States

Haryana power discoms seek review of licence

Meanwhile, the HPEA and AIPEF have filed caveats before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), seeking to ensure that no ex-parte order is passed without hearing the State government and power engineers

Many parts of Delhi reel under severe level air pollution

The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was 379 (very poor) at 9 a.m. on November 4, 2026, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data

OpenAI employees warned about operational security lapses for years, sources say

Some workers argued that OpenAIs controls were so lax that outsiders, including foreign governments, could obtain sensitive information about the AI labs technology with relative ease, the people said

In huge blow to Republicans, Democrat Talarico flips U.S. Senate seat in Texas

Democrats notched a string of early victories in U.S. midterm elections, flipping a Republican-held Senate seat and making inroads in conservative House districts as President Donald Trump faced the prospect of a bruising election setback

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms becomes first Black woman Governor in U.S.

Lance Bottoms defeated billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson, the Republican candidate. Outgoing Republican Governor Brian Kemp was term-limited and could not run again

Canva to cut about 22% of staff as growth slowdown triggers restructuring

Canva is combining its product, growth and platform teams into a single product organisation

Democratic gains mount in U.S. midterms as Donald Trump faces bruising verdict

The Opposition party also retained key Senate seats, while victory in Georgias Governor race added to mounting signs that Republicans face a difficult night

Rising Democratic star Jon Ossoffs reelection fuels presidential prospects

While the 39-year-old has said that he has zero interest in running for President, his victory in Georgia bolsters his status in the Democratic Party two years before the next presidential vote

JNU to confer Professor Emeritus title on Amitabh Mattoo

After deliberations at the meeting, it was decided that the title would be conferred effective after the date of his voluntary retirement on February 28, 2027

Trump says U.S. has no immediate plan to strike Iran: report

We seem to be getting everything we want, he told FT

Two Killed as Massive Fire Engulfs 80 Temporary Shelters in Srinagars Durbal Bemina

Srinagar: What began as a fire in a cluster of makeshift shelters turned into a night of tragedy at Durbal Bemina, claiming two lives and reducing around 80 temporary structures to ashes during the intervening night. The devastating blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight, engulfed nearly 80 Make shift tents leaving behind charred remains of shelters and belongings. An empty poultry farm and a tipper were also caught in the fire. Officials told Rising Kashmir that the State Fire Control Room, Batamaloo, received a distress call at around 12:23 AM, reporting a fire in temporary shelters (juggies) made of tarpaulin and wooden material. Immediately after receiving the information, fire tenders from Fire Station JVC and Fire Station Rawalpora were rushed to the spot. Upon reaching the location, firefighters found a large number of makeshift structures engulfed in flames. They said that, Considering the intensity and magnitude of the blaze, additional firefighting resources, including fire tenders and water bowsers, were mobilised from F&ES Headquarters, Batamaloo, to strengthen the operation. Personnel from Police Station Bemina, SDPO Bemina and local residents also assisted the Fire and Emergency Services teams in controlling the blaze and managing the situation at the site. After sustained firefighting efforts, the flames were brought under control. However, during a subsequent search operation, two bodies were recovered from the debris of the burnt structures. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Noor Alam (27), son of Abdul Wahab, originally from Delhi and presently residing at Durbal, and Al Ameen (16), son of Mohammad Rafi, originally from Delhi and presently residing at Kupwara. Both were reportedly working as scrap collectors in the Durbal area. Following the completion of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) proceedings, the bodies were handed over to the local police for further legal formalities. Officials also said that Deputy Director, Command Srinagar, Dr Aqib Hussain Mir, along with Mobilising Officer Aijaz Ahmad Shah, DFO City and DFO Headquarters, remained actively involved in overseeing the mobilisation of firefighting resources and coordinating the teams deployed at the incident site. They said that The exact cause of the fire remains unknown and is being investigated by the concerned authorities.

SKUAST-K holds training on animal disease diagnosis

Srinagar, Nov 3: The Directorate of Extension and Directorate of SAMETI, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) on Tuesday inaugurated a three-day training programme on Field-Oriented Disease Diagnostic Techniques at Directorate of Extension, Shalimar, Srinagar. The programme is being attended by 30 Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VAS) from the Departments of Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry, Jammu and Kashmir, and aims to strengthen their practical competencies in animal disease diagnosis, surveillance, and management. The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, along with scientists, faculty members, resource persons, and participating veterinary officers. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai emphasized the importance of strengthening field-level animal disease diagnostic services through continuous professional development, practical training, and the adoption of modern diagnostic technologies. He highlighted the critical role of early and accurate disease diagnosis in preventing disease outbreaks, reducing economic losses among livestock farmers, and improving animal health and productivity. He stressed the need for collaboration between the University and line departments to ensure that scientific advancements are translated into practical solutions for livestock and sheep farmers. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, highlighted the importance of capacity-building programmes in bridging the gap between scientific research and field-level veterinary practices. She reiterated the commitment of the Directorate of Extension and SAMETI to organizing need-based, skill-oriented training programmes to address emerging challenges in animal health and disease management. The three-day training programme focuses on strengthening practical skills in animal disease diagnosis, including clinical examination, collection and handling of diagnostic samples, laboratory-based diagnostic techniques, disease surveillance, and interpretation of diagnostic findings. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Riyaz Ahmad, Scientist, SKUAST-Kashmir.

Suhas Subramanyam re-elected as U.S. Congressman from Virginia

Mr. Subramanyam, 40, won from Virginias 10th congressional district, polling over 61.5% of the vote against Republican Dave Beckwith, who managed to win 36.4% of the ballots cast

NC goes Ruh (Soul) less

You used me, Ruhullah tells NC leadership Budgam, Nov 03: You used me. With these words, Srinagar Member Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday accused the National Conference leadership of exploiting his political credibility to secure electoral victories in 2024 before abandoning its commitments to the people, as he announced his resignation from the party and the Lok Sabha, ending a 24-year association with the NC. Addressing thousands of supporters at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam district on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah delivered an approximately 80-minute address, launching an unprecedented attack on NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over what he described as the betrayal of the people's mandate and abandonment of the struggle for Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional rights. Ruhullah said his decision was driven by principles, conscience and the political commitments made to people during the 2024 Assembly elections, rather than any personal grievance or disappointment over not being accommodated in the government. In a symbolic gesture, he signed his two-page resignation letter on the podium before handing it over to Mohammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of 17-year-old Tufail Mattoo, who was killed during the 2010 unrest when Omar Abdullah was Chief Minister. He asked Mattoo to forward the letter to Farooq Abdullah. Mehdi also announced his resignation from the Srinagar parliamentary constituency and said he had emailed his resignation to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The Srinagar seat, however, will become vacant only after the Speaker accepts his resignation. Describing his departure from the party as a decree of freedom, Ruhullah said he had no intention of simply shifting from one political party to another. Instead, he wanted to build a movement of honest, compassionate and committed people who would take forward the struggle for the dignity and rights of Jammu and Kashmir. At the heart of Ruhullah's address was his charge that the National Conference had used his political credibility and the trust people had placed in him to secure electoral victories before abandoning the very commitments on which it had sought votes. You used me, he said, recounting the political developments ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that the party had initially approached him to contest from Baramulla, citing the presence of Shia voters, but he suggested that Omar Abdullah contest from north Kashmir instead. Ruhullah was subsequently fielded from Srinagar, where he won the parliamentary election. Recounting developments following Omar Abdullah's electoral defeat in Baramulla, Ruhullah claimed that the Chief Minister had told him that the dignity of the National Conference and the people of Jammu and Kashmir rested in his hands. I took that responsibility seriously and raised the issue of the region's constitutional rights in Parliament, he said. He said the party again sought his support during the Assembly elections, assuring him that it would fight for the dignity and constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir rather than confine its political agenda to restoration of statehood. However, he alleged that the leadership began retreating from its position on Article 370 almost immediately after forming the government. You got power in 2024, and from the second day, when we spoke about Article 370, you started saying no. Is this the dignity promised? he asked. Ruhullah said the NC had received a massive mandate in 2024 because people had invested their anger, expectations and political hopes in the party. He said he had campaigned tirelessly for it but was deeply hurt when the leadership abandoned the struggle that had brought it back to power. He also recalled the party's commitments on rationalisation of reservation, 200 units of free electricity, restoration of constitutional guarantees and release of prisoners, accusing the leadership of failing to carry forward the promises made to voters. Taking direct aim at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah criticised his conduct after assuming office, particularly his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said the presentation of shawls to the national leadership had disappointed people who expected the NC government to assert Jammu and Kashmir's political concerns. He also revisited Omar's remarks during the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg in January 2025, when the Chief Minister told the Prime Minister that the weather had supported the event and there was not a cloud in the sky. Ruhullah said a lack of clouds during Chillai Kalan, Kashmir's harshest winter period, was actually a bad omen, questioning the Chief Minister's understanding of the region's realities. He further challenged the respect commanded by the office of the Chief Minister, saying the chair might carry authority but that authority did not automatically command public respect. He said he bowed his head and placed his cap and turban only before Almighty Allah. Recalling the December 2024 student protest over reservation outside the Chief Minister's residence at Gupkar, Ruhullah said he had stood with the protesting youth because their concerns were genuine and deserved to be heard. His participation in the demonstration had become a major flashpoint in his relations with the party leadership. Accusing the NC government of being subservient to the Centre, Ruhullah declared that Kashmir would engage with New Delhi on its own terms and would not accept an agenda imposed from outside. Ruhullah also made clear that his resignation was not the end of his political engagement. He said he wanted to identify honest young people with compassion and commitment who were willing to enter public life and fight for the rights and dignity of their people. I will go as far as I need to find them, he said, appealing to parents to encourage their educated and hardworking children to participate in politics and work towards changing society. He said some people wanted him to form a new political party, but his immediate priority was to launch a broader movement for the restoration of dignity and respect in Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement came against the backdrop of growing disquiet within the National Conference following its recent Cabinet expansion and reports of differences among party legislators over the distribution of ministerial positions.

Dir Agri Kashmir reviews progress of apiculture, migration of bee colonies

Srinagar, Nov 3: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, on Tuesday chaired a virtual meeting to review the progress of various activities and initiatives being implemented under Apiculture sector. The meeting focused on assessing the overall progress of apiculture-related activities, reviewing the status of ongoing initiatives and identifying measures to further strengthen and promote the beekeeping sector across Kashmir. A key agenda item was the proposed migration of bee colonies from Kashmir to Jammu. Detailed deliberations were held on the arrangements and measures required to facilitate the smooth and timely migration of bee colonies, keeping in view seasonal requirements and the interests of the beekeeping community. Various issues and challenges faced by beekeepers were also discussed, with particular emphasis on strengthening field-level coordination, providing timely technical guidance and ensuring effective implementation of departmental interventions. Speaking on the occasion, the Director, stressed the need for a coordinated and result-oriented approach towards strengthening the apiculture sector. He directed the concerned officers to work proactively, maintain close coordination with beekeepers and ensure that all necessary arrangements for the migration of bee colonies are made in a timely and systematic manner. The Director reiterated the departments commitment to promoting scientific beekeeping practices, enhancing honey production and improving the economic prospects of the beekeeping community through sustained institutional support, technical guidance and effective field-level interventions. The meeting was attended by Chief Agriculture Officers, Assistant Entomologist and concerned Apiculture Development Officers from across the Kashmir Division.

CM distributes 17 PWD appointment letters

Jammu, Nov 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday distributed appointment letters to 17 candidates appointed in the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department here at the Civil Secretariat. The appointment letters were distributed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Anil Kumar Singh, Director Finance, R&B, and other concerned officers. The Chief Minister congratulated the newly appointed candidates and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. He expressed hope that they would discharge their duties with dedication, sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility, contributing meaningfully to the functioning of the department and the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The appointees include eight Supervisors and eight Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) appointed under the RAS, while one candidate has been appointed under SRO-43.

IND vs NZ first ODI: India opts to bowl against New Zealand

There was no Mohammed Siraj in the line-up with Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh set to share the bowling responsibilities

CM calls for faster work on new Assembly Complex

Jammu, Nov 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inspected the ongoing construction of the New Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu and reviewed the progress of the prestigious project, stressing the need for its timely completion while ensuring the highest standards of quality. During the inspection, the Chief Minister was briefed by the concerned officers on the status of construction and the measures being undertaken to accelerate the pace of work. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for effective coordination among the concerned departments and executing agency, systematic execution of works and strict adherence to prescribed specifications. He underscored the importance of completing the project within the stipulated timeline, given its significance as a key institutional infrastructure for Jammu and Kashmir. The New Legislative Assembly Complex, being constructed at a revised estimated cost of 208.53 crore, has a total built-up area of 22,165 square metres. The project was initially taken up in 2012, but construction remained stalled since 2018. The long-pending project was revived following the grant of revised administrative approval by the present Government in 2025, paving the way for the resumption of construction. Under the Omar Abdullah-led Government, work on the project resumed on February 15, 2026, with October 31, 2027, fixed as the scheduled date of completion. An expenditure of 5.97 crore had been incurred on the project up to October 31, 2026. The six-level complex will house a modern Assembly Hall, Central Hall, visitor and press galleries, committee rooms and advanced building management systems. The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments and executing agency to maintain close coordination and ensure expeditious execution of the project without compromising on quality or the stipulated completion timeline. He reiterated the Governments commitment to strengthening institutional infrastructure and ensuring the timely completion of projects of public importance. Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Anil Kumar Singh; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, M. Raju; Secretary, Law Department, Achal Sethi; and other senior officers accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection.

1,300 disability cases pending in Jmu as clinical psychologist post vacant

Srinagar, Nov 03: A year after the retirement of the lone Clinical Psychologist at Psychiatry Hospital Jammu, the government's failure to fill the vacant post has brought disability assessment services to a standstill, leaving nearly 1,300 cases pending and children with special needs struggling to obtain disability certificates and secure school admissions. Disability rights activists in Jammu said assessment cases were pending in Jammu division following the retirement of the Clinical Psychologist, with the government yet to fill the vacant post. Umesh Sharma, a Jammu-based disability rights activist, said the absence of a Clinical Psychologist at Psychiatry Hospital Jammu had severely affected the assessment and certification process for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He said the vacancy had not only disrupted services at the hospital but had also highlighted the absence of Clinical Psychologists across the ten districts of Jammu division. Around 1,300 files are pending for assessment. Without clinical assessment, persons with disabilities are unable to obtain a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, a national identification document issued by the Government of India to persons with disabilities, Sharma said. He said the delay was particularly affecting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who require clinical assessments to obtain disability certificates and complete formalities for school admissions. Sharma said several children were being referred to the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) Srinagar for clinical assessment due to the non-availability of specialists in Jammu, causing additional inconvenience to families. He urged the government to immediately fill the vacant post at Psychiatry Hospital Jammu and explore alternative arrangements to prevent further delays in the assessment process. Where government-appointed Clinical Psychologists are not available, assessments conducted by qualified professionals registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) should be accepted. The government can also consider assessments conducted by Clinical Psychologists at AIIMS Jammu, he said. Sharma said he had repeatedly raised the issue with the Director Health Services Jammu and other concerned authorities but had received no response. He added that families and representatives from different areas of Jammu had also approached the Director Health Services, but their requests had yielded no results. The activist said he had also taken up the matter with the Government Grievance Cell nearly two years ago, but the issue remained unresolved. He said the absence of disability certificates and UDID cards was creating difficulties for students with disabilities, who require the necessary documentation to access educational facilities and concessions. The entire process has come to a halt, affecting children and persons with disabilities across Jammu division. The government must intervene immediately so that these children do not suffer because of administrative inaction, he said. Sharma also alleged that the post had remained vacant for nearly one year following the retirement of the Clinical Psychologist, despite an advertisement having been issued to fill it. Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Medical Superintendent of Psychiatry Diseases Hospital, Jammu (GMC Jammu), told Rising Kashmir that Health Minister Sakina Itoo visited GMC Jammu on Tuesday and said that the matter was taken up with her. She reassured us that the post has been re-advertised and will be filled soon on priority. We hope that the post is filled on priority, he said. Earlier, the hospital had taken up the matter with the government soon after the Clinical Psychologist retired in Nov 2025. However, the post remained vacant despite the passage of a year. The post is the only Clinical Psychologist position at GMC Jammu and caters to the needs of ten districts of the Jammu division.

SMC to intensify crackdown on illegal encroachments

Srinagar, Nov 3: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Dr. Basharat Qayoom, has ordered an intensified enforcement drive against illegal encroachments, unauthorised constructions and violations of municipal regulations across Srinagar. The SMC has made it clear that officials who fail to act against such violations will be held accountable. The directions were issued during a review meeting of the Enforcement Wing, chaired by Commissioner to assess enforcement activities and take stock of action against violations across the city. The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioner (Adm), Zone East & South and Joint Commissioner (Revenue), Zone West & North, Assistant Legal Remembrancer, Chief Enforcement Officer, Zonal Enforcement Officers and all Ward Officers. Taking stock of the enforcement measures undertaken so far, the Commissioner called for stepped-up field inspections and closer supervision to ensure that illegal encroachments, unauthorised constructions and violations of building permissions are dealt with promptly. He directed officers to act decisively on violations and ensure that complaints are not left unattended. The Commissioner also directed the concerned Joint Commissioners to undertake a comprehensive verification of all ongoing and newly raised constructions within their respective jurisdictions to ascertain whether these conform to approved building permissions and municipal regulations. A definite timeline has been prescribed for completing the exercise, with the concerned officers directed to ensure thorough verification and submit compliance within the stipulated period. Commissioner also directed for constitution of Enforcement cells under Joint Commissioners and formation of Flying Squads for quick response and verification of field reports. It was directed to develop an online platform for public to report grievances and violations. The Commissioner made it clear that public spaces cannot be allowed to fall prey to encroachments and that no one would be permitted to undertake construction in violation of approved permissions. Enforcement, he stressed, must be uniform and impartial, irrespective of the individual or interests involved. The Commissioner also took a firm view of accountability within the Enforcement Wing, directing supervisory officers to ensure that their respective jurisdictions remain under constant watch. He cautioned that any instance of negligence, dereliction of duty or deliberate failure to initiate action against violations would invite strict disciplinary action. In a significant accountability measure, the Commissioner ordered withholding of the salaries of three Zonal Enforcement Officers over lapses in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities. The action underscores the Corporations firm stance that supervisory and field-level officials will be held directly accountable for enforcement failures and any negligence in preventing or acting against illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions. Stressing the need to move beyond routine inspections, he called for sustained field-level enforcement, effective coordination among zonal and ward-level functionaries and visible action against violations on the ground. While safeguarding public spaces, enforcing building regulations and ensuring compliance with municipal laws must remain among the Corporations key priorities. The Commissioner directed the Enforcement Wing to deliver measurable results and ensure that municipal regulations are enforced in letter and spirit.

Ruhullah held rally with blessings of our people: Ram Madhav

Srinagar, Nov 03: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national vice-president Ram Madhav on Tuesday said Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah was holding his rally with the blessings of our people, while describing the growing differences within the ruling National Conference (NC) as its internal matter. Reacting to Ruhullah's announcement of his resignation from the National Conference and the Lok Sabha at a rally in Budgam, Madhav said the ruling party was visibly divided, but maintained that the BJP had no role in its internal developments. I would not like to comment on the matter, but the National Conference is visibly divided today. Ruhullah is holding the rally today with the blessings of our people, Madhav told reporters at a press conference in Jammu. Ruhullah announced his decision at a rally organised on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, who was assassinated in 2000. Madhav, who played a key role in the formation of the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir in 2015-16, was on a day-long visit to Jammu. He also held a closed-door meeting with senior BJP leaders at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar. His visit comes amid reports of growing discontent among NC legislators following the recent Cabinet expansion by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. However, Madhav sought to distance the BJP from the political developments within the ruling party, saying statements made by individual BJP legislators should not be construed as the party's official position. Let me reiterate that we have no involvement in the internal affairs of the National Conference. Whatever statements our MLAs make are a separate matter. This is entirely an internal matter of the NC, and its leaders are fighting among themselves, he said. Several BJP legislators and senior leaders have recently claimed that the NC was heading towards a split and that the Omar Abdullah-led government could face instability amid the growing dissent. Referring to Ruhullah's public announcement, Madhav said the developments reflected the internal situation of the National Conference. Today, one of their own MPs has come out and is holding a programme. That is their internal affair. What do we have to do with it? he said. Asked about the possible political developments and their implications for Jammu and Kashmir, Madhav declined to speculate, saying the situation would have to unfold before any conclusions could be drawn. Yes, all bridges are crossed when you reach them, he said.

NC hits back: Where was Ruhullahs Art 370 fight?

Srinagar, Nov 03: Hours after Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his resignation from the National Conference and the Lok Sabha, the party on Tuesday launched a blistering counterattack, questioning his parliamentary record on Article 370 and accusing him of selectively invoking special status, reservation and the 2010 unrest to justify his departure. In a strongly worded statement, the NC accused Ruhullah of mental and moral bankruptcy and self-obsession, alleging that his invocation of the Holy Quran and the message of human dignity was contradicted by the derogatory and unparliamentary language he used against the party leadership. Questioning the timing of his resignation, the party alleged that Ruhullah had decided to quit only after being asked to do so by the party president. The NC also questioned his references to the 2010 unrest and the killing of Tufail Mattoo, pointing out that he had remained a minister in Omar Abdullah's government until being dropped in a reshuffle and subsequently contested the 2014 Assembly elections on an NC ticket. It accused him of revisiting the events of 2010 after 16 years when it suited his political position. Countering Ruhullah's allegation that the NC had abandoned the struggle for special status, the party recalled that he was among the first to welcome the November 6 Assembly resolution seeking its restoration, describing it at the time as a promise fulfilled. The NC questioned what efforts Ruhullah had made in Parliament to mobilise secular parties and MPs in support of restoration of special status and statehood. Referring to his role in gathering signatures of more than 100 MPs for an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav, the party asked why he had not undertaken a similar exercise for Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional rights. Can he tell us if he ever made such an effort to gather signatures of MPs for the restoration of special status or statehood? the NC asked. It also questioned whether Ruhullah had attempted to move a resolution or introduce a Bill in Parliament seeking restoration of constitutional guarantees or statehood. The party said Ruhullah had been elected to highlight the dispossession of Jammu and Kashmir's people and the erosion of the elected government's authority under the prevailing administrative arrangement. On reservation, the NC accused him of directing criticism towards the elected government rather than the Centre, which it held responsible for the existing framework. It said the government had constituted a Cabinet sub-committee in fulfilment of its electoral commitment and initiated changes to the reservation policy, but alleged that the file had subsequently been stalled by the authorities. The party questioned whether Ruhullah had raised the delay in Parliament or sought an explanation from the Centre. It also pointed out that he had been elected to the Lok Sabha nearly six months before the Assembly elections, asking whether he had organised any protest against the Lieutenant Governor demanding justice for open merit candidates during that period. The NC further questioned his intervention over alleged recruitment irregularities, examination controversies and the grievances of unemployed youth. Defending its political approach, the party said the elected government remained conscious of its limitations under the prevailing constitutional and administrative arrangement and had carefully charted a roadmap on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir's identity and existence.

In Karnataka seat where vote chori claims first surfaced, over 800 voter IDs linked to 397 names after SIR

In the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, some voters were found listed in the final rolls with the same EPIC number in two different constituencies; in some other cases, voters were issued multiple EPIC IDs

Spains Transport Minister offers resignation after deadly train crash

Last week's crash, along with another disaster earlier this year, has overshadowed the campaign for the ballot, with PM Sanchez trailing in opinion polls

Morning Digest: Polls begin closing in U.S. midterm elections as early surveys predict change; ECI to take no action against voters seeking re-enrolment through Form 6; and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

GRAP 2 restrictions in Delhi: Whats allowed and whats not

Delhi imposes GRAP Stage 2 restrictions as AQI hits very poor; bans for older vehicles, boosts parking fees, and encourages usage of public transport. Heres what allowed and whats not.

Days after transfer as Sagar SP, IPS officer Anurag Sujania resigns amid ongoing liquor row in M.P.

Anurag Sujania, along with Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal, had been removed on October 27, over a month after a hooch tragedy killed more than 25 in the district

Driver who ran over M.P. police officer arrested

Special DG Upendra Jain told The Hindu that while arresting the driver is a priority, various teams are also looking for the other three accused of an interstate illicit liquor racket

Face recognition vans, drones deployed to secure Delhis Sadar Bazar ahead of Deepavali

With festive shopping drawing huge crowds to the Old Delhi wholesale market, police step up surveillance with paramilitary flag marches, watchtowers and round-the-clock deployment to prevent theft and manage congestion.

Israel attorney general asks intel services to provide proof of poll fraud

Head of Shin Bet, David Zini, a close associate of Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had requested to question the leaders of the Arab parties as part of an investigation

Gurugram Orders 50% WFH, Curbs Construction From Tomorrow Amid Pollution

The directions have been issued in compliance with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and will be enforced across the district.

The Responsibility Behind Every Share

Social media has become part of everyday life. It helps people stay connected, share ideas and draw attention to issues that might otherwise go unheard. In moments of crisis, a post can bring urgent information to thousands within minutes. But the same speed that makes these platforms powerful can also magnify rumours, expose private lives and turn disagreement into abuse. The freedom to publish must therefore be matched by a responsibility to use that freedom carefully. A message forwarded without verification may appear harmless, yet it can create fear, damage reputations or deepen tensions. In a crowded digital space, false claims often travel faster than corrections. Users should pause before sharing sensational content, check its source and distinguish between confirmed information and speculation. When a claim cannot be verified, restraint is not silence; it is a responsible choice. That duty applies equally to public figures, institutions and media organisations. A large following brings greater influence, and influence carries consequences. Those who publish to wide audiences should be especially careful with facts, images and claims. Corrections should be visible when errors occur. Deleting a misleading post without acknowledging the mistake may not undo the harm already caused. Respectful disagreement is another measure of responsible use. Social media allows people with different views to meet, but debate loses value when it relies on threats, personal attacks or humiliation. Criticising an argument or decision is part of public discussion; targeting a person with abuse is not. The line should be clear, even when emotions run high. Privacy also deserves greater care. A photograph, video or personal detail shared without consent can follow someone long after the original post disappears. Children and vulnerable people require particular protection. Before publishing, users should consider whether the material is necessary, whether it could cause harm and whether the person concerned has agreed to its circulation. Responsibility cannot rest only with individual users. Platforms should act against coordinated harassment, scams and harmful misinformation through clear rules and fair enforcement. Schools and families can help young people develop the habit of questioning what they see online and understanding that digital actions have real-world consequences. Public awareness must go beyond warnings; it should build practical skills in verification, privacy and respectful communication. Social media is neither inherently harmful nor automatically empowering. Its value depends on how people use it and how platforms govern it. Every user may not control what appears in the feed, but each can decide what to amplify, what to question and how to treat others. A healthier digital public square begins with that everyday responsibility: think before posting, verify before sharing and disagree without demeaning.

When will 14 State-run universities get Vice-Chancellors and Syndicates, Madras High Court asks T.N. government

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh suo motu impleads Higher Education Secretary as a respondent to a batch of applications filed by him and calls for explanation by November 17

Enforcement Must Reach The Ground

Srinagars public spaces and neighbourhoods cannot be protected by orders alone. The Srinagar Municipal Corporations decision to intensify action against encroachments and unauthorised construction is welcome, particularly because it places responsibility not just on violators but also on officials who fail to do their duty. But the real test will be whether this campaign changes what residents see on the ground. The Commissioners directions address familiar weaknesses in municipal enforcement: inspections that are too infrequent, complaints left unattended and construction that proceeds without adequate scrutiny. Verification of ongoing and newly raised structures, enforcement cells under Joint Commissioners and flying squads could help close gaps between rules and practice. An online platform for reporting violations may also make it easier for residents to flag problems. These measures, however, will be meaningful only if complaints receive timely responses and follow-up action is visible. The order to withhold the salaries of three Zonal Enforcement Officers is a pointed signal that accountability cannot stop at the person who raises a structure or occupies public land. Supervisory and field officers are entrusted with enforcing municipal law; inaction, where established, damages public confidence and allows violations to become harder to reverse. Yet accountability must be transparent, evidence-based and consistent. It should apply wherever responsibility lies, not only where action is easiest to demonstrate. That consistency is essential. The Commissioner has stressed that enforcement must be impartial, irrespective of individual or interest. Srinagars residents will judge the drive by whether the same rules apply across wards and to people with influence as well as those without it. Selective demolition or sporadic inspections would reinforce the suspicion that regulations are negotiable. Uniform enforcement, carried out through documented procedures, can instead establish that public space and approved building permissions are not matters of privilege. The proposed verification exercise will require careful execution. A definite timeline can focus officials work, but speed must not displace accuracy. Records of permissions, site inspections and notices should be clear, while affected parties should have access to due process. Equally, the Corporation must distinguish between established violations and cases that require clarification; credibility depends on fair treatment as much as firm action. Srinagars public spaces are a shared resource, and unchecked encroachments impose costs on everyone. The city needs enforcement that is sustained rather than episodic: regular field checks, coordination between zonal and ward staff, prompt complaint handling and public reporting of results. The Commissioner has set expectations. The Corporation must now show that its orders produce measurable, even-handed action and that accountability applies not only when a drive is announced, but every day thereafter.

The Quantum Advance: A New Chapter in the Future of Computing

What if the next major advance in computing does not simply make machines faster, but helps humanity explore possibilities that have remained beyond the reach of conventional technology? This is the promise of quantum computing, a field that could open new possibilities in medicine, materials, energy and scientific knowledge. Computers have reshaped communication, learning and work. Supercomputers perform demanding scientific calculations. Now, scientists are exploring a form of computing that could open a chapter in this journey. A conventional computer stores information in units called bits. Each bit represents zero or one. A quantum computer uses a quantum bit, or qubit, whose behaviour follows quantum physics, the science of matter and energy at small scales. A qubit can exist in a combination of possible states, called superposition. Qubits can also share a special quantum connection, in which the state of one is linked to another. These properties allow quantum computers to approach specialised calculations differently from conventional machines. Quantum computers will not replace laptops, smartphones or supercomputers. Conventional machines will continue everyday tasks, while supercomputers will handle demanding calculations. Quantum systems are being developed for specific areas of research that require different approaches. The technologies may work together. One area is the study of molecules and materials. Their behaviour follows quantum physics, making some properties difficult to model. Quantum machines may eventually help researchers explore these systems. The potential of these systems is being explored across different areas of research. Making quantum computers more reliable is an important area of research. Qubits require carefully designed conditions to work reliably, so scientists are developing methods to improve their performance. These methods combine several physical qubits to form a more reliable unit known as a logical qubit. This work is part of ongoing efforts to improve the performance of quantum computers. Google's Willow processor showed progress in reducing errors in quantum computers. A study published in the journal Nature in 2025 demonstrated improved protection of quantum information using 101 qubits. In October 2026, Quantinuum reported another advance through its Helios system, achieving 99.9995 per cent accuracy in an experiment, or about five errors per million operations. Both developments are important steps towards making quantum computers more reliable. The area of research continues to develop, with scientists exploring ways to expand its capabilities and applications. Researchers have shaped the field. John Preskill of the California Institute of Technology works on quantum information and error correction. Peter Shor of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed a landmark quantum algorithm. At Harvard, Mikhail Lukin leads research involving quantum optics and information. In Japan, Yasunobu Nakamura directs the RIKEN Centre for Quantum Computing. Around the world, research centres bring together experts from universities, scientific institutions and industry to advance quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials. Their collaboration is helping develop new ideas, knowledge and technologies. The United Kingdom's National Quantum Computing Centre helps develop and test quantum computers. Oxford leads QCi3, a research hub focused on scalable, interconnected systems. At Cambridge, the IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre opened in October 2026. The partnership also plans to bring a 256-qubit quantum computer to the university in the future. ETH Zurich advances quantum information theory. At Princeton, Nathalie de Leon studies defects in materials such as diamond that may support quantum information and sensing devices. Research in this field continues to explore new materials and improve the performance of quantum systems. Quantum computers may eventually help researchers study molecules and support the search for new medicines. They could help study materials for better batteries and more efficient technologies. Scientists are exploring possible applications in energy, transport and supply chains. Researchers continue to explore these applications and their potential benefits. Meanwhile, India is building its capabilities. Under the National Quantum Mission, four research hubs have been established. The Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru hosts the Quantum Computing Hub. IIT Madras, with the Centre for Development of Telematics, hosts the Quantum Communication Hub. IIT Bombay leads the Quantum Sensing and Metrology Hub, while IIT Delhi hosts the Quantum Materials and Devices Hub. Indian companies are contributing to this field as well. Bengaluru-based QpiAI announced QpiAI-Indus in April 2025, a quantum computing system featuring 25 superconducting qubits. The company is among eight startups selected under the National Quantum Mission, coordinated by the Department of Science and Technology. The system brings together quantum processors, specialised systems to operate them, and software designed to work alongside conventional high-performance computers. Its launch marks a step in India's efforts to develop its own quantum computing capabilities. Quantum computing is also encouraging progress in digital technology. Researchers are developing new ways to make information systems more reliable and better prepared for the next generation of computing. These developments show how scientific research can support innovation and create new opportunities across different fields. The field continues to evolve as researchers work to improve the reliability and scale of these systems. With further research and development, the technology may gradually find wider applications in specialised areas of science and industry. The next era of computing will not be shaped by one kind of computer alone. Conventional machines will support everyday life, supercomputers will handle demanding calculations, and quantum systems may offer another approach to specialised areas of scientific research. The measure of this advance will not simply be the number of qubits inside a machine. It will be the discoveries they may help make possible: better medicines, improved materials, more efficient energy systems and new scientific insights. Every major scientific advance begins with curiosity. Quantum computing is giving researchers new ways to advance scientific knowledge. Its journey is still unfolding, inviting continued curiosity, patience and hope. The greatest achievement of computing will not be measured by the sophistication of machines, but by the lasting improvements they bring to human life. (The Author is a Columnist. Email: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com )

The Autopilot Paradox: When Your Phone Starts Paying For You

TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY Imagine telling your phone, Order the monthly groceries and pay for them. You go back to your tea. The phone does the rest. India is getting ready for exactly this. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs UPI, is reportedly working on a system that would let AI assistants pay on your behalf. It sounds like pure convenience. But it raises an old question in a new form: if the machine makes a mistake with your money, who pays? What is being planned In July 2026, Business Standard reported that NPCI is building a Unified Agent Protocol. In simple terms, it is a way to register an AI assistant, check that it really works for you, and set limits on what it can do. The reported plan keeps the existing UPI system as it is and adds a new layer of checks on top. The scale is huge. NPCI data reported by StartupTalky shows UPI handled about 24 billion transactions in September 2026, worth roughly 29.4 lakh crore. Most daily life in India now runs through it. The first use, according to an unnamed payments executive quoted in the same report, will probably be small, repeat purchases such as groceries. No spending limits have been published yet. Who pays when the assistant gets it wrong Here is the catch. The report says NPCI would only check that a payment request is genuine. It would not see what is being bought. So if your AI assistant orders the wrong thing, or is tricked into paying a fraudster, the payment system may see nothing unusual. You did give it permission, after all. The law points the same way. A LiveLaw article from September 2026 explains that under the Indian Contract Act, an AI has no legal standing of its own. Responsibility goes back to the person or company that deployed it. The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) reached a similar view in a guide reported on 30 October. It says companies that control their AI systems closely cannot easily blame outsiders when things go wrong. Why Kashmir should pay attention Digital payments are everywhere in our markets, and so are the tricks around them. A Kashmir Reader study from July 2026 spoke to 102 shopkeepers in Srinagar and Anantnag. More than half had met payment spoofing, where a customer shows a fake success screen and walks off with the goods. Over 90 per cent did not know the official channels for reporting cyber fraud. If a fake screen can fool a careful shopkeeper, we should ask how well a machine will do under pressure. That is my own concern, not something the report found. Still, it is fair to ask before the system launches, not after. For shopkeepers, the lesson today is simple. Wait for the bank alert or soundbox confirmation before handing over goods. Report fraud on the national helpline, 1930. Bottom Line AI payments may well make life easier. But convenience moves risk quietly from the system to the user. Before we hand our phones the keys, we should know the limits on spending, who can reverse a wrong payment, and who answers when it goes wrong. Those details have not been announced yet, and that gap is worth watching. (The Author studies Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He is interested in emerging technologies and innovation, and can be reached on LinkedIn at @arssh-kumar14)

Flop political agenda of Congress leads to one more flop show at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi

FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS On 1st November 2026-the past Sunday, we witnessed one more flop show at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi organised by the Congress party and attended by most of the opposition parties. It was earlier claimed that ten lakh people would be attending the rally. However, even 10% of the big claim didnt participate in the event. All estimates confirm that the total number of the people attending the rally at its peak time didnt touch even 50,000 mark, which is the normal capacity of the ground. People didn't show their interest in the rally in any significant manner. All opposition parties numbering 20 or more which took part in the rally brought their cadres to the rally. Then there were a number of habitual agitators and activists also seen in the rally. Leaders of regional parties who have lost their ground in their respective regions spoke at the rally. The attendance of people in the rally, the lack of enthusiasm among them about the issues of the rally and the future agenda sent a clear message across, i.e. that there was a complete disconnect of the leaders with the people on the issues for which the rally was called with extreme fanfare. Congress and the other newly formed platforms tried to create political pressure upon the government in regard to the resignation of the CEC Gyanesh Kumar earlier also well before this rally. However, those pressure tactics didnt work and faded away with the passage of time. The organisers of these protests have clearly mentioned that their actual target was Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the Home Minister, Amit Shah whom they wanted in all circumstances to go. The accusations against SIR and resignation of Gaynesh Kumar were basically a camouflage to advance their original motives to dethrone the duly elected government. The frustration of the Congress led opposition has reached a level of no-return. They are pursuing an agenda that has no logic and legal standing. Their main thrust has remained on the so-called vote-theft issue which they are unable to substantiate in any way. They have failed to do so at the levels of CEC's office, judiciary, Parliament and also in the court of the public where they keep on losing elections after elections. The recently held elections for MLC seats in a number of states in which NDA-BJP won 16/28 seats, besides two elected MLCs joining the BJP after the results, is a classic example. In these elections, the Congress party was able to win only one seat through second preferential votes. The way the things are being manipulated, exaggerated and spoken by the opposition and particularly the principal opposition party, Congress, supported by the other newly formed groups clearly indicate that there is a foreign hand involved in these disturbing developments. These are surely aimed at creating disturbances of a bigger magnitude throughout the country and discredit the government and the nation globally. But their designs have fallen flat due to the disinterest shown by the silent majority of the country. When the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi virtually 'raided' Akashvani Bhavan, Nirvachan Sadan and the Supreme Court of India in October 2026, it actually made known to the public at large that all these things were done by the Congress in utter desperation. The Supreme Court declined to meet such a raiding delegation of Congress in its premises. Instead it asked them to file their complaint with the Apex Court which would be put to trial by the designated bench of the highest court. The Supreme Court was annoyed over Rahul Gandhi's conduct on 12 October. The Apex Court clearly questioned Rahul Gandhi's conduct during his march stating it wanted the petitioner to explain his conduct while filing the petition and noted that 'we are not happy with what was done'. A bench led by CJI Suryakant issued formal notices to Rahul Gandhi, Congress party and the other leaders. The court said that it would 'examine everything' but demanded an explanation for the commotion and crowd management during the filing. Neither Congress party nor Rahul Gandhi, nor the other opposition leaders learnt any lessons out of this fiasco. Instead of waiting for the court's verdict, they all went for the free-for-all shows castigating constitutionally elected and established institutions and dignitaries of the nation. When they met the President of India, Dropadi Murmu in regard to their grievances regarding SIR connected issues, she asked them directly for proof in this connection. The Congress party or any leader of the opposition has failed to provide any proof in this context till date. Instead Rahul Gandhi brazenly claims publicly that 'he had a feeling of vote-chori and his feeling was multiplied by the results of the elections'. On the one hand, he accuses Gyanesh Kumar of conducting SIR to favour PM Modi and BJP and on the other hand he accuses him of getting PM Modi elected as the Prime Minister of India. Gyanesh Kumar assumed his office in January 2025 while PM Modi was elected in the year 2024 for the third time. Such atrocious arguments with a false sense of righteousness has gripped the Congress party and its leaders Kharge and Rahul Gandhi beyond imagination. Unruly, uncontrolled and arrogant behaviour and conduct of the leaders of opposition, both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have been witnessed by the people umpteen times now. They have lost control over their language and public conduct. While Congress president Kharge publicly used invectives against the father of the Prime Minister Modi, Rahul Gandhi was seen involved in unruly and vagabond manner during the protests, pushing and pulling people in the rallies. The Supreme Court was compelled to issue a notice to Rahul Gandhi on a plea filed by a pregnant journalist in this regard. A sorry state of affairs about the LoP is a concern for all. 'The Supreme Court has issued notice to Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi on a plea filed by a pregnant journalist alleging that he pushed her while she was inside the top court's registry during the oppositions 12th October march to the top court. On 12th October, 2026, Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders led a crowd to the Supreme Court to submit a petition challenging the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The pregnant journalist, Richa Parashar, alleged that Rahul Gandhi had grabbed her and pulled her as she attempted to cover the march. She alleged that his security guards also pushed her; she fell in the push and was hospitalised. Respondent No.4 (Rahul Gandhi) suddenly pushed her towards the gate, with such force that she lost her balance and fell and had to break the fall with her hands. The push was delivered openly, in a crowded place, in the presence of security personnel, journalists and other persons, despite her express pleas. It was not a mere jostle of the crowd, her application states. The plea claims that even after she was pushed, no one stopped to help her. Respondent No.4 (Rahul Gandhi) did not even bother and no one, neither he nor any of the leaders, workers or security personnel accompanying him, stopped to help her or to ask whether she was hurt. With blood coming out of her hands, the applicant managed to reach a side pavement, where she sat pleading for help for almost forty minutes'. In the meantime, the Election Commission of India in response to the notice of the Supreme Court of India submitted its affidavit in the apex court and demolished the entire narrative in regard to the decisions about the SIR in the Commission. The ECI stated that all decisions regarding the 'SIR' (Summary Revision/Declaration) process were taken unanimously at the Commission. The affidavit was unanimously approved by all three members, the Chief Election Commissioner and both Election Commissioners. All three orders concerning the 'SIR' process (June, 2025, October, 2025 and May, 2026) were decisions reached unanimously by the Commission. The submission also said that there have been no changes to 'Form 6', only the Central Government has the authority to amend it. The 'SIR' declaration is a separate document. The plea seeking to restrain the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is not maintainable. The CEC can only be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge. The Commission has never released nor authorised the release of any internal notes or files to the media. The Supreme Court has already dismissed repeated challenges to the EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). On 17 November, 2026 the Supreme Court is expected to deliver the final judgement on SIR and the related issues for which the opposition has lost its sagacity to wait. As if it was not all enough, the Congress party organised a mock parliament at the residence of the LoP in Rajya Sabha and the President of the Congress party Mallikaarjuna Kharge on 31 October, 2026 (which was earlier decided to be held on 30 October, 2026). In the mock parliament, which was attended by real and fake MPs both, a resolution for the 'impeachment' of the CEC was adopted. Neither the mock parliament, nor the deliberations in it nor any sort of resolution adopted therein has any constitutional, legal or moral value. By these kinds of childish activities, the opposition and particularly the Congress party has brought themselves below par in the eyes of the public. In a way, they have further exposed themselves before the nation and their motives have come to be seen with suspicion. Another aspect of this whole scenario is that the LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has initiated a campaign of threats and warnings to the duly elected authorities and constitutionally established institutional heads besides the police and civil officers. These threats need to be viewed by the government and the law and order authorities very seriously. Even the Supreme Court needs to take suo moto actionon these threats unleashed by Rahul Gandhi. Enough is really enough. It clearly seems that both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are competent enough to bury the Congress party with their own hands....! (The author is a senior BJP & KP leader, Human Rights Defender and a columnist and can be reached at: ashwanikc2012@gmail.com )

EPFO - Indias Social Security Coverage

Two months back in September, authorities made the changes in the labour welfare scheme by raising the bar for who must be covered by retirement protection. The wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has been raised from INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 a month. The limit had not moved since 2014. The change is expected to bring over 51 lakh more employees into the system. Wages and living costs have constantly risen in the previous year due to global geopolitical instabilities, and a ceiling that once captured the average salaried worker had begun to leave out many people who earn modestly but are far from secure. For them, a Provident Fund (PF), a pension and life insurance cover should not depend on an employer's goodwill. To simplify the details, EPFO, the nations social security coverage, rests on three pillars, all reissued for 2026 under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The PF lets workers and employers build a retirement corpus that earns interest. The Pension Scheme pays a monthly income on retirement or disability, and extends to a member's spouse and children after death. The insurance scheme pays up to INR 7 lakh to the family if a member dies in service, with no separate premium. The scale with which it happens is important. Contributing members have more than doubled since 2014-15, from 3.49 crore to nearly 8 crore. Pensioners number about 82 lakh. Overall social protection coverage has reportedly risen from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% this year. The Revision The most welcome change is that EPFO has folded 13 confusing withdrawal provisions into three categories: essential needs, housing and special circumstances. It allows up to ten withdrawals for education and five for marriage, up from a shared limit of three. Claims of up to INR 5 lakh can now be settled automatically, and members no longer need to upload cheque images for eligible online claims. This saves a lot of inconveniences and unnecessary delays in the process. Anyone who has chased a provident fund claim knows bureaucratic delays are often troublesome. Allowing members to withdraw up to 75% of their balance is a lifeline in a crisis, but a retirement fund that is easy to drain may be thin when retirement comes. The government should watch whether flexibility today becomes a hardship tomorrow. Employers get relief too. VISHWAS 2026 offers a one-time settlement of penalty disputes, and AMNESTY 2026 lets certain private PF trusts obtain exemption retrospectively until December 28. Both should cut litigation. The test is whether they improve compliance or merely reward past lapses. Digital reform is where EPFO has made its leads. Workers can generate their own Universal Account Number (UAN), now even through face authentication on the UMANG app. Pensioners can draw their pension at any bank branch, and India Post Payments Bank will deliver life certificates to their doorsteps at no cost. For an elderly pensioner in a remote village, that is a massive relief. The harder question is about those outside payrolls. The new Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, which replaces the National Social Assistance Programme, runs until 20302031. It lowers the disability threshold to 40% and removes the minimum age. Yet its old-age pension is just INR 200 a month for those aged 60 to 79. Better prospects lie in e-Shram, which has registered 31.89 crore unorganised workers, and PM-SYM, which promises a minimum INR 3,000 monthly pension to low-income workers who contribute INR 55 to INR 200 a month, matched by the government. The Code on Social Security also, for the first time, recognises gig and platform workers in law. Recognition, however, is a promise. The real work lies in the schemes that follow. The government's ambition is universal social security, and its main vehicle is EPFO 3.0, a core-banking-style overhaul. Risk-checked claims would be processed automatically, cutting settlement from up to 20 days to under three, with instant withdrawals and multilingual self-service for over 30 crore members. That is what the authorities are aiming at. But India's social security story will be judged less by ceilings raised and portals launched than by whether a gig worker, a domestic helper or a small-town clerk can trust that the money will be there when they need it. (COURTESY - PIB SRINAGAR)

AIP seeks release of MP Er Rashid

Srinaar, Nov 03: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Tuesday demanded the immediate release of Lok Sabha MP Er Rashid, accusing regional political parties of maintaining silence over his continued incarceration. Addressing party delegates in Srinagar, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said Er Rashid represented the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and continued to raise issues concerning those who often go unheard. He said the MP's accessibility, simplicity and ability to connect with ordinary people, irrespective of their political affiliations, distinguished him from conventional political leadership. His doors have always remained open to everyone. He rejected VIP culture, lived among ordinary people and stood by them without political or personal considerations, Un Nabi said. He alleged that Er Rashid's direct connection with people had made sections of the established political class uncomfortable. Questioning the silence of regional parties and their leaders over the MP's release, he said political differences should not prevent anyone from raising the issue. When political leaders are otherwise quick to raise demands on various issues, their silence on Er Rashid's release is difficult to understand, he said. Nabi appealed to the Government of India to release Er Rashid without further delay and allow him to return to the people he represents.

Education Minister reviews higher education priorities

Jammu, Nov 03: With the Darbar Move marking reopening of the Civil Secretariat in the winter capital, Director Colleges, Professor Twinkle Sure, on Tuesday called on Minister for Education, Shamim Firdous here. The meeting provided an opportunity to deliberate on key developmental priorities and emerging challenges in the higher education sector, with emphasis on strengthening the academic ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir. During the interaction, they discussed a range of issues concerning the development of government colleges, upgradation of educational infrastructure, enhancement of academic facilities and effective implementation of various developmental initiatives aimed at improving the quality of higher education. Professor Twinkle Sure apprised the Minister of the progress of ongoing departmental initiatives. She highlighted important matters requiring focused attention and timely intervention to accelerate the growth and development of higher education institutions across the Union Territory. The Minister underscored the importance of strengthening the higher education system. She reiterated the government's commitment to provide better academic infrastructure, improved institutional facilities and quality educational opportunities to the students.

Fifty years ago | Carter elected President of U.S. in close contest

A hundred years ago | U.S. general elections

As there was no issue dated November 4, 1926, from the issue dated November 3, 1926

Ladakh administration asks activist Sonam Wangchuks wife to stop unauthorised activities at their Leh school

On September 22, Gitanjali Angmo, wife of Mr. Wangchuk, requested the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, for the issuance of a No Objection Certificate and clearance for the proposed members of the Managing Committee of the school

Kupwara to host talent hunt for local youth

Kupwara, Nov 3: In a major opportunity for talented youth of North Kashmir, Kupwara is set to host Kashmirs Got Talent, a talent hunt event that will bring nationally recognised celebrities to the border district to identify and promote local talent. Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Abhishek Sharma has urged aspiring artists from across the district to participate, saying the event could open new doors for youngsters who have talent but lack opportunities and resources. Speaking to press at Government Degree College Kupwara, Sharma said the auditions will be held on November 8, 9 and 10 at the college ground. He said the event is being organised through the joint efforts of the Indian Army and Taha Film International. More than 350 registrations have already been received, indicating strong enthusiasm among the youth. Sharma said Kupwara has no shortage of talent, but local artists often lack platforms to showcase their abilities within the district. He said the event would give them an opportunity to present their skills before nationally recognised celebrities without travelling to cities such as Srinagar, Delhi or Mumbai. He appealed to talented youngsters from remote villages and far-flung areas to come forward and take part in the auditions. The DC said the event would cover different categories, including contemporary and traditional folk performances, giving participants from different backgrounds an opportunity to showcase their skills. He described the initiative as a rare opportunity for young people, particularly those who cannot afford to travel outside the district in search of platforms. Sharma expressed hope that the event would help discover hidden talent and enable local artists to bring recognition to Kupwara and Jammu and Kashmir.

Vigilance wing pulls up Kochi Metro Rail Limited over lapses in auctioning commercial spaces

Vigilance finds that auctions were conducted without advertisements and in a less transparent manner, with most cases attracting only a single bidder; it observes that changes in base rates and EMD conditions deterred prospective bidders and created a sense of differential treatment among existing vendors

NC hits back at Mehbooba, targets PDPs past

Srinagar, Nov 3: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Tuesday hit back at PDP president Mehbooba Mufti over her criticism of the party, accusing the PDP and its founder, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, of acting against the interests of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, NC State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said neither Mufti Mohammad Sayeed nor the PDP had contributed to the region's political aspirations, popular movements or development. The PDP was founded in 1999 with the sole objective of weakening the demand for autonomy raised by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, the statement reads. NC further alleged that it was Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who introduced the bill in Parliament in 1990 seeking the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, ..following which the manner in which generations of Kashmiri youth suffered remains a painful chapter in the region's history, NC said. Responding to allegations levelled by Mehbooba Mufti against the NC, Dar accused the PDP of being formed in 1999 to weaken the National Conference's demand for autonomy. He also questioned the party's political decisions, particularly its alliance with the BJP after the 2014 Assembly elections, despite campaigning against the party. Dar said the BJP-PDP coalition government had contributed to the political and institutional setbacks faced by Jammu and Kashmir. He held the PDP responsible for the developments that followed, including the abrogation of the region's special status and its conversion into a Union Territory in 2019. The party sought votes in the 2014 elections on an anti-BJP platform but subsequently entered into an alliance with the same party, pushing Jammu and Kashmir towards political and institutional destruction and opening the doors of the Civil Secretariat to the RSS,the statement reads adding What followedthe division of Jammu and Kashmir, the abrogation of its special status and its conversion into a Union Territory, thereby humiliating its peopleconstitutes one of the darkest chapters in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. The NC spokesperson also criticised the PDP's role in the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), alleging that the party had weakened the alliance formed by regional parties to seek restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Referring to Mehbooba Mufti's tenure as Chief Minister, Dar cited figures on civilian deaths, injuries, arrests and detentions under the Public Safety Act (PSA), alleging that the PDP-led government had failed to protect the interests and rights of the people, particularly the youth. He further accused the PDP leadership of allowing irregularities and backdoor appointments in government institutions during its tenure, claiming that deserving candidates had been denied opportunities. Dar demanded a high-level probe into alleged scandals and irregularities during the BJP-PDP government, saying accountability was necessary to ensure justice for the people, particularly the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mobile phone, power banks seized from Kannur Central Jail

Food items suspected to be used to smuggle prohibited articles into prison

Govt pushes for reforms in food distribution system

Jammu, Nov 03: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Tuesday chaired his maiden review meeting of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department at Civil Secretariat, Jammu. The meeting reviewed the overall functioning of the department, ongoing reforms and key initiatives including Public Distribution System (PDS) and Legal Metrology, with focus on strengthening food security, improving public service delivery and safeguarding consumer interests. The officers presented a comprehensive overview of the department's functioning, highlighting the reforms undertaken to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS), enhance transparency and improve service delivery through technology-driven interventions. They apprised of the functioning, achievements and initiatives of the Legal Metrology wing, which plays a vital role in protecting consumer rights and promoting fair trade practices. The Minister was apprised of various measures introduced to make the Public Distribution System more transparent, accessible and beneficiary-friendly. He was also informed about the initiatives being undertaken to strengthen consumer protection and promote fair trade practices through effective implementation of the Legal Metrology Act and its associated rules. While reviewing the functioning of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Rana appreciated the efforts being made towards modernising and streamlining the Public Distribution System. He stressed the need for sustained coordination with the Government of India to further augment foodgrain allocations and address the requirements of the people, particularly vulnerable and economically weaker sections. The Minister emphasised that every deserving beneficiary must be brought within the ambit of the Public Distribution System. He directed the department to take all necessary measures to ensure that no eligible household is left out of the welfare net. He said that the Government is committed to ensure food security for all sections of society and making the delivery mechanism more convenient, transparent and hassle-free for beneficiaries. He called for continued improvements in the system to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries in a timely and effective manner. Reviewing the functioning of the Legal Metrology Department, the Minister was apprised of its activities and achievements in protecting consumer rights, promoting fair trade practices and ensuring compliance with prescribed standards of weights and measures. The officers informed that all departmental services have been made available online through the J&K Single Window platform to promote transparency, accessibility and efficient service delivery. The department has also undertaken consumer awareness programmes to educate people about their rights, relevant legal provisions and remedies available under the Legal Metrology Act and the Consumer Protection Act. During 2025-26, the department conducted 53,144 inspections, registered 2,952 cases and generated revenue of 538.62 lakh, achieving 108 per cent of its annual target.

Kochi Corporation Council passes SIR resolution amid protests; BJP councillors walk out

The resolution, backed by Left Democratic Front parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith, criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for allegedly bringing disrepute to a constitutional position through the purported sabotage of the democratic process by stripping over 13 crore voters of their voting rights

Sagar calls for faster digitisation of land records

Jammu, Nov 03: Minister for Revenue, Power Development Department, Law, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) and Elections, Ali Mohammad Sagar, on Tuesday emphasised upon the Revenue Department to expedite the process of digitisation and verification of land records. Sagar stressed on making the Settlement Wing fully functional and strengthening the revenue administration at the grassroots level. He directed for ensuring scientific preservation of historical revenue documents. He called for a time-bound action plan to address the infrastructure and manpower deficiencies, particularly in remote and far-flung areas. He directed the officers to ensure transparent, accessible and hassle-free delivery of revenue services to the public. Speaking at a review meeting of the Revenue Department, the Minister stressed that digitisation must be backed by proper verification and authentication of records, adequate field-level infrastructure and effective monitoring so that the ongoing reforms translate into tangible benefits for the citizens. He directed the officers to strengthen coordination with elected representatives and establish an effective mechanism for addressing public grievances and area-specific problems. During the meeting, the Minister undertook a detailed assessment of various aspects of revenue administration, with focus on digitisation of land records, settlement operations, preservation of historical revenue documents, strengthening of field-level infrastructure, manpower requirements and streamlining of citizen services. Emphasising that modernisation of the Revenue Department must translate into tangible benefits for the common people, Sagar stressed that digitisation should not be confined to mere conversion of physical records into electronic formats. Instead, it must ensure accuracy, authenticity, transparency and easy accessibility of land records thereby reducing procedural delays and eliminating unnecessary hardships for citizens. He underscored the need to strengthen the grassroots revenue administration, particularly in remote and far-flung areas, where inadequate infrastructure, electricity supply, internet connectivity, computers and other essential technical facilities continue to impede the digitisation process. He stressed that every Patwar Halqa must be equipped with the requisite electronic infrastructure to ensure that people in even the remotest areas can access digital revenue services without difficulty. The Minister also called for making the Settlement Wing fully functional and operational, observing that settlement activities must progress simultaneously with digitisation. He emphasised the importance of proper verification, authentication, updating and reconciliation of land records to ensure that digitised data is accurate and free from discrepancies. Taking note of the condition of historical revenue records, Sagar called for strengthening Mahafiz Khanas with adequate infrastructure, trained manpower and modern preservation facilities to safeguard valuable historical documents, including Lathas, Jamabandis, Massavis and other traditional revenue records. The issue of missing, damaged, incomplete and untraceable revenue records also figured prominently during the deliberations. The Minister stressed the need for a systematic, transparent and time-bound mechanism to identify, retrieve and reconstruct such records through authentic historical references, settlement documents and other verifiable sources. He made it clear that no unverified or unauthenticated entries should find their way into digitised land records. On the manpower front, the Minister emphasised the need to address staff shortages at the grassroots level, particularly at the Patwari, Girdawar and Naib Tehsildar level. He observed that strengthening the administrative structure at the Tehsildar level alone would not serve the intended purpose unless adequate supporting manpower was also available in the field. He also stressed the need for proper office accommodation and essential facilities in Patwar and Girdawar Khanas, especially in underserved and remote areas.

Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad seeks reconstitution of governments health task force

It does not include members who have directly worked within the States public health sector, possess practical experience with its healthcare system, or have conducted significant research on the health issues

A song or two for the reconstruction of Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode

Cultural activists urge Corporation to expedite reconstruction of the demolished 1,200-seat auditorium

J&K boosts own revenue collection by 1,751 crore

Jammu, Nov 03: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a 14.8 per cent increase in its own revenue collection, which reached 13,628 crore up to October 2026, reflecting an improvement in revenue mobilisation and the Union Territorys efforts to strengthen its financial position. The growth, amounting to an increase of around 1,751 crore over the corresponding period of the previous year, was reviewed by Minister for Finance, Agriculture Production, Mining and Cooperative Departments Javid Ahmad Dar during a meeting on the fiscal position, revenue performance, expenditure management and ongoing financial reforms in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Finance, Shailendra Kumar, Director General, Accounts and Treasuries, Director General, Resources, Director General, Codes, Joint Director, Codes, Deputy Director, Resources and other concerned officers attended the meeting. The Finance Minister took note of the positive growth in the Union Territorys own revenue collection, with both tax and non-tax revenue registering an increase. Tax revenue recorded a growth of 15.2 per cent, while non-tax revenue increased by 13 per cent, indicating improvement across the two major components of the UTs own-resource generation. The meeting undertook a detailed review of the overall financial position of Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on revenue mobilisation, strengthening of own-resource generation, efficient financial management, expenditure monitoring, debt management, digitalisation of financial systems and implementation of key reform initiatives. Significant improvement in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections was also reviewed, with GST contributing substantially to the overall increase in revenue. The meeting appreciated revenue augmentation measures, including improved GST return compliance, enhanced billing efficiency, increased dealer registration, e-stamping and transparent excise auctions, describing these as important initiatives for strengthening the revenue base. The meeting also examined initiatives aimed at creating new sources of non-tax revenue, including the proposed Carbon Credit Trading Policy. The policy seeks to leverage Jammu and Kashmirs hydropower, forestry and clean-energy assets and is expected to generate an additional revenue stream for the Union Territory. Javid Dar appreciated the financial reforms undertaken by the Finance Department to improve financial efficiency and optimise the cost of public borrowing. He also lauded the positive impact of power-sector reforms, which are expected to improve revenue realisation and generate savings in power-related expenditure. The Minister appreciated the initiatives taken for timely settlement of liabilities and improvement in financial liquidity. The settlement of General Provident Fund (GPF) claims and contractor liabilities within 10 days was highlighted as a step towards facilitating faster payments and supporting economic activity. The meeting also took note of the accelerated processing and release of funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, with Mother Sanctions and the corresponding UT share being released within 48 hours. The measure is aimed at facilitating the timely implementation of development programmes. Javid Dar assessed the progress of the ongoing digital transformation of financial management in Jammu and Kashmir, including the implementation of IFMIS 3.0 and the Works Activity Monitoring System (WAMS). He directed officers to reduce avoidable recurring expenditure, control committed liabilities and improve the quality of public spending. He stressed the need to further strengthen own tax and non-tax revenue, plug leakages and improve collection efficiency across departments to sustain the growth in revenue generation. The Minister called for continued and sustained efforts by the Finance Department to ensure effective implementation of financial reforms and greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in public financial management. He emphasised the need to maintain the positive momentum in revenue mobilisation, strengthen digital financial systems, improve expenditure management and ensure timely utilisation of resources for developmental priorities.

Tiger Shroff firing case: 13th accused remanded in police custody till November 16

Suneha Pandit, who is the sister-in-law of gangster Anil Pandit, was arrested in Karnal district in Haryana on November 2

Four arrested in Anantnag drug crackdown

Anantnag, Nov 3: Police arrested four persons and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected narcotic substances during four separate operations in Anantnag district, officials said on Monday. In a statement, police said that the operations were conducted by Police Station Bijbehara, Police Post Sangam and Police Post DK Pora as part of the ongoing drive against drug trafficking. In the first operation, Bijbehara Police searched the residential house of Zahoor Ahmad Dar, son of Manzoor Ahmad Dar, a resident of Takiabal, following specific information about the concealment of narcotics. After completing the required legal formalities, including obtaining authorisation under Section 41(2) of the NDPS Act, police recovered around 16 kg of ganja packed in three bags. The accused was arrested, and further investigation is underway. In another operation, Sangam Police apprehended Feroz Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, a resident of Semthan, and recovered 1.5 kg of ganja from his possession. In a separate incident at Kevipora, Marhama, the same police post arrested Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, also a resident of Semthan, and recovered 89 grams of charas powder from his possession. Meanwhile, Police Post DK Pora apprehended Mohd Iqbal Sheikh, son of Gh. Rasool Sheikh, a resident of Peth Dialgam, recovered 17 grams of a charas-like substance. Cases have been registered in the respective matters, and further investigations are in progress. Police have urged the public to share information about drug trafficking and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in efforts to curb substance abuse.

SMHS hospital parking in disarray for seven months

Srinagar, Nov 3: The parking facility at SMHS hospital, one of Kashmirs largest tertiary care hospitals, has been in disarray for the past seven months, leaving patients, attendants and visitors struggling to find space for their vehicles amid growing chaos and confusion. With no private contractor currently managing the facility, the responsibility of overseeing parking has reportedly fallen on the hospital administration itself. However, the absence of a dedicated management system has resulted in haphazard parking, frequent traffic congestion and inconvenience for people visiting the hospital for medical treatment. Hospital staff told Rising Kashmir that the contract with the private firm previously managing the parking facility had expired around seven months ago and had not been extended. Since then, the hospital has been looking for a new contractor but has reportedly failed to attract bidders. According to staff members, the hospital had floated a tender for managing the parking facility, with the contract cost pegged at around Rs 35 lakh. However, no bidder came forward, leaving the facility without a private operator. The absence of a proper parking management mechanism has now turned the hospital premises into a daily struggle for motorists, particularly patients and attendants who are already dealing with medical emergencies and other difficulties. Several attendants told Rising Kashmir that the lack of supervision has resulted in vehicles being parked randomly, with little coordination or regulation inside the premises. Earlier, when the private company was managing the parking, there was a proper system. Vehicles were parked in an organised manner, and people could move in and out without much difficulty. Now, nobody seems to be responsible for managing the facility, Zaffer Iqbal, an attendant, said on Tuesday. The situation has also spilled over onto roads outside the hospital, where motorists, unable to find space inside, are frequently forced to park along roadside stretches, triggering traffic jams and adding to the congestion in the already busy area. Attendants said vehicles often get blocked by other improperly parked vehicles, leaving motorists stranded for hours as there is no coordinated mechanism to identify and move vehicles obstructing exits. People park their vehicles and leave without mentioning their mobile numbers on the windscreen. When someone needs to take out their vehicle, there is nobody to contact. We have to wait for hours until the vehicle blocking the way is moved, another attendant Ghulam Mohammad told Rising Kashmir. Locals and attendants have also raised questions over the alleged preferential allocation of parking space within the hospital premises. They alleged that a portion of the parking area has been blocked by hospital staff for influential people, further reducing the space available to ordinary visitors and patients. The parking crisis has added to the difficulties faced by people visiting SMHS hospital, where patients often arrive in critical condition and attendants need quick access to hospital departments. With seven months having passed since the previous contract ended, visitors are questioning why a permanent solution has not been found and why a major tertiary care hospital continues to struggle with such a basic facility. They have urged the hospital administration to either finalise a fresh parking contract or deploy dedicated personnel to manage the facility until a new operator is appointed. Medical Superintendent SMHS Hospital, Dr Andleeb Bashir told Rising Kashmir that the hospital has identified a designated area within the premises for parking, and the tendering process for its management will be initiated soon. The facility will be used by patients and their attendants. The tendering process is underway, she said. She added that the previous parking arrangement had created difficulties for hospital authorities, saying that even staff members faced problems finding space to park their vehicles.

Staggering white-collar success of Bengaluru has left a non-urban world behind, says Bagchi

While the IITs have marched confidently forward since the 1950s, the ITIs have walked backwards. These two paths must operate stereophonically, cooperating in the exact same direction, says newly appointed Chairman of Karnatakas Skill Vision Group

States responsibility is to equip people for emerging opportunities, not just for current jobs: Sharanprakash Patil

Held under the theme Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy, the summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders, employers, educational institutions, skill development organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss the future of workforce development, industry-aligned skills, and employment pathways

Ladakh saffron blooms in record 30 days

Leh, Nov 3: Experimental saffron cultivation on recently restored degraded land in Leh has started flowering in just 30 days, much earlier than the usual two-month timeline for the first bloom. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, inspected the experimental saffron field and witnessed the first flowering, describing the development as a significant achievement and a promising milestone for high-altitude agriculture in the Union Territory. Sharing the development, the Lieutenant Governor said that the saffron crop had begun blossoming in a record-breaking 30 days, demonstrating the immense potential of cultivating high-value crops in Ladakhs unique climatic conditions. The results have been particularly encouraging, with an average of 20 to 25 saffron flowers blooming daily, while 72 flowers were recorded in a single morning. In just four days, nearly 22 grams of pure saffron had been collected from the experimental field. The early flowering and encouraging yield have raised hopes of expanding saffron cultivation in Ladakh, particularly by utilising restored degraded land for productive agricultural activities. The initiative is being viewed as an important step towards exploring new agricultural opportunities in the high-altitude region, where climatic and geographical conditions often pose challenges to conventional farming. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the successful outcome of the pilot project could lay the foundation for commercial-scale saffron production, creating new opportunities for local farmers, agro-based entrepreneurship and employment generation. He said the breakthrough reflects the resilience of the local environment and highlights the largely untapped potential of high-altitude farming in Ladakh. The project could also contribute towards strengthening the local economy by encouraging farmers and young entrepreneurs to explore high-value agricultural activities, while promoting greater economic self-reliance in the region. LG Saxena extended his appreciation and congratulations to the Agriculture Department of UT Ladakh, along with the dedicated field staff, for their hard work and significant contribution to the successful implementation of the pilot project.

Recruitment exams: KEA decided to appoint two invigilators for every exam hall

J&K showcases tourism potential at London expo

Srinagar, Nov3: Jammu and Kashmir Tourism is showcasing its diverse tourism potential at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, which began on Monday at ExCeL London and will continue until November 5. The Union Territory is participating in the prestigious international tourism exhibition with two dedicated stalls aimed at promoting its popular destinations, unique visitor experiences and emerging tourism opportunities before the global travel industry. The Indian Pavilion was inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the presence of Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and Syed Qamar Sajjad, JKAS, Director Tourism Kashmir. Several tourism stakeholders from J&K are also participating in the event, providing an opportunity to interact with international tour operators, travel professionals and industry representatives. The participation is expected to help explore new business opportunities, strengthen tourism networks and attract more international visitors to the region. The J&K Tourism stalls have been receiving an encouraging response from visitors and industry stakeholders, reflecting growing interest in the Union Territory's tourism offerings. Through its participation, J&K Tourism aims to expand its international outreach, promote its diverse destinations and establish new partnerships to strengthen the region's position in the global tourism market.

RDD secretary sets one-week deadline for works

Jammu, Nov 3: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Ramesh Kumar, on Tuesday directed officers to take up all allotted developmental works within one week, warning that avoidable delays in execution would not be tolerated. He issued the directions while chairing a high-level review meeting at Panchayat Bhawan, Jammu, to assess the progress of centrally sponsored schemes and developmental programmes being implemented across Jammu Division. The Secretary directed Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs) and Assistant Commissioners Panchayats (ACPs) to closely monitor developmental works at every stage, from preparation of estimates and tendering to execution and completion. He asked them to conduct field visits at least twice a week to assess the progress and quality of works. Executive Engineers and Assistant Executive Engineers were also directed to regularly visit work sites and ensure proper supervision and adherence to quality standards. Emphasising the need to avoid delays, Ramesh Kumar said projects should be taken up only at locations where feasibility has been established and land is readily available. He cautioned officers against initiating projects without resolving land-related and administrative issues, adding that surrendering projects at the final stage would not be acceptable. He stressed that public funds must translate into tangible benefits for people through timely completion of works. He also directed officers to release payments promptly against completed works. The Secretary called for advance planning of developmental activities instead of waiting until March to initiate the process. He laid special emphasis on expediting works in snow-bound areas, where the working season is limited. Reviewing the status of District Development Council (DDC) and Block Development Council (BDC) buildings, he directed officers to resolve pending issues, particularly those affecting DDC buildings in Doda and Rajouri. He also called for expeditious completion and takeover of BDC buildings and completion of DDC residential buildings. Reviewing projects under the centrally sponsored SASCI scheme, Ramesh Kumar directed that all works be completed within the current financial year. He asked officers to expedite tendering, preparation of estimates and other formalities to ensure timely execution. On the implementation of the VB-G RAM G programme, he called upon ACDs to focus on priority areas and ensure that no eligible beneficiary was deprived of employment benefits. He also directed officers to resolve pending issues related to person-days generation, material component tendering, monitoring reports and other programme requirements. The Secretary made Block Development Officers (BDOs) accountable for completing their assigned responsibilities within prescribed timelines. The meeting was attended by Secretary in RDD Rachna Sharma, Director Rural Development Jammu Shehnaz Akhtar, Director Panchayati Raj Pankaj Raj Katoch and other senior officers of the department.

Local body polls in Andhra: TDP breachesYSRCPs fortress of Pulivendula after four decades

TDPs Geetha Kumariwins Pulivendula municipal chairperson seat by defeating YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Redddys aunt Prameelamma with a majority of 13,875 votes

DVAC conducts drone survey of irrigation tank in illegal sand mining charge against DMKs E.V. Velu

The elephant in the classroom

If non-teaching duties are excessive, that is an issue that needs to be resolved between teachers and the school education department. Children cannot be held hostage to this conflict

Complaints to HR&CE Minister leads to cancellation of temple land lease

Probe launched into derailment of goods wagons at Jolarpet Railway Station

Rajanna is free to quit party if he wishes: Balakrishna

Trump says U.S. cutting $3.8 billion annual security assistance to Israel

Donald Trump said Israel was fine with him ending the assistance, which began in 2019 and was signed under his predecessor, Barack Obama, three years earlier

Telangana FMGs to resume peaceful protest from November 4 over stipend disparity

TDP-led alliance scores big in Vizianagaram civic polls, rebel candidate takes Nellimarla

Assam to seek CBI probe to find flood cause; sack government employee if involved in polygamy: CM Himanta

The Assam government has decided to terminate an employee, irrespective of religion, if he is found to be involved in polygamy, Himanta Biswa Sarma said

Heavy rain delays VMC vote counting by five hours

Vangaveeti Radha Krishna leads in mayoral race with 1.14 lakh votes; NDA wins four municipalities in NTR district

Tasmac staff struggle with bottle buyback scheme despite returning to work

Salesmen say they are still grappling with technical glitches in POS machines and difficulties in handling the empty bottle return system

Holidays for schools in Eluru district on November 4, 5

Palaniswami criticises TVK regime for being lethargic in handling onion procurement

Letters to The Editor November 4, 2026

In Tehran, a search for the future of West Asian security

The Mecca Agreement alliances outreach to Tehran highlights competing visions for West Asian security

Coming of age: on the Binance hack

Binances reaction to the hack shows how the crypto industry has matured

Business, unusual: on engaging with the Myanmar junta

Engaging with the Myanmar junta is a short-sighted move

Karnataka High Court initiates suo motu PIL on violence against advocates

The High Court of Karnataka initiated a suo motu PIL petition on the spate of violence against advocates in the State

Karnatakas drought assistance proposal to Union government sees upward revision by 1,818 crore following changes in SDRF norms

The drought relief has been revised from 20,585 crore to 22,400 crore

Activities pick up across political spectrum with announcement of Hiriyur bypoll dates imminent

With the announcement of the date of the bypoll to HiriyurAssembly constituency in Chitradurga district expected shortly, political activity has gathered momentum across the political spectrum

Jana Sena registers landslide victory in Konaseema, Kakinada districts

Collector reviews arrangements for MPTC, ZPTC polls in Andhras ASR district

Iran president says return to war benefits 'no one', after reported U.S. strikes

It came as U.S. voters prepared to cast their ballots in midterm elections that threaten President Donald Trump's grip on power

Southern India has grown wetter over seven decades, finds IMD study

The peninsulas hot semi-arid zone has nearly halved, with much of it turning into a tropical savannah climate, while north-west India has become drier and hotter

AIDWA-led women protesters in Mumbai seek disbursal of pending assistance

Women seek streamlining of e-KYC process; Maharashtra govt. has deceived women, says CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat; State promises action

Three arrested for abusing woman, smashing her car in Koramangala over road rage

Lal Chowk MLA Ahsan Pardesis father passes away

Srinagar, Nov 3: Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), retired Joint Financial Commissioner and father of Lal Chowk MLA Ahsan Pardesi, passed away, his family announced on Tuesday. According to the family, the funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janazah) will be offered at Eidgah Park, Batwara, Srinagar, at 11 am on Wednesday, November 4. The deceased will be laid to rest at the family's ancestral graveyard at Syed Kabir Sahib, Batwara.