Kerala power cuts: Pinarayi Vijayan accuses UDF govt of poor planning
Keralas Leader of the Opposition says LDF government was able to avoid such situations in the past decade by taking necessary steps in advance
Root says England 'learning on the job' in ODIs after 99 not out against India
I think that's one of the biggest challenges for this team and the young guys coming through, Root, told reporters
Explained | World Press Freedom Day and the Windhoek Declaration
2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.
MM Art Indices Found Global Art Market Shows Signs of Synchronized Recovery in Spring 2026 Auctions After Post-Pandemic Correction
Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh Signs MoUs with 36 Top Global Universities; to provide global exposure for students
Column | East or west, India is the best
Once the debate is about who we are, its no longer about what went wrong
Abdon Mech ahead of his India tour From Our Corners alongside Frizzell DSouza
Places I Find You In, marks Frizzell DSouzas first collaboration with musician Abdon Mech from Nagaland. The duo embark on their From Our Corners India tour shortly.
SC extends Bengaluru civic polls to December due to Karnataka SIR
The plea had cited severe logistical challenges due to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Karnataka
Opposition Leader alleges that State govt has betrayed' Keralas secular society and minorities by deciding to reconstitute Waqf Board in accordance with Union governments Waqf (Amendment) Act
Anyone with a phone and microphone can claim to be a reporter, says Delhi High Court
Justice Girish Kathpalia made the observation on July 16, while granting bail to two persons allegedly involved in assaulting two reporters freelancing for a YouTube channel
New U.S. rule targets green card applicants using govt. benefits
The Trump administration has revived the controversial public charge rule, making it harder for some immigrants to obtain a U.S. green card if they rely on certain government benefits. Heres what has changed, who could be affected, and what it means for future green card applicants.
Watch: Census 2027 | Your Questions Answered: Inside Tamil Nadus Biggest Count
Census 2027 | Your Questions Answered: Inside Tamil Nadus Biggest Count
55 Cyberabad Police Inspectors shifted in administrative reshuffle
The transfers were made on administrative grounds, as per the order
NEET re-test results 2026: 12 students from Tamil Nadu score above 390
This years NEET results have indicated an increase in cut-off marks to the tune of about 30 to 35, compared to last year.
U.S. Senate Bill seeks 100% tariffs on India, 4 other nations for buying Russian oil
The Bill exempts countries, mostly European nations, whose imports of Russian natural gas account for less than 15% of Russia's total natural gas exports and which are taking significant steps to reduce those imports.
Efforts to bring black money on right track: Modi
Modi promises to bring back every paisa stashed away abroad
How are GCCs reshaping Indias employment and realty sectors? | Explained
From AI hiring to office leasing, GCCs are emerging as a key force behind Indias urban economic transformation. Heres why States are competing to attract GCCs and what it means for jobs and realty
Watch: Director R. Gowtham Interview by Meenakshi Shedde | Berlinale 2026
Debutant Tamil director R Gowtham tells Meenakshi Shedde, who has been curator/programmer of Indian/South Asian films for TIFF Toronto and the former South Asia delegate at Berlin International Film Festival, how the film Members of the Problematic Familys journey started with Diamond Rum and chicken liver. In this interview in Berlin, he describes how his film grew from his poem; how he observes life like a dog in the balcony; how his script, inspired by Goethes book, is sketchy, doubtful and incomplete, and how he finally said Action and Cut only at the end of the shoot.
Members of the Problematic Family movie review: R Gowthams explosive Tamil funeral drama
Tamil indies bold new voice R Gowthams debut film, which premiered in the Forum sidebar of Berlinale 2026, is an unorthodox, audacious, rare family drama
Column by Devdutt Pattanaik |The rise of marble temples
These majestic places of worship moved away from traditional architecture for a reason, and today they stand as the voice of Sanatana Dharma
The festival will run from August 13-23 this year, with the opening night film set to be showcased on August 14 in Melbourne
Delhi HC asks police to respondon bail plea by Sharjeel Imam in UAPA case
A Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan issued notice on Mr. Imams appeal challenging the trial courts July 4 decision rejecting his second regular bail application; the court posted the case for hearing on August 27.
Watch: Ebola: Good news on vaccines and therapeutics: WHO
PM Modi flags off Indias first hydrogen-powered train from Haryanas Jind
The 89-km distance between Jind and Sonipat will be covered in two hours, with the train halting at 12 intermediate stations
400-year-old cannon stolen from Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh
Preliminary investigations suggest that some individuals reached the rear of the fort in a vehicle and fled with the piece of artillery kept there
Two brothers killed during argument with relatives in Belagavi district
Senior police officers and personnel from Murgod police station rushed to the spot.
Little House on the Prairie series review: Modern, moving take on beloved book series
While some of the updates to Laura Ingalls Wilders semi-autobiographical Little House series may jar, the story of a family searching for home amidst overwhelming odds is poignant and universal
Bantwal police secure man accused of hacking woman in broad daylight
The police said that the accused had consumed rat poison and was admitted to a hospital.
Chembur tree-fall incident: Mumbai BMC mayor orders fresh third-party inquiry
The BMC mayor rejected the clean chit given to the Garden and Roads Departments, while imposing only meagre penalties to the contractors
Mr. Thackeray said lakhs of vehicle owners, particularly from the middle class and youth, have expressed concerns over the rising percentage of ethanol in petrol
Chennais House of Venu Krishna serves Andhra meals in a restored 120-year-old George Town landmark
House of Venu Krishna, housed in a 120-year-old choultry in Chennais George Town, offers Andhra meals and tiffin in a setting steeped in history.
SpaceX abruptly scrubs Starship test flight
The flight was the first mission planned by Elon Musk after SpaceX went public on Wall Street in June, with a record initial public offering of $135
Hyderabads baristas are turning iced coffee into cocktail-style drinks
Clarified brews, citrus espresso drinks and pistachio cold coffees are redefining summer caffeine
Focus Features has unveiled the first trailer for The Uprising, offering a sweeping first look at Paul Greengrass historical epic with Andrew Garfield leading Englands legendary Peasants Revolt
The meeting held in New Delhi was hosted by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval
Mahasweta Devis best books: grandson Tathagata Bhattacharya recommends five must-reads
The writer-activist once told her grandson that she was appreciated for the wrong reasons. Recalling that conversation, he lists five works that he believes are the most powerful
Tom Cruise raves about Christopher Nolans The Odyssey: I cant wait to see it again
Tom Cruise has given Christopher Nolans The Odyssey a glowing endorsement after attending an early IMAX screening, calling the filmmakers ambitious Greek epic an unforgettable theatrical experience
Nifty and Sensex rally in early trade propelled by buying in IT firms
30-share BSE Sensex jumped 480.95 points to 77,656.56 in early deals; The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 125.05 points to 24,201
Shwetha Menon, who has reversed her decision to step down as AMMA president, says executive committee led by her is duty-bound' to move forward with more responsibility
Rupee rises 14 paise to 96.28 against U.S. dollar in early trade
Heavy Foreign Instituional Investor outflows and higher global crude oil prices amid heightened tensions in West Asia prevented further gains in the local unit, forex traders said
U.S. election system exposed to hacking: Trump
Akhilesh hits out at BJP over demolition notice to University linked with Azam Khan
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha said the regime that seeks to destroy universities, whether with bulldozers or through administrative repression, doesnt merely demolish buildings; it attacks thought, conscience, and the future.
Messi hits back at Argentinas World Cup critics: Nothing was handed to us
The comments fuelled criticism sparked by fans who argue that the FIFA bracket favoured La Albiceleste, and unfounded allegations on social media claiming that the soccer governing body wants Argentina to once again become World Cup champion
Aamir Khan says his character in 3 Idiots not based on Sonam Wangchuk: Hoping that he ends his fast
Aamir Khan was speaking during the closing ceremony of London Film Festival as he made a special appearance after the screening of Lagaan
FIFA World Cup | How a young WhatsApp community in India is helping adults rediscover football
Humans of Football is enabling enthusiasts of the sport to play organised games on professional pitches across 16 Indian cities
Power grids face unexpected slow-burn threat from solar storms
Instead of briefly and intensely spiking the strength of currents in a New Zealand power grid, a geomagnetic storm in 2015 was found to have ramped up induced currents over 90 minutes
Medtronic and Apollo Hospitals Announce Strategic Partnership to Establish State-of-the-Art Advanced ICU in Hyderabad
iQIYI Reports Strong H1 2026 Content Results, Cementing Its Position as China's Premier Streaming Destination
Beyond MBBS: Why health literacy challenge needs more than doctors
Whats new in the draft CAFE-III norms? | Explained
The latest draft leaves most of the April proposal unchanged, suggesting the government has broadly stuck to the compromise it arrived at after months of intense negotiations between manufacturers of small cars and larger SUVs.
Two school students among three dead as train hits pool car at level crossing in Bengal
A 10-member team has rushed to the place to investigate the cause of the accident, the official said; the level crossing gate was reported to be open when the accident took place, he said
RBI compounds FEMA violations in Apothecon Pharmaceuticals case
Lucknow activist demandsDonor Assurance Certificate from Ram Mandir Trust
Lucknow-based social activist Amitabh Thakur has put forth a demand to the Ram Temple Trust to ensure that the required transparency and accountability are achieved and public faith is restored
Jantar Mantar protest: Sonam Wangchuks health condition entered critical stage, says doctor
Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg after starting hunger strike and his body is consuming muscles and his organs may be next, says doctor
Suresh Gopi flags fake casting call using his name; Kerala Police launch probe
Case registered by Thrissur Cyber Police based on a complaint lodged by the Union Minister and actor
Inside Bar Stormy: Yangdup Lamas new cocktail bar in Hyderabad
The founders of Sidecar and Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy make their South India debut with Bar Stormy in Hyderabad, where cocktails are recommended according to your mood, the bar is engineered around the bartender, and inventive plates such as Wai Wai Chaat, Surf & Turf Wings and Honey Cheese Toast are designed for sharing
Rights body flags illegal coal trade near Assam-Arunachal border
The Tinsukia unit of International Human Rights Council says coal is illegally extracted and collected from abandoned Coal India mines and transported through an alleged entry system
Five child marriages stopped through court-issued injunctions on a single day in Rajasthans Sikar
Issued by the court of the Judicial Magistrate under Section 13(1) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, an injunction order empowers the authorities to proactively prevent a child marriage before it occurs
Exterro's ARMOURop Delivers a Force Multiplier for Digital Forensic Labs, Slashing Evidence Review Time by Up to 95%
How Indias first hydrogen-powered train works | Explained
Unlike conventional diesel locomotives that burn fuel to generate mechanical power, a hydrogen train carries a small power plant onboard in the form of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell
Why the numbers matter in the renewed push for delimitation | Explained
For the Opposition, the immediate objective is to keep the NDA below the 360-vote threshold; even if the ruling alliance emerges as the single largest bloc by a comfortable margin, failing to secure two-thirds support would once again prevent the Constitution amendment from being passed.
Tehran, Jul 17: Three people were killed and several others injured after the US targeted civilian infrastructure in their recent wave of strikes in Iran amid rising hostilities between the two sides following the collapse of the 14-point memorandum of understanding. According to the Iranian state media outlet Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), multiple locations in Iran's Hormozgan province were hit during Washington's latest wave of strikes, marking the sixth consecutive night of operations against the Islamic Republic. According to IRIB, two bridges near the village of Kohourestan and the Shor River in Bandar Khamir County were targeted in airstrikes. IRIB reported that one person was killed and eight others were injured in a strike on the Tappe Allah Akbar neighbourhood of Bandar Abbas. The Public Relations Department of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences said, as quoted by IRIB, that seven of the injured suffered blast-related injuries while one person sustained fractures. With great regret, one of our compatriots has also achieved the highest degree of martyrdom in this attack, the university said in a statement cited by the Iranian state broadcaster. In another incident, IRIB reported that the Bandar Abbas railway junction station was targeted, leaving two people injured. The station, located around 10 kilometres west of Bandar Abbas, serves as a connection point for passenger and freight rail lines linked to Shahid Rajaee Port and Bandar Abbas Railway. Hormozgan Governorate, according to IRIB, said that in addition to the Kohorestan Bridge, the Giriveh Bridge, described as one of the province's key transport links, was also hit. The governorate also stated that two people were killed and four others injured in the strikes on bridges in Khamir County. This comes after US forces on Thursday (local time) launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, marking the sixth consecutive night of operations against the Islamic Republic amid rising hostilities between the two sides. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack was aimed at further degrading Iran's military capabilities, as Tehran poses a threat to commercial vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington claims. At 2 p.m. ET today, U.S. forces began conducting a new wave of strikes against Iran for the sixth consecutive night to further degrade Iranian military capabilities, CENTCOM said in a post on X. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, during an interview with Fox News, warned that the United States would start targeting Iranian power plants and bridges ext week as part of its border strikes on the Islamic Republic, unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table. He further cautioned that Iran would not have anybody left if it failed to reach a deal with Washington. We're going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We're going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them, because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges. We're going to knock out all their power plants. We're going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate, Trump told Fox News. (ANI)
Taran and his family explore the fascinating history of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.
Ruddy, the red-crested pochard, looked down on the other birds at the lake. And then the poachers arrived!
On World Brain Day (July 22), meet the various rooms inside your brain that help you remember, imagine, dream, and learn
The origin of the LPG cylinder
From American laboratories to Indian homes, LPG carried the promise of cleaner, easier cooking.
Animal migrations during the monsoon season
The plentiful availability of insect food makes it the perfect time to breed and lay eggs.
How Srinivas Denchanala has spent four decades giving voice to the voiceless through theatre
The playwright, director and founder of Janapadam discusses his new Telugu play Neelaveni and four decades of using theatre to amplify marginalised voices
The Future of Life Insurance Isnt About More Products. Its About Better Choices
At this aerofarm near Hyderabad, microlight aircraft and drones take flight
What began as a commercial pilots passion project now draws drone start-ups, engineering students and hobby fliers from across India
SKUAST-K advances climate-resilient vegetable breeding: VC reviews High-Value Crop Research
Srinagar, July 16: Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, on Thursday reviewed the university's varietal development program at the Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, Shalimar Campus, with a focus on climate-resilient, high-value vegetable crops and market-oriented research. Accompanied by Director Extension and Associate Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Prof. Rohitash Kumar, Associate Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, and other officials, the Vice-Chancellor inspected ongoing breeding programs, protected cultivation technologies, and field experiments. Head of the Division, Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, briefed the visiting team on research initiatives covering climate-resilient breeding, hybrid development, quality improvement, disease resistance and protected cultivation across major vegetable crops. During the visit, scientists and postgraduate students showcased advanced breeding programs, including tomato hybrids, coloured capsicum, cherry tomato, yard-long bean, parthenocarpic cucumber, potato, and niche vegetable improvement. The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the promising performance of several hybrids, with tomato lines yielding 14-16 kg per plant and yard-long bean hybrids producing 10-12 kg per plant. Interacting with researchers and students, Prof. Ganai stressed the importance of field-based learning and problem-oriented research that directly addresses farmers' needs. He called for continued emphasis on climate-smart, demand-driven innovations to improve productivity, profitability, and resilience in the vegetable sector. Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth highlighted the need to strengthen research-extension linkages to ensure rapid dissemination of technologies among farmers. The Vice-Chancellor also inaugurated the dehaulming operation in potato and the harvesting of watermelon and muskmelon, describing the crops as commercially viable intercrops capable of enhancing farm returns through scientific crop management. Prof. Ganai expressed satisfaction with the Division's climate-smart breeding initiatives, including the development of drought-tolerant tomato hybrids, heat-tolerant bottle gourd hybrids, and cold-tolerant French bean genotypes. He also appreciated the successful standardization of micropropagation protocols for Kashmiri Pran (shallot), local garlic, and potato, noting that the technology would accelerate the production of disease-free planting material and strengthen the seed sector in Jammu and Kashmir. An extensive live display of vegetable genetic resources, featuring bottle gourd, squash, cucumber, tomato, cherry tomato, brinjal, colored capsicum, paprika, potato, cowpea, French bean, Kashmiri Pran, garlic, onion, and ridge gourd, highlighted the Division's ongoing crop improvement programs. During his interaction with scientists, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the export potential of common bean varieties, advocated comparative evaluation of local and exotic germplasm to identify superior breeding lines, and highlighted the growing market opportunities for premium vegetables, particularly tender cowpea pods. Concluding the visit, Prof. Ganai commended the Division of Vegetable Science for its contributions to vegetable breeding, seed production, and technology development. Appreciating the leadership of Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, he urged scientists to continue pursuing climate-resilient, farmer-centric, and market-oriented research to strengthen the vegetable sector and enhance farmers' livelihoods across Jammu and Kashmir.
IUST hosts project conclave 'Raah' to strengthen student innovation ecosystem
Awantipora, Jul 16: Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), through its Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) and the Centre for Good Governance & Policy Analysis (CGG&PA), in collaboration with Pi Jam Foundation and the Department of School Education, Jammu & Kashmir, organised Project Conclave Raah: Strengthening Pathways for Student Innovators at its Innovation Campus, Awantipora. The conclave brought together student innovators, educators, government officials, innovation ecosystem partners, and academic leaders to promote innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship among school students by connecting them with experts, institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders. Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, IUST, who was the Chief Guest, appreciated the efforts of the organizers to create meaningful opportunities for young innovators and emphasized the need to nurture innovation and problem-solving skills from an early age. Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir, CEO, CIED-IUST, highlighted the role of universities and incubation centres in supporting young innovators by providing mentorship, technical guidance, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The programme featured presentations by ten selected student innovation teams from schools across Kashmir. The students showcased innovative solutions addressing real-life challenges and received valuable feedback from experts and mentors during the interactive pitch sessions. Speaking on the occasion, Shoaib Hafiz Dar, CEO, Pi Jam Foundation, said that Raah has been envisioned as a collaborative platform to connect student innovators with educational institutions, incubation centres, industry, and government stakeholders, thereby creating sustained pathways for innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme concluded with a valedictory session, distribution of certificates and mementos to participating students and supporting institutions, and a networking interaction among stakeholders to explore future collaborations for strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.
DC State Taxes Recovery reviews recovery proceedings; calls for speedy disposal of GST/VAT arrears
Jammu, Jul 16: Deputy Commissioner State Taxes (Recovery), Jammu, Sapna Kotwal on Thursday chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of recovery proceedings under the Old GST, VAT and New GST regimes and to devise measures for expediting the recovery of outstanding government revenue. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the recovery performance achieved over the past two months and expressed satisfaction over the substantial progress made in recovery proceedings, both within and outside the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. She commended the dedicated efforts of the officers and officials of the Recovery Wing for their commitment in enhancing revenue recovery. Stressing the importance of sustaining the pace of recovery, Sapna Kotwal directed the officers to intensify recovery efforts, ensure the prompt disposal of pending cases and adopt a focused, result-oriented approach for the realization of government dues. She instructed that all recovery proceedings be carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the relevant tax laws, while maintaining transparency, accountability and close coordination with the concerned authorities including those outside the Union Territory, wherever necessary. The meeting also deliberated on strategies to strengthen inter-state coordination, closely monitor high-value recovery cases and reinforce follow-up mechanisms to maximize recovery within stipulated timelines. Among those present were Rajesh Sharma, State Tax Officer; Subash Chander Baru, Senior Stenographer; Ravinder Mohan Paul, Inspector; Rita Sharma, Inspector; Sami Ullah Malik, Inspector; Ashish Bruno Khokher, Sub-Inspector; Ved Prakash, Sub-Inspector; Avinash Dogra, Sub-Inspector; Liaquat Ali, Sub-Inspector and Deepak Singh, Sub-Inspector.
Awantipora, Jul 16: Across schools in Jammu and Kashmir, students are building projects that address challenges in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Yet, for many students, the journey ends after exhibitions, competitions, or classroom presentations, with limited access to the mentorship, networks, and opportunities needed to take their projects further. To address this gap, Pi Jam Foundation organised Raah: Strengthening Pathways for Student Innovators in Schools, an initiative held on 16 July 2026 at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Awantipora, in association with Department of school education and IUST. The initiative brought together student innovators, educators, academic institutions, government departments, industry representatives, incubation centres, mentors, and ecosystem partners to explore how stronger collaboration can create more structured pathways for student innovation in Jammu & Kashmir. The programme was inaugurated by registrar, Prof. Shameem Ahmad Shah, Islamic University of Science and Technology. Representatives from the Department of School Education Kashmir, Islamic university of science and technology, NIT Srinagar, Samagra Shiksha, J&K Board of School Education, and other organisations working across education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and incubation were present in the event. A key highlight of the event was the Student Innovation Showcase, where 18 student innovators from around 10 schools across Kashmir, accompanied by their teachers and parents, presented projects addressing real-world challenges. The showcase provided students with an opportunity to engage directly with educators, government officials, incubators, industry experts, and ecosystem partners, receiving feedback while exploring opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, incubation, and further development. Shoaib Dar, CEO, Pi Jam Foundation, said, Raah is effort to bring together the stakeholders who can help shape the journey of young innovators. Across our schools, students are developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges, but many of these ideas need the right support to move forward.
Dabur Glucose launches Energize India Campaign to Promote Young Athletes
Pattan, Jul 16: Dabur Glucose, the leading instant energy drink from the House of Dabur, recently announced the launch of its mega campaign, 'Energize India', to promote young sporting talent and drive awareness about the importance of energy and stamina among young athletes across India. As part of the campaign, Dabur Glucose conducted a special awareness session on energy and stamina management at New Era Islamia Public School, Yadipora Hyderbeigh, Pattan, Baramulla, Kashmir. The session witnessed the participation of 55 students, athletes, and local boys. Principal and other dignitaries were also present during the event. The session provided valuable insights and practical guidance to help young athletes optimize their performance and build stamina for sports. Dabur India Limited Marketing Head Health Supplements, Binit Kumar said that they are delighted to launch our 'Energize India' campaign to promote the importance of energy and stamina among young athletes and provide them with the necessary energy to excel in their respective sports. As a brand, Dabur Glucose is a perfect fit for athletes, sports enthusiasts, and people who lead an active lifestyle. The product is designed to provide an instant energy boost, which is essential for individuals engaged in physical activities, he added. The energy awareness session focused on educating young athletes about the importance of proper nutrition and hydration to ensure optimal performance. Participants were also guided on techniques to improve stamina and endurance, helping them stay energized and perform at their best. Dabur Glucose has always been committed to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among our youth. This partnership with young athletes is another step forward towards achieving this goal. With its refreshing taste and instant energy boost, Dabur Glucose is the perfect choice for young athletes to stay energized and perform at their best, Binit Kumar added.
Baldwin: A Love Story| In conversation with biographer Nicholas Boggs
Boggs discusses the American novelists fiction and essays, resistance to categorisation, and enduring relevance
DC Srinagar reviews progress of works under District Capex Budget 2026-27
Srinagar, Jul 16: To review the progress of works taken up under the District Capex Budget 2026-27, a meeting of all executing agencies and line departments was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex, here today. The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Rifat Aftab Qureshi, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Bashir Ahmad, Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE, PDD, SMC, UEED, Block Development Officers and all other District & Sectoral Officers. At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner took a department wise detailed review of the progress achieved in the submission of estimates, tenders floated and works allotted for works approved under the District Capex Budget for 2026-27. The DC was informed that 463 development works have been approved under the District Capex Budget 2026-27. Of these, estimates for 433 works have been submitted by the executing agencies, while 377 works have already been tendered, reflecting significant progress in the implementation process. Emphasizing the importance of timely execution, the Deputy Commissioner directed all executing agencies to expedite the tendering of the remaining approved works to ensure that projects commence without delay. He stressed that the ongoing working season should be utilized optimally to accelerate the pace of development and deliver tangible benefits to the public. The DC further instructed all departments to ensure that the sanctioned works are executed in a time-bound, transparent and quality-oriented manner, in accordance with prescribed technical standards to achieve the intended objectives and strengthen service delivery across sectors. Highlighting the need for coordinated efforts, the Deputy Commissioner called upon all line departments and executing agencies to maintain close inter-departmental coordination, undertake proactive planning and ensure optimum utilization of available resources for the effective implementation of developmental projects across the district.
CS reviews scientific waste management at Achan Waste Management Facility Srinagar
Srinagar, July 16: In a major push towards strengthening scientific municipal solid waste management and advancing environmental sustainability, the Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, on Thursday visited the Achan Integrated Waste Management Facility to review Srinagars waste management infrastructure and assess the progress of key initiatives being implemented by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for scientific processing, treatment, and environmentally sound disposal of municipal solid waste. The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Faz Lul Haseeb, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; Joint Commissioners of SMC; and other senior officers. During the visit, the Chief Secretary undertook a comprehensive inspection of the facility and reviewed every critical component of Srinagars integrated solid waste management system, including door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, transportation, scientific processing of municipal solid waste, biomining and scientific reclamation of legacy waste, leachate treatment systems, environmental monitoring protocols, and compliance with statutory environmental norms. He was also briefed on the ongoing capacity augmentation, modernization of waste processing infrastructure, adoption of advanced technologies, and initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency in line with the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 and national environmental standards. Briefing the Chief Secretary, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, highlighted the Corporations sustained efforts to transform municipal solid waste management through infrastructure expansion, scientific processing, enhanced source segregation, optimized collection and transportation systems, mechanization, and technology-driven monitoring. He informed that SMC is implementing several strategic interventions to build a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable waste management ecosystem capable of meeting the citys growing sanitation requirements. The Commissioner further informed that the Corporation is undertaking the scientific bioremediation and reclamation of approximately 11 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste at the Achan dumpsite under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, a landmark environmental initiative aimed at eliminating decades-old accumulated waste, reclaiming valuable land resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preventing groundwater contamination, and significantly improving the environmental quality of the area. He added that the project represents a major step towards transforming Achan into a fully compliant, state-of-the-art integrated waste management facility based on sustainable technologies and global best practices. Appreciating the significant progress made by the SSMC, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for sustained institutional commitment towards scientific waste management, timely augmentation of infrastructure, accelerated remediation of legacy waste, strict environmental compliance, and adoption of innovative technologies for efficient resource recovery and waste processing. He stressed that effective inter-departmental coordination, continuous monitoring, and citizen participation would remain crucial for achieving long-term environmental sustainability and improved urban sanitation. The Chief Secretary reiterated that scientific management of municipal solid waste is fundamental to building resilient, healthy, and sustainable cities. He called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards achieving the highest standards of environmental governance, operational excellence, and public service delivery while ensuring the protection of natural resources and public health. The visit reaffirmed the Government of Jammu & Kashmirs unwavering commitment, in partnership with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and allied agencies, to strengthening scientific waste management systems, promoting environmental stewardship, advancing sustainable urban development, and creating a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Srinagar for future generations.
Four arrested for allegedly harassing BLO during SIR exercise in Delhi
The schoolteacher said she was abused and obstructed from discharging her official duties
Jurisdiction row: Delhi HC lawyers call off work abstention for now after meet with minister
Enhancement of the district courts' pecuniary jurisdiction, or financial limit, to 20 crore has been a long-pending demand of the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi
Bahrain and Kuwait face Iranian fire as U.S. airstrikes expand to target more bridges
For the first time in this latest round of violence, strikes also reached into areas around Iran's capital, Tehran, showing a widening set of targets for the Americans
SpaceX Starship launch aborted on pad at last moment
t was supposed to be the 13th flight for Starship, which, at 407 feet (124 metres) tall with 33 main engines, is the worlds biggest and most powerful rocket
Trump to attend FIFA World Cup final on July 19: White House
Press Secretary Leavitt said she did not know whether Mr. Trump would be supporting Argentina or Spain after he criticised the European nation at a NATO summit last week for failing to help with the Iran war
Rot in KPSC recruitment runs deep
The recent scandal to hit the recruitment process in the Karnataka State Public Service Commission, with the Chairperson facing allegations of nepotism, is only the latest in a series over the last few decades. Sharath S. Srivatsa takes an overview of the system
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Six murders, a dead suspect and a chilling trail gone cold
On July 10, six persons were killed across two homes in Daivalaguda, a peaceful farming village near Hyderabad. With investigations under way, the case raises uncomfortable questions about police procedure, anticipatory bail, victim protection and whether the tragedy could have been prevented
Former Maoists trade years of conflict for livelihood and a stable future
For many former Maoists, surrender only marks the beginning of a long journey. While they attempt to rebuild their lives through farming and family, rehabilitation remains a work in progress. Many continue to grapple with unemployment, inadequate skills, and challenges of reintegration, writes T. Appalanaidu
Excise case: High Court gives final two weeks to Kejriwal, Sisodia to respond to CBIs plea
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, said the three AAP leaders were earlier given several opportunities by the High Court to file their replies, and the case has been sufficiently delayed
SC dismisses plea by Karnataka Legislative Council Deputy Chairman against recounting of votes
The appeal was heard by a three-judge comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, and Justice Joymalya Bagchi
