WHO says Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to two new health zones
IMD has warned of intensifying rains in Uttar Pradesh over the weekend; a red alert has been issued for several districts across the State
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserted that CEC Gyanesh Kumar can still redeem himself by resigning and turning approver
U.S., China to set up communication channel for AI incidents
The two countries established a U.S.-China Super Intelligence (SI) Dialogue to exchange views on risks and benefits of AI, the White House said in a fact sheet, noting that their leaders had agreed to use the term SI rather than AI.
Social media user booked for 'uploading AI-generated videos' of Jamui victim, her friend
The uploading of such video clips resulted in evealing the identity of the girl and could affect social harmony, the Jamui police said in the statement
Duty to tell BJP my views; doesn't mean leaving party: Amarinder Singh
Amarinder Singh said he is going through difficult times but did not elaborate further
Nepal cancels conference on Tibetan studies amid China pressure debate
Cancellation of the conference, in which around 700 participants were to take part, including scholars from China, has stoked a controversyover whether the Nepal government has succumbed to pressure from Beijing, which has in recent years steadily expanded its influence in Kathmandu
Waymo Self-Driving Taxi Review | Making peace with autonomous driving technology
A safe and smooth self-driving Waymo taxi ride through San Franciscos hilly roads forced me to recognise the tremendous potential of autonomous ride hailing services
Watch: P.M. Modi in U.S. | Is Trump or Harris better for India?
Whats on the agenda apart from the Quad Summit and UN meetings?
Watch | Quizzed on Adani, Modi says personal issues not raised at leader meetings
Leaders of countries do not meet to discuss such personal matters, says the PM; Trump had earlier paused the Foreign Practices Corruption Act for six months, which may lead to a reprieve for the Indian billionaire and his associates in the U.S.
India, Qatar sign strategic partnership agreement, discuss Israel-Palestinian crisis
India has signed strategic partnerships with Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia within the Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
Uttarakhand BJP core committee discusses names of candidates for Rajya Sabha elections
During the meeting at the party's headquarters, Deepti Rawat said that core committee members urged party workers to take the message of the government's policies and development initiatives to the public.
With their relationship drama I Want to Talk in theatres, Abhishek Bachchan and Shoojit Sircar discuss bringing to screen the story of cancer survivor Arjun Sen, the peculiarities of parenthood, and the role of family in an artistic life
EAM S Jaishankar launches joint initiative with Liberia at UN to protect seafarers
EAM S Jaishankar launches joint initiative with Liberia at UN to protect seafarers
Iran FM Araghchi says Hormuz reopening timeline to begin after US accepts seven-day plan
New York , September 26 : Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday (local time) said the timeline for Tehrans proposed seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would begin once the United States accepts the proposal, as reported by Al Jazeera. If they accept this plan tomorrow, the seven days will start from tomorrow, Araghchi said, adding that Washington would need to take certain actions under the plan, which he said could be completed within four to five days. He said the required steps were already part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and would not be difficult to implement. Araghchi added that if the US fulfilled the conditions, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened on the sixth day, followed by renewed talks between Tehran and Washington on the seventh day. If there is seriousness on the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared, he said, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Araghchi referred to Irans proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he said had been conveyed to the United States through Qatar. He said the decision now lies with Washington, while asserting that Tehran would not accept coercion, threats or intimidation and would not give up its sovereign rights under pressure. The choice now rests with the United States Iran does not accept coercion, threats or intimidation. And Iran will not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure, he said. According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Tehran remained committed to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz but argued that stability in the waterway could not be restored through further military action, threats, blockades or economic pressure. Araghchi, speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, attributed the current instability in the strait to what he described as aggressive actions by the United States and Israel. You cannot bomb a country, threaten its annihilation, impose a maritime blockade and coercive measures, and expect automatic restoration of security and navigation, he said, according to Al Jazeera.
Adman and filmmaker Prahlad Kakar known for his campaigns for Pepsi, Maggi and Britannia on his new memoir, Adman Madman: Unapologetically Prahlad, his eventful career and life lessons
Funding for TB is in crisis, says John Green, author of Everything is Tuberculosis
John Green on the difficult campaign to eradicate a deadly disease
Imran Khan's PTI postpones planned Islamabad march to October 4
Chief Minister of the PTI-ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Sohail Afridi, made the announcement as the party presses for the release of the jailed Khan
Labour Code impact, legal claim provision drag down TCS Q3 net profit by 14% to 10,720 crore
Revenue from operations in the quarter under review increased 4.86% to 67,087 crore from 63,973 crore
How the coconut travelled across the world
One tropical fruit became a kitchen staple, a craft material, a building resource, and more
CNN left off Air Force One for Trumps upcoming trip, White House signals in new media restriction
The news organisation was replaced by Real America's Voice News, a conservative outlet
Donald Trump shares Shehbaz Sharifs UN speech thanking him for halting Operation Sindoor
Donald Trump shared the video clip of Shehbaz Sharifs speech without any comments
Skoda Auto India plans 10 product introductions in 2026
Strong sales growth in 2025, expansion in market reach and upgrades to key models underpin the companys roadmap
Siddhu Jonnalagadda interview: The humour in Jack will not dilute its crux
As Jack gears up for release, actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda discusses his career post the Tillu films, the funny guy image, and his writing process
From aerospace to acting, how Rekha Kudligi became the charming late bloomer of Kannada cinema
After decades of experience as a scientist and engineer, Rekha Kudligi took the plunge to pursue her passion for acting. Her switch has yielded positive results, with her performances in Kannada films gaining praise
Director Vishnu Varadhan talks about his upcoming Aditi Shankar and Akash Murali starrer, Nesippaya, working with his long-time collaborator Yuvan Shankar Raja, nailing the aesthetics of the film while not being boxed within a genre and more
Avare Mela@25: A means to prevent food wastage turned into one of Bengalurus biggest food festivals
What started as a small event with four farmers has now grown into a massive event whose footfall was around around 4 lakh in the previous edition with over 500 farmers providing avare
Samsung workers protest: Minister says T.N. govt. not trying to curb rights
In a midnight crackdown, the police had arrested 10 members of the Samsung workers union; as the workers continued their protest on Wednesday morning, more arrests were made; State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said the arrested workers have now been released
Attempt made to derail Kalindi Express by placing LPG cylinder on tracks in Kanpur: Police
Soon after receiving information about the incident around 8.20 a.m. on September 8, senior officials rushed to the site and launched an investigation into the matter, police said
Attempt made to derail Kalindi Express by placing LPG cylinder on tracks in Kanpur: Police
Soon after receiving information about the incident around 8.20 a.m. on September 8, senior officials rushed to the site and launched an investigation into the matter, police said
Opposition indulging in negative politics, misusing Parliament, says PM Modi
Urging Opposition leaders towards constructive work, Modi says rival parties tried to muffle his own voice without remorse in the previous Parliament session
Kalidas Jayaram and Dushara Vijayan interview on Raayan: Dhanushs energy as a director is crazy
The actors speak about how actor-turned-filmmaker Dhanush extracted performances out of them, and on choosing characters that can create an impact regardless of screen time
Shehbaz Sharif thanked Donald Trump for his resolute and visionary leadership, saying that the American leaders timely intervention saved hundreds of millions of lives in South Asia
OpenAI works to understand full scope of agent activity as user data leak emerges
OpenAI said that its models accessed information from the websites of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Census Bureau during research and training activity, but found no evidence of unauthorised access, compromised accounts or security breaches
Asian Games 2026: Sawan Barwal wins historic silver mens marathon in national record time
The 28-year-old Army man from Himachal Pradesh clocked 2 hours, 11 minutes and 37 seconds to complete the distance of 42.195km
Telangana SIR: Over 60% SIR notices issued in Hyderabad periphery, below 35% in Hyderabad district
According to the report, the reason recorded for the largest share of notices was Unmapped with Last SIR, which accounted for 34.9% of all notices
BJP stole mandate of tribals, will steal NPP MLAs next: Pala
Shillong, Sep 25: After eight UDP MLAs merged with the BJP, Congress chief Vincent H Pala accused the saffron party of stealing the mandate of tribal people and said the NPP will be its next target. Stealing the mandate. It is not the second largest party. There is no record that BJP has become the [] The post BJP stole mandate of tribals, will steal NPP MLAs next: Pala first appeared on Highland Post .
Ganesh processions, blaring DJs raise noise concerns for animals at Delhi Zoo
With no prescribed routes to seven artificial immersion ponds, processions can pass along Mathura Road, about 100 metres from the zoos enclosures; officials say tigers are particularly sensitive to loud noise
Joining BJP will help move matters forward for State: Rymbui
Shillong, Sep 25: Seven of the eight new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs finally visited their party office today for the first time. The former United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators were led by Lahkmen Rymbui, the only cabinet minister among them. The eight turncoats formally joined the BJP on Wednesday, not here in Shillong but [] The post Joining BJP will help move matters forward for State: Rymbui first appeared on Highland Post .
Shillong, Sep 25: East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh today sought to play down speculation over the stability of the Meghalaya government following the defection of eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying the administration is continuing to function normally. There is too much fiction in this entire script, Lyngdoh, [] The post Ampareen downplays fiction talk of Govt stability first appeared on Highland Post .
Deficit teachers serve Oct 9 ultimatum to Govt, warn of state-wide stir
Shillong, Sep 25: Deficit school teachers and non-teaching staff have served an ultimatum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, warning of aggressive state-wide agitations if their long-pending demands are not met by October 9. The ultimatum by the Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association and Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association comes after [] The post Deficit teachers serve Oct 9 ultimatum to Govt, warn of state-wide stir first appeared on Highland Post .
Shillong, Sep 25: The eight former United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted a letter to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly informing of their merger with the BJP. In the absence of the Speaker, Thomas A Sangma, who is currently abroad, the merger letter was submitted to Andrew Simons, [] The post Speaker to examine merger papers of 8 UDP MLAs who joined BJP first appeared on Highland Post .
Beyond the Wallet: Why Reservation is about Representation
By Vivek Kalikotay Introduction In recent times, as India embarks on unleashing its massive potential to achieve the status of Vishwa Guru (a prosperous global guiding light); a stark internal contradiction is emerging. This contradiction is evident in the pushback by critics (primarily from the Savarnas categories) against caste-based reservation. While this resistance is not [] The post Beyond the Wallet: Why Reservation is about Representation first appeared on Highland Post .
In India it is almost a given that politicians are not to be trusted. But hitherto the public has always placed a great deal of confidence in the Chief Election Commissioners. Their task is to ensure that this flawed democracy we call home still holds free and fair elections with all the challenges that come [] The post No confidence in Gyanesh first appeared on Highland Post .
Director Information, staff condole Waseem Andrabis fathers demise
Srinagar, Sep 25: Director Information, Shreya Singhal has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of the father of senior photojournalist of Hindustan Times, Waseem Andrabi, who passed away on Friday. In her condolence message, the Director Information expressed solidarity with Waseem Andrabi and his bereaved family at this difficult hour, conveying heartfelt sympathies over the irreparable loss. She prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and also prayed for the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. Meanwhile, the employees of Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) also expressed deep grief over the demise of the father of senior Hindustan Times photojournalist, Waseem Andrabi. The employees also prayed for strength, patience and courage to the bereaved family to bear this profound loss with fortitude.
New U.K. Deputy High Commissioner appointed
Harshbir Sangha will also serve as the U.K.s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment in South Asia
Director Information condoles demise of driver Abdul Ahad
Srinagar, Sep 25: Director Information, Shreya Singhal has expressed deep shock and profound grief over the demise of Abdul Ahad Bhat, Driver of Joint Director Information (JDI) Kashmir, who passed away yesterday after a brief illness. In her condolence message, the Director Information conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and described the deceased as a kind, humble and warm-hearted person who was held in high regard by his colleagues and all those who had the opportunity to know him. The Director Information said that the demise of Abdul Ahad Bhat is an irreparable loss to his family as well as to the department, where he rendered his duties with sincerity and dedication. She added that his gentle disposition, helpful nature and cordial relations with colleagues will be remembered with respect and affection. Meanwhile, the officers and employees of DIPR also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult hour and prayed for strength and fortitude for them to bear the irreparable loss.
The rebranding of Ahmedabads food scene
Long known for its thalis and street food, Ahmedabad is developing an experimental, ambitious dining culture. With no cocktails to anchor the business, restaurateurs are getting inventive with sprawling restaurants, specialised cuisines and mixologists creating sophisticated zero-proof drinks. Here is how to eat well in the city of architects
DC Anantnag reviews measures to curb dog bites
Anantnag, Sep 25: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Friday chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC) to review the Action Taken Report (ATR) and the measures being undertaken by various departments for prevention of dog bites, stray dog management, sterilization and vaccination. The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, ARTO, Chief Education Officer, District Informatics Officer, NIC, Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Anantnag, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, representatives from various departments and other concerned officials. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the Action Taken Report of the concerned departments and took stock of the measures being implemented for prevention of dog bites, stray dog management, sterilization and vaccination. He directed all concerned officers to ensure effective and time-bound implementation of the directions of the Honble Supreme Court and subsequent GAD instructions. He stressed that all departments must accord due priority to the issue and ensure regular monitoring and inspection of vulnerable and important locations. Dr. Bilal instructed the departments to prepare a comprehensive inventory of their infrastructure, including government buildings, hospitals, schools, colleges and other public institutions, and ensure that such premises are adequately secured through proper fencing, boundary walls and gates. He further directed that gaps identified during inspections be incorporated in the relevant departmental plans for necessary action. The DC further called for identification of suitable land and buildings at feasible locations for establishment of animal shelters/kennels in the district. He stressed the need for adequate infrastructure for housing and managing dogs undergoing sterilization and other related activities. Reviewing the availability of Anti-Rabies Vaccines (ARV), the DC directed the health authorities to maintain adequate and uninterrupted stocks of ARV at healthcare institutions across the district so that dog-bite victims receive timely treatment. The DC directed the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer to undertake the Animal Birth Control/sterilization programme on a regular basis and constitute dedicated veterinary teams for the purpose. He stressed that adequate veterinary manpower, equipment and teams should be deployed to ensure accelerated focus on sterilization and stray dog management in accordance with the SOPs and approved procedures. The DC also called for systematic updating of data relating to dog-bite cases, sterilization, vaccination, dog-catching teams, availability of kennels and shelters, veterinary manpower, inspections and field visits. He directed the concerned departments to ensure timely uploading and updating of all relevant information for effective monitoring of the programme. Emphasizing coordinated action, the Deputy Commissioner called for regular inspections of important public places and directed the concerned officers to ensure proper implementation of preventive measures at schools, colleges, hospitals, government offices and other institutions. He further stressed that dogs undergoing sterilization should be provided appropriate care and feeding during the prescribed period and that proper arrangements be made for their safe handling and release in accordance with the applicable guidelines. The meeting further decided that the Nodal Officers from respective departments would maintain close coordination for implementation of the prescribed measures. It was emphasised that all Nodal Officers and concerned committees must remain vigilant and undertake regular inspections and coordinated field-level action to address the stray dog issue effectively.
Gowhar Hassan Wani re-elected President District Bar Association Shopian
Shopian, Sep 25: Advocate Gowhar Hassan Wani has been re-elected as President of the District Bar Association Shopian, defeating his rival Advocate Mubashir Ahmed Gatoo by a margin of 28 votes in the elections held on September 22. Wani secured the confidence of the Bar in a closely watched contest, with 170 of the 175 eligible members casting their votes, recording a turnout of 97.14 per cent. The re-election of Gowhar Hassan Wani marks his continuation at the helm of the Shopian Bar. He is a practising advocate before the J&K and Ladakh High Court and subordinate courts and is regarded within the local legal fraternity for his professional engagement and leadership of the Bar. Wanis re-election comes amid a period of significant institutional and legal developments concerning the District Bar Association Shopian.
SKUAST-K committed to student aspirations, career opportunities
Srinagar, Sep 25: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir), ranked 3rd best SAU in the country, has emerged as a nationally recognised institution committed to excellence in education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and outreach, with the larger aspiration of becoming a globally connected agricultural university. As the University expands the horizons of its students through emerging disciplines, technology, research, startups and new opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, it is equally conscious of their aspirations for meaningful employment and career progression concerning recruitment opportunities, eligibility criteria, vacancies and career avenues in agriculture, forestry and allied sectors. The University understands the aspirations behind these concerns. Students who undertake specialised professional education naturally expect appropriate opportunities to utilise their qualifications and build their careers. The University respects the right of students to articulate their concerns peacefully and democratically. SKUAST-K said that many of the issues being raised relate to recruitment rules, eligibility and filling of posts, which fall within the domain of the Government and other competent authorities. The University will, therefore, appropriately take up the genuine concerns of its students and graduates with the concerned authorities, providing necessary academic and factual inputs wherever required. At the same time, it is important for the student community to recognise the larger transformation taking place at SKUAST-K, which is emerging as the brand institution of the Jammu and Kashmir. The University's aspiration is to build a globally connected and internationally benchmarked agricultural university. This is opening a much wider canvas of career opportunities for studentsnot only in conventional public-sector employment, but also in research, higher education, emerging technologies, startups, agribusiness, industry, international careers and new-age agricultural enterprises. The University believes that this larger transformation, which is intended to expand the professional horizons of its students, deserves the understanding and support of students, parents, public representatives and all other stakeholders. The University has also noted the engagement of political representatives and other external actors with some student demonstrations. SKUAST-K respects the democratic role of elected representatives and their right to raise matters of public interest. At the same time, student and academic matters are best addressed through direct dialogue of students with the University and the competent Government authorities. External political involvement in campus-related issues can inadvertently shift a genuine academic or employment concern into a wider political contestation. The University therefore respectfully appeals to political parties, public representatives and other external stakeholders to allow institutional mechanisms to address these concerns without politicising the academic space. The University will continue to engage with its students and pursue matters falling within its institutional mandate. Students are also requested to maintain dialogue and ensure that teaching, examinations, research and other academic activities are not disrupted.
Darakshan Bhat represents India at UN Human Rights Council session
Srinagar, Sep 25: Darakshan Hassan Bhat, President of Kashmir Womens Organization, represented India at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, where she highlighted the theme Billions Connected, Millions Empowered: Indias Digital Transformation. She highlighted Indias expanding digital transformation and its role in advancing financial inclusion, public-service delivery, and opportunities for women and rural communities. Addressing the Council, Bhat said Indias digital journey could be understood through the extraordinary scale of its digital public infrastructure and the growing reach of technology among ordinary citizens. She noted that India had moved from around 25.15 crore internet subscribers and users in 2014 to more than 109 crore internet users today, reflecting the rapid expansion of digital connectivity across the country. Highlighting financial inclusion, Ms Bhat said that more than 55 crore Jan Dhan accounts have expanded access to formal banking, with women accounting for 55.7 per cent of account holders. She also pointed to the scale of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), through which more than 53 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries, strengthening transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. Indias digital payments ecosystem was another key focus of her address. Bhat noted that the country now processes more than 20 billion UPI transactions every month, while over 5.6 lakh Common Service Centres are helping extend digital and public services to rural and underserved communities. She placed particular emphasis on womens participation in Indias digital and financial transformation. According to the figures highlighted in her address, more than 10 crore rural women are connected through Self-Help Groups, creating a vast grassroots platform for financial inclusion, livelihoods and women-led economic empowerment. Bhat also highlighted the scale of Indias digital public infrastructure, including more than 1.44 billion Aadhaar enrolments and over 724.3 million DigiLocker users, while stressing the importance of privacy, consent, cybersecurity and data protection as digital systems continue to expand. Digital progress becomes meaningful when technology reaches those who have traditionally remained furthest from opportunity, Bhat said. She emphasised that the true measure of digital transformation should not be technology alone, but whether it expands access, opportunity and dignity for people at the last mile. In her concluding remarks, Bhat called for greater cooperation among governments, international institutions, civil society and technology partners to build a digital future that is inclusive, secure, accessible and people-centred. She urged the international community to ensure that women, rural communities, and vulnerable populations are not left behind as digital transformation accelerates worldwide. While presenting key facts and figures, she highlighted that Indias internet users/subscribers have increased from 25.15 crore to more than 109 crore; more than 55 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, with women accounting for 55.7% of account holders; over 53 lakh crore has been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT); more than 20 billion UPI transactions are processed every month; over 5.6 lakh Common Service Centres are providing digital services; more than 10 crore rural women are connected through Self-Help Groups; Aadhaar enrolments have crossed 1.44 billion; and DigiLocker has surpassed 724.3 million users. The figures presented at the Council underscored the scale at which Indias digital public infrastructure is expanding access to connectivity, banking, digital payments and public services. The president Kashmir Womens Organization Darakshan also said that the larger objective should remain ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach communities and individuals at the last mile, particularly women, rural populations and vulnerable groups.
Div Com directs resolution of issues at AIIMS Awantipora
Srinagar, Sep 25: To ensure the timely rollout of healthcare services at AIIMS Awantipora from October 31, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Friday chaired a meeting to review the status of pending issues and expedite their resolution. The meeting took up several critical matters concerning the operational readiness of the institution, including electricity supply for the running of water supply system, commissioning of the dedicated power sub-station, land-related issues and the fire safety measures. On the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to resolve the pending inter-departmental issues by Monday and ensure electricity supply for the water supply system. Regard the commissioning of the power station, the Div Com directed KPDCL to issue the requisite No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at the earliest so that the uninterrupted electricity shall be provided to the institute. He further directed Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to provide necessary assistance and guidance to CPWD engineers for the expeditious resolution of land-related issues pertaining to the facility. The Divisional Commissioner also directed DC Pulwana to make adequate arrangements for transportation facility of the general public up to the entrance of AIIMS Awantipora, ensuring convenient access to the hospital. Regarding issuance of NOC for fire safety, the Div Com directed concerned officers to conduct joint inspection of the facility and issue the certification by 5th October. The meeting was attended by the Executive Director, AIIMS Awantipora; SSP Traffic; and concerned officers and engineers from PHE, KPDCL and different wings of CPWD.
Thiruvonam Bumper lottery results 2026: First prize 30 crore; check date and time
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 Thiruvonam Bumper (BR-111) lucky draw, including the schedule and prize details.
Govt weighs mandatory blending of imported coal at power plants, sources say
Under the plan being discussed by officials of the Power Ministry, thermal power plants would have to blend up to 5% imported coal with domestic coal
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
JSW One Platforms files draft papers for 3,054 crore IPO
The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to 1,300 crore and an Offer for Sale of shares worth up to 1,754.01 crore
India should allow exchanges to list on own platform, NSE chairman says
NSE accounts for about 93% of Indias cash-market trading and nearly 75% of options
Singaporean collector Peter Lee on checks, chintz and multicultural ports
Peter Lee talks about his favourite Indian textiles and how culture is shaped by trade routes
Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026 proposes pedestrian path mandatory
The rules prescribe action against road owning agency, contractor or consultant if a faulty design leads to death or disability or grievous injury of a pedestrians
UEFA Nations League: Mbappe scores but suffers knee injury as Zidane gets debut France win
Its not great; unfortunately, I think hes going to have to go home; we dont want to take any risks, said Zinedine Zidane
SPPU students suspend mess fee protest after V-C assurance; decision on hike on Sept 26
If the circular withdrawing the fee hike is not issued on September 26, the thali march planned for 4 p.m. will go ahead, SFI said in a statement
Reading Circle: Where Srinagars women read, talk and belong
Srinagar, Sep 25: Every Saturday afternoon, a group of women sit together to talk about a text, a poem or an essay they have read that week. Nobody lectures, nobody is asked to raise a hand, and nobody is wiser than the other. This is the Reading Circle at Kabo, a reading group only for women that has quickly become one of the most talked-about literary spaces in Srinagar. Founder Maumil Mehraj, 28, said the idea came from something she missed after moving back to Kashmir. She had spent most of her adult life in Delhi and abroad, studying literature and later peace and conflict studies, and was used to being around people who talked about books, history and society. When she returned to Kashmir, she felt that kind of space was missing. Reading is largely a solitary activity, but it is when you discuss what you have read with other people that you really begin to understand what a text is trying to say, she told Rising Kashmir. Discussing what you have read, forming new and different opinions, felt like a very natural next step. It was that need of occupying space, of developing intellectual curiosity together, that made me start the Circle. That is how it began, in June this year. It did not start big. Only three people came to the first session, and Mehraj said she felt a little disheartened at the time. Then a reel about the group went up on Instagram and things changed. Now, between 20 and 25 women come every Saturday to the hotel The Kabo in Wazir Bagh, and around 10 of them never miss a session. For Mehraj, however, the growing numbers are not really the point. The Circle remains an attempt to protect a particular kind of room: one where women can arrive without having to perform expertise, read something carefully, disagree with one another and leave having thought about it a little differently. What brings women back to the Circle each week, she said, is that nobody is treated as more important than anyone else in the room. She remembered a session where a Kashmir University professor sat across from her own student, and another where three students from Amar Singh College sat with their teacher, all as equals. She said such spaces are rare in Kashmir, where people usually cannot sit with their teachers outside of an institutional space and speak freely. For Dr Yasmin Shoaib, 46, a dentist, the Circle has turned out to be about much more than books. I have never been someone who was particularly fond of reading, but joining the Circle has given me something much more meaningful, she said. Every time I enter that space, I feel a different kind of happiness. I feel heard, respected, and, most importantly, not judged. I don't have to be the person everyone expects me to be. She said listening to younger members has taught her that people can learn just as much from conversation as from books. I may not have fallen in love with books yet, but I have certainly fallen in love with what the Circle gives me: a sense of belonging, acceptance, and the freedom to simply be myself. 16-year-old Hoor ul Nisa Behzad, a student and the youngest member of the group, said something similar in her own way. I think I came here for books, but somewhere along the way, I found a little more than that, she said. I read because I love words, but I stay because I love what words do to people. The readings are at the heart of the Circle. The group has moved between writers as different as Kate Chopin, Joan Didion, Albert Camus, James Baldwin, Annie Ernaux and Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain. The conversations rarely stay confined to a single interpretation of a text. A story might lead to a discussion about marriage, motherhood or the expectations placed on women; another might open into questions of memory, class, politics or the ways people understand themselves. Mehraj says that is what she finds most interesting about reading together: the same text can mean something entirely different to different people in the room. The Circle has hosted guest sessions with Nayeema Mehjoor, educationist Mahi Burza, writer Mehak Jamal and academic Dr Nyla Ali Khan. Author Anam Zakaria will join a session online on the 27th.
SKUAST-K to study Uris olive cultivation potential
Srinagar, Sep 25: With olive cultivation in Uri facing challenges, including inadequate irrigation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has proposed a field research-cum-feasibility study to assess whether the border area can support large-scale commercial plantations of olive and other suitable non-fruit species. The proposal was disclosed by the Agriculture Production Department in the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi, who sought to know whether the government would undertake a scientific assessment of Uris potential for commercial plantations in view of the areas limited traditional agriculture and horticulture opportunities. According to the governments reply, the study will be undertaken through the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)- Kashmir, and will assess the suitability of Uri for large-scale plantations, particularly olive cultivation. The study will not be confined to the suitability of the crop alone. The government said it would also examine the scope for demonstration plantations, nursery development and value-chain opportunities wherever found suitable. Based on the findings, the government said an action plan for pilot plantations and subsequent scaling up of commercially viable plantation models would be considered in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders. The proposed study assumes significance as olive cultivation in Uri has struggled to realise its potential amid local constraints, particularly the lack of adequate irrigation facilities. The governments decision to first assess the area scientifically could pave the way for identifying suitable locations, plantation models and supporting infrastructure before any large-scale expansion is undertaken. Scientific studies have already established the potential of olive cultivation in suitable parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Research by agricultural scientists has evaluated multiple olive cultivars under the mid-hill conditions of J&K, with some varieties showing promising yield and oil-content characteristics. For Uri, however, the proposed assessment is expected to determine whether the areas agro-climatic conditions, availability of land and water resources and other local factors can support commercially viable olive plantations.
JKRTC DEF tender to be scrapped
Srinagar, Sep 25: A committee constituted to examine the procurement of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF AUS-32) for the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporations (JKRTC) BS-VI fleet has recommended cancellation of the subsequent tender and initiation of a fresh, transparent and competitive procurement process through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), wherever applicable. The committee has also recommended that Reverse Auction be adopted wherever permissible and appropriate to ensure effective price discovery and greater competition. The recommendations follow the committees finding that the documentary record produced before it did not adequately substantiate JKRTCs decision to cancel its initial GeM procurement and subsequently shift the purchase to the J&K e-tenders portal, reads the report, a copy of which is with Rising Kashmir. The committee said the decision to shift the procurement was not adequately supported by the available records, particularly as no contemporaneous technical documentation was produced to substantiate the reported difficulty in conducting the procurement through GeM. It further recommended securing and properly indexing the complete original procurement record, including pre-bid proceedings, representations from participating agencies, technical correspondence, GeM communications, approvals, financial and procurement advice, tender proceedings, comparative statements, evaluation records and subsequent supply orders. The committee has also recommended that if any lapse, negligence, dereliction of duty or violation of rules is established and responsibility is fixed on any officer or official, appropriate action should be initiated under the relevant rules after following due process. The committee observed that JKRTC had initially floated a GeM bid, numbered GEM/2026/8/7566214, on May 21, 2026, for procurement of DEF AUS-32. The bid was subsequently cancelled on stated technical grounds. However, the committee said the minutes, proceedings or other contemporaneous records specifically recording the examination, recommendation and approval for cancellation of the GeM bid were not made available. As a result, it said, the precise nature of the technical impediment, the material on which it was established, alternative remedies considered and reasons for concluding that cancellation was necessary could not be independently verified. The committee also found that detailed minutes of a pre-bid meeting reportedly held on May 26, attended by five agencies, were not made available. The agencies included M/s UE Autotech Pvt. Ltd., M/s Rosmerta Road Safety Pvt. Ltd., HPCL, NPL and Blue Sky Automotive Pvt. Ltd. According to the material placed before the committee, the participating agencies supported concerns raised regarding participation through GeM and sought an alternative mode of tendering. However, individual representations and detailed proceedings were not produced for verification. The committee noted that no specific financial advice concerning cancellation of the GeM bid and adoption of another procurement platform was placed before it, to the extent such advice was required under applicable rules. It also found no documentary evidence establishing that JKRTC had obtained a specific technical opinion from GeM or a competent GeM authority regarding the reported difficulty. Similarly, no GeM Non-Availability Certificate or equivalent communication was produced to establish that procurement through GeM was not feasible. The committee said available remedial options on GeM including correction or modification of the product category, issuance of clarification or corrigendum, extension of the bid period and resolution of product classification issues were not shown to have been adequately examined before cancellation. Following cancellation of the GeM bid, JKRTC floated a fresh tender through the J&K e-Tenders portal under Tender ID 2026_SRTC_311111_1 on May 26, 2026. The committee observed that the subsequent tender did not incorporate a Reverse Auction mechanism. It said no specific note, justification or approval explaining its non-adoption was found on record. The issue, it said, was significant given the allegation that the DEF was procured at rates higher than earlier or applicable rates. However, the committee cautioned that any comparison of rates must take into account specifications, quantities, taxes, freight, delivery conditions, validity periods and other commercial terms. The procurement process came under scrutiny following a complaint or representation alleging irregularities in cancellation of the GeM tender, shifting of the procurement to the J&K e-Tenders portal, inadequate competition and procurement at allegedly higher rates. The government subsequently constituted the committee through order No. 257-JKRTC of 2026 dated August 5, 2026, with the approval of the Chairman, JKRTC. The committee comprised Director Finance, Transport Department Romesh Singh, JKAS; Joint Director, State Motor Garages, Sayed Muarif Andrabi; and JKRTC General Manager (Operations) Habibullah. The committee examined records produced by the JKRTC Purchase and Stores Section and sought additional documents from the Financial Adviser and Chief Accounts Officer (FA&CAO). It held meetings on August 24, 25 and 27 to scrutinise tender documents, correspondence, approvals and other records. It later sought original records and point-wise clarifications on September 11, but said the requested original documents were not produced and only a written statement of facts was furnished. The committee said the non-production of the original and contemporaneous records materially limited its ability to conclusively determine the procedural propriety and justification of decisions taken during the procurement process.
J&K power dues cross Rs 8,583 crore
Srinagar, Sep 25: In a startling revelation, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday said the outstanding power dues of domestic, commercial consumers and government departments in the Union Territory have crossed Rs 8,583 crore. The government further stated that the recently revised power tariff is expected to generate only Rs 251 crore in additional revenue during 2026-27.The total outstanding comprises Rs 4,385.41 crore owed by domestic consumers, Rs 1,727.51 crore by commercial consumers and Rs 2,470.13 crore by UT and Central Government departments. The figures assume significance as the government has defended the recent tariff revision as a necessary measure to bridge the gap between the average revenue realised per unit and the cost of power supply. According to the government, the tariff was revised by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) after considering the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) and other factors concerning the DISCOMs. The tariff revision is expected to yield an additional Rs 251 crore to the DISCOMs in the current financial year. Despite the revision, the government said it would continue to bear more than Rs 4,500 crore as power subsidy to bridge the revenue deficit of the DISCOMs, excluding their revenue expenses. The government also clarified that the subsidised tariff for AAY and BPL consumers has not been increased under the tariff order for 2026-27. On the possibility of another Power Amnesty or One-Time Settlement scheme for clearing outstanding dues, particularly for economically weaker sections, the government said the matter is under examination by the department on merits. The massive outstanding dues, alongside the limited additional revenue expected from the tariff revision, underline the continuing financial pressure on J&Ks power distribution system.
Army Chief reviews LoC security in Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 25: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Friday visited forward areas and formations of the Chinar Corps under Northern Command to review operational preparedness and the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland. During the visit, the Army Chief was briefed by commanders on the prevailing security situation, operational readiness and ongoing efforts to strengthen military capabilities. According to the Army, General Seth was also briefed on measures taken to maintain a strong security posture along the LoC and ensure preparedness for counter-terrorist operations in the hinterland. Interacting with troops in operational areas, the COAS praised all ranks for maintaining a high level of vigilance. He also highlighted the key focus areas of VIJAY, a five-point framework aimed at transforming the Indian Army into a future-ready force capable of responding quickly across the full spectrum of operations. The Army Chief also appreciated the coordination between the Indian Army, civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces, Jammu & Kashmir Police and other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability in the region. During his visit to Tangdhar, General Seth inspected the Advanced Surgical Eye Camp being organised by the Indian Army under Operation Drishti 2026. The camp, which is being held from September 23 to 30, aims to provide specialised eye care to serving personnel, Veer Naris, veterans, their dependents and civilians, particularly those living in remote and difficult-to-reach areas of Jammu & Kashmir. Specialist teams from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, and 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar, are conducting the medical camp. More than 6,000 patients are expected to be screened, while over 400 eye surgeries are planned during the week-long initiative.
Cloudbursts, flash floods damage 5,600 water schemes, 24,400 houses in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 25: Jammu and Kashmir has suffered extensive damage to public infrastructure, homes, crops and livestock due to cloudbursts and flash floods over the last two financial years, with official figures placed before the Legislative Assembly showing 3,959 roads, 5,597 water-supply schemes and 24,416 residential structures affected across the Union Territory during 2025-26 and 2026-27. The government data, tabled in response to a starred question by Doda West MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, also shows that 1,06,322.255 hectares of crop area were affected, while 5,244 livestock deaths were recorded across Jammu and Kashmir during the two years. The figures underline the growing scale of extreme-weather damage confronting the region, with the Jammu division accounting for the bulk of the reported losses. According to the data, Jammu division recorded 3,670 road damages, 5,084 disrupted water-supply schemes, 23,470 damaged residential structures, 99,300.29 hectares of affected crops and 5,207 livestock deaths during 2025-26 and 2026-27. Kashmir division reported 289 damaged roads, 513 water-supply schemes, 946 residential structures, 7,021.965 hectares of affected crop area and 37 livestock deaths over the same period. The figures cover both 2025-26 and the ongoing 2026-27 financial year, with the latter recording fresh damages from cloudbursts and flash floods in several districts. Among Jammu districts, Jammu reported the highest number of damaged roads at 1,692 across the two years, followed by Rajouri with 413 and Udhampur with 308. Jammu also reported 3,063 damaged water-supply schemes across the two years. The scale of residential damage was particularly significant in Jammu district, where 2,718 structures were affected in 2025-26 alone, while Udhampur reported 7,025 structures across the two years. Rajouri recorded 5,205 residential structures damaged over the period. The crop losses were also substantial. Jammu district alone reported 30,728 hectares of affected crop area in 2025-26, while Udhampur reported 20,446.5 hectares across the two years. Ramban reported 33,780 hectares, including a massive 18,690 hectares in 2025-26 and 15,090 hectares in 2026-27. Kishtwar reported 6,019.8 hectares of affected crops over the two years, while Doda reported 3,117 hectares. Rajouri recorded 760 livestock deaths across the two years, while Udhampur reported 1,468 and Ramban 1,362. The Kashmir division, while recording comparatively lower overall damage, also witnessed significant losses in several districts. Kulgam reported 3,472 hectares of affected crop area in 2025-26, besides 94 damaged roads and 63 water-supply schemes across the two years. Budgam reported 279 damaged roads and 51 disrupted water-supply schemes, while Anantnag reported 37 damaged roads and 247 disrupted water-supply schemes during the two years. Pulwama reported 33 damaged roads and 60 disrupted water-supply schemes, with 289 residential structures damaged in 2025-26. Bandipora reported 29 damaged roads and 27 water-supply schemes in 2025-26. The government, however, said restoration work had been taken up and that affected infrastructure was being brought back in phases. Necessary measures have been taken, the Disaster Management Department said in its reply, adding that roads and water-supply schemes affected during 2025-26 had been temporarily restored, while permanent restoration works were under process. For damages reported during 2026-27, the department said roads and water-supply schemes had been partially restored, with permanent restoration works under process in all affected districts. On the question of a dedicated rehabilitation package, the government said no special package or relief had been sanctioned for rehabilitation purposes. Instead, relief was being provided to affected persons under the admissible norms of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). There have, however, been additional interventions through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for structural damage. For the 2025-26 Chishoti cloudburst in Kishtwar, the Chief Minister's Relief Fund provided Rs 1 lakh each to 16 affected households, besides Rs 0.25 lakh each to three partially damaged houses. For 2026-27, Rs 108 lakh was released for 87 beneficiaries in Poonch, while Rs 281 lakh was released for 377 beneficiaries in Rajouri for structural damage. The response comes amid repeated episodes of intense rainfall, cloudbursts and flash floods across J&K, which have increasingly put pressure on roads, water infrastructure, homes and agricultural land. The Assembly data also highlights the uneven nature of disaster impacts: while several districts reported limited or no fresh damage in 2026-27 under some categories, others saw significant increases in damaged roads, water schemes or residential structures.
U.P. Congress leaders clash with police, detained during protest against Chief Election Commissioner
The Congress leaders, including State Congress chief Ajay Rai and party workers demanding the resignation of the CEC, were stopped and later detained while trying to march towards the Uttar Pradesh Assembly
Will not allow debate on 370, autonomy: BJP
Srinagar, Sep 25: Rejecting the resolution moved by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on statehood restoration in the Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma Friday said that Omar must clarify why he continued in the NDA government when the autonomy resolution passed in the J&K Assembly was thrown into dustbin. I want to ask the Chief Minister wasnt he part of the then NDA government when autonomy resolution was rejected and thrown into dustbin. Didnt he continue, Sharma told reporters. He said refrences of autonomy and special status in the statehood resolution amounts to befooling people and BJP rejects its completely. BJP was prepared to participate in a debate on statehood issue only but would oppose any attempt to bring issues related to Article 370 or the autonomy resolution into the discussion, he said. Todays resolution moved by the Chief Minister is controversial and disputed. The BJP had rejected the autonomy resolution and even tore it up. Why is that resolution being discussed again in todays resolution? He also sought clarity from the Congress leadership over its position on the autonomy resolution and Article 370, asking whether the party supported the positions contained in the resolutions or stood with the government. Congress should clear its position, from Rahul Gandhi to the State Chief of Congress. Is it with this resolution? Is it with the pre-1953 resolution? Is it with the resolution of 370, or is it with the government? he said. The LoP said the BJP had no objection to a discussion on restoration of statehood and challenged the government to debate the issue in the Assembly. If you want to debate statehood, we challenge you. We are ready to debate on the statehood issue only, Sharma said, alleging that the government was invoking the statehood issue while failing to address governance-related concerns. He further alleged that the statehood issue was being used to hide its failures and delay its restoration. The BJP rejects this resolution. The so-called autonomy and the resolution of 370 and we will not allow debate on this issue, Sharma said. Sharma said the BJP would continue its protest until the Congress clarified its position on Article 370 and the autonomy resolution and the government responded to the questions raised by the Opposition.
Statehood Storm Rocks J&K Assembly
Srinagar, Sep 25: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs resolution seeking the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood on Friday reopened an old political faultline in the Legislative Assembly, with the BJP objecting to a reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution, storming the Well and forcing repeated adjournments before the House was finally adjourned till Monday. Moved by Omar after Question Hour, the resolution called upon the Government of India to restore full statehood to J&K and forward the resolution to the Centre. In addition to the resolutions passed by this House on 26 June 2000 and 6 November 2024, the House calls upon the Government of India for the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and resolves that this resolution be forwarded to the Government of India, reads the resolution. While the immediate demand was for restoration of statehood, the reference to the June 26, 2000 resolution passed during the previous National Conference government seeking greater autonomy for J&K became the flashpoint for the BJP. BJP members objected to the reference and entered the Well of the House, raising slogans and protesting against any attempt to bring the autonomy issue into the discussion. The protests disrupted proceedings and copies of the resolution were torn amid the uproar. Led by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, BJP members objected to mentioning of autonomy in the resolution and also the reference of previous resolutions including special status passed by the J&K Assembly. The Speaker initially adjourned the House for 30 minutes in an attempt to restore order. When proceedings resumed, the confrontation continued, with BJP members maintaining their opposition to the resolution in its present form. The continued ruckus eventually forced Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn the House till Monday, leaving the substantive debate on the statehood resolution pending. We want full statehood Speaking to reporters after the disruption, Omar said the resolution was specifically about restoration of statehood and argued that the reference to earlier resolutions did not change the nature of the fresh demand. The Chief Minister said J&K had been promised restoration of statehood following delimitation and elections and that his government had repeatedly reminded the Centre of the commitment. The people of J&K had participated in the electoral process with the expectation that statehood would follow and questioned why the promise had not yet been fulfilled, he said. My government was seeking restoration of the entire erstwhile state and not a diluted arrangement. Omar said: We want full statehood. We have been promised full statehood and we want full statehood. He stressed that the demand was neither for half nor quarter statehood. Taking a swipe at the BJPs opposition to the resolution, Omar said the party should have allowed a debate in the House and participated in the voting process. He challenged the BJP to identify any language in the resolution that was against the national interest and argued that the House should be allowed to debate the demand before members took a position. Omar also said the reference to the earlier resolutions did not amount to bringing a fresh autonomy resolution before the House, maintaining that the new resolution had a specific and separate objective restoration of statehood. Let BJP show me a single word which is anti-national in the resolution, he said. The Chief Ministers comments came as the BJP maintained that the reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution could not be treated as incidental and accused the ruling camp of trying to bring issues relating to autonomy and the pre-1953 constitutional arrangement into the Assembly. NC: Debate will show who backs statehood The National Conference defended the wording of the resolution, saying that the reference to previous resolutions should not be confused with the immediate demand for statehood. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the resolution before the House was separate from the earlier resolutions and should be considered on its own merit. Statehood resolution, with reference to earlier resolutions, is separate resolution on statehood. We expected everyone to support it. Debate will show who wants statehood and who does not, Sadiq said. PDP supports resolution, sets rider The PDP, while supporting the statehood demand, sought amendments to the resolution. PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi said the text should also refer to restoration of Article 370 and 35-A and take a position on the developments of August 5, 2019. We support National Conferences statehood resolution but want it amended. It is weak as it does not mention restoration of Article 370 and 35-A or condemn what BJP and Delhi did on August 5, 2019, Mehdi said. BJP rejects resolution, cites autonomy, past resolutions The BJP, however, rejected the framing of the issue as merely one of statehood and alleged that the NC-Congress position was linked to demands for autonomy and the pre-1953 arrangement. BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia said the issues being raised by the ruling parties could not be discussed in the Assembly in the manner being suggested. National Conference and Congress do not want restoration of statehood in J&K. They are seeking statehood with autonomy and pre-1953 status, which cannot be discussed in this Assembly after the Reorganisation Act, Mankotia said. BJP MLA Shagun Parihar also targeted Omar over the references to autonomy and self-rule. CM Omar Abdullah does not want restoration of J&K statehood. That is why he talks about self-rule and autonomy and wants to divert attention from the issue, Parihar said. The exchange exposed the sharply different positions among the parties over what should accompany or follow the restoration of statehood. For the NC, the resolution is a direct demand for restoration of full statehood and a reminder to the Centre of its stated commitment. The PDP wants the text to encompass the constitutional changes of 2019, while the BJP has objected to the autonomy reference and said the Assembly cannot reopen questions relating to the pre-2019 constitutional arrangement. With the House adjourned until Monday amid the BJP ruckus, the statehood resolution is now set to return to the Assembly against the backdrop of a wider political dispute over statehood, autonomy and the constitutional changes of August 2019.
Fair Price Shops Must Serve the Poor, Not Burden Them
Fair price shops are meant to be the first line of support for families that depend on subsidised foodgrains for their daily survival. For many low-income households, the ration they receive through the public distribution system is not an entitlement in the abstract; it is a vital protection against hunger and economic uncertainty. Yet the functioning of many fair price shops continues to raise serious concerns, particularly over irregular supplies, limited timings, overcharging and the uneven treatment of beneficiaries. The purpose of the system is clear. It seeks to ensure that essential food items reach eligible households at affordable rates, irrespective of their income or social standing. But the success of this objective depends on the integrity of the entire chain, from procurement and storage to transportation and final delivery. Any weakness along the way ultimately affects the poorest citizen. Beneficiaries should not have to make repeated visits to collect their monthly quota. Nor should they be compelled to depend on the discretion of a dealer for information about the availability of foodgrains. Stock positions, prices and distribution schedules must be displayed prominently at every outlet. Receipts should be issued without exception, and electronic records must be regularly reconciled with physical stocks. Technology has improved transparency in the ration system, but digital systems cannot by themselves eliminate malpractice. Biometric authentication failures, poor connectivity and outdated beneficiary records continue to create difficulties for many people, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities and those living in remote areas. No eligible family should be denied food because of a technical failure. Alternative verification mechanisms must remain available. The administration must also strengthen inspections and grievance redressal. Complaints should be registered easily, investigated promptly and followed by visible action wherever violations are established. Surprise inspections are useful, but routine monitoring should not be reduced to paperwork. Local communities and elected representatives can also play a constructive role by reporting shortages, denial of entitlements and irregular practices. Fair price shop dealers, too, deserve timely commissions, proper infrastructure and predictable supply schedules. A system that leaves dealers financially insecure can create conditions for wrongdoing. Accountability and support must therefore move together. The public distribution system is ultimately a test of governance. Its beneficiaries are not asking for charity; they are claiming a lawful social guarantee. Fair price shops must live up to their name by ensuring fairness, dignity and reliability. Anything less weakens public trust and defeats the very purpose of food security.
When the Road Becomes a Killing Ground
The death of Ishu Sharma in a bus-scooty collision at MH Chowk, Udhampur, is not merely another entry in the daily record of road accidents. It is a human tragedy that once again exposes the vulnerability of two-wheeler riders on busy roads and the urgent need for stronger traffic regulation across Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials, Sharma was riding a scooty when a bus struck her on Friday. She suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Government Medical College, Udhampur, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Behind the brief official account lies a family shattered by an avoidable loss. Sharma, a resident of Ramnagar and wife of late Sahil Sharma, was not a statistic. She was a member of a community whose life ended abruptly on a public road. Road accidents are often reduced to numbers, police proceedings and mechanical descriptions of collisions. Such reporting is necessary, but it must not obscure the larger question: why do preventable crashes continue to claim lives with such regularity? Every fatal accident demands more than the registration of a case. It calls for an examination of road design, traffic movement, driver conduct, enforcement standards and emergency response. MH Chowk and similar busy junctions require effective traffic management, visible lane discipline and strict monitoring of buses and other heavy vehicles. Public transport operators carry a special responsibility because the size and weight of their vehicles leave smaller road users with little protection in a collision. Speeding, careless overtaking, abrupt lane changes and failure to respect right of way can have irreversible consequences. At the same time, responsibility cannot rest only with drivers. Traffic authorities must identify accident-prone stretches, improve signage, ensure proper lighting and deploy personnel at congested intersections. Surveillance cameras and regular enforcement drives can help deter reckless driving, but these measures must be sustained rather than introduced only after a fatal crash. The incident also underlines the importance of timely trauma care. Although Sharma was shifted to GMC Udhampur, she could not survive her injuries. Authorities must assess whether emergency response systems, ambulances and roadside medical support are adequate in high-risk areas. Minutes often determine whether an injured person lives or dies. Police have initiated proceedings, as required. But justice and accountability must extend beyond paperwork. The circumstances of the collision should be investigated fairly, and if negligence is established, action must follow. Equally important is the need to prevent another family from enduring the same grief. Ishu Sharmas death should prompt more than condolences. It should compel the administration to treat road safety as a public-health priority. Roads are meant to connect communities, not turn into corridors of mourning. Until authorities, transport operators and citizens accept their shared responsibility, the next fatal collision may only be a matter of time.
Jammu and Kashmir Has World-Class Golf Courses. Why Is It Still Waiting for a World-Class Golfer?
Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with some of the most spectacular golf courses anywhere in Asia. Few places in the world allow golfers to play amid snow-capped mountains, pine forests, lush meadows and crystal-clear lakes and rivers. From the iconic Royal Springs Golf Course overlooking Dal Lake to the historic Gulmarg Golf Club, one of the highest golf courses in the world, the region possesses golfing assets that many countries would envy. The region is also home to the scenic Pahalgam Golf Course, the historic Kashmir Golf Club in Srinagar, and the Jammu Tawi Golf Course, each contributing to Jammu and Kashmir's growing reputation as one of India's finest golfing destinations. Yet, despite these exceptional facilities, Jammu and Kashmir has not produced golfers who have consistently excelled at the national or international level. The question is obvious: Why? The answer lies not in the absence of natural beauty or golf courses, but in the absence of a sustained ecosystem for nurturing golfing talent. Golf Courses Do Not Produce ChampionsPeople Do A magnificent golf course is only one part of the equation. Champions are produced through years of professional coaching, structured training, competitive exposure, sports science, and continuous mentoring. One of the biggest challenges facing golf in Jammu and Kashmir has been the limited availability of highly qualified professional golf coaches. Young golfers may have access to beautiful fairways, but without expert coaching during their formative years, natural talent often remains unrealised. Modern golf has become highly scientific. Elite players are supported by biomechanics experts, sports psychologists, nutritionists, fitness trainers and performance analysts. Such integrated support systems are still in their infancy in the region. A Vision That Lost Momentum Recognising the need to nurture local talent, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir established a golf academy with the vision of creating a pathway for aspiring golfers. The initiative generated tremendous optimism among golfers and sports enthusiasts. However, it did not evolve into the vibrant centre of excellence that many had envisioned. Many within the golfing fraternity feel that the academy gradually lost momentum because of inadequate long-term institutional support and the absence of sustained political and administrative commitment required for specialised sports development. High-performance sport cannot succeed through one-time initiatives. It requires continuity, long-term planning, accountability and consistent investment. A Home Tournament, But Too Few Homegrown Professionals The J&K Open 2026, part of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), held at the magnificent Royal Springs Golf Course, a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir. It brought some of India's finest golfers to the Valley and showcases J&Ks unmatched golfing landscape before a national audience. Yet, the tournament also highlights an uncomfortable reality. Despite possessing multiple golf courses of international standards, only a handful of professional golfers from Jammu and Kashmir compete in the prestigious event. Local representation was limited to a small number of professionals, reflecting the gap between having world-class venues and producing world-class players. This should not be seen as a reflection on the ability of local golfers. Instead, it underlines the urgent need to strengthen the entire player development pathwayfrom identifying talent at a young age to providing world-class coaching, regular competition, financial support and opportunities to compete nationally and internationally. Why aren't many golfers from J and K playing? The issue is generally not that PGTI excludes them. Rather: Very few golfers from Jammu & Kashmir earn a full PGTI Tour Card through Qualifying School. There are relatively few local players with sufficient national-level competitive experience. Limited access to high-performance coaching and year-round tournament exposure makes it harder to reach the standard required for the professional tour. The true success of the J&K Open will not only be measured by the quality of golfers who visit Kashmir, but by the number of golfers from J and K who one day compete forand winthe championship. Competition Creates Champions No athlete can improve without regular competition. Young golfers from established golfing nations compete in dozens of tournaments every year, gradually developing confidence and competitive temperament. Players from Jammu and Kashmir require greater exposure to junior, amateur and professional tournaments across India. Hosting more ranking tournaments in the region would not only develop local talent but further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's reputation as India's golfing capital. Looking Ahead: Expanding Golf Beyond Existing Destinations Jammu and Kashmir possesses enormous untapped potential for golf tourism. While Gulmarg, Royal Springs, Pahalgam, Kashmir Golf Club and Jammu Tawi Golf Course are excellent facilities, the region has the natural advantage to develop more championship-standard golf courses in carefully selected destinations. Places like Aru, Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan, Sonamarg, Sanasar, Bangus Valley, Baisaran, Gurez and other scenic valleys offer breathtaking landscapes that could become iconic golfing destinations if developed with proper environmental safeguards. Such projects could transform Jammu and Kashmir into South Asia's premier golf tourism destination while simultaneously creating opportunities for local youth, generating employment, boosting hospitality, and attracting high-value tourists throughout the year. Building Champions Requires Building an Ecosystem If Jammu and Kashmir truly wishes to become a golfing powerhouse, the roadmap is clear: Recruit internationally qualified golf coaches. Revitalise and strengthen golf academies. Introduce golf in schools and colleges. Increase junior and professional tournaments. Develop indoor practice facilities for winter months. Encourage corporate sponsorship and public-private partnerships. Promote golf as both a competitive sport and a pillar of high-value tourism. Explore the development of environmentally sustainable golf courses. Conclusion Nature has already done its part. It has gifted Jammu and Kashmir some of the most beautiful golfing landscapes in the world. The next step is to build an equally world-class system for producing golfers. The dream should not simply be to bring golfers to Jammu and Kashmir. The dream should be to produce golfers from J&K who represent India on the biggest international stages. Only then will J&K truly become not just a paradise for golfbut a cradle of golfing champions. (The Author is an Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Anantnag)
Adventure Tourism: Kashmirs Next Great Opportunity
Kashmir has long been celebrated for its beauty. Its lakes, meadows, forests and snow-covered peaks have attracted visitors from across India and beyond. Yet the tourism story of the region has often remained confined to familiar images: shikaras on Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens and the seasonal charm of Gulmarg and Pahalgam. That story is now changing. Adventure tourism is emerging as one of the most promising avenues for expanding Kashmirs tourism economy. Trekking, mountaineering, skiing, rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, camping and rock climbing are no longer activities limited to a small group of enthusiasts. They are becoming part of a wider travel culture in which visitors seek experience, challenge and contact with nature rather than passive sightseeing alone. Kashmir is naturally equipped for this transition. The region possesses a rare combination of landscapes within a relatively compact geographical area. High-altitude lakes, alpine meadows, dramatic valleys, swift-flowing rivers and dense forests offer opportunities for adventure tourism in every season. Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Gurez, Doodhpathri, Bangus, Aharbal, Lolab and dozens of lesser-known locations can support carefully planned adventure circuits. The attraction of adventure tourism is not merely recreational. It can also help distribute tourism more widely. Traditional tourism remains concentrated in a few established destinations, placing enormous pressure on places such as Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam while leaving many rural and border areas economically marginalised. Adventure tourism, by its very nature, encourages visitors to move beyond crowded centres and explore less-developed regions. This creates opportunities for local communities. Young people can be trained as trekking guides, ski instructors, rescue professionals, outdoor educators, equipment operators and hospitality workers. Villages situated near trekking routes can provide homestays, food services, transport and local products. If planned properly, adventure tourism can create livelihoods without requiring every young person to leave their village in search of work. But the promise should not make us blind to the risks. Adventure tourism is not simply about placing a signboard at a scenic location and inviting visitors to climb, camp or raft. It requires professional planning, trained personnel, reliable communication systems, medical support and clearly enforced safety standards. Every trekking route should have an assessment of its difficulty, weather risks, emergency access and carrying capacity. Operators must be registered and accountable. Guides should receive certified training in first aid, navigation, high-altitude safety and rescue procedures. Tourists should be informed honestly about the risks involved instead of being encouraged through exaggerated advertising. The administration and tourism department must also develop a strong rescue mechanism. Mountain emergencies can become fatal when help is delayed. Helicopter support, emergency shelters, trained rescue teams and coordinated communication between police, hospitals, local authorities and tour operators are essential. Safety cannot remain an afterthought that is discussed only after an accident. Environmental protection is equally important. Kashmirs natural beauty is not an unlimited commercial resource. Unregulated tourism can destroy the very landscapes that attract visitors. Plastic waste, careless camping, damage to alpine vegetation, traffic congestion and the construction of unsuitable infrastructure can permanently weaken fragile ecosystems. Adventure tourism must therefore follow the principles of responsible tourism. Carrying capacities should be fixed for sensitive areas. Waste-management systems must be compulsory at campsites and tourist hubs. Single-use plastic should be strictly controlled. Construction in ecologically vulnerable zones should be limited, and local architecture should guide the development of homestays and accommodation facilities. The participation of local communities must go beyond symbolic consultation. People living around tourist destinations should have a genuine stake in the benefits. Village-level tourism committees, transparent licensing systems and local ownership models can help ensure that revenue does not flow exclusively to outside agencies. A visitor who hires a local guide, stays in a village homestay and buys locally made products contributes far more meaningfully to the regional economy than one who merely passes through. There is also a need to move away from seasonal thinking. Gulmargs winter sports and summer trekking, for instance, can be developed as part of a year-round tourism calendar. Autumn trails, spring birdwatching, mountain biking, cultural walks and winter camping can create sustained opportunities for workers and businesses. Such diversification would reduce dependence on a few months of intense tourism activity. The private sector has a role, but so does the public sector. Investment is needed in roads, internet connectivity, weather information, public toilets, emergency centres and training institutions. At the same time, commercial interests must not be allowed to overpower public safety or environmental concerns. A balance between enterprise and regulation is essential. Kashmirs adventure tourism policy should also focus on inclusion. Facilities should gradually become accessible to women, children, older visitors and people with disabilities wherever possible. Local youth, including young women, should be encouraged to enter guiding, hospitality and outdoor education. Tourism becomes more valuable when it expands opportunity rather than reinforcing existing inequalities. The future of Kashmirs tourism cannot be secured through promotion alone. It will depend on credibility. Visitors must know that the routes are safe, the operators are trained, the environment is respected, and the local communities benefit. A destination earns lasting recognition not only through spectacular landscapes but also through the quality of its management. Adventure tourism offers Kashmir a chance to present itself to the world in a new waynot merely as a beautiful place to visit, but as a region of exploration, resilience and responsible engagement with nature. The opportunity is immense, but it must be handled with patience and seriousness. If the mountains are to become pathways to prosperity, they must not be treated as commodities. They must be protected, respected and shared responsibly. Kashmirs next tourism chapter should be adventurous, but it should also be safe, sustainable and rooted in the people who call these landscapes home. ( The Author is a lecturer in HED and a Columnist)
Kashmir has always been described through its seasons. Spring arrives with almond blossoms and soft sunlight. Summer brings green meadows, clear streams and the cool comfort of the mountains. Autumn paints the valley in gold, while winter covers its roofs and fields with snow. This changing rhythm has shaped the culture, economy and imagination of the people. But that rhythm is no longer as reliable as it once was. The signs of climate change are now visible in the valleys everyday life. Winters are becoming shorter and less predictable. Snowfall patterns have changed. Summers are hotter, water sources are under pressure, and sudden rainfall often turns into flooding. Glaciers are shrinking, forests are facing greater stress, and agriculture is becoming more difficult to plan. Climate change is no longer an abstract phrase used in international conferences. It is present in the drying spring, the failing crop, the unusual snowfall and the anxious farmer looking at the sky. Kashmir is often presented as a paradise, but paradise is not immune to environmental damage. In fact, its beauty can sometimes hide its vulnerability. The same mountains, lakes and forests that attract visitors also sustain local communities. When they are weakened, the consequences are not limited to the landscape. They affect livelihoods, public health, food security and the future of generations yet to be born. The most visible impact of climate change in Kashmir is perhaps the disturbance of winter. Snow has never been merely a scenic part of the valleys identity. It is a vital source of water. Snow stored in the mountains gradually feeds rivers, streams and springs as temperatures rise. It supports agriculture, replenishes groundwater and maintains the flow of rivers during the warmer months. When snowfall is delayed, reduced or concentrated into short and intense periods, the entire water cycle is disturbed. Farmers face uncertainty over irrigation. Hydropower projects may experience fluctuations. Villages dependent on springs find their traditional water sources weakening. The problem becomes more serious when warmer temperatures cause snow to melt too quickly, leaving less water available later in the season. The changing climate is also affecting agriculture, one of the main foundations of Kashmirs rural economy. The timing of apple blossoms, pollination and harvesting is increasingly vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature. An unusually warm spell followed by frost can damage blossoms and reduce production. Hailstorms, untimely rain and heat stress can affect fruit quality. Farmers who once relied on familiar seasonal patterns now have to make decisions in conditions they cannot easily predict. The apple industry provides an important example. Kashmirs horticulture sector supports thousands of families directly and many more indirectly. It contributes to transport, packaging, storage, trade and employment. Yet the sector is exposed to rising temperatures, changing chill hours, water scarcity and extreme weather. If climate change continues without effective adaptation, the impact will be felt far beyond orchards. It will reach markets, workers, transporters and consumers. Paddy cultivation is also under pressure. Agriculture in Kashmir depends heavily on water availability and a predictable monsoon. Erratic rainfall can create both drought-like conditions and damaging floods. A farmer may face a shortage of water at one stage of cultivation and excessive rain at another. This makes traditional knowledge less dependable and increases financial risk for small and marginal farmers. Climate change is not only an environmental crisis. It is also a social justice issue. Those who have contributed least to global warming often suffer the most from its effects. A small farmer cannot control industrial emissions, global energy policies or the decisions of large corporations. Yet the farmer bears the cost when crops fail, water sources dry up or extreme weather destroys an orchard. Similarly, a poor household cannot easily adapt to rising temperatures. It may not have reliable heating, cooling, insulation or access to healthcare. Families living in vulnerable areas face greater risks from floods and landslides. Women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities are often affected disproportionately during environmental emergencies, even though their concerns receive limited attention in planning and policy. The valleys water bodies provide another warning. Dal Lake, Wular Lake and other wetlands are not simply tourist attractions. They are ecological systems that regulate water, support biodiversity and protect communities from flooding. Encroachment, pollution, excessive construction and untreated waste have already weakened many of these water bodies. Climate change adds another layer of pressure. When intense rainfall occurs, degraded wetlands cannot absorb and hold water as effectively as healthy ecosystems. The result is greater flooding in urban and rural areas. At the same time, warmer temperatures can encourage the growth of weeds and harmful organisms in lakes, reducing water quality and threatening aquatic life. The destruction of wetlands, therefore, is not only a loss of natural beauty. It is a direct threat to public safety. Urbanisation has made the situation more complicated. Srinagar and other towns are expanding rapidly, often without adequate attention to drainage, land use and ecological limits. Buildings are coming up in areas that once absorbed rainwater. Roads and concrete surfaces prevent water from entering the soil. Drains are frequently blocked by waste, while construction continues along water channels and wetlands. A changing climate exposes the weaknesses of such development. Even a moderate spell of heavy rain can create serious disruption when natural drainage systems have been damaged. Roads are submerged, homes are affected, traffic comes to a standstill and essential services are interrupted. Instead of asking only why rainfall is becoming extreme, we must also ask why our towns are becoming less capable of managing it. There is a tendency to treat every environmental crisis as a temporary inconvenience. A flood is discussed for a few days, a dry spring is mentioned when water tankers arrive, and an unseasonal snowfall becomes a subject of public conversation. Then attention moves elsewhere. But climate change requires long-term thinking. It cannot be addressed through occasional campaigns or official statements released after disasters. The first requirement is better environmental governance. Kashmir needs reliable, local climate data that can guide decisions in agriculture, water management, construction and disaster preparedness. Policies must be based on the specific conditions of different districts and ecological zones. What works in a high-altitude area may not work in the plains, and the needs of an orchard region may differ from those of a wetland-dependent community. The protection of forests must become a serious priority. Forests regulate water, reduce soil erosion, support biodiversity and provide protection against landslides. But forests are frequently threatened by illegal felling, fires, unplanned development and excessive human pressure. Afforestation programmes cannot simply mean planting trees and counting them. The survival of planted trees, the restoration of native species and the involvement of local communities are equally important. Traditional water systems also deserve greater attention. Springs, ponds, canals and village water channels have supported communities for generations. Many of them are now neglected, polluted or blocked. Restoring these systems can improve water security while reducing dependence on expensive emergency arrangements. Local communities should be treated as partners in conservation, not merely as beneficiaries of government schemes. The tourism sector must also examine its environmental footprint. Tourism is important for Kashmirs economy, but uncontrolled tourism can place enormous pressure on water, waste management, roads and fragile landscapes. The answer is not to oppose visitors. It is to promote responsible tourism. Hotels and businesses must manage waste properly, conserve water and follow construction norms. Visitors, too, should understand that the valley is not an unlimited resource. Climate-conscious development does not mean stopping progress. It means redefining progress. A road that destroys a water channel is not successful development. A building constructed on a floodplain is not a sign of modernisation. A tourism project that creates waste without providing treatment facilities may generate short-term income, but it creates long-term public costs. Education has an important role in this transition. Climate change should not be taught only as a chapter in a textbook. Students should understand how it affects their own communities, farms, forests and water sources. Schools and colleges can promote rainwater harvesting, waste reduction, tree care and local biodiversity projects. Young people must be encouraged to see environmental protection not as a separate activity, but as part of responsible citizenship. The media also has a responsibility. Environmental reporting should not begin and end with disasters. It must examine the causes behind flooding, water scarcity, deforestation and pollution. It should give space to farmers, scientists, local communities and conservation workers. Public discussion becomes meaningful only when environmental issues are treated as matters of governance and justice rather than seasonal news. The administration, for its part, must move from reaction to preparedness. Early-warning systems, stronger drainage networks, safer construction practices and district-level disaster plans can save lives and reduce losses. Climate adaptation should be built into every major infrastructure project. It is cheaper and wiser to prevent damage than to repeatedly spend public money repairing the same failures. At the household level, people also have responsibilities. Waste should not be thrown into streams or drains. Water must be used carefully. Local trees and wetlands should be protected. Communities can revive collective traditions of maintaining springs, cleaning water channels and preparing for emergencies. Individual actions may seem small, but environmental degradation itself often begins with thousands of small acts of neglect. Kashmirs climate crisis is a warning, but it is not a sentence of helplessness. The valley still has strong communities, rich ecological knowledge and natural systems capable of recovery. But recovery will not happen automatically. It requires political will, scientific planning and public participation. Most importantly, it requires a change in attitude. We must stop seeing nature as a backdrop to human life. The mountains are not merely scenery, rivers are not open drains, forests are not vacant land, and wetlands are not obstacles to construction. They are part of the living infrastructure that protects and sustains Kashmir. The future of Kashmir will depend on whether its development respects its ecology. The valley cannot preserve its identity while destroying the systems that created it. If the seasons continue to change and we continue to respond with indifference, the cost will be paid by farmers, workers, children and communities already living at the edge of insecurity. Climate change has already entered Kashmir. The question is whether Kashmir will now choose to confront it with seriousness. The choices made today will decide whether future generations inherit a living valley or only memories of the paradise we failed to protect. (The author is a research scholar and columnist)
Kashmir: A Symphony of the Sacred
Before Kashmir wakes to the noise of its roads, markets and everyday concerns, it has already spoken. In the fragile hour between darkness and daylight, when the mountains are still wrapped in the last shadows of night, and the first light has barely begun to touch the valley, the air carries sounds that seem older than memory. From a mosque comes the Azaan, rising gently over the rooftops, while from a nearby temple the ringing of bells and the first chants of morning worship begin to mingle with it. In many parts of Kashmir, where mosques and temples stand close to one another, these sounds have for generations formed part of the natural rhythm of the morning. Heard together in the stillness of dawn, they create an atmosphere that is difficult to describe in ordinary language. One does not merely hear them; one feels them. There is something deeply beautiful about a land beginning its day in remembrance. Before human activity divides the morning into occupations and obligations, the valley seems to belong to a quieter order of existence. The Azaan calls the faithful towards worship, while the rituals of a nearby temple begin with their own ancient cadence. Their languages, traditions and forms are different, yet both arise from the same human longing to reach beyond the limitations of the individual self. In that early silence, neither sound needs to compete with the other. Each occupies its own space, and together they become part of the valley's distinctive spiritual soundscape. Perhaps this is one reason Kashmir has always seemed to possess a character beyond its physical beauty. Its mountains, rivers, springs, temples and shrines are not merely picturesque features of a landscape. They have accumulated memories, associations and meanings across generations. The land has been looked upon, inhabited and experienced not only with the eyes but with a sense of reverence that has found expression in different religious and mystical traditions. Its spirituality is therefore not confined to a particular building or ritual; it has entered the atmosphere itself. The temples of Kashmir have long been woven into the life of its communities. Their bells have marked the beginning of mornings, their lamps have illuminated evenings, and their courtyards have witnessed generations arriving with flowers, offerings and folded hands. A temple is not simply a place where a ritual is performed. It can become a repository of memory, where the presence of those who worshipped there before us seems to linger in the very stones. The sound of a bell travelling through a quiet village can evoke something that no written description can adequately capture. The mosque carries its own equally powerful presence. The Azaan, particularly in the early morning, has a quality that can transform the atmosphere around it. Its call does not merely announce a time of worship; it momentarily draws attention away from the concerns of the waking world and towards something beyond them. For generations of Kashmiris, it has been part of the sound of home, village and neighbourhood, woven naturally into the rhythm of everyday existence. Where a mosque and a temple happen to stand close to each other, their proximity can offer a particularly moving image of Kashmir's cultural landscape. The two places of worship need not become identical for their presence beside one another to acquire meaning. Their very coexistence reflects a land in which different communities have shared streets, neighbourhoods, memories and seasons. The morning sounds emerging from them can remind us that human beings may approach the Infinite through different names, symbols and traditions while still being united by the impulse to seek something greater than themselves. The natural landscape deepens this experience. Kashmir's mountains have a silence that seems almost deliberate. They stand above the valley without haste, watching the passage of seasons and generations. Snow gathers upon them, melts into streams and eventually becomes part of rivers that travel through the land. Their presence places the human being within a larger measure of time. Standing before such mountains, one becomes conscious of how brief an individual life is and how enduring the rhythms of nature can be. The rivers offer another kind of wisdom. They move continuously, touching villages, fields and towns without belonging permanently to any of them. They accept whatever comes into their course and continue towards a destination beyond what the eye can see. Their movement carries an implicit lesson about change. Nothing remains exactly as it was, yet continuity is not lost. Perhaps this is why the sight of a river can awaken reflection without demanding it. Its movement speaks quietly of time, surrender and renewal. Then there are Kashmir's springs, emerging from the earth with an almost mysterious simplicity. Some have been associated with shrines and traditions for generations, while others remain familiar parts of local memory. Their waters seem to rise from a hidden depth and make the invisible visible for a moment. They remind us that beneath what we see there are forces and movements beyond ordinary perception. The spring does not explain its origin; it simply continues to emerge, offering itself to the world. This relationship between landscape and inwardness has deep roots in Kashmir's intellectual and spiritual traditions. Kashmir Shaivism developed a profound understanding of consciousness and the relationship between the individual and the universal, while the poetry of Lal Ded repeatedly directed attention away from external appearances towards inner realisation. Her verses, like much of Kashmir's mystical inheritance, suggest that the ultimate journey is not necessarily towards a distant destination. It is a movement towards awareness, towards the discovery of what lies behind the restless surface of existence. The valley's spiritual character can therefore be encountered in the simplest moments. It may appear in the first ray of sunlight touching a snow-covered peak, in the sound of water moving beneath a bridge, in the fragrance of flowers carried towards a shrine, in the ringing of a temple bell, or in the Azaan travelling across a still neighbourhood. None of these experiences demands elaborate interpretation. Their power lies precisely in their simplicity. For those separated from Kashmir, however, these experiences can acquire another meaning. Distance changes the nature of memory. A temple that once stood within walking distance may become something one can reach only through remembrance. A familiar mosque, a village spring, a riverbank or an ancestral courtyard may exist physically somewhere in the valley while becoming increasingly distant from one's everyday life. Yet the sounds and images associated with them can remain remarkably alive. The Azaan heard in childhood, the temple bells of an early morning, the fragrance of incense, the sight of mountains from a familiar windowall can return unexpectedly, carrying with them an entire world. Memory in such moments is not merely an archive of the past. It becomes a bridge between what was and what continues to live within us. A place may be physically distant and yet remain intimately present. The geography outside may change, but the geography carried within the heart can preserve its own landscapes. Perhaps this is what makes Kashmir more than a beautiful valley. Its deepest beauty lies not only in its mountains or waters but in the way the land has taught generations to experience the visible and the invisible together. Here, a morning can begin with the Azaan from a mosque and the bells of a temple; a river can become an image of life's passage; a mountain can teach stillness; a spring can suggest hidden depths; and an old ritual can connect the present with generations that have long since disappeared. As the day advances, the sounds of ordinary life gradually overwhelm those quieter notes. Roads fill, conversations begin, shops open, and the valley resumes its daily rhythm. Yet something of that early morning remains. For a brief while, before the world became busy, Kashmir seemed to remember that beneath all our differences there exists a shared human impulse to look beyond ourselves. Perhaps that is the enduring music of the valley: many voices, many traditions, many paths, yet one landscape holding them within its embrace. And perhaps, when dawn speaks in many voices, Kashmir offers its finest lessonnot in words, but in the simple possibility of listening. (The author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
35 Bn CRPF trains 50 youth in tailoring, embroidery
Srinagar, Sep 25: The 35 Bn CRPF has concluded a one-month skill development programme under its Civic Action Programme 2026, training 50 youth in tailoring and hand embroidery. Of the total participants, 25 were trained in self-employed tailoring and another 25 in hand embroidery. The programme was aimed at equipping participants with practical, employment-oriented skills and encouraging self-employment and entrepreneurship. The closing ceremony was presided over by 35 Bn CRPF Second-in-Command Vipul Kumar in the presence of senior officials, trainers, representatives of Vitasta Youth Forum and other dignitaries. Addressing the participants, Kumar congratulated the trainees and said skill development should translate into practical livelihood opportunities, self-reliance and entrepreneurship rather than remain limited to certification. He said the initiative reflected the community-oriented approach of the Civic Action Programme, which seeks to promote education, skill development and livelihood opportunities through engagement with local communities. Certificates were distributed among the participants on completion of the training. Vitasta Youth Forum Director Sadakat Lone congratulated the trainees and appreciated the CRPF for facilitating the programme. The participants expressed gratitude to the CRPF, trainers and other stakeholders for providing them an opportunity to acquire practical skills and improve their prospects for self-employment.
What steps are you taking?: HC questions DU over hostel shortage, flags vague reply
Court notes only 5,698 of over 1.3 lakh students have hostel access, while hearing petitions on the Satya Niketan tragedy; cause of collapse unknown, downpour may have weakened structure: MCD
AIP seeks review of agriculture recruitment structure
Srinagar, Sept 25: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Friday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to address recruitment concerns of agriculture graduates and review the existing recruitment structure in the Agriculture cadre. Un Nabi said there had been no recruitment in the Gazetted Agriculture cadre for nearly two decades, while recruitment to the Non-Gazetted cadre had remained largely absent for around a decade. He said the entry-level Non-Gazetted post was under 100 per cent promotional quota, leaving agriculture graduates with limited opportunities for direct entry. At the Gazetted level, he said, only 20 per cent of posts had been earmarked for direct recruitment. The recruitment structure needs to be examined objectively, vacancies identified and a regular recruitment mechanism put in place, Un Nabi said. He urged the government to review the existing quota and recruitment framework, fill vacant posts through a transparent process and provide more avenues for direct recruitment of agriculture graduates. He also said strengthening the Agriculture Department required adequate professional manpower, given the sectors importance to Jammu and Kashmirs economy.
J&K wins national recognition under Ayushman Bharat
Srinagar, Sep 26: Jammu & Kashmir has received national recognition for its efforts under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, with the State Health Agency, J&K, being honoured as the Best Performing Union Territory for achieving saturation of frontline workers with Ayushman Cards. The award was presented at Aarogya Manthan 2026, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the celebrations marking 8 years of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and 5 years of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Virender Kumar, Nodal Officer, SHA J&K, received the award on behalf of the State Health Agency, J&K, from Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, National Health Authority and other dignitaries. The achievement is the result of the collective efforts of SHA J&K, Chief Medical Officers, district teams, frontline health workers and field functionaries across the UT. Their continued efforts at the district and grassroots levels have helped ensure that frontline workers are covered with Ayushman Cards and are able to avail the benefits associated with the scheme. The recognition is a proud moment for the teams working across Jammu & Kashmir and adds further momentum to the ongoing efforts of SHA J&K to strengthen AB-PMJAY SEHAT and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach people across the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
Govt clarifies rules on changes to CDF works
Srinagar, Sept 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has clarified that no officer or official is authorised to unilaterally alter, substitute or change any work or site recommended and approved by an MLA under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme. The clarification was given by the Finance Minister in the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, who sought to know whether officers could amend or alter a Constituency Development Plan after its approval or vetting by the concerned MLA. The Finance Minister said the CDF scheme is governed by guidelines issued vide Government order no. 76-FD of 2025 dated March 10, 2025, as amended from time to time. As per Para 2.1 of the guidelines, works under the CDF scheme are taken up on the basis of recommendations received from the concerned MLA in the prescribed format. Importantly, Para 2.15 stipulates that any change in the work or site selected for execution by the implementing agency can be made only with the concurrence of the concerned MLA. The government further clarified that the MLA may recommend the change or cancellation of a work or site before its sanction by the implementing agency. Therefore, there is no provision under the existing CDF Guidelines authorizing any Officer/Official to unilaterally alter, substitute or change a work/site forming part of the CDF recommendations approved/vetted by the concerned Honble MLA, the government said. It added that any permissible change before sanction has to be made with the concurrence or recommendation of the concerned MLA and in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The government also outlined the procedure to be followed if a work recommended by an MLA cannot be executed. Under Para 2.6, the District Development Commissioner (DDC) is required to communicate a comprehensive report to the concerned MLA, along with reasons for the inability to execute the recommended work. Any clarification relating to interpretation of the CDF guidelines or any special or unforeseen situation is required to be referred to the Finance Department, the government said. At the same time, the government clarified that technical scrutiny, feasibility assessment, preparation of estimates, administrative and technical sanctions, and execution of approved works remain within the domain of the competent district and implementing authorities. However, it stressed that these technical and administrative powers do not authorise officials to unilaterally substitute a work or site recommended by the concerned MLA.
BJP J&K marks Deendayal Upadhyaya birth anniversary
Jammu, Sept 25: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday observed the birth anniversary of party ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya with programmes in Jammu and Srinagar. At the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, BJP J&K President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, along with other senior party leaders, paid floral tributes to Upadhyaya. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma recalled Upadhyayas role in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and referred to his philosophy of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya. He said Upadhyayas ideas continued to inform the BJPs approach to welfare and social development. In Srinagar, BJP J&K General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul paid floral tributes at the party office in Jawahar Nagar. Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, BJP Vice-President Dr Shahnaz Ganai, Secretary Arif Raja and other party leaders were present. Koul spoke about Upadhyayas life and work, highlighting his emphasis on service, social unity and equality. He also called upon party workers to familiarise themselves with his political thought and principles. Similar programmes and tributes were held at various organisational levels across Jammu and Kashmir.
Security panel reviews currency chest, ATM safety in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 25: The 35th Union Territory Level Security Committee (UTLSC) meeting for Jammu and Kashmir was held here on Thursday to review security arrangements for currency chests, ATMs and movement of cash and other valuables. The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti, was held under the aegis of Reserve Bank of India Regional Director for J&K and Ladakh, Prabhakar Jha. Senior officials from J&K Police, CRPF, CBI, RBI, J&K Bank, Fire and Emergency Services, Airport Authority, Indian Railways and Air India, besides representatives of other government departments and commercial banks, attended the meeting. The committee reviewed the adequacy of security and guarding arrangements at currency chest premises, measures to mitigate fire risks and the installation and maintenance of security and surveillance equipment. It also discussed incidents involving attacks, theft attempts and other security breaches at ATMs, with emphasis on effective implementation and monitoring of e-surveillance systems. The meeting further deliberated on the circulation of fake Indian currency notes (FICNs) in J&K and the need to strengthen preventive and detection mechanisms. Officials stressed regular training and capacity building of bank personnel to identify fake notes, timely reporting of suspicious currency and strict adherence to prescribed security protocols.
NC backs Assembly resolution on statehood
Srinagar, Sept 25: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Friday welcomed Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs resolution in the Legislative Assembly seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint statement, the partys Additional General Secretaries Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra said the resolution would provide members of the House an opportunity to state their position on the demand for restoration of statehood. The NC leaders said the party had raised the issue with the Union government and in Parliament, besides taking it up through public meetings and protests. They also criticised the disruption by BJP members after the resolution was moved, saying it reflected the partys opposition to the demand. The leaders said the resolution referred to earlier resolutions passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2000 and 2024, and maintained that the latest resolution was within the constitutional framework. The NC said restoration of statehood would enable the elected government to exercise the powers associated with a full-fledged state.
IIM Jammu to open satellite campus in Leh
Leh, Sep 25: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh and the Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing an IIM Jammu Satellite Campus at Leh. The MoU was signed in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The Leh campus will offer a four-year BBA (Hons.) programme, with an initial intake of 60 students. The programme is scheduled to commence by the end of October 2026. The infrastructure for the satellite campus has been established within two months, according to the administration. The proposed programme has also received considerable interest, with around 600 candidates expressing interest against the 60 available seats. Speaking on the occasion, LG Vinai Kumar Saxena said the establishment of the IIM Jammu Satellite Campus would mark a turning point in the higher education system of Ladakh. He said the campus could develop into a centre for knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional development, creating additional academic and career opportunities for the youth of the Union Territory. The Lieutenant Governor said students from Ladakh seeking quality management and professional education have often been required to move outside the Union Territory, resulting in additional expenditure on travel, accommodation, food, books and other necessities. He said the availability of management education within Ladakh would help reduce these difficulties and provide students, particularly those from remote areas and families with limited financial resources, an opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations closer to home. The administration said discussions with IIM Jammu for starting undergraduate courses at Leh began less than two months ago, following which the campus infrastructure was made ready for the commencement of the programme next month.
Delays hit key projects in Baramulla town
Srinagar, Sept 25: Several key developmental projects in Baramulla town, including a multi-level car parking facility, three entry gates and the Municipal Council office building, have missed their originally envisaged timelines due to land-transfer issues, local objections, inter-departmental clearances, court proceedings and security-related restrictions. The details were provided by the government in reply to a starred question raised by MLA Javid Hassan Baig in the Legislative Assembly. According to the reply, 14 developmental works worth Rs 24.62 crore have been taken up in Baramulla town under the Capex Budget. Against the total project cost of Rs 2,462.67 lakh, an expenditure of Rs 445.24 lakh had been incurred up to March 2026. During the current financial year, Rs 25 lakh has been utilised against Rs 130.60 lakh released for the works. Of the 14 projects, three have been completed, while the remaining works are at different stages of execution. The government said the multi-level car parking project near the R&B Office, Baramulla, received administrative approval on October 10, 2025. However, work could not commence as the land owned by the PWD (R&B) has not yet been transferred to the Municipal Council. The site also has popular trees requiring valuation, auction and removal by the Forest Department, besides an old building that needs assessment and completion of prescribed procedures for its disposal or removal. The government said these pre-construction formalities are currently being processed. For the three entry gates at Baramulla, administrative approval was accorded on September 20, 2025. Work at Janbazpora and Khowjabagh was affected by objections from local residents, forcing a change in the proposed locations. Work at the new Khowjabagh site is currently under progress. At Khanpora, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) raised objections, prompting modification of the approved design and relocation of the gate. Joint site visits by BRO and R&B authorities were conducted on June 13 and June 21, 2026, after which revised locations were proposed. Work at the newly identified Khanpora site progressed up to the column level but was subsequently stopped after BRO informed authorities that the location had been provided inadvertently and could not be permitted for continuation. The government said efforts are now underway to identify alternative sites at Janbazpora and Khanpora. The Double Storey Municipal Council Building received administrative approval on December 22, 2021. Its G+2 skeleton structure was completed in November 2024, but further work was halted following court proceedings linked to a land dispute involving the Municipal Council and an adjoining private property holder. The project also remained affected by security-related restrictions until March 2026. Subsequently, the Municipal Council submitted an affidavit undertaking compliance with security conditions prescribed by the military authorities, following which construction resumed. The government said the truss work has now been completed and brickwork is around 80 per cent complete, with the remaining work under execution. On whether action was being contemplated against executing agencies or officers for failing to complete the projects within the stipulated timeframe, the government said the works had not been completed as originally envisaged. However, it attributed the delays to site-specific, statutory, court-related, security-related and inter-departmental issues, which it said were, to a substantial extent, beyond the immediate control of the executing agencies. The concerned agencies have been directed to complete pending formalities and maintain the pace of work to ensure early completion of the projects.
Pahalgam hospital project reaches 75% progress
Srinagar, Sep 25: The construction of the 50-bed hospital at Pahalgam has achieved around 75 per cent physical progress, with the government stating that the remaining works are being pursued on priority after resolving issues related to revised approvals. The status of the project was disclosed by the Health and Medical Education Department in a written reply to a starred question raised by Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani in the Legislative Assembly. According to the government, Administrative Approval for the project was accorded in March 2020 at an estimated cost of 19.90 crore, covering the hospital building along with associated civil, electrical, mechanical and allied works. The department stated that 16.75 crore has been released for the project, against which expenditure of 10.54 crore had been incurred up to March 31, 2026. A further expenditure of 33.31 lakh has been recorded during the current financial year so far. The government said the DG set has been successfully commissioned and handed over, while the laundry system, Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) have been supplied or installed and are presently at the commissioning stage. Installation of the lift is also underway, while the remaining mechanical and electrical components are yet to be executed. Explaining the delay, the government said an additional basement became necessary during execution due to site topography and level differences. This led to an increase in the built-up area and corresponding additional structural, architectural, allied, mechanical and electrical works. The department also cited post-COVID escalation in equipment and installation costs as a factor behind the increase in the project cost, stating that additional funding would need to be explored. The government said the progress of the project is being personally monitored and a review meeting has already been held with all stakeholders. The process for revised Administrative Approval has also been initiated and is expected to be accorded after receipt of the scrutinised revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) from DHS Kashmir. On the demand for upgrading Primary Health Centres at Pahalgam, Sallar and Aishmuqam to Sub-District Hospitals, the government said there is presently no such proposal, as the department is focusing on consolidation and strengthening of existing health facilities. It further stated that the three facilities do not qualify for upgradation to SDH level under the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). Citing IPHS-2022 norms, the government said districts with a population below five lakh and having a functional District Hospital do not require a Sub-District Hospital, while districts with a population between five and ten lakh can have one SDH. Thereafter, one SDH may be considered for every additional 10 lakh population for providing comprehensive secondary healthcare. The government also noted that districts in Jammu and Kashmir already have more SDHs than the number envisaged under the IPHS-2022 norms.
