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
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
Shenzhen: the story of a new development philosophy
A region that grappled with typhoon-battered coasts, inadequate infrastructure, scarce capital, and limited prospects has evolved into a global metropolis of over 18 million people, boasting a per capita GDP exceeding $30,000
ENG vs IND 2nd ODI: Root guides England to series-levelling win in Cardiff
English pacers came good as they took nine of the ten wickets, restricting India to 233; Root scored an unbeaten 99
Social Evils and Parental Control
DR ASIF HASSAN In recent years, our society has been engaged in loud debates about politics, economy, and geopolitics, yet some of the gravest dangers to our collective future are unfolding quietly within our homes, schools, and streets. Drug addiction, rising crime among youth, online obscenity, gambling, domestic violence, and a disturbing erosion of basic manners are no longer distant phenomena that we read about in reports; they are realities that many families confront every single day. While it is convenient to blame the government, the education system, or technology, we often refuse to look at the foundational institution that shapes every human being: the family. At the heart of the family stands parental control not as an authoritarian whip, but as a responsible, valuebased guidance that can either protect children from social evils or inadvertently push them towards them through neglect, overcontrol, or misplaced priorities. In Kashmiri society, the family traditionally played the role of a fortress. Children grew up under the watchful eyes of parents, grandparents, and the wider mohalla. Values were not delivered through lectures alone but were lived in daily practices how elders spoke to one another, how guests were treated, how neighbours were cared for in times of illness or grief. Today, this social fabric is fraying. Economic pressures, migration, and the explosion of digital media have reduced the time and emotional energy that parents devote to their children. In many homes, the television, smartphone, or tablet has quietly replaced the parent as the primary educator and entertainer. The result is a generation that is hyperconnected to the world yet increasingly disconnected from its roots, its responsibilities, and sometimes from its own family. Social evils do not emerge in a vacuum. When a young boy slips into substance abuse, when a teenager is caught in cybercrime, when a child begins to speak with shocking disrespect, these are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a deeper moral and emotional deficit that begins early. Parental control, when understood as firm yet loving involvement in a childs life, is the first line of defence against such outcomes. Control here does not mean policing every breath a child takes, but being present enough to know where the child is, who their friends are, what they are watching, and what they are silently struggling with. It means providing a sense of direction and boundaries, without suffocating their individuality. Unfortunately, many parents swing to extremes. On one side is total negligence disguised as modernity: Let the child decide, We do not want to be strict, Everyone is doing it, why should we be different? On the other side is suffocating authoritarianism: You will not question, You will obey without explanation, Honour the family name at all costs. Both extremes are harmful. Negligence leaves the child at the mercy of peers, trends, and algorithms that are indifferent to their wellbeing. Harsh control breeds rebellion, secrecy, and in the worst cases, double lives in which children present obedience at home while indulging in risky behaviour outside. Balanced parental control requires time, patience, and selfdiscipline from adults. It demands that parents become role models rather than just rulegivers. A father who lectures his son about avoiding drugs but returns home drunk, a mother who warns her daughter about social media yet spends hours gossiping and spreading rumours online, cannot hope to inspire respect or obedience. Children are far more influenced by what they see than by what they are told. If we desire a generation that is honest, compassionate, and morally grounded, we must embody those qualities ourselves. The digital world has added a complex layer to the challenge. Social evils have moved from the street corner to the palm of the hand. A child can be exposed to pornography, hate speech, violent content, and fraudulent schemes long before they set foot in a marketplace. The old style of parental control relying on physical proximity and community surveillance is no longer sufficient. Parents must now educate themselves about the online spaces their children inhabit. It is not enough to buy a smartphone because everyone has one and then turn a blind eye. Setting screentime limits, using parental controls, keeping devices out of bedrooms at night, and most importantly, having open conversations about what children see online, are no longer optional they are essential. At the same time, schools and religious institutions cannot wash their hands of responsibility. Teachers often observe early signs of behavioural changes: falling grades, sudden aggression, withdrawal, or inappropriate language. Instead of treating these as mere disciplinary issues, schools must work with parents to understand what lies beneath. Sermons in mosques and religious gatherings, too, should move beyond abstract moralising and address the concrete realities of drugs, domestic violence, and digital addiction that families are facing. Yet, in all of this, parents remain central; no institution can compensate for an absent or indifferent home. There is also a need to recognise the immense stress under which many parents live today. Economic insecurity, unemployment, political instability, and social pressures weigh heavily on adults, often leaving them emotionally drained. In such an environment, childrens questions can feel like an added burden rather than an opportunity for guidance. This is precisely why communitybased counselling, parenting workshops, and support networks are vital. Parenting is a skill that must be learned and refined, not an instinct we are automatically born with. Admitting that we need help does not diminish our authority; it strengthens our ability to guide. Ultimately, addressing social evils is not merely about punishing offenders or banning substances. It is about building strong humans, and that construction begins at home. When a child grows up feeling heard, respected, and guided with firmness and love, their chances of falling prey to destructive temptations diminish significantly. When, instead, the home becomes a place of shouting, comparison, or cold silence, the child will seek comfort and belonging elsewhere often in spaces where social evils flourish. The question before us, therefore, is not whether we want to control our children, but how we choose to do so. Will parental control be a rigid cage that breaks their spirit, or a protective boundary that allows them to grow safely and confidently? Will we continue to outsource our responsibilities to screens, schools, and sermons, or will we reclaim our rightful place as the first teachers and moral anchors of our children? If we truly wish to see a society free of drugs, violence, and moral decay, we must start not with slogans, but with sincere introspection within our homes. The transformation of society begins in the living room, at the dinner table, in the quiet conversations before sleep. Social evils thrive in the absence of meaningful parental presence. Restoring that presence wise, compassionate, and firm may be our most powerful weapon in reclaiming the future. (The Author is an educationist, public speaker, and columnist)
When an Indian Becomes a Tourist in India!
NAIRA MANZOOR I grew up in Kashmir, and like many North Indians, I believed I understood the pulse of Indian cities. Traffic would be loud. Roads would be restless. People would hurry as though time were a creditor waiting at the door. Crossing the street would require nerve, timing, and perhaps the quiet intervention of fate. I mistook this pattern for the country itself. Then I travelled to South India and found myself wondering whether I had stepped into a gentler version of the same story. What struck me first was the silence. Not emptiness, but restraint. The roads were full of cars, buses, bikes, and autos. Life was moving, yet it did not announce itself with horns at every turn. Back home, the horn has long since become more than a sound. It is a language of impatience, a punctuation mark in the middle of motion, a declaration that one exists and would like to be acknowledged. Here, the streets seemed to breathe differently. People drove as though the road belonged to everyone, not just to the loudest among them. At a zebra crossing, I hesitated, prepared for the familiar negotiation between caution and chaos. Instead, the vehicles stopped. Simply stopped. For me. The experience was so unexpected that I looked around, half-convinced I had missed some hidden signal, some invisible authority, some unspoken rule I had not yet learned. But no: the crossing was real, and so was the courtesy. The air felt cleaner too, as if the landscape had been washed by patience. I kept drawing in deep breaths, suspicious of my own lungs, which seemed startled by their new living conditions. The houses, too, carried this same quiet intelligence. They were beautiful, cared for, softened by plants and order, and free from the exhausting theatre of status. They seemed built not to impress the world, but to shelter a life within it. And then there were the roads themselves. Busy, yes, but patient. No one seemed personally wounded by a delay of a few seconds. No one drove as though arriving first at a signal might redeem an otherwise uncertain life. It was astonishing, really, to watch traffic behave with such self-restraint. One begins to realise how much noise we mistake for energy, and how often urgency masquerades as importance. The people, too, carried that same ease. The shopkeeper smiled. The waiter smiled. The security guard smiled. The auto driver smiled. By the third smile, I became alert, as though kindness must surely be leading somewhere. Perhaps a request. Perhaps a favour. Perhaps a hidden invoice. But nothing followed. The smiles were not strategic. They were simply there, as natural as light. What unsettled me most, however, was how unexamined life felt. Conversations remained light, almost mercifully so. No one asked how much I earned, why I was not married, whether I owned land, or what grand plan I had for the next five years. I was not being measured every time I met someone. I was being met. And perhaps that was the real revelation. Not the silence of the roads, or the politeness of strangers, or even the clean air. It was the rhythm beneath all of it. Life felt calmer without being slow, disciplined without being rigid, efficient without becoming cruel. It made me think about how quickly we turn habit into truth, and how easily we call something normal simply because we have lived inside it long enough. India is not one mood, one rhythm, or one personality. There are many languages, many customs, many silences, and many ways of belonging to the same land. What makes it extraordinary is not that these differences dissolve, but that they endure and still learn to speak to one another. Every region carries its own climate of the heart. The North has its mountains, its expansiveness, its warmth, its celebratory excess - the feeling that an entire neighbourhood can become one extended family. The South has another kind of beauty: quieter, steadier, less interested in display, but deeply attentive to the life of the ordinary. Neither is superior. They are simply different ways of being, different tempos of belonging. I believe that is what makes India so endlessly fascinating. You can travel a few hundred kilometres and feel as though you have entered another world, yet remain inside the same country, the same language of belonging, the same unfinished conversation about who we are. There is no single way to be Indian. There are only many ways, each carrying its own music, its own manners, its own truth. India, in the end, is not a single story. It is a vast, living conversation, sometimes loud, often tender, always unfinished, that refuses to be summed up in one sentence, one stereotype, or one version of itself. And perhaps that is exactly how it should be: a country large enough to hold many ideas, and people diverse enough to keep discovering new ones. (The Author is a columnist)
The Last Thread Of Kashmirs Carpet Legacy
Srinagar, Jul 16: The sound of wooden looms once filled the halls of the Three-Way Carpet Factory in Srinagar, where generations of artisans mastered the intricate art of hand-knotted carpet weaving. Today, that sound has almost faded into silence. Forty years ago, the factory was among the Valleys most prominent carpet weaving centres, employing numerous craftsmen and serving as a training ground for aspiring artisans. Today, only four weavers continue to work there, holding on to a craft that once defined Kashmirs artistic heritage. Among them is Noor Mohammad Bhat, whose hands have spent decades tying thousands of knots into carpets admired across the world. Sitting beside an ageing loom, he recalls a time when carpet weaving was a respected profession and a reliable source of income. I started this work in my childhood, Noor says. At that time, carpet weaving was a respected and profitable profession. Almost every skilled artisan started from this workshop. Over the years, some artisans passed away, while others left the trade because of low wages. Now, only a few of us remain. How can the younger generation choose this profession when they already know it will not provide them with a good livelihood? His words reflect the reality confronting one of Kashmirs oldest traditional industries. Despite spending nearly eleven hours a day at the loom from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. the earnings barely meet basic needs. During summer, artisans earn around200 a day. In winter, when shorter daylight hours reduce working time, their daily wage falls to nearly150. The contrast is hard to ignore. Daily wage labourers now earn around600 a day, nearly three times what an experienced carpet weaver receives after years of mastering a highly skilled craft. This wage difference creates another challenge for our already struggling industry, Noor Mohammad says. The poor returns have discouraged youngergenerations from learning the craft. Skills that were once passed down from parents to children are now being abandoned as families encourage their children to seek occupations that offer greater financial security. The decline of the Three-Way Carpet Factory mirrors the wider challenges facing Kashmirs famed carpet industry. Low wages, changing markets, competition from machine-madeproducts, and theabsenceof adequate economic incentives have steadily pushed skilled artisans away from the profession. Inside the factory, the remaining four artisans continue to weave carpets knot by knot, preserving a centuries-old tradition despite an uncertain future. Their work is more than a livelihood; it is a living expression of Kashmirs cultural identity. But with each passing year, the looms grow quieter. If the current trend continues, the Three-Way Carpet Factory may soon become more than an old workshop. It may stand as a reminder of a craft that once flourished in Kashmir, kept alive until the very end by just four determined artisans.
Wait over: J&K roads set for macadamisation
Srinagar, Jul 16: The wait is finally over as Jammu and Kashmir roads are set for a massive macadamisation process, with contractors deciding to participate in the tendering process after receiving assurances from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. According to President of the J&K Hot Mix Plant Association, Bashir Ahmad Khan, the contractors met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a few days back and discussed threadbare the issues about them.Afterassurances from the Chief Minister, the contractors chaired a meeting at the Plant Association Office, Nowgam, in which 82 plant owners participated. We decided to participate in the tendering processnow aswehave gotassurances from the Chief Minister, as he termed our demands genuine, Khan said. Khan added thata unanimous consensus was made that they willsubmit the tenders as the choice of contractor. We will participate in the tenderingprocess, and aftera few days, the process will end, andsoon themacadamisation will start across the region, he said. The decisionwas taken after a tender deadlock that continued for nearly two months following the macadamisation plan unveiled by the governmentin May this year. In May, the government cleared a plan estimated at aroundRs223 crore,with a proposedallocation of nearlyRs155.83 crore for the macadamisation process. However, as soon as tenders were floated, contractors showed little interest, claimingthat the rates mentionedwere not favourable given therecent hike in ratesfollowing the Middle East crisis. On July 3, Rising Kashmir reported that the government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had set adeadline of one week for the resolution ofthe issue. The potholed condition of roads across Jammu and Kashmir has been pushing commuters to face tough situations on a daily basis, with frequent traffic congestion at multiple places, especially in the interiors of Srinagar City. Aamir Ahmad, a resident from Habba Kadal, said it has been a year since the road in his locality was dug for drainage and pipeline works, but the delay in macadamisation has taken a heavy toll on the local populace. The potholed road is not only damaging our vehicles, but the dust emanating from it is also affecting ourhealth as well,he said. Locals demanded immediate action and wanted the government to macadamise the roads at the earliest. With contractors now set to participate in the tendering process, the macadamisation works are expected to commence soon, bringing much-needed relief to commuters across the Valley.
SKUAST-K to establish Indias first Centre of Excellence for AMR
Srinagar, Jul 16: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has secured the Department of Science and Technology (GoI)-funded Centre of Excellence (CoE) for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research under the One Health framework. This will be India's first Centre of Excellence for Exploring Challenges to Identify Antimicrobial Resistance Drivers and Potential Antimicrobial Alternatives in a One Health Approach (CoE-AMRDPAA), placing SKUAST-K at the forefront of one of the world's most pressing scientific and public health priorities. As alead institution, SKUAST-K will function through a strategic partnership withsome of India's premierinstitutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, and the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS),Srinagar, integratingexpertise in microbiology, genomics, biotechnology, engineering, artificial intelligence, clinical sciences and public health. This recognition comes at a time when SKUAST-K has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing innovation-driven agricultural universities. During the past few years, the University has built a vibrant research ecosystem with 134 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), over 120 technology-basedstartups,internationally benchmarked laboratories in plant and animal biotechnology, genomics, molecular diagnostics, stem cell biology, precision agriculture and artificial intelligence. Several breakthrough technologies developed at the University, including novel diagnostics for lung health and rickettsial fever and regenerative stem-cell bandage technologies, have also advancedtowardsinternational patent protection, reflecting the University's growing global research footprint. The Centre will be led by Prof Syed Mudasir Andrabi, Professor andHead,Division of Animal Biotechnology, as the Principal Coordinator. Under his leadership, a multidisciplinary team of scientists from partnering institutions will undertake one of India's most comprehensive research programmes on antimicrobial resistance. The Centre will investigate the emergence, evolution and transmission of antimicrobial resistance across humans, animals, agriculture, food systems and the environment through nationwide surveillance, advanced genomics, metagenomics and molecular epidemiology. Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, the programme will develop predictive models, intelligent surveillance systems and evidence-based decision-support platforms to strengthen national preparedness against antimicrobial resistance. An equally important focus of the Centre will be the discovery and development of next-generation alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Research will encompass antimicrobial peptides, phytochemicals, probiotics, biomaterials, nanotechnology-enabled therapeutics and other innovative interventions aimed at reducing dependence on antibiotics while improving human, animal and environmental health. Welcoming the approval, Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai described the Centre as a defining milestone in SKUAST-K's journeytowardsbecoming a globally recognised research and innovation university. This Centre of Excellence is a national recognition of the scientific capabilities that SKUAST-K has built over the past few years. It reflects our commitment to innovation-led research that addresses real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic threatening human, animal and environmental health alike, he said. The VC added, Through this Centre, we aim to develop science-based, technology-driven and globally relevant solutions that contribute to India's health security while reinforcing the One Health vision. The Centre will also nurture young scientists, strengthen national research networks and position SKUAST-K as a leading global hub for One Health research and innovation.
Third Chinar Book Festival to begin tomorrow
Srinagar, Jul 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will inaugurate the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on July 18, marking the beginning of a nine-day literary and cultural extravaganza on the banks of the Dal Lake. Officials said on Thursday that the Lieutenant Governor will inaugurate the festival in the presence of senior officials from the District Administration Srinagar, the School Education Department, the Higher Education Department, the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), and the National Book Trust (NBT), India. The festival scheduled from July 18 to 26, is being organised by the National Book Trust, India, under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the District Administration Srinagar and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language. Set against the backdrop of Dal Lake, the festival will bring together readers, writers, publishers, artists and scholars from across the country. More than 200 publishers and booksellers will participate, displaying books in English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi and several other Indian languages, offering readers, students and book lovers an opportunity to explore a diverse collection of titles. Addressing a press conference, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Akshay Labroo described the Chinar Book Festival as much more than a book fair, saying it has evolved into a platform for learning, creativity and inspiration. The festival will bring together eminent personalities from literature, art, cinema and science, providing young people with a unique opportunity to interact with them, learn from their experiences and pursue their own passions. I invite the people of Srinagar and across Jammu & Kashmir to visit the festival and experience the very best the country has to offer, he said. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said the third edition has been envisioned as the largest literary and cultural celebration in the region. He said more than 800 artists, including local authors, curators and performers, will participate over the nine days, showcasing their work through literary, artistic and cultural programmes. Inviting people from Srinagar and neighbouring districts to attend, Malik said the festival would serve as a vibrant celebration of books, ideas and culture for readers of all age groups. Chief Convener of the Chinar Book Festival, Dr Amit Wanchoo, said the event has been designed as a platform to inspire the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. Students from districts across the Union Territory will participate in the festival, enabling them to engage with renowned authors, scholars, artists and innovators from across the country. Wanchoo also announced a special Innovators' Meet, which will bring together student innovators from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), and the University of Kashmir. The event will showcase internationally patented innovations, emerging start-ups and young innovators from across the Valley. Director of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, Dr Shams Equbal, highlighted the festival's Urdu literary programming, including Mushairas and dedicated Urdu sessions. He urged young people and Urdu enthusiasts to participate and explore the richness of the language. The nine-day festival will feature literary discussions, author interactions, book launches, workshops, storytelling sessions, creative activities for children and a range of cultural performances celebrating India's literary diversity. A major attraction this year will be the inaugural 5K Reading Run, a flagship event of Shiksha Saptah 2026, aimed at promoting reading alongside fitness and lifelong learning. Thousands of schoolchildren are expected to participate in the event. Ahead of the festival, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo also flagged off the Shikarathon, a unique literary prelude that transformed the iconic shikaras of Dal Lake into floating ambassadors of reading. During the event, officials unveiled the festival's tagline, Together We Read, Together We Lead (Mil Kar Padhenge, Mil Kar Badhenge), underscoring the initiative's vision of fostering a community-wide reading movement. The organisers have invited readers, students, educators, writers and families from across Jammu & Kashmir to participate in the festival and celebrate literature, knowledge and culture in the scenic surroundings of Kashmir.
Bus carrying 47 Yatris catches fire; all safe
Ramban, Jul 16: Forty-seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims had a narrow escape after the sleeper coach they were travelling in caught fire on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Karool in Ramban district on Thursday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation and directed the district administration to provide immediate assistance and arrange for their safe travel back to Rajasthan. Officials said the Rajasthan-registered sleeper coach (RJ27PC-9921), which was travelling from Srinagar to Jammu, caught fire from the tyre side while in motion. The bus was carrying 47 occupants, including the driver and conductor. Swift action by personnel from Fire and Emergency Services, along with J&K Police, CRPF, Army, and local volunteers, ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. During the firefighting operation, Selection Grade Fireman Manohar Kumar sustained injuries after a tyre exploded and was immediately shifted for medical treatment. No pilgrim was injured in the incident. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, I have reviewed the situation with senior officials and Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, after a Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrim bus from Rajasthan returning after Darshan caught fire at Karol due to a tyre burst. By Lord Shiva's grace, all pilgrims are safe. I have directed the Ramban district administration to provide immediate assistance to the Yatris and arrange for their safe travel back to Rajasthan. Firefighters launched an intensive operation to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained disrupted for a brief period before normal movement was restored. The entire rescue and firefighting operation was carried out under the overall supervision of ADGP / Director, Fire and Emergency Services, J&K, Alok Kumar (IPS), with the Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, and other senior officers remaining on the ground to monitor the situation and coordinate the multi-agency response. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
Amarnath Yatra : Over 3.25 lakh pilgrims perform darshan
Srinagar, July 16: The annual 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra continued to witness a steady influx of devotees on Thursday, with 7,959 pilgrims crossing the Domail Access Control Gate on the Baltal route by 7:30 am, reflecting the smooth and well-coordinated movement of yatris towards the holy cave shrine. According to official figures, the pilgrims who crossed the Domail gate included 6,054 men, 1,612 women, 120 children, 17 sadhus, 10 sadhvis, and 146 security personnel, while no transgender pilgrim was reported through the Domail access point during the period. Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 5,201 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Thursday under tight security arrangements for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam. The batch comprised 3,970 men, 1,124 women, five children, 92 sadhus, nine sadhvis, and one transgender pilgrim, travelling in a convoy of 251 vehicles. Of the total, 1,745 pilgrims left for the Baltal base camp in 74 vehicles at 3:00 am, while 3,456 pilgrims proceeded towards the Pahalgam route in 177 vehicles at 3:30 am. Officials said the pilgrimage is progressing peacefully with elaborate security, medical, sanitation and logistical arrangements in place along both routes. So far, more than 3.25 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine during the ongoing 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, underscoring the massive participation of devotees from across the country. Authorities have urged pilgrims to follow all safety advisories and cooperate with security and civil administration to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
Srinagar, Jul 16: The School Education Department and the Higher Education Department have issued comprehensive circulars prescribing a structured institutional framework for the academic evaluation, content verification, and periodic review of books and other educational resources across schools, colleges, universities, and public libraries in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiativehas been taken in view ofrecent concerns regarding books available in institutional libraries and the procurement of educational material, andin pursuance ofgovernment directions. The circularsare aimed at strengtheninginstitutional mechanisms governing the evaluation, recommendation, circulation, retention, and periodic review of educational material to ensure that academic resources possess established academic merit, factual authenticity, pedagogical relevance, and educational value, while remaining consistent with the Constitution of India, the laws in force, the National Education Policy, the applicable regulatory framework, and curricular standards prescribed by competent authorities. Under the framework, all government and recognised private schools, colleges, universities, and public librarieshave been directed toundertake a comprehensive Academic and Content Audit of books, reference material, journals, research publications, dissertations, theses, digital repositories, and other educational resources available in their libraries and academic units, irrespective ofthe year of procurement, adoption, or inclusion. The circulars further provide that no publication or academic material containing factually inaccurate, misleading, distorted, inflammatory, unlawful, or otherwise objectionable content, including material that directly or indirectly promotes, glorifies, legitimises, or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation, or any activity prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity, and security of the nation, shall be procured, prescribed, recommended, retained, circulated, published, hosted, or otherwise made available in educational institutions. To ensure effective implementation, the Government has institutionalised multi-tier academic and content scrutiny mechanisms across the school and higher education sectors, providing for systematic academic evaluation, content verification, quality assurance, periodic review, and institutional oversight through committees constituted at institutional, district, directorate, university, and administrative department levels, while respecting the statutory and academic autonomy of universities within the framework of applicable laws and UGC regulations. The circulars assign clearly defined responsibilities to Vice Chancellors, Principals of Colleges, Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, Heads of Institutions, librarians, School Managements, and other academic authorities to ensure meticulous implementation of the prescribed framework within stipulated timelines. Institutionalheads shall be responsible for ensuring compliance within their respective jurisdictions, and any omission, negligence, or deviation from prescribed procedures shallbe viewed with utmost seriousness. The initiative is intended to reinforce academic standards, strengthen institutional accountability, preserve the integrity of the educational ecosystem, and establish a transparent, objective, and uniform framework for the periodic academic and content review of educational resources across schools, colleges, and universities in the Union Territory.
Beyond political reshuffles, renew education in India
A personal sacrifice must inspire Indias education renaissance movement
Srinagar, Jul 16: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday declared the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET (UG) 2026, with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and allied courses across the country. According to NTA, nearly 20 lakh candidates appeared in the examination, which was conducted in 13 languages at thousands of centres across India and abroad. More than 58 per cent of the qualified candidates are women. Jammu and Kashmir has registered a remarkable performance in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, with two candidates from the Union Territory securing top spots in the national toppers' list. Official documents confirm that Hadiya Nisar has emerged as the highest-ranked candidate from J&K. She secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 99 with a percentile score of 99.9931, placing her among the country's top 100 medical aspirants. Another talented candidate, Zaidan Wani, also made the Union Territory proud by securing AIR 124 with an identical percentile score of 99.9931, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess. The agency said 138 candidates scored above 690 marks out of 720, reflecting a highly competitive performance at the top end of the merit list. Of these high scorers, over 93 per cent were appearing for NEET for the first time, while around 99 per cent were between 17 and 19 years of age. NTA said 19 candidates secured more than 700 marks. A total of 1,492 candidates scored 650 marks and above, 10,160 candidates scored 600 marks and above, while 90,780 candidates secured 500 marks and above. The highest score of 715 out of 720 was jointly secured by Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana, the agency said. Qualified candidates emerged from all 36 States and Union Territories. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of successful candidates with more than 1.7 lakh qualifiers, while Lakshadweep recorded 43 qualified candidates. According to NTA, 17 State toppers scored 700 marks or above, while 26 State toppers secured more than 690 marks. The top 17 rankers belong to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Category wise data released by NTA showed that 2.91 lakh candidates qualified from the General category, 5.12 lakh from OBC NCL, 1.59 lakh from SC, 63,716 from ST, and 95,026 from the Gen EWS category. Among specially abled candidates, 3,666 PwBD and 303 PwD candidates qualified. The agency also highlighted the strong performance of women candidates. According to NTA, women recorded a higher qualification rate of 56.8 per cent compared to 55.1 per cent among male candidates. NTA said the result was declared after completing all stages of evaluation and verification. The provisional answer key was released on June 25, 2026, while the final answer key and results were published on July 16, 2026. Candidates can access their scorecards through the official NEET portal. NTA has advised students to rely only on official counselling websites and remain cautious of fraudulent admission offers and misleading claims regarding seat allotment or score enhancement.
It is not all bad between India and Pakistan
Conflict has made headlines, but quiet cooperation has also shaped India-Pakistan relations
Wealth of lacunae: On the Kudankulam nuclear plant data leak
Cybersecurity, transparency are non-negotiable in vital installations
Two Bangladeshi nationals get two-year prison term under Foreigners Act
Female elephant found dead in estate near Valparai
Tension at TVK event near Coimbatore
Breaching the target: On Indias retail inflation
Rising inflation leaves no room for a cut in interest rates
Left parties step up opposition to proposed data centre projects in Vizag
Delhi University allots 93,033 seats in first undergraduate admission list
Teacher riding pillion on bike taxi crushed by truck
While preparation is essential for reporters to meet a deadline, some stories make it because unacknowledged strangers decide to help
AIP delegation visits Dr Mustafa Kamal's family
Srinagar, July 16: A delegation of senior leaders of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed, visited the residence of the late Dr Mustafa Kamal to express condolences and solidarity with the bereaved family following his demise. The delegation included AIP General Secretary Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq, PA to MP Baramulla Firdouse Baba, Nazir Ahmad Mir and Parveez Ahmad Bhat. The AIP leaders met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior leader Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, conveyed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the party and prayed for Jannat Ul Firdouse to the deceased and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
NC pays tribute to Dr Mustafa Kamal at condolence meeting
Srinagar, July 16: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Thursday held a condolence meeting at its headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, to pay tribute to senior party leader and former minister Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, with leaders remembering his contributions to public life and the party. The meeting was chaired by NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar and organised by Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir. It was attended by Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Rajya Sabha MP Shammi Oberoi, senior leaders, legislators, office-bearers and party workers. The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Fatiha prayers and a moment of silence in memory of the departed leader. Speaking on the occasion, Sagar described Dr. Kamal as a dedicated public servant who remained steadfast in his commitment to the National Conference's ideology and the welfare of the people. Nasir Aslam Wani said Dr. Kamal would be remembered for his integrity, wisdom and commitment to democratic values, adding that his contribution to Jammu and Kashmir's public life would continue to inspire future generations. The participants expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul, while reaffirming their resolve to uphold the ideals and values that Dr. Kamal stood for throughout his public life.
Health dept. urges safe food habits after 3 shigellosis cases reported in Kochi
Mirwaiz condoles demise of Dr. Mustafa Kamal
Srinagar, July 16: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Thursday visited the residence of the late veteran politician Dr. Mustafa Kamal to offer his condolences to the bereaved family. The Mirwaiz offered Fatiha prayers and prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. He extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, especially Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Muzaffar Shah, and other family members, praying that Almighty Allah grant them Sabr and strength to bear this loss.
Govt. reconstitutes Sanskrit varsity Syndicate
Kashmir's Areko cherries, Scentrose plums exported to Singapore
Srinagar, July 16: Premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu and Kashmir were exported to Singapore for the first time on Wednesday, marking a significant step in expanding global market access for the region's high-value horticultural produce. The first export consignment, sourced from orchards in Shopian and Pulwama districts, was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with M/s Osum Food Solutions LLP and M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Private Limited. APEDA flagged off the shipment at a ceremony held on Wednesday. Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen India's presence in premium Southeast Asian markets while providing better price realisation for fruit growers in Jammu and Kashmir. The exported fruits were cultivated using scientific orchard management practices and processed through grading, sorting, packing and cold-chain handling in compliance with international food safety and phytosanitary standards to maintain quality during transit. APEDA said the export reflects its continued efforts to promote premium horticultural produce from Jammu and Kashmir through quality enhancement, improved logistics and market development. It added that direct access to international markets would encourage growers to adopt export-oriented cultivation and better post-harvest management practices, contributing to higher farm incomes.
Rotary Club donates HBOT chamber to Omandurar Government Hospital
CMC to host conference on radiology in Vellore
Chennai fishing boats detained in Andhra Pradesh: State government steps in for their release
Uganda invites investment in manufacturing facilities
Since Uganda has iron ore and cotton, businesses can set up steel plants and spinning mills; it permits 100% ownership of projects by overseas companies and offers 0% duty on import of raw materials not available in Uganda, says High Commissioner of Uganda to India
Cricket World Cup - Will expansion lead to elevation?
With the 50-over format struggling for identity amid great response to the T20 version, there are question marks over whether the 14-team ODI World Cup will provide enough quality
Dr Andrabi reviews facilities at Budgam shrines
Srinagar, July 16: Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, on Thursday visited the revered Aasar-e-Sharif at Peth Makhama, Magam, and the shrine of Baba Latifuddin Rishi at Poshkar Khag in Budgam district, where she offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people. During the visit, Dr Andrabi inspected the shrine complexes and reviewed the facilities available for devotees. She assessed the maintenance, cleanliness, public amenities and overall infrastructure, stressing the need to provide a better experience for visitors. Interacting with local residents, devotees and shrine functionaries, she heard their suggestions and concerns regarding the development and upkeep of the shrines. She reiterated the Waqf Board's commitment to preserving the religious and heritage value of shrines while upgrading facilities for pilgrims. Dr Andrabi assured the public that genuine issues raised during the visit would be addressed on priority and said the Board would continue to strengthen shrine infrastructure, improve public amenities and ensure efficient management of Waqf-managed religious institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
All hurdles will be resolved to complete irrigation projects: Uttam
TEXPO 2026 brings together 299 industrial exhibitors
It is one of Tamil Nadus significant business-to-business industrial exhibitions
Jammu outfits protest over Maharaja Hari Singh row
Jammu, July 16: Several social and nationalist organisations on Thursday staged a joint protest near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh in Jammu, alleging disrespect to the Dogra ruler during a recent government programme and reiterating their demand for a separate Jammu state. The protest, organised on the call of Movement Kalki, was joined by the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Karni Sena, Rajput Ekta Manch, Shiv Sena (UBT), Ekkjutt Jammu and other groups. Protesters raised slogans against the government and burnt an effigy of the Chief Minister. The organisations alleged that floral tributes were not paid to the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh during a recent statehood-related event at Maharaja Hari Singh Park, claiming it had hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu. Addressing the gathering, Movement Kalki convenor Thakur Arjun Singh said Maharaja Hari Singh symbolises the pride and identity of the Dogra community and demanded a public apology over the alleged remarks and incident. Other speakers, including representatives of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Ekkjutt Jammu, accused the National Conference of discriminating against the Jammu region and reiterated their demand for a separate Jammu state. They also objected to holding a political programme on the issue of statehood during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. The protest concluded with the burning of the Chief Minister's effigy, as participants vowed to continue their campaign for what they described as the rights and dignity of the Jammu region.
North Andhras quick development will ensure more jobs for youth: MP Sribharat
Populations in southern India among most affected by sleep loss due to climate change, says study
Southern Railway announces safety drive for loco pilots
P.S. Senior Secondary School wins Chettinad Vidyashram Model UN contest
Dr. Farooq gets passport renewal relief in JKCA case
Srinagar, July 16: A Srinagar court on Thursday permitted the issuance and renewal of a passport to National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, while making it clear that he cannot travel outside Jammu and Kashmir or abroad without prior permission from the competent court. The order was passed by the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Srinagar, on a petition filed by Abdullah seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for renewal of his passport in connection with the pending Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) funds misappropriation case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court directed the Regional Passport Officer, Srinagar, to consider issuing or renewing Abdullah's passport for a period of one year, subject to the condition that he is not involved in any other criminal case apart from FIR No. 27/2012 related to the JKCA case. The court further ruled that if Abdullah intends to travel outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir or abroad, he must first obtain permission from the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Srinagar. The passport renewal plea was opposed by the CBI, which argued that Abdullah is facing prosecution in a serious corruption case concerning the alleged misappropriation of JKCA funds. The agency contended that although the operation of the order framing charges had been stayed by the Additional Sessions Court, the criminal proceedings had not been quashed and remained pending. The CBI also expressed apprehension that renewal of the passport could facilitate Abdullah's departure from the country, thereby affecting the ongoing prosecution. It further pointed out that a non-bailable warrant had earlier been issued against him during the proceedings and argued that no compelling reasons had been shown for renewal of the passport. After hearing both sides, the court observed that the Passports Act and the relevant Central Government notifications do not impose an absolute prohibition on the issuance of passports to persons facing criminal proceedings. It noted that the law empowers criminal courts to permit issuance of passports while ensuring adequate safeguards to secure the accused's presence during the trial. Relying on the Supreme Court's judgment in Mahesh Kumar Agarwal vs Union of India (2025), the court held that the right to travel abroad forms part of the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and that possession of a passport does not automatically entitle a person to leave the country. The court clarified that issuance of the passport would only enable the Regional Passport Office to process Abdullah's application and would not dilute the bail conditions already imposed upon him or permit him to undertake foreign travel without prior judicial approval. The court also ordered that the NOC would stand automatically revoked if any proceedings pending before the CJM or the revisional court are modified against Abdullah's interest. With these directions, the court disposed of the petition and directed that a copy of the order be forwarded to the Regional Passport Officer, Srinagar, for compliance.
Govt. committed to protecting tribals rights, says ASR Collector
Tribal artisans empanelment mela held in Araku Valley
One Nation, One Time: White Rabbit Technology-based network demonstration inaugurated
2 held for abduction, assault of man over 15-lakh loan dispute
As Wangchuks health worsens, Delhi High Court orders regular monitoring
Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg after starting hunger strike and his body is consuming muscles and his organs may be next, says doctor; govt. assures High Court of necessary medical intervention
CB-CID begins probe into registration of Palani math land
A team of 15 police officers, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajay Thangam, conducted inquiries in Palani.
MCC organises panel discussion on indigenous knowledge systems
Oil marketing companies yet to issue new LPG connections to domestic consumers
Many say they have been waiting since March, when the conflict began in West Asia. They complain that cooking with induction stoves is not always convenient for them
Implement Land Acquisition Act strictly in Amaravati, says Bolisetty Satyanarayana
Annual Rath Yatra celebrated with religious fervour across Vizag
Speaker reviews flood protection works at Apazyari Nallah
Srinagar, July 16: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Thursday reviewed the flood protection measures at Apazyari Nallah being executed under NABARD besides assessing the restoration of flood-damaged spots under SASCI-II. During the meeting held in this regard, the Speaker was informed that the anti-erosion and urgent flood protection works at Apazyari Nallah have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of over 7.31 crore while the restoration of flood-damaged spots has been taken up an estimated cost of over 1.54 crore. The officers apprised the Speaker that the projects comprising a series of protective interventions include crate works, check crates, reinforced concrete walls and cut-off walls. The special focus is being placed on safeguarding the bridge foundations and preventing erosion caused by flash floods and high water discharge. Emphasizing the importance of protecting the vital public infrastructure, the Speaker said that safeguarding the bridges against erosion and flood damage must remain a top priority, particularly in vulnerable areas. He directed the Executive Engineers to undertake regular field visits to the nallah, identify all the vulnerable stretches and ensure that appropriate preventive measures are implemented well in time. The Speaker stressed that all the works should be executed with the highest standards of quality and completed within the stipulated timeframe so that the intended benefits reach the people without delay. He also instructed the concerned officers to closely monitor the progress of the projects and maintain strict supervision during execution. Highlighting the public importance of these works, the Speaker said that the bridge protection and flood mitigation measures would benefit nearly 40,000 people residing in around 15 villages, including Badipora, Nowpora, Choudrigund, Hafroo, Loolipora, Watkaloo, Chak Banagund and Sogam besides several adjoining habitations. He observed that the projects would significantly enhance the safety and resilience of the road network, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and provide long-term protection to public infrastructure from recurring flood-related damage.
Third Master Plan for Chennai may take at least 6 months to be finalised: CMDA
Inter-departmental consultations and statutory procedures are currently going on, say officials. Government has already issued order to expand Chennai Metropolitan Area, they add
No meetings held since forming new panel for children in conflict with law
NC protest meant to strengthen Govt, not people: Bukhari
Srinagar, July 16: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday termed the National Conference's proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar over the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as a political drama, asserting that statehood can only be achieved through dialogue with the Centre and not through confrontation. Addressing a workers' meeting at Dak Bungalow in Poonch, Bukhari said the NC failed to raise the issue of statehood when it came to power in 2024 despite securing a strong public mandate. If the NC was serious about restoring statehood, it should have pursued the issue immediately after forming the government. It is raising the demand now only to strengthen its own political position, he said. Reiterating the Apni Party's stand, Bukhari described restoration of statehood as a matter of honour and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but said it must be pursued through sustained engagement with the Central government. Dialogue and political engagement, not protests and confrontation, are the way forward to restore statehood and resolve other issues, he said. During his address, Bukhari also expressed concern over the lack of development in the Pir Panjal region and demanded the creation of a special police battalion by recruiting local youth from border districts. He also sought the construction of a tunnel across the Pir Panjal, connecting Uri and Poonch, to provide all-weather connectivity and boost economic activity. The Apni Party president accused successive traditional political parties of failing to address the people's concerns and criticised the government for delaying Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, alleging that it was preventing decentralisation of power. Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir also addressed the gathering and called for the restoration of the historic Poonch-Uri and Poonch-Tangmarg road links to improve connectivity and revive the region's historical importance. Provincial President Jammu Manjit Singh highlighted the party's role in securing protections for land and government jobs for the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the 2019 constitutional changes.
Chennai Corporation identifies 115 missing links in citys drain network
The overturning of a passenger tempo in Rajouris Chapprian area, leaving eight villagers from Jamula injured, is not an isolated mishap; it is a symptom of a deeper and persistent malaise on our roads. Each such incident, briefly flashing as breaking news, quietly folds into the routine of our collective indifference, even as families grapple with trauma, uncertainty, and economic loss. Initial reports say the tempo overturned between Khandli Bridge and Jawahar Nagar. Police and locals acted swiftly, rushing the injured to the Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital, Rajouri. Yet, beyond the commendable response of bystanders and medical staff lies a set of uncomfortable questions: What caused the accident? Was it speeding, overloading, driver fatigue, poor road engineering, or lax enforcement? Why must we always wait for tragedy before asking what went wrong? The victims include men, women, and children as young as six and twelve. This alone underlines how public transport in our region is not a luxury but a lifeline for entire families. When safety fails, it is not a statistic that suffers; it is a village. Jamula today lives in anxiety, waiting for updates on the condition of its sons and daughters. The authorities owe these families more than routine statements and a vague assurance that cognisance has been taken. Rajouri and other hilly districts have long been familiar with road accidents that follow a predictable script: difficult terrain, ageing vehicles, congested routes, and a culture that too often normalises over-speeding and corner-cutting. The way out is equally predictable, yet rarely pursued with seriousness: regular fitness checks for passenger vehicles, strict licensing and monitoring of drivers, scientific assessment of accidentprone stretches, and visible, consistent policing of traffic norms. This latest incident should trigger more than a file note. There must be a timebound inquiry to establish the exact cause and fix accountability on the driver, the vehicle owner, and, where necessary, on the agencies responsible for road safety and maintenance. Equally important is ensuring that the injured receive not just immediate treatment but also followup care and any compensation they are entitled to under the law. From Srinagar to Rajouri, people have grown weary of perfunctory condolences every time a vehicle skids, overturns, or plunges into a gorge. Road safety is a governance issue and a social responsibility. Unless authorities move beyond rhetoric to measurable action and unless society abandons its tolerance for risk on the roads, the next breaking news alert is only a matter of time.
Scientific Reports , shows that wetlands bearing the brunt of human interference now have poorer soil quality, depleted nutrients and weakened microbial life. In simple terms, the land beneath our wetlands is losing its ability to breathe, filter and regenerate. Where urbanisation, waste dumping, unregulated tourism, grazing and chemical-intensive farming are most intense, the soils are more compacted, less fertile and more contaminated with heavy metals such as iron, copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium and manganese. This is not an abstract laboratory finding. Wetland soils act as natural filters, trapping pollutants, recycling nutrients and storing carbon. They regulate water flow, recharge groundwater and form the base on which fish, birds and vegetation depend. When these soils are degraded, the entire chain of ecological services flood buffering, water purification, fisheries, agriculture and livelihoods begins to unravel. The contrast within the Valley itself is telling. The relatively undisturbed Shallabugh Wetland retains higher moisture, richer organic carbon and stronger microbial communities, including beneficial mycorrhizal fungi that help plants absorb nutrients. Disturbed sites, by comparison, show rising bulk density and toxic build-up. Anchar, once a vibrant freshwater system, is now choked by sewage and urban waste. Hokersar, despite its Ramsar status and global significance for migratory birds, continues to suffer from siltation, pollution and encroachment. What this research makes clear is that our approach to conservation remains dangerously superficial. We draw lines on maps, issue notifications and occasionally remove a few encroachments, but we seldom address the everyday abuse that is poisoning these wetlands from within. Governance remains fragmented, accountability weak, and enforcement sporadic. If wetlands are rightly called the kidneys of the ecosystem, Kashmir is steadily edging towards renal failure. Saving these landscapes now demands more than rhetoric. It requires strict control over waste disposal, scientific regulation of tourism and grazing, curbs on chemical inputs in surrounding agriculture and serious, funded programmes to restore soil health and water quality. Most importantly, it calls for treating wetland soils as living infrastructure, not dumping grounds.
In an age of hyper connectivity where algorithms tend to maximise engagement through outrage that demand perpetual availability and with relentless siege on human attention, we watch billions of curated lives on constant display. A quiet epidemic of chronic anxiety is the result of that predictability. A state where every opinion seems vital and everything feels urgent. In such a climate of overwhelming noise, our traditional defences often fail us. So, instead of thinking our ways out of worry or forcing ourselves into toxic positivity, the most potent strategy would be to retreat than active resistance. True peace lies in mastering indifference. Before anyone misunderstands indifference, let me rescue this word from modern connotations of apathy and coldness. The indifference required in modern society filled with anxiety is neither a stand to stop caring about humanity nor it is a nihilistic surrender to helplessness. Rather, it is a disciplined but strategic emotional detachment. A deliberate cultivation of a higher threshold for what is allowed to disrupt your inner world. Ultimately, we have to absolute veto power on how much energy we invest in external stimuli so indifference acts as the ultimate act of gatekeeping. What does anxiety thrive on? Importance solely. It convinces the brain that every thought, headline or minor inconvenience is a threat to survival. One emotional reaction can validate any trigger feeding the same loop of worry and exhaustion again. Indifference breaks that cycle. It would be a philosophical realization that a vast majority of things that trigger anxiety does not even matter in the grand scheme of things. So, whenever there is an intrusive thought, we must starve the anxiety of its primary fuel i.e., attention. The root cause of modern anxiety can be traced back to exhausting attempt to control the uncontrollable like other peoples perceptions, unpredictable future, macro-economic changes and a lot more. One can even lean into classic Stoic dichotomy of control to master this power of indifference. It is nothing but graceful acceptance of lack of control. A simple statement to allow this new framework to function smoothly, Whatever is happening do not require emotional involvement. To master this power, one must lean into the classic Stoic dichotomy of control. The root of most modern anxiety is the exhausting attempt to control the uncontrollable - other peoples perceptions, macro-economic shifts, algorithmically generated news cycles, and the unpredictable future. Indifference is the graceful acceptance of this lack of control. Practicing this art in daily lives definitely requires a shift in our internal dialogue. But when anxiety pops up with a catastrophic narrative about even minor change, the indifferent mind takes the situation to a logical end thus strips the narrative of its terror. Also, mastering indifference demands treating mental energy as a precious currency so before spending emotional capital on a hostile comment, a trend or a demanding task outside work hours, we must ask if the investment is worth our peace or joy. If it is not, let it slide past. Indifference demands ruthless ignorance of unimportant things so we can tend to comparatively important tasks at hand. It is a resilient autonomy that refuses to let the velocity of outside world dictate the rhythm of inner self. In a world that profits off panic, the ultimate form of freedom is choosing what not to care about. Stick to this quiet confidence with just one line, The world may be chaotic right now, but it doesn't have permission to ruin my day. ( The Author is a poet, columnist and doctoral researcher. Feedback: writerbali007@gmail.com )
Collector inspects bus stand, govt. offices in Bahour village
India-U.K. CETA to spur sourcing of textiles, food produce from Telangana, help attract more GCCs
Project K-100 launched in Narayanpet to promote crop diversification and climate-resilient farming
Puri Rath Yatra recreated at Gorimedu Jagannath temple in Pondicherry
HC to hear plea over delayed construction of Suchitra-Kompally elevated corridor
Cabinet Sub-Committee directs officials to prepare a comprehensive draft for Rohith Vemula Bill
Census 2027: Self-enumeration process to commence across Tamil Nadu on July 17, 2026
The first comprehensive dam safety assessment for each dam should be carried out on or before December 30, 2026
TV journalist quizzed by police in case relating to alleged attempt to bribe TVK MLA
Investigators found he had allegedly been in contact with the prime accused during the purported conspiracy
12 COVID cases, 4 deaths reported in A.P. since June 26, but no need to worry, says health official
There has been no cluster outbreak, says the Health Secretary; describing the situation as periodic cyclical viral circulations, expert says that the infections may blow over by August end
DMK urges Centre to constitute tribunal on Mekedatu
A resolution to this effect was adopted at a virtual meeting of the MPs, attended by party president M.K. Stalin from London
SSB DG reviews security, Yatra arrangements at Pantha Chowk
Srinagar, July 16: Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Sanjay Singhal, on Thursday reviewed the security grid and operational preparedness at the Shri Amarnath Yatra Transit Camp at Pantha Chowk here. The DG was received by Commandant 40 Battalion SSB Yetan Negi, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy and other senior officers of the police, SSB and civil administration. During the visit, Singhal inspected the security arrangements, registration centre and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) counters, reviewing the pilgrim processing system to ensure smooth movement, security and efficient tracking. He also visited the Joint Police Control Room and the CRPF Command Post, where he assessed the integrated security mechanism, surveillance network and area domination measures. To review pilgrim welfare, the DG inspected the community kitchen (langar) and checked the quality and hygiene of the food being served. Later, he visited the 40 Battalion SSB Tactical Headquarters, interacted with officers and jawans, participated in a plantation drive and addressed a Sainik Sammelan, appreciating the personnel for their professionalism, dedication and high morale. Singhal expressed satisfaction over the robust inter-agency coordination and the high level of operational preparedness maintained for the smooth and secure conduct of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra.
2027 World Cup: Whats the new format and why has ICC changed it?
The ICC has announced a new format for the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. With 14 teams, a new Super Series round and the introduction of the Super 7 stage, the road to the semifinals will look very different from previous editions. Who qualifies automatically? How does the new format work? And why has the ICC made these changes? Watch this explainer for everything you need to know about the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Aam Aadmi Party suspends three MCDcouncillorsafter wardcommittee polls
Two held in hit-and-run that killed traffic constable
Govt forms panel to rationalise lecturer posts
Srinagar, July 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high level committee to examine the discipline wise cadre strength of Lecturers in the School Education Department and recommend measures for rationalisation of posts in line with current academic requirements. According to Government Order No. 285-JK (Edu) of 2026 dated July 15, 2026, the committee has been set up to assess the existing lecturer strength, evaluate subject wise requirements and suggest reforms to ensure optimum deployment of teaching staff across government higher secondary schools. The committee will be headed by the Director, School Education Jammu, and comprises senior officials from the School Education Department, including representatives from the Directorate of School Education Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Education Officer Srinagar, and the department's administrative and finance wings. As per the terms of reference, the panel will verify the exact number of sanctioned lecturer posts in comparison with posts reflected in recruitment rules, departmental establishment records and actual positions on the ground. It will also assess the real requirement of lecturers on a discipline wise basis according to institutional needs. The committee has further been tasked with examining and proposing rationalisation of lecturer posts, particularly in subjects witnessing increased demand due to technological advancements and changing academic trends. It will also review the requirement of language teachers while taking regional and local educational needs into consideration. In addition, the panel will identify and earmark posts for vocational subjects in view of their growing importance and institutional requirements. The government has directed the committee to submit its report along with specific recommendations within 30 days from the date of issuance of the order. The exercise is expected to help streamline human resource planning and strengthen subject specific teaching arrangements in schools across the Union Territory.
Employees Health Care Trust Board to manage EHS
Canine terror claims life in Tailbal
Srinagar, July 16: A 60-year-old woman of Tailbal area in Srinagar outskirts died almost three weeks after she was bitten by a stray dog in the locality. According to the family, the lady was attacked and bitten by the stray dog in Bhat Mohalla in Tailbal, leaving her severely wounded. We took her to the hospital where she was admitted for a few days and later discharged. Her health deteriorated again yesterday and subsequently we took her to SMHS hospital where she breathed her last, the family said. There seems to be no one to take care of these things. The presence of stray dogs is everywhere and no one dares to allow their children to go out especially in Srinagar localities due to the fear of dogs, the family said. We dont want such an incident to happen again and witness the loss of another precious life. There should be some positive steps in this regard so that the vulnerability within the residential localities will come to an end, they said.
Minister highlights A.P.s tourism potential at FAITH conclave in Delhi
Describing Andhra Pradesh as a complete tourism destination, Kandula Durgesh invites investors to partner with the State
