Luxury car driver arrested for causing accident that injured nine in Vyasarpadi
He was driving an Audi at high speed, recklessly ramming into several parked vehicles in Vyasarpadi on October 8
Burglars steal 600 kg of silver bars, articles from trader in Salem
The stolen articles were worth 15 crore
Kavitha revives Telangana agitation days at OU Arts College
Kavitha takes part in Bathukamma celebrations
Congress stages protest in Hubballi seeking resignation of Chief Election Commissioner
Congress workers staged a protest rally in Hubballi on October 11, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of electoral malpractice and attempts to undermine democracy
Volvo Car India introduces electric luxury SUV EX90 at 1.26 crore
The company has opened bookings for this vehicle and deliveries slated to start from January 2027
Rajya Sabha MP moves SC alleging illegal detention, secret transportation, torture on Oct 11
The MP said the act of excess and detention was not a stray one, but planned and deliberately executed to mete out physical brutality
NH-65 expansion work in Telangana to begin by January 2027: NHAI chief
Turkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia condemn Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport
The four countries, dubbed the R4, reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia after a new attack killed one person and wounded nearly a dozen, a day after a strike that killed 13 and wounded more than 300
Trump announces Ukraine and Russia have agreed to an energy ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine on October 11, 2026, though Kyiv reported ongoing Russian strikes on energy sites, including a power plant in Kharkiv, shortly after the statement. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the announcement as positive news and expressed readiness to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow did the same, Moscow did not immediately comment on the agreement.
Extra Vistadome coach on Vizag-Araku train from October 13 to 20 for Dasara rush
The glass-roofed coach has 44 rotating seats and an observation lounge at the rear
Indigo Delhi-Chennai flight fire: what are the rules for carrying power banks on planes
The Indigo Delhi-to-Chennai flight, 6E 6115, was diverted to Hyderabad after a passengers power bank caught fire in an overhead bin; know more about the DGCA rules on portable chargers
Sunny Deol to be seen next in Suryaa; first look, release date out
Directed by M. Padmakumar, the film also stars Ravi Kishan and Pragya Jaiswal in pivotal roles
Passengers living nearby say service roads have no access to the airport and they must travel eight km to reach the highway
Fear grips residents as carnivore that killed man remains elusive near Hasanur
The killing of two cows and a calf in separate incidents on the night of October 10 has heightened concerns over the movement of carnivores near residential areas
A Single Bench of the court had earlier directed the registration of an FIR including offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Newly-elected TVK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel, Sathyabama take oath in Tamil Nadu
With this, the strength of the TVK in the 234-member House has gone up to 109
Sajeev and another co-passenger, Ninav, 19, of Alappuzha, were arrested on October 11, 2026. All the four accused are college students, the police said
'Ramayana' Part 1 to release worldwide on November 5; advance bookings to open on Dussehra
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is envisioned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana, one of India's most revered epics.
Rehamat Tarikere to inaugurate two-day Jananudi 2026 in Mangaluru on November 28
Rehamat Tarikere has authored over 30 books based on extensive fieldwork and research into the Sufi, Natha, Shakta, and Muharram cultures of Karnataka
Jesper Kyd interview: On memories of Tumbbad and the indelible legacy of Assassins Creed
Eight years since Sohum Shahs folk-horror classic graced Indian screens, Danish composer Jesper Kyd reflects on conjuring Tumbbads otherworldly sonic mythology and the evocative emotional legacy of the Ezio trilogy
Despite Collectors ultimatum, Kochi Chander Kunj apartments takeover remains uncertain
While apartment owners from various parts of the State, along with the Revenue Divisional Officer and the tahsildar, assembled at the clubhouse of the apartment complex, AWHO representatives failed to turn up
Arunachal Jobs 2026 : Apply for Guest Faculty in NERIST
Applications are invited for recruitment of various teaching positions or jobs in NERIST Arunachal Pradesh in 2026. North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) Arunachal Pradesh is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of Guest Faculty member in Finance specialisation for the July-Dec academic session 202627. Name [] The post Arunachal Jobs 2026 : Apply for Guest Faculty in NERIST appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Democratic and political protests must take place but Supreme Court must not be dragged into it: CJI
There should not be any inconvenience caused to litigants, lawyers, court staff. I have also requested... Chief Justice Kant said in open court
Modi government waging war against citizens to protect CEC: Abhijeet Dipke
The CJP convenor alleged youth, journalists and MPs were being assaulted by the Delhi Police, as he visited his native village after his grandmothers last rites
Modi government waging war against citizens to protect CEC: Abhijeet Dipke
The CJP convenor alleged youth, journalists and MPs were being assaulted by the Delhi Police, as he visited his native village after his grandmothers last rites
Odisha CM backs SIR exercise, says it is necessary for free and fair elections
Duplicate entries, outdated records and the names of deceased persons remaining on voter lists can compromise their accuracy, he says
Odisha CM backs SIR exercise, says it is necessary for free and fair elections
Duplicate entries, outdated records and the names of deceased persons remaining on voter lists can compromise their accuracy, he says
Arunachal: India-Myanmar border fencing continues at Pangsau Pass amid heightened security
Dibrugarh: Construction of the strategic India-Myanmar border fencing project at Pangsau Pass in Changlang district is continuing under heightened security, despite a recent militant ambush that killed Assam Rifles personnel. The continuation of work underscores the Centres push to strengthen border security in the insurgency-affected region. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is carrying out the [] The post Arunachal: India-Myanmar border fencing continues at Pangsau Pass amid heightened security appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Indias national debt has crossed 225 lakh crore, says Minister Santosh Lad
Economy on a downward spiral under PM Narendra Modi, says Congress leader
Naga group seeks return of man's severed head after fresh Manipur violence, issues 48-hr ultimatum
A video purportedly of the victim's head among heavily armed militants wearing camouflage went viral on October 10, 2026.
Delhi High Court to hear plea against closing Jantar Mantar for protests on October 13
Delhi High Court said it would list the plea tomorrow, since the Supreme Court has already seized of the matter
Make energy and water conservation part of daily life, says Special Chief Secretary Vijayanand
K. Vijayanand calls for a nationwide movement on energy efficiency in an online interaction with EESL CEO Akhilesh Kumar Dixit
Anti-CEC protests: DYFI to move SC over detentions, Rahul Gandhi calls for march
Protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar continue in Delhi, with several student activists detained and allegations of police assault. The DYFI has announced plans to approach the Supreme Court over the alleged illegal detention and custodial torture of its activists. Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and AISA president Neha Bora were also allegedly injured during police action. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a march to the Supreme Court on October 12, prompting heightened security and restrictions at several Metro stations.
INS Mangrol, anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, inducted into Navy
Built with over 80% indigenous content, Mangrol reflects the countrys growing capabilities in warship construction and the integration of indigenous weapons and sensors
Dalit youth alleges loss of job in U.K. due to caste discrimination by Pune college
Man dies after alleged assault over seat inside Delhi Metro; ex-IAS officer, son arrested
The incident took place on October 8 at the Supreme Court Metro station, where the deceased, Pawan Sharma, allegedly got into an altercation with the two accused, identified as Sanjay Pratap Singh and his son Sidharth Singh, according to the FIR
Young cold-blooded animals are suffering the most as Earth heats up, research finds
Young, land-based animals were worse at acclimatising to rising temperatures than aquatic animals.
Doctor who treated Nana Patekar pens a heartfelt tribute to him
Dr. Shekhar Salkar had attended to Nana as he was rushed to the hospital. It was he who had officially announced to the world about the sad demise of the actor on the morning of October 8.
Frederick G. Banting and John J.R. Macleods Nobel-winning discovery of insulin
Their research into pancreatic extracts and blood glucose regulation helped establish insulin as a treatment for diabetes
Policy, production concerns dominateKPA annual media briefing
UPASI points out a critical lack of clarity in the draft Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification. While the preamble states that land can be used for agricultural purposes, this must be explicitly codified into the operative part of the notification, it insists
CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka says party will approach Delhi Police for permission to protest at Jantar Mantar, two days after demonstrations were stopped.
BJP begins process for selecting candidates for KMC polls
Elections to Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) are scheduledin November 2026
BMTC to share real-time bus data with mobility platforms in Bengaluru
In the initial phase, BMTC is planning to provide its transit data to Namma Yatri, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Tummoc
Rupee jumps 91 paise to 95.80 against U.S. dollar in early trade
Forex analysts said that these measures are expected to help the Indian currency sustain pressure from elevated crude oil prices and a strong dollar
Telangana government to revise charges of Hyderabad Metro-Telangana RTC common mobility card
The monthly pass costs 8,500 including Hyderabad Metro Rails share 7,000 and TGSRTCs share of 1,500.
The caste thread travels overseas
Dalit students studying abroad hope to escape oppressive caste hierarchies, only to find that the dominant-caste diaspora has exported its prejudice into classrooms and social settings across borders, reports Radheshyam Jadhav
CJP to seek permission for fresh peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar, sets 24-hour deadline
New Delhi , October 12 : Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh are set to visit Parliament Street Police Station on Monday to seek permission for a fresh peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar and demand that a date and venue be allotted within 24 hours. Ranka said Delhi Police should allocate a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar within 24 hours, failing which the party would announce another protest call. In a post on X on Sunday, Ranka said, At 10AM, me, @SauravDassss, @whattalawyer and other CJP leaders will go to Parliamentary Street Police Station to get a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. @DelhiPolice can give us a date for Jantar Mantar in 24 hours, or we will give another protest call ourselves, the post read. A day earlier, CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke reiterated his commitment to continuing public demonstrations, firmly asserting that personal tragedy and political pressure will not deter his movement. In a post on X, Dipke said the activists would return to the streets, signalling that the protest would continue. Havent signed any bond that says we wont protest. We will hit the streets again, said Dipke. While, a Delhi Executive Magistrate court ordered the release of three CJP leaders, Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were taken into preventive custody by Delhi Police ahead of a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The three leaders have been directed not to indulge in any activity that may breach peace and tranquillity for the next one year as a condition of their release, according to their advocate. Today, the INDIA bloc is set to lead a protest march to the Supreme Court against the electoral irregularities and demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Officer, calling on citizens across the country to join the agitation.
Video: Men Wearing Nightie, Mask Arrive In Ambulance, Rob Off Telangana ATM
Investigators are examining CCTV footage to identify the suspects and reconstruct their movements before and after the robbery.
Chennai Organic Market now in Perungudi
The market opened on October 11 at Vallalar Sanmargam Arangam on OMR
Stock markets open higher amid easing oil prices
From the 30 Sensex firms, Bharat Electronics, Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Trent, Tata Steel and NTPC were among the major winners
Woman Killed, Husband Critically Injured in Anantnag Road Accident
Anantnag, Oct 12 : A woman died on spot while her husband sustained critical injuries after an i20 car hit a motorcycle at Furrah Mir Bazar area of Anantnag district. Officials said that an i20 car bearing registration number JK03M-4148 hit a motorcycle bearing registration number PB10FV-5999 at Furrah Mir Bazar, resulting in critical injuries to the bike rider and death of his wife on spot. The deceased has been identified as Fareeda Akhtar, while the injured is her husband Mohd Altaf Bhat, resident of Baihama Qazigund. The injured has been shifted to hospital for treatment. Police have taken cognizance of the incident.(GNS)
OpenAI film 'Artificial' turns lens on creators of 'new world, Andrew Garfield says
Andrew Garfield plays OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in the film, which unfolds over two decades and chronicles the conception and growth of the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT
Science Snapshots: October 11, 2026
Three recent important research developments, all readable in one minute
The Shipping Minister further said search-and-rescue operations were actively underway by the local Coast Guard
Singer Anjanas debut EP turns love and doubt into music
From Carnatic violin and konnakol to Kannada lyrics and the kazoo, Anjanas EP draws on her South Indian roots while exploring love, identity and self-acceptance
El Nino sets temperature record in key Pacific zone: EU monitor
Global forecasters have been warning for months that this El Nino would likely become the strongest ever observed and the latest record has tumbled even before the episodes expected peak later this year
Anti-CEC INDIA bloc march: Traffic diversions and advisories
In multiple traffic advisories, the authorities have outlined areas in Delhi that will remain affected due to traffic curbs and have advised commuters to follow directions
Make way for Satt Baayu, an all-women Kutch collective weaving tradition and innovation
All set to hold their debut exhibition in Hyderabad, the women artisans hope to showcase how crafts can retain its distinct identity while evolving through innovation
Delhi-NCR Wakes Up To Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Waterlogging In Many Areas
Delhi Rain Today: The weather office has forecast partly cloudy skies and no rainfall in Delhi over the next six days.
Anit-CEC row LIVE: CJI Surya Kant declines to meet INDIA bloc leaders
CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka said he and other leaders of the outfit would approach Delhi Police on Monday (October 12, 2026) to seek a date for holding a peaceful protest at the Jantar Mantar, Rahul Gandhi to submit memorandum to CJI demanding end to 'vote chori'
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Entry, exit of six Delhi metro stations closed on Oct 12 as Opposition plans march to Supreme Court
Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road metro stations will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Community-led model to tackle drug abuse in 300 Haryana villages
The voluntary, non-political initiative has been launched by the Haryana Professional Forum and Jind Social Forum, a network of volunteers with roots in Haryana
HC quashes PSA detention over two-year delay in execution
Srinagar, Oct 11: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed a preventive detention order issued against Kaiser Hameed Beigh under the Public Safety Act (PSA), holding that the order was based on vague and irrelevant grounds and that an unexplained delay of more than two years in its execution had snapped the required live and proximate link between past alleged activities and the need for detention. Justice Rajesh Sekhri passed the judgment while allowing a petition challenging the detention order dated June 25, 2022, issued by the District Magistrate, Anantnag. The High Court had stayed the order on September 11, 2024, before its execution. According to the detention dossier, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Anantnag, had alleged that Beigh was an overground worker of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit and had allegedly provided shelter and transportation to active terroristss. The authorities also cited his previous detention under the PSA in 2021 and apprehensions ahead of the Shri Amarnath Yatra as reasons for seeking fresh preventive detention. However, the petitioner argued that the allegations were vague, no fresh activities had been attributed to him after the earlier incidents, and the detention order was passed despite the absence of any immediate threat justifying his detention. He also challenged the delay in executing the order, pointing out that he had remained available and continued attending court proceedings. The authorities opposed the petition, maintaining that the detention order had been passed after considering the police dossier and that the petitioners alleged activities posed a threat to the security of the State. After examining the record, Justice Sekhri observed that the detention order appeared to have been passed on the apprehension that the petitioners alleged links with the banned outfit made it risky to keep him at liberty during the Amarnath Yatra. The court noted that the petitioner was regularly attending proceedings before the Additional Sessions Judge, Anantnag, in the single FIR of 2019 cited against him. Relying on the Supreme Courts judgment in Additional Secretary to Government of India v. Alka Subash Gadia, the High Court held that pre-execution challenges to detention orders can be entertained in limited circumstances, including where orders are based on vague or irrelevant grounds or are issued for an improper purpose. The court further observed that preventive detention must be supported by a strong and immediate connection between past conduct and the present necessity for detention. The unexplained delay of over two years, it held, had severed that connection. Viewed from any angle, the impugned order does not sustain in the eyes of law, the court observed, quashing the detention order and allowing the petition.
Premier League: Man City defeats Liverpool 3-0, silencing hostile Anfield crowd
Haaland, Doku and Cherki score for Manchester City as league leader maintains perfect start to season
Ensure welfare schemes reach last beneficiary: Union Min in Sgr
Srinagar, Oct 11: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said the Centre was ready to consider proposals from the Jammu and Kashmir government concerning old-age homes and other support facilities, as he underlined the need to ensure that welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary and that officials facilitate their effective implementation. Addressing a press conference here, the minister said that o eligible beneficiary should be left behind and called for greater awareness and accessibility so that people can avail themselves of the benefits they are entitled to. Athawale called for the implementation of provisions for persons with disabilities, including reservation in education and government employment. Referring to the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan, he stressed the need to improve accessibility in public buildings and facilities so that persons with disabilities can access services and public spaces independently. Accessibility is not a privilegeit is a right. Public spaces must be designed so that every citizen can use them with dignity, he said. The minister highlighted progress and achievements related to financial inclusion, self-employment, housing, healthcare, access to clean cooking fuel and support for vulnerable sections of society. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Athawale spoke about efforts to expand access to banking services, noting that financial inclusion is the first step towards economic empowerment. The Union Minister highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free loans to eligible beneficiaries for small businesses and self-employment, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into enterprises. The Minister also referred to: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana providing access to clean cooking fuel to women from poor households Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural and Urban) ensuring housing for all Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana offering healthcare coverage to vulnerable families UJALA Yojana promoting energy-efficient lighting Athawale highlighted the importance of skill development, entrepreneurship and support for micro, small and medium enterprises in expanding livelihood opportunities. The future belongs to those who can create jobs, not just seek them. Programmes like Mudra and skill development initiatives are empowering a new generation of self-reliant Indians, he said. The minister reiterated the importance of ensuring that welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries and that concerned officials should facilitate their effective implementation. Schemes are only as good as their delivery. Officials must ensure that benefits reach the last person in the queue, he said.
J&K needs Rs 1.44 lakh crore to tackle dev gaps
Srinagar, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir requires an estimated investment of Rs 1.44 lakh crore over five years to address deep-rooted development deficits and expand employment opportunities, according to a new research report that has identified educated youth unemployment, inadequate earnings and a weak formal economy among the region's most pressing challenges. The report, released by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS), accessed by Rising Kashmir,estimates that a coordinated investment programme could generate approximately 9.27 lakh additional jobs and increase annual economic output by Rs 34,206 crore by the fifth year. However, these figures are projections under the institute's proposed development model, not jobs already created or investments committed by the government. Titled A New Vision for J&K and a New Strategy for Realising that Vision, the study examines the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir's economic structure, social development indicators and environmental resources, arguing that substantial investment alone will not deliver lasting economic progress unless it addresses the underlying weaknesses restricting employment and incomes. The findings present a picture of an economy where considerable natural resources and a large network of small enterprises coexist with limited formal employment opportunities and inadequate earnings for a significant section of the workforce. According to the study, Jammu and Kashmir had approximately 8,99,874 unincorporated enterprises, based on the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2023. Yet the size of this enterprise base has not translated into sufficient secure and adequately paid employment. The report identifies what it describes as economic dualism: a relatively small formal sector operating alongside an extensive informal economy, where self-employment and small-scale business activity do not necessarily provide sustainable incomes. This distinction is significant in Jammu and Kashmir, where unemployment among educated young people remains a persistent concern and the availability of stable employment continues to lag behind aspirations for government and organised private-sector jobs. Rather than treating the number of enterprises as an indicator of economic strength, the study draws attention to their capacity to generate productive employment, improve household earnings and sustain business activity over time. The proposed five-year investment requirement has been estimated at Rs 1,43,849 crore, of which Rs 94,764 crore, or nearly 66 per cent, is intended for enterprise development and economic activity. Another Rs 29,953 crore has been proposed for social development, including education, healthcare and nutrition, while Rs 19,131 crore has been earmarked for environmental restoration and the regeneration of natural resources. The distribution of proposed investment indicates that enterprise development accounts for the largest share of the strategy, but the report argues that employment generation cannot be separated from improvements in human development and the protection of natural assets. It identifies deficiencies in foundational education, healthcare and nutrition as constraints that can weaken the capacity of people to participate productively in the economy. The study cites the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, which found that only 37.8 per cent of Class V students in rural Jammu and Kashmir could read Class II-level texts, highlighting the challenge of translating school enrolment into meaningful learning outcomes. It also draws attention to worsening anaemia indicators between successive rounds of the National Family Health Survey, placing nutritional deficiencies alongside poor learning outcomes as barriers to long-term social and economic development. On employment, the institute proposes strengthening existing small enterprises rather than relying exclusively on large industrial investments to create jobs. Its strategy distinguishes between enterprises serving local demand and those capable of accessing larger metropolitan and export markets, with different approaches proposed for financing, infrastructure, technology and market access. The report argues that expanding economic activity without improving the productivity and earnings of existing enterprises could leave the structural weaknesses of the labour market largely unchanged. Under the proposed framework, approximately 9.27 lakh additional jobs could be generated over five years, equivalent to an average of about 1.85 lakh jobs annually if the projected employment gains were achieved evenly. The study also estimates that the programme could add Rs 34,206 crore to annual economic output by the fifth year. These estimates, however, depend on the implementation of the proposed interventions and cannot be treated as guaranteed employment or growth outcomes. The financial requirements are substantial. The estimated investment of Rs 1.44 lakh crore translates into an average annual expenditure of nearly Rs 29,000 crore, equivalent to approximately 11 per cent of the Union Territory's stated gross domestic product for 202526. According to the report's proposed financing structure, institutional lending would account for 40.2 per cent of the investment, followed by government contributions of 22.9 per cent and community and household contributions of 22.4 per cent. Climate finance would provide another 8.3 per cent, while philanthropy, corporate social responsibility contributions, individual giving and voluntary participation would account for the remaining share. The proposed funding structure underscores the dependence of the strategy on participation from banks, public institutions, households and other financing sources, rather than government expenditure alone. However, the report does not establish that the proposed financing has been secured or that the institutions expected to contribute have agreed to provide the required resources. The study also identifies environmental degradation as an economic concern, warning that damage to forests, water resources and agricultural land could undermine livelihoods in communities dependent on farming, horticulture and other natural-resource-based activities. It estimates that approximately 7,087 square kilometres of recorded forest land in Jammu and Kashmir lacks tree cover and proposes regeneration measures as part of its wider development framework. The institute argues that environmental restoration, social development and enterprise expansion must proceed together if investment is to generate sustainable economic benefits. The report's central concern is that development measured primarily through expenditure, infrastructure creation or the number of business establishments may not adequately reflect improvements in household incomes, employment security and living standards. Its findings also raise questions about the scale of financing and institutional coordination required to implement a development programme of this magnitude. The RGICS assessment is an independent research proposal based on existing statistical evidence and illustrative development models. It is neither a government-approved investment programme nor an official assessment of the Union Territory's funding shortfall. Whether the proposed investment could deliver the projected employment and economic gains would ultimately depend on financing, implementation capacity and measurable improvements in productivity and household earnings.
Central Delhi returns to normal life, but protests and heavy security keep city on edge
Shops and eateries reopen and Metro services resume on the second day of anti-CEC protests, but a thinner-than-usual weekend crowd, detention vehicles and police checks leave the capitals commercial heart far from normal
1,854 voters submit Form 6 for inclusion of names in Assembly constituencies of Chennai district
Poor turnout for special camps conducted by the district election office in various parts of the city
Silence Around PCOS Is a Public-Health Failure
A new study on polycystic ovary syndrome among college students in Kashmir deserves far more than a passing news headline. Its findings expose a serious public-health concern and an equally troubling failure of awareness. Of the 1,217 students surveyed, 33.6 per cent showed symptoms suggestive of PCOS, while 1.28 per cent displayed strong indicators of the condition. Though these figures do not represent clinically confirmed prevalence, they are significant enough to demand an organised institutional response. PCOS is often reduced to irregular periods, weight gain, acne or fertility concerns. Such a narrow understanding is dangerous. The disorder can affect ovulation and reproductive health, but it is also linked to insulin resistance, diabetes and potentially cardiovascular complications. The study shows that only 44.5 per cent of students knew about its association with insulin resistance, around 45 per cent were aware of the diabetes connection, and just 33 per cent knew of its possible link with heart disease. This knowledge deficit cannot be dismissed as a minor educational gap. The silence surrounding menstrual and hormonal health makes the problem worse. In many families and institutions, menstrual irregularities are normalised, ignored or discussed only in whispers. Young women may endure symptoms for years without consultation, either because they lack information or fear social judgement. A condition that requires medical attention is too often treated as an inconvenience that must simply be tolerated. Colleges, therefore, must become an important first line of awareness and early intervention. Regular health-education sessions, confidential counselling, access to qualified medical professionals and referral systems can help students recognise warning signs without stigma. Such programmes should not be limited to reproductive health. They must explain the metabolic consequences of PCOS, the importance of lifestyle management and the need for sustained monitoring. Healthcare institutions also have a responsibility to make diagnosis accessible, affordable and respectful. Screening initiatives must be clinically guided and should never turn a questionnaire-based indication into a diagnosis. At the same time, the caution against overinterpreting the study must not become an excuse for inaction. A symptom signal affecting one in three participants is too serious to ignore. The government, universities and health authorities should now collaborate on a Kashmir-wide strategy for adolescent and young womens health. Menstrual health must be brought into mainstream public-health planning, with special attention to counselling, nutrition, physical activity and early medical consultation. PCOS is not merely a private womens issue. It is a public-health challenge that affects families, education, productivity and the future wellbeing of a generation. Ignoring it will deepen the burden; informed, compassionate and timely action can prevent that burden from becoming heavier.
The Missing Industry Behind Kashmirs Apple Economy
Jammu and Kashmir's has written well its apple production success. But created a value-capture problem. The region has steadily expanded orchard productivity through high-density plantations, planting material and production subsidies, but downstream processing has not kept pace. J&K produced around 21.4 lakh tonnes of apples in 2023, yet only 23 per cent of production is processed locally, according to NITI Aayog (2026). The central question for the horticulture economy, therefore, is no longer how to produce more apples, but how to ensure that a greater share of the value generated by those apples remains within J&K. The uncomfortable part is that this is not a newly discovered problem. A study covering the 201112 apple economy estimated that 3.22 lakh tonnes of surplus Grade-C apples were available for processing, while only around 30,000 tonnes of Grade-C and culled apples were being processed into apple concentrate (Bhat et al., 2019). More than a decade later, NITI Aayog still reports that only 23 per cent of the crop is processed, together they reveal a persistent structural gap that J&K has repeatedly expanded its capacity to produce apples without building a comparable capacity to transform them. This exposes a limitation in a production-centred policy approach. Subsidising orchards and increasing productivity are relatively straightforward interventions can all be measured. Industrial value addition is more demanding. It requires processing plants, reliable electricity and logistics, quality standards, assured procurement, cold chains, skilled labour, market development and investment that can survive beyond a single harvest season. The success of horticultural policy cannot therefore be measured only by how many tonnes Kashmir produces. The farmer's position in the value chain also needs greater attention. Research on Kashmir's apple marketing system has shown that market channels, infrastructure and access to market information influence growers' share of the consumer price (Rashid et al., 2024). This means that improving production without improving the institutions through which produce is aggregated, stored, processed and sold may leave the basic distribution of value largely unchanged. While around 1520 per cent of total apple production is culled and only about 23 per cent of culled apples are processed for concentrate production, (NITI Aayog, 2026). The NITI Aayog also estimates in its 2026 report Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, that about 60 per cent of apples are marketed outside the Union Territory. While land and policy attention have increasingly moved towards high-value horticulture, Jammu and Kashmir remains food-grain deficient. A review of the ricewheat system in Kashmir notes that the Union Territory imports around 7 lakh metric tonnes of food grains annually and links the problem partly to the shrinking area under rice and other food crops. More recent reporting puts the imbalance in sharper terms. Kashmir is reported to produce around 0.45 million tonnes of food grains against an annual requirement of 1.34 million tonnes, leaving a gap of nearly 0.89 million tonnes. The report says the gap is being met through supplies from Punjab, Haryana and other grain-producing states. The contradiction is difficult to ignore. Kashmir is increasingly specialised in a high value crop whose raw produce is extensively marketed outside the region, and it remains dependent on outside supplies for a substantial share of basic food grains. If Kashmir exports fresh and graded apples but imports a substantial share of its food grains, the region risks remaining concentrated at the lower end of multiple value chains, producing agricultural raw material while purchasing higher-value products from outside. The distinction between production and value capture is therefore central. A tonne of apples sold as raw fruit generates one set of economic returns. The same tonne transformed into concentrate, juice, pectin, cider, processed food or branded products can support a much wider industrial ecosystem. The economic objective should be to move a greater share of that transformation into Kashmir. For years, the emphasis of agricultural policy has been on increasing production new plantations, high-density orchards, improved planting material and higher yields. But an orchard cannot be the endpoint of an agricultural strategy. Every additional tonne of apples should raise a second question, where will the additional value be created? The emerging policy framework does recognise some of these requirements. NITI Aayog's Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir @2047 proposes processing facilities, small-scale minimal-processing units, branding and GI promotion, private-sector participation and a proposed Horticulture Development Fund (NITI Aayog, 2026). The significance of the roadmap will ultimately depend on implementation. After years in which production expansion has been easier to see than downstream industrialisation, the test is whether these proposals can create a functioning value chain on the ground. The 2047 horticulture vision should therefore adopt a different set of indicators. Alongside production, J&K should track value added per tonne, the share of apples processed locally, farmer share in the final consumer price, utilisation of processing capacity, the quantity of C-grade fruit absorbed by industry, post-harvest losses, horticultural employment and the number of producer-owned enterprises operating downstream. These measures would tell us whether the region is merely producing more apples or actually building a stronger apple economy. Otherwise, the paradox remains stark: a region producing millions of tonnes of high-value fruit, processing only a tiny fraction of it locally, while importing a substantial quantity of food grains for its own consumption. The question, then, is not whether Kashmir should produce more apples. It is whether Kashmir can move beyond producing and grading apples to processing, branding and industrialising them and retain a much larger share of the value its orchards already create. (The author is a Climate Reality Leader and Masters Student at the Department of Economics, IUST. He can be reached at tuhaq220@gmail.com)
Tourism Beyond Destinations: Why Indias Next Leap Must Be Built on Partnership
India has never suffered from a shortage of destinations. What it has occasionally lacked is the institutional imagination to make the world discover them, reach them, experience them and, most importantly, return to them. Our civilisational inheritance is almost without parallel: ancient cities and living traditions, sacred landscapes and wildlife, architecture and crafts, cuisine and festivals, mountains and coastlines. Yet tourism is not created by heritage alone. A monument does not constitute a destination; a destination is an ecosystem. It is the road that leads to it, the story that precedes the journey, the hospitality that receives the traveller, the artisan who gives it authenticity, the technology that makes it discoverable, and the community whose participation determines whether tourism becomes an economic opportunity or merely an intrusion. This is why the next chapter of Indian tourism must be written not in terms of destinations alone, but in terms of partnerships. The old architecture of tourism was largely hierarchical. Governments built infrastructure, destinations were promoted, industry transported and accommodated visitors, and communities remained largely at the periphery. The new architecture must be horizontal. Government, industry, technology companies, creators, investors, States, local bodies and communities must become co-creators of the tourism experience. The distinction is more than semantic. It represents a fundamental change in how we understand development. Tourism today is no longer simply the movement of people from one place to another. It is the movement of ideas, stories, aspirations, capital and cultural influence. The traveller increasingly seeks not merely to see India but to encounter it to taste its food, understand its traditions, enter its homes, meet its artisans and participate, however briefly, in its living culture. That transformation presents India with an extraordinary opportunity. But opportunity without coordination rarely becomes outcome. The State therefore has a vital, though changing, role. Its responsibility is not to do everything; it is to make more things possible. Public investment in roads, airports, railways, sanitation, digital infrastructure, heritage conservation and civic amenities provides the foundation upon which private enterprise can innovate and invest. Political will provides continuity and direction. Industry contributes capital, managerial expertise, technology and access to markets. Communities contribute what no government or corporation can manufacture: authenticity. The real challenge is to bring these capacities together. The Ministry of Tourism s expanding engagement with industry is an attempt in this direction. Eleven strategic MoUs have been entered into, including five exchanged on World Tourism Day 2026. Their importance lies not in the documents themselves but in the capabilities they seek to connect technology, mobility, hospitality, content, digital outreach and local enterprise. Consider the changing economics of destination discovery. A generation ago, a traveller might have encountered India through a travel guide or an advertisement. Today, a destination can enter the global imagination through a film, a streaming platform, a creator s narrative or an image encountered on a mobile phone. The collaboration with Netflix demonstrates this new grammar of destination promotion, bringing India s culture, wildlife and mountain landscapes to international audiences. Flavours of India, showcased at ITB Berlin 2026, and promotional campaigns in London and New York illustrate how the geography of tourism is increasingly preceded by the geography of storytelling. But storytelling must eventually lead to a reason to travel. This is where the next generation of partnerships becomes significant. Project Varanasi Priceless, developed with Mastercard, moves beyond advertising towards an experience that can actually be discovered and booked: the Ganga at sunrise, classical music, conversations around literature, Banarasi weaving communities and heritage stays. The significance of such an initiative is that Varanasi is presented not as a monument to be photographed but as a civilisation to be experienced. This distinction should inform our entire tourism strategy. India must move from selling attractions to curating experiences. Air connectivity is an equally important part of this architecture. Partnerships with Alliance Air, Air India and IndiGo extend Incredible India into the passenger ecosystem itself, bringing destination promotion into flights, digital platforms and international markets. Technology adds another dimension: intelligence. The future tourism system must increasingly understand who is travelling, what travellers seek, where demand is emerging and how preferences are changing. The collaboration with Google India, including capacity-building and work towards understanding global travel demand and traveller behaviour, points towards a tourism policy that can become progressively more evidence-led. Yet the most consequential transformation may occur far away from the traditional tourism centres. If tourism is to become genuinely inclusive, the village must become as important to tourism policy as the metropolitan gateway. The homestay can become as important as the hotel. The artisan can become as important as the attraction. The local entrepreneur can become as important as the large operator. Partnerships involving Airbnb, Soul of India and MakeMyTrip are attempting precisely this democratisation of opportunity equipping homestay hosts with digital capabilities, giving lesser-known destinations greater visibility and connecting unexplored villages with creators and bookable accommodation. The underlying proposition is profound: when a destination enters the traveller s imagination, the economic opportunity it creates must enter the lives of the people who give that destination its identity. This is the true test of tourism-led development. Visitor numbers alone cannot be the measure of success. We must ask a more searching question: Who benefits when a destination succeeds? Does the artisan earn more? Does the young person find an opportunity locally? Does the woman entrepreneur gain a market? Does the community acquire an incentive to preserve its cultural and natural inheritance? Does the traveller leave with a deeper understanding rather than merely a photograph? If the answer to these questions is affirmative, tourism becomes more than an industry. It becomes an instrument of cultural confidence and distributed economic development. India s lesser-known destinations offer an especially significant opportunity in this regard. Technology can bring them to younger audiences; mobility can make them accessible; private investment can create appropriate infrastructure; and community participation can ensure that growth does not come at the cost of identity. Initiatives supporting community-led heritage tourism in the Himalayas, including the documentation of oral traditions, crafts and indigenous knowledge, demonstrate how tourism can become an ally of preservation rather than its adversary. But partnership must not become another bureaucratic vocabulary for signing agreements. An MoU is only a beginning. The real partnership begins when an agreement produces a product, when a campaign produces a traveller, when a traveller produces local income, and when that income produces greater community ownership of the destination. Industry associations and the travel trade therefore remain indispensable. Their knowledge of markets, travellers, itineraries and distribution can convert aspiration into actual journeys. States and local institutions, meanwhile, determine the quality of the experience on the ground. The future of Indian tourism will consequently depend upon our ability to dissolve old institutional boundaries between government and industry, Centre and States, technology and tradition, global platforms and local communities. Varanasi offers a glimpse of this possibility: storytelling, music, heritage, weaving, hospitality and technology converging around a single destination. The larger lesson is unmistakable. India does not need merely more tourists. It needs a stronger tourism society. A society in which the citizen sees tourism not as an industry belonging to someone else, but as an opportunity in which he or she has a stake. A society in which public investment creates the platform, private investment multiplies possibilities and community participation gives development legitimacy. The tourism destination of the future will therefore not be a place marked on a map. It will be a network of relationships. And India s competitive advantage may ultimately lie not merely in the magnificence of what we possess, but in our capacity to bring together the many people and institutions capable of transforming that inheritance into an experience the world values. The question before us is no longer whether India has enough to offer the traveller. It plainly does. The question is whether we can build the partnerships necessary to ensure that every journey into India becomes a journey into its civilisation and that the prosperity generated by that journey reaches the people who keep that civilisation alive. (The author is Union Minister for Culture & Tourism. Courtesy: PIB)
Punjabi and Dogri: Historical Connections, Linguistic Similarities and Independent Identity
Introduction Indias linguistic and cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths. The history of Jammu and Punjab is not limited to geographical boundaries; the two regions share centuries-old social, cultural, commercial and linguistic connections. The relationship between Punjabi and Dogri is particularly important for understanding this shared heritage. Both Punjabi and Dogri belong to the Indo-Aryan language family. They share numerous words, certain similarities in pronunciation and evidence of historical cultural interaction. However, Dogri also possesses its own literary tradition, distinctive grammatical features and separate cultural identity. Therefore, understanding the relationship between these languages requires acknowledging both their similarities and their individual characteristics. 1. Historical Background: The Connection Between Language, Geography and Civilisation The regions of Punjab and Jammu have historically served as important centres of social and cultural interaction in northern India. Trade routes, religious pilgrimages, military movements, migration and matrimonial relationships brought the people of these regions into contact with one another. Linguistic exchange developed naturally in the plains of Jammu and the neighbouring areas of Punjab. Meanwhile, Dogri and other Pahari linguistic traditions evolved in the hilly regions of Jammu. Geographical proximity encouraged similarities in everyday vocabulary, expressions, folk songs and patterns of speech. Languages do not develop overnight. They evolve over centuries through social interaction, historical events and shared cultural experiences. The relationship between Punjabi and Dogri is also the result of this historical process. 2. Is Dogri a Dialect of Punjabi? This question has long been discussed in linguistic studies. In some earlier linguistic surveys, Dogri was classified alongside northern varieties closely associated with Punjabi. Early studies, including George Griersons Linguistic Survey of India, played an important role in documenting and classifying the languages of northwestern India. However, deciding whether a language is a dialect of another cannot be based solely on similarities in vocabulary. Several factors must be considered, including grammar, phonology, historical development, literary traditions, the identity of the linguistic community and language standardisation. Dogri has its own rich tradition of folk literature, poetry, songs, drama and modern writing. Its speakers have preserved their linguistic traditions across generations. In recognition of this distinct development and cultural identity, Dogri is now recognised as an independent language. It is therefore more accurate to describe Punjabi and Dogri as closely related languages rather than reducing Dogri to merely a dialect of Punjabi. 3. Dogris Constitutional Recognition in India The constitutional recognition of Dogri represents an important milestone in its history. In 2003, Dogri was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment. Bodo, Maithili and Santhali were also included through the same amendment. This recognition strengthened Dogris linguistic and literary standing at the national level. It was also an important achievement for the people of Jammu who had long worked to preserve and promote their mother tongue. One point must be clearly understood: constitutional recognition does not mean that a language has no historical relationship with other languages. Rather, it acknowledges the importance and distinct identity of that language within Indias constitutional framework. 4. Linguistic Similarities Between Punjabi and Dogri (a) Similarities in Vocabulary Punjabi and Dogri share numerous words used in everyday life. Some words are identical, while others have similar forms or pronunciation. English Meaning| Punjabi| Dogri: Common or Related Form Water| Paani. Mine/My| Mera. Night| Raat / Ratti, depending on usage. Eye |Ankkh / related regional forms. Hand|Hatth / related regional forms. These examples indicate linguistic closeness between the two languages. However, Dogri vocabulary and pronunciation vary across different areas. A particular regional form should not automatically be treated as the only standard form throughout the language. (b) Tonality and Pronunciation Punjabi is well known for its tonal characteristics. Certain varieties of Dogri also exhibit tonal and phonetic features that offer interesting points of comparison with neighbouring languages. Nevertheless, the sound systems of Punjabi and Dogri are not identical. They differ in several respects, including pronunciation, vowel patterns and the use of consonants. (c) Folk Songs and Folk Culture The relationship between languages cannot be understood through grammar and dictionaries alone. Folk songs, wedding songs, heroic ballads, religious compositions and songs associated with rural life are also valuable sources for studying historical interaction. Many folk traditions of Punjab and Jammu address similar themes, including family relationships, love, bravery, nature, agriculture and community life. These similarities may reflect shared regional experiences and centuries of cultural exchange. At the same time, Dogri has its own distinctive folk-music traditions, just as Punjabi has its own unique musical and literary heritage. Any comparison must respect this diversity. 5. Major Differences Between Dogri and Punjabi (a) Linguistic Classification Punjabi is classified among the northwestern Indo-Aryan languages, whereas Dogri is generally associated with the Western Pahari linguistic group. Dogri also has historical linguistic connections with Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring hill regions. Linguistic classifications may differ in certain respects depending on the scholars and criteria used. Nevertheless, modern linguistic studies recognise the distinctive features of Dogri and its status as an independent language. (b) Differences in Script The writing traditions of Punjabi and Dogri also reflect their different historical journeys. - Punjabi: In India, Punjabi is written primarily in the Gurmukhi script, while in Pakistan, it is predominantly written in the Shahmukhi script. - Dogri: Historically, Dogri has been associated with the Takri script. Today, Devanagari is its principal standardised writing script. Differences in scripts are an important aspect of linguistic identity, but script alone does not determine whether a language is independent. Several languages can share the same script, while one language may also be written in multiple scripts. (c) Grammar and Sentence Structure Punjabi and Dogri share certain grammatical features, but they also differ in pronouns, verb forms, case markers and sentence structures. These differences reflect their historical development and their respective linguistic environments. Consequently, it is not scientifically sufficient to classify two languages as identical merely because they share certain words or sentences. Such a conclusion requires systematic linguistic comparison and historical evidence. 6. The Importance of Dogri in Jammus Cultural Identity Dogri is an important pillar of Jammus cultural identity. Its literature and oral traditions preserve the regions historical memories, heroic narratives, family relationships and social experiences. Dogri literature has provided a voice to the emotions, experiences and cultural heritage of Jammu. Poets, writers, folk singers and literary figures have made significant contributions to enriching the language. Preserving Dogri is not merely an effort to protect a language; it is also a way of transmitting Jammus cultural heritage to future generations. Encouraging Dogri in schools, literary institutions, digital platforms, folk music and everyday family communication can help strengthen its future. At the same time, studying Dogris historical connections with Punjabi and other regional languages is equally important. Strengthening the identity of one language does not require denying its historical relationships with others. 7. Balancing Linguistic Similarity and Cultural Identity The relationship between Punjabi and Dogri teaches us an important lesson: linguistic similarity and independent identity are not contradictory. Two languages may share words, have mutually understandable expressions and possess common folk traditions. Yet each may have its own literature, grammar, history and cultural significance. The beauty of Indias linguistic diversity lies in the ability of different languages to learn from one another while preserving their distinctive characteristics. The relationship between Punjabi and Dogri should be understood within this broader perspective. Respecting Dogris independent identity and studying its historical connections with Punjabi are equally important objectives. Both can be pursued through linguistic evidence, literary history and cultural research rather than relying solely on emotional or political claims. Conclusion The historical, linguistic and cultural relationship between Punjabi and Dogri is an important subject of study. The two languages share numerous similarities, but each also possesses distinctive features and its own literary traditions. The inclusion of Dogri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 2003 was a significant milestone in the national recognition of its distinct linguistic identity. It was also an important achievement in preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu. Today, Dogri deserves greater encouragement in education, literature, folk culture and the digital world. At the same time, research into the historical relationship between Punjabi and Dogri should continue so that future generations can understand this linguistic heritage in its proper historical context. The similarities between Dogri and Punjabi tell the story of historical interaction, while their distinctive features reflect the richness of Indias linguistic diversity. Respecting our own language while honouring the heritage of other languages is the true strength of our shared cultural tradition. (The Author is a columnist)
The Burden of Intellectual Elitism in Kashmir
Education is a blessing that ought to be a means of personal growth, intellectual development, and service to humanity. However, in Kashmir, it is increasingly treated as a means to measure social prestige and superiority over others. A persons worth is often judged by the degree they hold, the profession they pursue, and the marriage prospects their qualifications and professions can secure. This mind-set reflects a form of intellectual elitism: the belief that certain academic fields and professions make those who pursue them superior to others and inherently more intelligent, capable or worthy than others. This attitude manifests itself in snobbery, condescension especially towards those people who lack any formal training in any professional field. There is also a growing emphasis on medicine, pressure to pursue it as a route to societal acceptance and a tendency to belittle students who choose humanities, arts or social science. In many Kashmiri households, society has become an authority almost like God. This is not a theological statement but a depiction of a concerning social reality in which the approval of society becomes the ultimate benchmark of success. Education, which ought to sharpen our conscience, consciousness, cultivate responsibility, broaden horizons, is reduced to a means of fulfilling societys expectations. The Quran repeatedly calls upon human beings to reflect, understand, and consider the signs of creation by using Aql (intellect). Yet the value of learning can be obscured when its objective becomes earning praise from society. Paradoxically, Kashmiri society, consciously or unconsciously claims to uphold Islamic values. The Islamic intellectual heritage of 14th century Kashmir offers a reason to ponder on the purpose of knowledge. The Sufi traditions associated with regions Islamic history cannot be reduced to mere outward religious practices but also encompass intellectual and cultural advancements. Similarly, the intellectual traditions of Abbasid period, golden period of Islam, encompassed fields such as mathematics, medicine, astronomy, geography, philosophy alongside religious scholarship. These examples remind us that learning was not about societal approval but a means to develop oneself and contribute to society. The question for contemporary Kashmiri society to ponder over is not simply securing the academic degrees that lead to prestige and higher income but whether our understanding of education still values creativity, inquiry, service, and moral responsibility. The Commercialization of Education and the Fascination with Social Prestige A pressing concern in contemporary Kashmir about education is the association between academic achievement and material success. Financial independence is no doubt a necessity and there is nothing wrong with parents wanting their children to become financially secure. However, the problem arises when education is valued only for the status and income it can provide, particularly when its rewards are reduced to a narrow selection of socially celebrated professions. Children are encouraged to pursue education less for their personal and intellectual growth and more for the recognition that a particular academic Degree can bring to their families. A daughters admission to a medical college or a sons success in KAS exams may become a source of family pride. These professions are no doubt valuable, but the social prestige associated with it should not reduce their qualifications as family trophies for display or make other career choices seem inferior. This is where the difference between intellectual elitism and education becomes significant. Education should help children discover their potential, increase calibre, make them humble and respect others regardless of their status but intellectual elitism launches a hierarchy of human worth based on academic and professional labels. A doctor in Kashmir is celebrated while a PhD student of History, Political Science etc may be overlooked. A civil servant aspirant may be admired for the ambition, while someone choosing to be a 10+2 teacher may be considered insufficiently ambitious. The value of a person is tied to the recognition attached to their profession. Such an attitude does not only influence career decisions but also shapes how children see themselves and become judgemental. The Culture of MBBS: When One Profession Becomes an Obligation One of the clearest examples of intellectual elitism in Kashmir is the overwhelming cultural emphasis on MBBS. Medicine is undoubtedly a valuable profession. Doctors serve communities and lessen suffering in ways that deserve respect. The problem is not the profession itself, but the assumption that someone who does not pursue MBBS cannot embody intelligence, achievement or bring pride to their parents. For most of the Kashmiri children, studying medicine is not presented as a career option, but as an inevitable part of life. The pressure can be heard in day-to-day life: This person is a doctor. Our neighbours daughter has secured highest position in NEET. You must do it anyhow. It will measure your worth. It will make us proud. These statements may come from good intentions. Parents want their children to have a means of earning a livelihood, particularly in a world where financial demands extend beyond basic necessities. However, their repeated emphasis can transform a childs educational journey into an obligation enforced by others. Students passionate about other fields may be perceived as less intelligent or discouraged to work hard. The tragedy is not that someone does not become a doctor, but that many children are made to feel that they must become one to please society and prove their worth. Educational institutions, especially coaching centres, reinforce MBBS as the best career path. When students fail to secure admission to medical colleges in Kashmir despite dedicating years to this taxing field, the emotional toll can be immense. Families adhere to this dream by sending their children abroad. Countries like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Iran have become places to escape the shame and raise high in the society. Additionally, when a profession is imposed through constant comparison, even a child who might develop a genuine interest in medicine may begin to associate it with anxiety, pressure, inevitability, fear of failure and the prospect of disappointing their family. Concurrently, the primary motivation to pursue a profession that demands patience, compassion, intellectual curiosity and commitment should not be merely social expectations. The same pressure can affect arts students who are expected to pursue civil services because teaching, research or other careers are insufficiently distinguished. Instead of letting them explore the diversity of careers, they are pushed towards another socially acceptable destination. This does not celebrate education; but it reduces it to competition for status. Intellectual Elitism and Marriage In many Kashmiri households, intellectual elitism is deeply intertwined with marriage expectations. Marriage prospects are closely associated with wealth, the socially acceptable status of bride or groom, and of course, the family surname. High profile occupations, particularly those linked to medicine and civil services, can carry considerable weight when looking for a match. These factors often overshadow character, mutual respect and compatibility making professional prestige measure of personal worth. A daughter may repeatedly hear that she must study, secure a respectable profession and become financially independent so that she secures a socially prestigious marriage. Yet, history demonstrates that marital success has never depended solely on the professional status of the couple. Additionally, there is an important truth within these concerns: education prevents economic vulnerability, while financial independence provides financial security and allows people to contribute to families and societies. However, this message becomes distorted when children are taught that their dignity, security and future relationships depend on attaining a social status. A familiar saying attributed to Kashmiri mothers captures this attitude: Goadue likhyu paryu, banyu kenh, patt chie evaa baden baden doctoran hend rishtie (Pursue your education, then get a good job; once you are financially independent, you will get marriage proposals from affluent doctors) Moreover, the problem is not parents wanting their children to marry educated or financially independent prospects. It is the idea imposed on them that education is a route for acquiring a higher status spouse and that a persons own professional identity is valuable partly because of the marriage paths it opens. Especially, when it comes to daughters, their achievements risk becoming credentials in the marriage market rather than reflecting their intellectual development, personal agency, or the true value of their education. Likewise, men seeking financially independent women as an addition to their own financial standing, rather than recognizing them as individuals with their own independent aspirations and deserving of equal respect. Hence, Kashmiri parents must ask themselves whether they are educating their daughters to become independent human beings or merely preparing them to meet the standards of a prestigious marriage. Education in Islam: A Responsibility, not a Display of Superiority The understanding of knowledge in Islam extends beyond academic achievement and emphasizes the pursuit of meaningful knowledge, the importance of teaching, and the development of moral character alongside intellectual growth. A narration from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr describes Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encountering two gatherings in the mosque: one reciting Qur'an and supplicating to Allah, and the other learning and teaching. He praised both the gatherings but said of the latter, Verily I have been sent as a teacher. He then joined those learning and teaching. (Sunan Ibn Majah) The narration above emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and sharing it with others. It is a virtuous act that Islam encourages everyone to pursue. The Quranic concepts of reflection, justice, understanding the signs of creation invite people to approach the world with intellectual curiosity and moral responsibility. The natural sciences, human sciences, humanities, and religious studies can all help us understand and contribute to the various facets of human existence, even though they dont answer the same questions or run through same methods. The pursuit of knowledge should deepen a persons understanding and a sense of responsibility before Allah, not encourage a feeling of superiority over others. No academic field be it medicine, religion, or social science automatically makes a person humble or superior. No doubt, knowledge is meant to cultivate ethics in us, but ultimately, how we behave after acquiring knowledge depends on our inner disposition, conscience, conduct and free will that Allah has bestowed upon us. This is a significant distinction that parents must learn to inculcate in their children. Education should not be pursued to defeat relatives, silence critics or establish dominance in society. It should be pursued to seek true knowledge, value that knowledge, develop ones intellect, earn a lawful livelihood and contribute to the well-being of others, because knowledge is both virtue and worship before Allah. The Psychological Cost of Intellectual Elitism Intellectual elitism can also affect youths emotional development. Youths relationship with education can become dominated by fear when their self-worth is tied to academic results. An examination becomes a quick judgement for their intelligence, social standing and family honour rather than an opportunity to demonstrate learning. Competitive exams like NEET or civil services exam involve demanding preparation and uncertain results. Yet, failure, which is a possible part of any competitive process, can become difficult to cope with when students results are treated as a reflection of the entire familys prestige, leaving the student in a quandary about their own worth and identity. Constant comparisons can also create a sense of inadequacy, disregard and jealousy. They discourage intellectual curiosity, and children may begin to see their peers as rivals. Hence, forcing young people to pursue something that will prevent them from criticism should not be justified. Additionally, the inability of Kashmiri parents to accept failure discourages students from taking intellectual risks. They may avoid exams because they are taught that their worth depends on never failing, making them image conscious. Yet learning requires the freedom to ask questions, make mistakes and try again. Parents can have high expectations without making children's love and dignity conditional on material achievement. Resilience grows when children are taught to face setbacks constructively. Education should not merely prepare them to succeed in exams, but also help them become individuals capable of facing uncertainty, learning from mistakes and making responsible decisions. Reclaiming the Purpose of Education Kashmir needs to reflect on the education culture it is creating. When youngsters are encouraged to pursue education primarily for personal pride and prestige, purpose of education turns an individual possession rather than a means of contributing to society at large. Inherently, there is nothing wrong with personal achievement, ambition or financial success. These can be valuable and compatible with Islamic ethics, but the concern lies in the absence of broader purpose behind education. Kashmiri parents and teachers can encourage youngsters to pursue knowledge to address the social challenges, grow as an indispensable part of society, develop conscience, rather than simply secure recognition and status. These expectations can pass from one generation to the next. A child repeatedly taught that true success in life is measured by being a doctor may grow up imposing the same mind-set in their children. Similarly, someone made to feel inferior for opting a field other than medicine may unknowingly pass the same prejudice to their children. Intellectual elitism therefore can become an intergenerational pattern. The change begins with a different understanding of achievement. Earning a livelihood is important and education helps us attain it. Academic excellence deserves acknowledgement, but a person without a degree can possess integrity and wisdom. Hence, Kashmiris need not to abandon academic excellence, ambition, the pursuit of financial independence or the respect for medicine, and civil services. What needs to change is the hierarchy through which society assigns worth to individual and disciplines. Educational achievement should not be confused with human superiority. If we genuinely want to reclaim the Islamic value of knowledge, we must teach young people to pursue it with humility rather than using it as a tool for self-glorification. The question is not whether we become doctors, engineers, civil servants or teachers. The question is whether we are learning ethics through the pursuit of these professions. Perhaps the first place to begin is not our schools or universities but our homes, in the language we use with our children. (The Author is a graduate of International Islamic University Malaysia)
Ramleela Begins at Dewana Mandir in Jammu
Jammu, Oct 11: The Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj on Saturday commenced its annual Ramleela at Dewana Mandir in Jammu East, marking the beginning of the Navratri celebrations with religious rituals and devotional performances. The programme began with pooja and archana, followed by the formal inauguration by Jammu East MLA and Samaj Chairman Yudhvir Sethi in the presence of SHO Paccadanga Rakesh Manni, President Anil Masoom, General Secretary Bharat Bhushan and other members of the organising committee. The inauguration was marked by the hoisting of the flag. Addressing the gathering, Sethi said Ramleela was an important medium for preserving Sanatan traditions and conveying the teachings of Lord Shri Ram. He said the performances promote values such as truth, righteousness, devotion and duty, while helping connect younger generations with India's cultural heritage. He also highlighted the role of religious and cultural events in fostering unity and brotherhood, and appreciated the Samaj for continuing the traditional annual celebration. The opening performances drew appreciation from the audience, with artists presenting episodes from the Ramayana. The Ramleela will continue throughout Navratri, featuring various episodes from the epic. The annual event remains a part of Jammu's cultural calendar, bringing together devotees and spectators to celebrate religious traditions and promote community participation.
Trump says Russia, Ukraine agree to energy ceasefire but Kyiv says attacks continue
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said that while his country welcomed the announcement by Trump as good news for everyone, Russia was still hitting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and in the city of Kharkiv
Former Ganderbal Municipal chairman joins JKPC
Srinagar, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Sunday welcomed Hilal Ahmad Tantray, former Municipal Chairman of Ganderbal, into the party fold at a gathering attended by senior party functionaries, marking a fresh addition to the partys organisational presence in the district. The induction took place in the presence of State Secretary (Organisation) Sheikh Imran, State Secretary Abbas Wani, State Spokesperson Muneeb Quraishi and Tasaduq Yasin, Political Secretary to the party president. Tantray was accompanied by several prominent political associates, including former Sarpanch Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, Abdul Rashid Shah, Ajaz Ahmad Rather, Ajaz Ahmad Lone, Sajad Ahmad Rather, Tariq Ahmad Mir, Javid Iqbal Mir, Basharat Nazir, Nazir Ahmad Lone, Mohd Sultan Khanday and Mushtaq Ahmad Dar. Welcoming Tantray and his associates, Lone described their induction as a reflection of the partys expanding grassroots appeal, asserting that the growing participation of leaders with established public connections underscored the JKPC's increasing acceptance among the people. The growing acceptance of our party among the masses is evident in the way leaders with a proven grassroots presence are choosing to join us. Hilal Ahmad Tantray and his colleagues bring valuable experience and a strong connect with the people, qualities that will further consolidate the partys organisational strength and deepen its engagement with the public, Lone said. Reaffirming the partys commitment to inclusive politics, Lone assured the new entrants of due recognition, respect and meaningful participation in the partys political and organisational affairs. He emphasised that the Peoples Conference would continue to champion the aspirations of the people and provide a platform for their concerns and expectations. Expressing gratitude to the party leadership, Tantray thanked Lone and the senior functionaries for the warm reception and the confidence reposed in him and his associates. I thank President Sajad Lone and the entire party leadership for the warmth, trust and confidence extended to us. We are committed to working wholeheartedly towards strengthening the party and serving the people of Ganderbal with dedication, he said.
Ease of business must not endanger homes: Para
Srinagar, Oct 11: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed ur Rehman Para on Sunday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government's new ease-of-doing-business laws, alleging that the relaxation of building and land-use regulations could expose residential neighbourhoods to unchecked commercial activity and increase environmental and flood-related risks. Para questioned the government's justification for the changes, saying measures presented as business reforms could weaken planning safeguards and allow commercial establishments to operate in residential areas. We opposed the new laws brought in by the J&K government, and I will say why again. They are calling it ease of doing business. Look at what it actually does, Para said. He claimed the new provisions would permit shops and other commercial activities within residential localities, with restrictions largely confined to Red and Orange category industries and certain activities, including storage, freight operations, nightclubs and liquor shops. Everything else can open next to your house, he said, warning that the changes could alter the character of residential neighbourhoods. The PDP leader also raised concerns over provisions relating to building permissions, claiming that residential structures up to 24 metres in height and 5,000 square metres in size could be constructed without floor area ratio (FAR) or ground coverage restrictions, subject to certification by a government-approved consultant. He further alleged that commercial buildings, including malls of similar dimensions, could be developed without prior government approval. Para questioned whether consultant certification could provide adequate scrutiny in the absence of conventional regulatory oversight. Who checks the person who signs the certificate? A signed paper is not oversight, he said. Referring to the devastating floods of 2014, Para warned that weakening land-use and construction safeguards could aggravate risks in areas already vulnerable to flooding. We lived through the 2014 floods. We know what happens when drains choke and wetlands and floodplains are built over. These laws make that risk bigger, he said. He maintained that unregulated construction and commercial expansion could put pressure on drainage networks, residential infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas. The PDP leader said investment and business development were necessary but should not come at the expense of public safety, environmental protection and planned urban growth. Investment is welcome, but not at the cost of people's homes and safety. Planning rules are there to protect us. Remove them, and we pay for it the next time the water rises, Para said. His remarks come amid concerns over the implications of regulatory changes for urban planning and environmental protection in Jammu and Kashmir. The claims regarding permissible building heights, exemptions and approval requirements are Para's interpretation of the new provisions and have not been independently verified against the notified rules.
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Mehbooba flags risks of high-rise construction
Srinagar, Oct 11: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday raised concerns over the opening up of agricultural land and orchards in Jammu and Kashmir for commercial high-rise construction, warning that such development could threaten food security and expose people to serious seismic risks. In a post on X, the former chief minister questioned the government's development approach, alleging that agricultural and horticultural land was being made available for commercial construction despite warnings about earthquake-related hazards. In the name of development, J&Ks orchards and agricultural land are being opened up for commercial high rises, even as experts warn of catastrophic seismic and liquefaction risks, Mehbooba said. She described the alleged changes as a threat not only to the region's agricultural resources but also to the safety of people living in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. This is not development. It is a dangerous betrayal of our land, our food security and our peoples lives, she said. The PDP president also questioned accountability in the event of a disaster arising from construction in vulnerable areas. Who will take responsibility when this reckless experiment turns into a disaster? she asked. Her remarks come amid criticism of changes to building and land-use regulations in Jammu and Kashmir, with opposition leaders questioning their implications for urban planning, agricultural land protection and environmental safety. However, Mehbooba did not identify specific projects or provide details of the expert assessments referred to in her post. Her claims regarding the extent of land opened for commercial construction remain unverified.
Jitendra Singh felicitates Kashmiri youth Faheem Nazir after alleged Delhi assault
New Delhi, Oct 11: Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh felicitated Srinagar youth Faheem Nazir, who was allegedly assaulted in Delhi after raising slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with a BJP Minority Morcha delegation. The delegation, led by BJP Minority Morcha national president Kunwar Basit Ali, met Singh and apprised him of the incident involving Nazir, according to a statement issued by the party's minority wing. During the interaction, Singh heard Nazir's account of the alleged assault, appreciated his courage and felicitated him for standing by his political views despite the incident, the statement said. The meeting comes days after Nazir was allegedly attacked in Delhi following an exchange with people attending an event in the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The BJP Minority Morcha has accused persons associated with the Congress of involvement in the assault and demanded a fair and impartial investigation. The allegation against Congress-linked persons has not been independently established. According to the statement, Singh listened to Nazir's account of the incident and acknowledged his decision to express his political views despite the alleged intimidation. Basit Ali said every citizen had the constitutional right to support a political leader of their choice and express opinions without fear of violence. He maintained that political differences should be addressed through democratic discussion rather than intimidation or physical confrontation. The BJP Minority Morcha also said members of minority communities should be free to make independent political choices and should not be treated merely as a vote bank. During the meeting, Nazir reaffirmed his commitment to India's unity, sovereignty and constitutional values, the statement said. He also expressed concern over political instability in neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and stressed the importance of safeguarding India's democratic institutions. Faheem Nazir is not alone. The entire nation stands with him. His courage reflects the dignity, resilience and spirit of a fearless India, the Morcha said. BJP Jammu and Kashmir State Executive Member and Minority Morcha co-incharge Aijaz Hussain also accompanied the delegation and expressed solidarity with Nazir. The Morcha reiterated its demand for an impartial investigation into the alleged assault and action in accordance with law. The statement did not provide details of any fresh action taken by investigating authorities in connection with the incident.
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Pathania inaugurates two road projects in Udhampur
Udhampur: MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania on Sunday inaugurated two road development works aimed at strengthening rural connectivity and accelerating socio-economic development across the constituency. The projects include the laying of road base material (RBM) on the Larey-Smal to Sochi Moh Road in Panchayat Sumwal, Block Majalta, under the CD & P Budget 202627, at an estimated cost of 4.85 lakh, and the Balpur-Kamdala road project from Km 0.350 to Bani, covering a length of 4.1 kilometres, under PMGSY-IV, Batch-I, 202627, in Block Khoon, at a sanctioned cost of 887.68 lakh. Addressing the gathering, Pathania reiterated his vision of developing Udhampur East into a well-connected constituency, with a comprehensive road network reaching every corner of the region. He said road infrastructure was fundamental to economic growth, social integration and balanced regional development. He said improved road connectivity would facilitate access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, markets, employment opportunities and other essential public services. Better roads, he added, would empower rural communities, strengthen local economies and accelerate development across various sectors. The MLA reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening road infrastructure across Udhampur East, particularly in remote and underserved areas. He said the focus remained on developing durable, all-weather roads to ensure that the benefits of development reached every household and no area was left behind. Speaking about ongoing road development works, Pathania said macadamisation of Dhar Road from Paldhai to Battal was in progress. He added that the remaining stretch from Battal to Kishanpur would be taken up shortly, with efforts underway to ensure the road was brought into proper motorable condition. He said improved connectivity was essential to address the longstanding difficulties faced by commuters and residents while facilitating the smoother movement of people and goods. The ongoing and proposed projects, he added, reflected a sustained effort to upgrade the road network and create infrastructure for long-term growth. Local residents welcomed the initiatives and expressed appreciation for the efforts being made to improve connectivity in the area. Those present on the occasion included Mohan Lal Sharma, Mandal Pradhan; Mohinder Sharma, Mandal Pradhan; Raman Khajuria; Devi Dass; Kulwant Singh; Bishan Dass; and other local residents. Pathania reiterated that the development of Udhampur East would continue to focus on public welfare, equitable growth and stronger infrastructure, with road connectivity remaining a key priority.
Dy CM rejects resignation rumours
Jammu, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday dismissed reports of a ministerial resignation as false, saying decisions regarding the party's leadership rested with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Speaking to reporters after visiting Bawe Wali Mata Temple on the first day of Navratri, Choudhary said no minister had resigned and urged the media to focus on public issues rather than speculation over political developments. He said people should be given accurate information and expressed concern over news coverage that, according to him, often overlooks issues affecting the public. Referring to an incident involving children in Delhi, the Deputy Chief Minister said their concerns and demands for their rights deserved attention. On questions regarding possible changes or extensions within the party, Choudhary said the final decision would be taken by Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. He expressed confidence in the party leadership, saying people had faith in their leaders, and reiterated that the media should give greater attention to public concerns and matters of wider social importance.
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Free medical camp held in Budgam
Budgam, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, in collaboration with Salute 72 Blood Donors Group, organised a free medical camp at Imambargah Mirgund in Budgam to provide healthcare services to local residents. According to a statement, Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian President Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi, accompanied by General Secretary Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mosavi Al-Safavi, visited the camp and reviewed the facilities available to attendees. The Anjuman leaders appreciated the efforts of Salute 72 Blood Donors Group and other organisers, stressing the importance of community-based initiatives in improving access to healthcare and addressing public health needs at the grassroots level. They also highlighted the role of cooperation between religious and social organisations in promoting community welfare and extending humanitarian assistance. The statement said the camp was part of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian's ongoing welfare activities, with the organisers calling for sustained collaboration among community groups to strengthen healthcare access and outreach.
Six years on, Gampora school in Budgam awaits new building
Budgam, Oct 11: Despite the government spending a substantial amount on the construction of a new school building in Gampora village of Beerwah tehsil in central Kashmirs Budgam district, students continue to attend classes in an old, dilapidated structure that lacks basic facilities, including a toilet and safe drinking water. Locals said the new school building was provided by the government nearly six years ago and its construction has been completed. However, the building has yet to be made functional, forcing students to continue their studies in the old school building under poor conditions. Abdul Hamid Sheikh, a resident of Gampora village told Rising Kashmir that the old school building lacks essential facilities such as toilets, drinking water and a playground. He said the deteriorating condition of the structure has made it difficult for students to attend classes in a safe and comfortable environment. The students have to visit neighbouring houses to use their toilets as there is no washroom available in the school. The premises are also without proper fencing, allowing stray dogs to roam around the school at any time, Sheikh said. He said that the newly constructed school building had also suffered damage despite being completed years ago. According to him, the washrooms and windows of the new structure have been damaged, while the absence of an approach road has further complicated efforts to make the building operational. If the government has spent a huge amount of public money on constructing a new school building, why has it not been handed over or made functional for the Education Department?, Sheikh said. Another local resident said the lack of basic infrastructure in the government school was adversely affecting the education of children in the village. The residents urged the concerned authorities to intervene and ensure that students are provided with a safe learning environment. They have also appealed to the authorities to address the issue at the earliest and make the new school building functional so that students can pursue their education in a safe and suitable environment. An official from the Zonal Education Office, Beerwah, said that a case related to the school building is pending with the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau. The residents have appealed to the authorities to address the issue at the earliest and make the new school building functional so that students can pursue their education in a safe and suitable environment.
