill is to create the values of honesty, integrity, and fairness in the public examination system. Tabling the bill for reforms is appreciable; once it passes, ensuring the implementation of the reforms in letter and spirit will be the key, though. What is noteworthy is the fact that the government in office has abided by what it promised during the recent Janter Manter protests, which were ostensibly a product of the paper-leak incident. It was the honourable Prime Minister himself who proactively issued a firm statement in the backdrop of the irregularities which reportedly surfaced in the NEET. This commitment has manifested itself in the shape of the bill at the earliest. A prudent and principled measure likely to be formulated through the parliament. It should settle well with all the stakeholders that credit goes to the incumbent government for candidly and realistically coming clean on one disturbing aspect: the prevalence of malpractices in the examinations; that is reflected through the very introduction of the PEAB 2026 . A strict regulation, the PEAB, will expectedly dissuade wrongdoers from defiling the sanctity of public examinations. We need virtuous examinations for students' academic achievements; that will be justice in practice. Pertinently, unfair practices ruining examinations have not crept into the system in recent years; those wrongs have been plaguing the system for decades together, leaving the successive governments struggling to rein in the culprits. Several measures, at the state and national level, have been in place against the evil. But has yielded little success. To convincingly and confidently take on the malpractices impacting the examinations, a clear and significant stand is urgent, and the national government has obviously undertaken to fight the evil. In fact, showing the intent-- the introduction of the bill--to correct what harms this vital aspect of education is half the battle won. True, the implementation of the resulting reforms is the primary requirement. There is no denying that several projects and plans, at their implementation, do not achieve their targets. The failure could be attributed to multiple factors. One big factor is a self-seeking attitude of the implementing hands, underscoring the need to train minds, not just hands. Another significant factor is feeling immune to legal fear, which emboldens a person to toy with the constitutional rights of people. Thus, what the person wishes becomes a law for the victim citizens. Among the multiple positive aspects of the bill, the brightest one is that those seeking to misuse examinations to feather their own nests at the expense of students' hardwork and career are unlikely to even think of going ahead with their plots: the bill intends to administer severe penal action for the offenders. Above all, the national government again looks clear and concerned to strictly execute the provisions once the bill is passed. Another attractive part of the bill, in response to the call for reforms by the Janter Manter protests, is to give space to the reforms. Is not it a sign of a responsible government? In the world's biggest democracy, India, voices are heard, and genuine demands of citizens are not dismissed. This is exactly what the prominent message is from the proactive introduction of the bill, a productive act for the nation's progress. The bill in question, it is hoped, must in no case be subject to political polarisation and mileage for certain quarters. As the matter revolves around youth, the nation's future, there should not be any compromise on their career and future. The countrywide students require national security and assurance that their hardwork and dedication will be rewarded as and when they pass a test on merit. This scenario will promote honesty, honour, trust, and confidence-- the values essential for youths to cherish and practice in the wider interest of the nation. A curse on society is a hopeless youth. Apart from proposing tougher measures, one crucial provision of the bill needs to be empowering the youth to always prefer national interests over personal / group interests. No objectives/ ideology, however noble, should be preferred over the national well-being. Now that the PEAB has been tabled in the country's parliament-- where a solution for issues and challenges confronting the nation can be proposed and produced-- it will be virtuous and valiant if all stakeholders put the seal of approval on it. Reforming the examination system is our collective responsibility; let us be part of the solution, not the problem. PS: Should we find an alternative to NEET? That can save children from mental health issues and people from economic issues. Are school examinations not enough for a student to deserve a medical seat without NEET? (The author is a teacher by profession and RK columnist. Feedback: sheikhshabir518@gmail.com )
Simplicity, the Missing Value in Kashmiri Weddings
FROM BURDEN TO DIGNITY Marriage in Kashmir has never been merely a private affair between two individuals. It has always carried the weight of family honour, social expectation, and cultural display. In homes across the Valley, a wedding is rarely treated as a simple union of two people; it becomes a test of status, a measure of generosity, and often, a financial burden that can follow a family for years. What should begin as a celebration of companionship, responsibility, and blessing too often turns into a season of anxiety, debt, and silent strain. In this context, the call to make marriages simpler in Kashmir is not a plea for austerity alone. It is a call for social sanity, economic relief, and moral courage. The problem is not that Kashmiris love celebrations too much. The problem is that celebration has increasingly become entangled with excess. The gifts, the jewellery, the food, the elaborate arrangements, the guest lists, the photography, the dowry-like expectations, the ceremonies stretched over several days, and the pressure to match or outdo what others have done all of these have turned marriages into costly spectacles. Families that can ill afford such expenditure still feel compelled to participate in this race, fearing gossip, criticism, or the shame of appearing less than their neighbours. In such a social climate, choice is often an illusion. A parent may know the burden is too heavy, but social pressure makes retreat feel impossible. This culture of inflated weddings has real consequences. It delays marriages, particularly among young men and women from modest backgrounds. It deepens debt in households already struggling with low incomes, unemployment, and unstable livelihoods. It creates emotional stress before and after the wedding. It also widens social inequality, because those with means can afford display while those without means are forced either to borrow or to compromise their dignity. A marriage that should bring two families together can begin with resentment, exhaustion, and financial distress. That is not a healthy foundation for a household. There is also a deeper cultural contradiction here. Kashmir is a society that has long prized restraint, hospitality, and grace. Its traditions were not meant to encourage wasteful competition. Older generations remember a time when weddings, though joyous, were more intimate and less performative. People came together to bless the couple, share food, exchange goodwill, and stand witness to a new beginning. The ceremony had warmth without extravagance. Today, however, the line between honour and display has become blurred. A modest gathering is too often mistaken for a poor one. Simplicity is interpreted as stinginess. That inversion of values must be challenged. One of the most damaging aspects of the current marriage culture is the pressure placed on the brides family. In many cases, the family of the girl bears the burden of arranging large feasts, expensive household items, gifts, and other social expectations that are never openly named as compulsion but are felt as obligation. Even when people speak against dowry, the social pressure survives in disguised forms. Money may be demanded indirectly, or expected through custom, or extracted through humiliation if a family cannot meet the unwritten standard. This is not tradition in any noble sense. It is coercion wearing cultural clothing. Any serious conversation about simplifying marriages in Kashmir must confront this reality without hesitation. Then there is the issue of ceremony inflation. Weddings are now stretched across multiple events, each one becoming an opportunity for spending. Separate functions, repeated outfit changes, elaborate decor, professional photography, banquet halls, and lavish catering have become normalized, even when the family would rather avoid them. The question must be asked plainly: who benefits from this inflation? Not the young couple, who begin married life under pressure. Not the wider society, which internalizes unrealistic expectations. In truth, the greatest beneficiaries are often the commercial interests that profit from social anxiety. When a wedding becomes an industry, simplicity becomes resistance. But simplifying marriages does not mean diminishing joy. On the contrary, it means restoring joy to its rightful place. A wedding should be remembered for love, prayer, kindness, and the coming together of families not for financial panic. A dignified wedding can be modest, warm, and memorable without being excessive. Good food, honest hospitality, clean arrangements, and heartfelt blessings are enough. No couple should have to begin their life together carrying the burden of a debt taken to impress others. No parent should have to sell land, borrow money, or sacrifice months of earnings to satisfy a social script that benefits nobody. Religious guidance also offers an important reminder. Across faith traditions, marriage is meant to be simple, sincere, and morally grounded. The Prophets (SAW) example, often invoked in discussions of Muslim family life, placed emphasis on ease, modesty, and the removal of unnecessary burden. Yet in practice, many weddings in the Valley have drifted away from that spirit. The language of faith is frequently used in public, but the ethic of simplicity is often ignored in private. If communities truly wish to honour religious values, they must do so not through grand displays but through practical reform. A wedding that is easier for families is also closer to the spirit of mercy and responsibility that religion teaches. This reform cannot be left to individuals alone. Social change in Kashmir will require collective resolve. Families need courage to say no to wasteful customs. Elders need to lead by example rather than enforce outdated expectations. Community leaders, local religious figures, and social organisations must speak clearly against marriage-related excess and covert dowry demands. Public messaging should normalize small, respectful weddings rather than treat them as socially inferior. When a family chooses simplicity, society should applaud it, not pity it. Moral pressure must shift direction: instead of pressuring families to spend more, the community should pressure them to act responsibly. Media too has a role. The Valleys newspapers, social platforms, and influencers often shape what is seen as respectable. If they continue to celebrate glamour without questioning cost, they help sustain the problem. But if they promote modest ceremonies, highlight families that have chosen simplicity, and openly discuss the harms of wedding extravagance, they can help reset public taste. Cultural change is not only about rules; it is also about imagination. People must begin to see that a smaller wedding is not a poorer wedding. It is often a wiser one. There is also a practical dimension that cannot be ignored. Kashmirs economy remains fragile. Unemployment is high, incomes are uncertain, and many households live close to the edge. In such circumstances, a culture of expensive weddings is not merely unwise; it is socially irresponsible. Families already face the cost of education, health care, daily living, and housing. To add the burden of inflated marriage expenses is to push many into long-term distress. Simplifying marriages would not solve every economic problem in the Valley, but it would remove one major source of unnecessary pressure. That itself would be a meaningful public good. The young, perhaps more than anyone else, should take the lead in this change. Those preparing for marriage must begin to ask what kind of life they want to build together. Do they want a few hours of public display followed by years of financial recovery? Or do they want to begin with stability, dignity, and mutual support? A modern marriage in Kashmir need not imitate the loudest social trends. It can be grounded in choice, modesty, and intelligence. Young couples can set a new standard by openly preferring simplicity and refusing to let marriage become an arena of competition. Saying this is easier than doing it. Social customs are stubborn, and fears of judgment run deep. No family wants to be the first to break a pattern if it thinks others will laugh. But every meaningful reform begins when someone chooses principle over pressure. In the Valley, where so many aspects of life are already shaped by hardship, there is no reason to preserve a wedding culture that adds unnecessary pain. We do not need to abolish celebration; we need to discipline it. We do not need to end tradition; we need to rescue it from vanity. We do not need less love; we need less waste. If Kashmir wishes to preserve the dignity of marriage, it must make marriage easier, not harder. It must protect families from financial humiliation. It must treat simplicity as honourable, not shameful. It must restore the wedding to its true purpose: the joining of two lives in hope, trust, and responsibility. A marriage that begins with peace is far more valuable than one that begins with debt. The Valley would do well to remember that. (The author is a lecturer in HED and columnist)
Haveri police return stolen property worth 2.30 crore to owners
The Haveri police on Thursday returned stolen property worth about 2.30 crore to its rightful owners after solving 46 criminal cases, including various house break-ins and temple thefts in the district
Your AI Listens, But Can It Truly Understand? The Future of Emotional Support
Not very long ago, speaking to a machine about one's deepest fears would have belonged to the realm of science fiction. Today, it has become an everyday reality. Millions of people across the world are typing messages into AI-powered chatbots, not merely to seek information, but to vent, reflect, grieve, celebrate small victories, or simply feel heard after a difficult day. Nobody listens to me. I don't know how to deal with my anxiety. I had a fight with my partner. What do I do now? These are no longer questions directed only at friends, family members, or therapists. Increasingly, they are being asked of artificial intelligence. The rise of AI as an emotional companion marks a fascinating moment in human history. It challenges our understanding of connection, support, and even loneliness. While technology has always transformed the way we communicate, generative AI is beginning to reshape how we seek emotional reassurance. Yet this transformation raises an important question: can an AI that processes language truly understand human emotion? The answer is both simple and complex. AI can listen. It can respond. It can even appear remarkably empathetic. But understanding is something fundamentally different. Unlike human beings, AI does not experience joy, grief, guilt, hope, fear, or love. It does not carry memories of heartbreak, nor does it know the quiet comfort of holding someone's hand through loss. It recognises patterns in language, predicts helpful responses, and mirrors emotional expression with astonishing sophistication. What often feels like empathy is, in reality, an advanced simulation of empathy. For many users, however, this distinction is not immediately obvious. One reason AI has become an appealing source of emotional support is that it removes many of the barriers people face while seeking help. There is no fear of being judged. No appointment to schedule. No concern about burdening another person at an inconvenient hour. AI remains available at midnight, during lonely weekends, and in moments when reaching out to another human feels impossible. For someone overwhelmed by stress or hesitant to express vulnerability, this accessibility can provide immediate relief. Sometimes, simply putting difficult emotions into words reduces their intensity. Psychologists have long recognised the therapeutic value of expressive writing and reflective conversation. AI can facilitate this process by encouraging users to organise their thoughts, identify emotions, and consider different perspectives. In that sense, AI can become a useful emotional mirror. It asks questions. It helps clarify thoughts. It encourages reflection. Sometimes, it gently reminds users to practise grounding techniques, breathing exercises, or self-care routines. These interactions may indeed contribute positively to emotional well-being. However, the danger begins when we mistake responsiveness for understanding. Human emotional support extends far beyond words. A therapist notices changes in tone, body language, hesitation, silence, and contradictions between what is spoken and what remains unspoken. A close friend recognises when a cheerful message hides deep distress. A parent senses anxiety from a single glance. Much of human communication exists between the lines. AI, regardless of its sophistication, has no lived experience from which genuine intuition emerges. It cannot independently recognise when someone is masking suicidal thoughts behind humour, when trauma influences present behaviour, or when a subtle change in expression indicates escalating psychological riskunless those signals are explicitly described in text. This limitation becomes particularly significant in serious mental health conditions. Depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and trauma-related illnesses require comprehensive assessment, clinical judgement, and personalised intervention. Recovery often depends not only on conversation but also on trust, observation, therapeutic relationships, and, where necessary, medical treatment. No algorithm, however advanced, can replace these essential elements. Another concern lies in emotional dependence. Humans naturally form attachments. We assign personalities to digital assistants, apologise to robots, and become emotionally invested in fictional characters. It is therefore unsurprising that some individuals begin to view AI as their closest confidant. The comfort feels genuine because the interaction feels personalised. Yet relationships involve reciprocity. A healthy human relationship teaches negotiation, disagreement, patience, accountability, forgiveness, and mutual growth. AI cannot participate in these experiences because it does not possess its own needs, emotions, or independent existence. It cannot challenge us through authentic emotional engagement, nor can it model the complexity of real interpersonal relationships. If AI gradually replaces conversations with family, friends, or community, loneliness may become deeper rather than lighter. Paradoxically, we could find ourselves constantly communicating while becoming increasingly disconnected. This is particularly relevant for young people, who are growing up in an era where digital interaction often precedes face-to-face conversation. Emotional intelligence develops through observing facial expressions, interpreting social cues, resolving conflicts, and experiencing genuine human vulnerability. While AI may strengthen reflection and communication skills in certain contexts, it cannot substitute the social learning that emerges from real relationships. Parents and educators therefore face an important responsibility. Rather than discouraging AI altogether, they must help young people understand its appropriate role. Technology should complement human connection, not replace it. There are also ethical questions surrounding privacy and trust. Conversations that feel intensely personal may be stored, processed, or analysed depending on the platform's policies. Users should remain aware that sharing deeply sensitive personal information with any digital service requires thoughtful consideration of data privacy and security. Emotional safety includes digital safety. At the same time, dismissing AI as entirely harmful would overlook its remarkable potential. For individuals living in remote regions where mental health services remain scarce, AI may offer reliable psychoeducation and encourage help-seeking. Someone unsure whether persistent sadness requires professional attention may gain enough confidence through an AI conversation to consult a psychologist. Individuals waiting weeks for therapy appointments may use AI-guided journaling, mood tracking, or relaxation exercises to support themselves between sessions. Similarly, caregivers experiencing burnout, students preparing for examinations, and professionals struggling with workplace stress may benefit from structured coping strategies generated instantly. In these situations, AI functions not as a therapist but as an accessible mental health assistant. The distinction matters. Just as a fitness application cannot replace a physician treating heart disease, an AI chatbot cannot replace qualified mental health care for complex psychological concerns. Perhaps the most meaningful way to think about AI is as an emotional first-aid kit rather than a hospital. It can help us pause. Reflect. Breathe. Organise overwhelming thoughts. Encourage healthier habits. Suggest questions we may wish to discuss with a therapist. But it cannot diagnose, truly empathise, or accompany us through the deeply human journey of healing. Healing has always depended upon relationships. The comforting presence of another person. The assurance that someone genuinely understands our history. The trust built across shared experiences. The courage to sit with another human being through uncertainty without immediately trying to fix everything. These qualities cannot be generated through algorithms because they emerge from lived human experience. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, society must avoid framing the discussion as a choice between humans and machines. The future is unlikely to belong exclusively to either. Instead, it will depend on thoughtful collaboration. AI can expand access to mental health information, reduce stigma around emotional conversations, and encourage early intervention. Human professionals bring empathy, ethical judgement, cultural understanding, intuition, and therapeutic expertise that technology cannot replicate. Together, these strengths may create a more accessible and responsive mental health ecosystem. The challenge before us is not whether AI should exist in emotional spaces. It already does. The real challenge is ensuring that we do not confuse convenience with connection, availability with understanding, or intelligent responses with genuine compassion. Machines may learn to recognise our words with extraordinary precision. Only people, however, can truly recognise one another. In an increasingly digital world, that distinction may become more valuable than ever. (The author is Co-founder, Bharat Dialogues, National President, WICCI Media Council. For Mental health related Queries call the 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline Kiran (1800-599-0019). Reach the author for counselling at: poojapriyamvada@outlook.com )
Needvertical forest cities in India, with skyscrapersintegrated with urban biodiversity corridors
Future high-rise developments should have architecture and ecology designed as an integrated system, where vegetation, water management, and building performance work together, Architecture student Subhapradha says in her presentation
Residents seek restoration of direct JKRTC Uri-Sgr bus service
Srinagar, Jul 30: Residents of Uri in north Kashmirs Baramulla district have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) to immediately restore the direct bus service between Uri and Srinagar, saying its suspension has caused immense inconvenience to scores of daily commuters. The direct JKRTC bus, which used to depart from Uri at 8:00 am and return from Srinagar at 1:30 pm, was a lifeline for patients, students, government employees and other commuters travelling to the summer capital. However, locals said the service has remained suspended for nearly two months, forcing them to depend on multiple modes of transport to reach their destinations. Residents said the withdrawal of the bus has particularly affected people who travel regularly for medical treatment, educational purposes and official work. The direct bus was the most convenient and affordable mode of transport for us. Patients could reach hospitals in Srinagar on time, students attended colleges without difficulty, and employees reached their offices conveniently. Now we have to change vehicles several times, which is both time-consuming and expensive, said a resident of Uri. Many commuters alleged that although a JKRTC bus is still operating from Nambla village to Baramulla, the corporation has failed to restore the much-needed direct Uri-Srinagar service. The bus is being picked up from Nambla and plies only up to Baramulla. There is no direct JKRTC bus available from Uri to Srinagar anymore. We fail to understand why the service has not been resumed despite repeated requests, a government employee based in Baramulla told Rising Kashmir. Locals said the absence of a direct government-operated bus has increased their dependence on private transport, resulting in higher travel costs and inconvenience, particularly for elderly passengers and those requiring frequent hospital visits. They urged the authorities to restore the service without further delay, saying the direct bus had served as an essential public transport link for people living in the border town. However, the Managing Director and General Manager of JKRTC did not respond to repeated phone calls from Rising Kashmir despite multiple attempts to seek their response.
Former NC leader Mohammad Syed Akhoon joins Apni Party
Srinagar, July 30: Veteran politician and former National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Syed Akhoon on Thursday joined the Apni Party along with a large number of his supporters and associates. Akhoon, who has represented the Hazratbal Assembly constituency multiple times and has remained associated with mainstream politics for decades, was formally welcomed into the party by Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior leaders at a joining ceremony held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. Addressing the gathering, Bukhari said Akhoons entry was not merely about electoral gains but about benefiting from his political experience and wisdom. I, personally and on behalf of my party colleagues, wholeheartedly welcome Akhoon Sahib into the Apni Party. His wisdom, integrity, and decades of rich political experience will undoubtedly strengthen the party and serve as a guiding force in our collective journey, Bukhari said. He said the Apni Party was not owned by any individual or family but belonged to the people and was open to all those committed to public service. Recalling the formation of Apni Party in March 2020, Bukhari said the party was established during a difficult period for Jammu and Kashmir to provide a political platform to safeguard peoples interests. He invited people willing to work for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir to join the party, saying the platform was open to everyone committed to protecting the rights and dignity of the people. Taking a dig at the National Conference-led government, Bukhari alleged that traditional political parties had focused more on gaining power than addressing public concerns after August 5, 2019. He said the elected government had limited authority and claimed that the Chief Secretary often enjoys more power and authority than the Chief Minister. Bukhari criticised the government over issues including restoration of the holiday commemorating Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and official observance of July 13, alleging that the ruling party had accepted a system with reduced powers by participating in elections under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. He also targeted the National Conference for moving away from the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), saying the party had abandoned its earlier stand on restoration of Articles 370 and 35A. They have surrendered on every front. Today, they do not even speak about the issues that people are struggling with, Bukhari said. Highlighting civic issues in Srinagar, the Apni Party chief said political parties were engaged in mutual criticism instead of addressing concerns related to unemployment, housing, infrastructure and drainage. People are not asking for the moon and stars. They are simply demanding basic necessities and essential public services, he said, adding that Srinagar often did not reflect the status of a capital city. Speaking on the occasion, Akhoon expressed satisfaction over joining Apni Party and said he was confident that the party would continue working for the welfare and development of the people. Recalling his differences with the NC leadership, Akhoon said he had cautioned the party against making unrealistic promises in its election manifesto, citing the limited powers of a Union Territory administration.
CREDAI welcomes AP Building Rule Amendments, predicts boost to Realty Sector
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Crisis-hit Cuba opens pharmacies, gas stations to private firms
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TNPL | Whats in a name? Change it!
Village-wide power cut triggers protest in Handwara village
Handwara, Jul 29: A village wide electricity disconnection in Gonipora area of Handwara over unpaid power bills has triggered a controversy, with Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed accusing the Power Development Department of penalising consumers who had already cleared their dues. The department disconnected electricity to the village after finding that a large number of consumers had pending bills. The MLA said the action unfairly affected genuine consumers who had regularly paid their electricity bills. He said the department should have disconnected only the defaulting connections instead of cutting power to the entire village. Khursheed also alleged selective enforcement of the recovery drive. He claimed that a Fisheries Rest House, occupied by BJP affiliate Javed Qureshi, had electricity dues of around Rs 5 lakh, yet its power connection had not initially been disconnected. He said he was not defending defaulters but maintained that the same rules should apply to everyone. He termed the village wide disconnection a case of collective punishment. Executive Engineer, PDD Division Handwara, Er. Asif Khan, said the department acted on official directions to disconnect power in areas where nearly 80 percent of consumers had outstanding dues. He said that after the MLA raised the issue, electricity was restored to consumers who had already paid their bills through an alternative arrangement. The grievance was addressed immediately and power was restored to bill paying consumers, Khan said. He added that after verification, the electricity connection to the Fisheries Rest House was also disconnected due to pending dues.
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Know your English | What does stellar mean?
Youth hacked to death near Madurai
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Raid on a Pakistani police post leaves 11 officers and 15 attackers dead
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Russian strikes across Ukraine kill 9 and NATO scrambles jets after a missile falls in Poland
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Panel suggests appointing ambassador for Arctic affairs
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MVD launches crackdown on illegal bike taxis in Kochi
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FinMin launches Protection & Indemnity Insurance product under Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool
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We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFAs proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors, said a statement by UEFA
Missing student from Coimbatore traced to Karur
