States

Bapatla administration gears up to tackle Cyclone Murasu

The Bapatla District Collector directed all departments to remain alert and coordinate their response to the impending weather conditions

Holiday declared for educational institutions in Guntur

The holiday applies to educational institutions under all managements

Keralams community study centres for tribal students must be evaluated beyond numbers

A child can be enrolled in school, given basic learning resources, and still be unable to use what is on offer. Persisting after failure and believing that school wants us to progress are not merely individual acts of will; they are social acts.

Cyclone Murasu: Northeast monsoon rainfall in Chennai and neighbouring areas

Of the monitoring stations, 28 of them recorded heavy rainfall and five recorded very heavy rainfall with no location reported extremely heavy rainfall

Cyclonic storm Murasu to make landfall close to Ongole

NDRF, SDRF teams deployed in districts likely to be affected

The unending purge in Xis China

Chinas Fifth Plenum confirmed the expulsion of 33 Central Committee members, including 16 Generals, signalling that Xi Jinpings anti-corruption purge is far from over; the purge has raised questions about PLA leadership and combat readiness, while Xis succession plans remain unclear ahead of the 2027 Party Congress

Odisha CM announces special package for families affected by Cyclone Arnab

After reviewing the prevailing flood situation in the State in the evening, CM Majhi said people in several districts, especially Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal, were affected by cyclone Arnab and its aftermath of heavy rainfall

ROC J&K visits Bookaroo festival at DPS Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 1: Registrar of Companies, J&K and Official Liquidator, attached to High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Haamid Bukhari visited Bookaroo festival organised by Delhi Public School Srinagar. The festival is an award-winning travelling festival in India that brings books to life through storytelling, craft workshops and author interactions for young readers. At the event, a lot of creative art stalls were available where students had a great creative time to spend. Besides the students of DPS Srinagar, young kids from other schools of the valley also attended the festival.

DC Kupwara distributes keys to PM Package employees

Kupwara, Nov 1: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Abhishek Sharma, on Sunday distributed keys to PM Package Employees at the Transit Accommodation, Kulangam Bagh, Handwara, following its virtual inauguration by the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha. SSP Handwara, ADC Handwara, ACR Kupwara, SE R&B, XEN R&B and other senior officers, including concerned officers from the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), Police and Civil Administration were present on the occasion. Initiated in 2021, the Transit Accommodation Project has been successfully completed on November 1, 2026. The project comprises 18 buildings, each housing 16 flats, with a total of 288 residential units, constructed at an approximate project cost of 62 crore. Congratulating the beneficiaries on taking possession of their new homes, the DC extended his best wishes and inspected the colony to review the facilities and arrangements put in place for the residents The DC expressed gratitude to the Honble Lieutenant Governor for his support and guidance and acknowledged the contributions of the R&B, Revenue, Police and other concerned departments. He also appreciated the continued cooperation of the people of Kupwara in the successful completion of the project.

Migrant employees transit accommodation inaugurated in Budgam

Budgam, Nov 1: PM Package Employees of District Budgam, along with officers of District Administration Budgam on Sunday attended the virtual inauguration of transit accommodation for Kashmiri migrant employees at Kakanmaran Budgam. On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Jatin Kishore, handed over keys to the beneficiary employees for their allotted residential quarters and interacted with them. He also inspected various residential blocks and reviewed availability and functionality of essential facilities, including water supply, lifts, internal roads, electricity and other civic amenities. The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of proper maintenance and uninterrupted functionality of all essential facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for the beneficiary families. Congratulating the beneficiaries, the Deputy Commissioner termed the inauguration a significant milestone towards addressing the residential needs of Kashmiri migrant employees. He also appreciated the efforts of the Public Works Department (PWD) and Relief Commissioner office for successfully completing the project. He added that an effective mechanism would be put in place to ensure timely resolution of any issues faced by the resident families. The transit accommodation complex at Kakanmaran comprises 12 residential blocks housing 192 quarters, besides a community centre and other common facilities, aimed at providing safe, secure and comfortable residential accommodation to Kashmiri migrant employees. DC was accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Superintending Engineer, R&B, Executive Engineers of R&B and Jal Shakti departments, and other concerned officers.

Arsenal beats Liverpool to claim Premier League top spot

Kai Havertz scores only goal of the game as the champions claim first league victory at Anfield in 14 years

DIPR Kupwara bids warm adieu to Gh Nabi Mir on his superannuation

Kupwara, Nov 01: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Kupwara, on Sunday organised a warm and heartfelt farewell function to bid adieu to Ghulam Nabi Mir on his superannuation after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the department. The farewell function was held at Handwara under the chairmanship of District Information Officer (DIO), Kupwara, Aadil Manzoor Wani. Speaking on the occasion, the DIO lauded the sincere, dedicated and unblemished service rendered by Mir during his tenure in the department. He described him as an honest, hardworking and committed official who consistently discharged his duties with dedication, sincerity and professionalism. On behalf of the entire staff, the DIO extended his best wishes to the retiring official for a happy, healthy and fulfilling post-retirement life. Colleagues and staff members also shared their experiences of working with the retiring official and appreciated his cordial disposition, punctuality and ever-helpful attitude towards colleagues. In his remarks, Ghulam Nabi Mir expressed gratitude to the DIO and all staff members for the affection, respect and cooperation extended to him throughout his service career. As a token of appreciation and affection, the DIO, along with the staff, felicitated the retiring official with a memento and a shawl.

KUs SACMS, Sahitya Akademi holds An Evening with a Critic

Srinagar Nov 01: The Shaikh-ul-Aalam Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies (SACMS), University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi, organised a literary programme titled 'An Evening with a Critic at the Main Campus, featuring eminent Kashmiri literary critic Iqbal Nazki. The programme provided a platform to discuss the role of literary criticism in interpreting texts and understanding the wider cultural and social contexts of Kashmiri literature. Sharing reflections on his literary journey, Iqbal Nazki spoke about the importance of critical inquiry in appreciating literary works and engaging with their deeper meanings. He said, Literary criticism helps us look beyond the surface of a text and understand the ideas, experiences and cultural realities it reflects. Particular emphasis was placed on the richness of Kashmiri literary traditions and the need to nurture a vibrant culture of literary criticism and scholarly dialogue. Prof. Aadil Amin Kak, Chairman, SACMS, said that such literary interactions create opportunities for sustained engagement with critical thought and encourage students and scholars to approach literature from diverse perspectives. The session was presided over by Prof. Mohd. Zaman Azurdah, while Prof. Shad Ramzan delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of literary criticism in enriching the understanding of Kashmiri literature and its literary traditions. Dr. Satish Vimal, Professor of Practice at SACMS; Prof. Noor Ahmad Baba; Dr. Maroof Shah; Mohammad Amin Bhat; and Shakeel ur Rehman were among the participants who contributed to the discussion. The programme was attended by faculty members, students and scholars. The interactive session provided an opportunity for meaningful exchange among the distinguished participants and the audience.

Inspection against unregistered clinics, chemist shops held in Kulgam

Kulgam, Nov 1: A joint inspection drive targeting unregistered clinical establishments, diagnostic laboratories and chemist shops was conducted across Kulgam on Sunday by a special team constituted under the supervision of Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Kulgam and Drug Control Department Kulgam. The inspection team comprised the District Health Officer (DHO), Kulgam, Drug Control Officer, Kulgam, and other officials from the CMO Office. During the inspection, several clinical establishments and diagnostic laboratories found operating without valid registration under the Clinical Establishments Act were sealed/closed down, while heavy fines were imposed on violators under the relevant provisions of law. The team also examined CCTV footage and computerized billing records of various establishments to identify discrepancies and ensure adherence to prescribed regulatory norms. Meanwhile, Drug Control Department lifted samples of medicines from different chemist shops for quality testing and analysis to ascertain their compliance with prescribed standards. On-the-spot directions were also issued to chemist shop owners to ensure the issuance of proper cash memos against every sale of medicines and strictly refrain from selling Schedule Drugs without valid medical prescriptions. Chief Medical Officer, Kulgam reiterated that such inspection drives will continue across the district to ensure quality healthcare services, safeguard patient interests and enforce statutory regulations. All clinical establishments, diagnostic centres and chemist shops have been directed to strictly comply with the prescribed rules and regulations. Any violation will invite stringent legal action under the relevant provisions of law.

J&K Admin bids farewell to outgoing Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo

Srinagar, Nov 01: The Jammu and Kashmir Administration on Sunday accorded a warm and heartfelt farewell to the outgoing Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on his superannuation, bringing to a close a distinguished chapter of public service and leadership at the helm of the Union Territory's administration. A farewell ceremony was organized in his honour by the IAS Officers here and was attended by Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners; several HoDs and other senior officers of the administration. The occasion was marked by warmth, affection and heartfelt reminiscences as officers came together to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of the outgoing Chief Secretary, recalling his tenure as one of purposeful leadership, administrative dynamism and collective progress. Speaking on the occasion, the officers remembered his tenure as a significant and progressive phase in the administrative journey of Jammu and Kashmir. They observed that the period under his stewardship witnessed renewed energy and coordinated efforts across the government, resulting in notable progress in several sectors and spheres of governance. The officers recalled that Dulloo assumed the responsibility of leading the administration at a crucial juncture and brought with him a clear sense of purpose and an ability to unite the entire administrative machinery around common goals. They noted that every officer and department was made an integral part of the collective endeavour, creating an atmosphere of coordination, mutual trust and shared responsibility achieved through teamwork. The officers further observed that the tenure witnessed significant strides across various sectors, with sustained emphasis on improving public service delivery, strengthening institutions, accelerating developmental programmes and ensuring that the benefits of governance reached the people effectively. Recalling his style of functioning, several officers described Dulloo as an accessible and grounded administrator who combined professional rigour with a humane approach. His ability to listen, guide and encourage officers, they said, helped foster a sense of confidence and collective ownership within the administration. In his remarks, Atal Dulloo expressed his deep gratitude to his colleagues and the entire Jammu and Kashmir Administration for their cooperation, support and commitment throughout his tenure. He said that whatever was achieved during this period was the outcome of the collective efforts of officers and officials working across departments and districts. He thanked his colleagues for their companionship and support and expressed confidence that the administration would continue to carry forward the momentum of development and good governance with the same dedication and commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As the ceremony drew to a close, senior officers and colleagues extended their heartfelt wishes to Dulloo for a healthy, peaceful and fulfilling life after superannuation. The warmth of the farewell reflected the respect he commanded among his colleagues and the enduring relationships forged over years of public service making the occasion both a celebration of a distinguished career and an emotional farewell to a leader and colleague who leaves behind a lasting imprint on the administration.

Jet crash in Florida: All nine people aboard killed, says Transportation Secretary

The aircraft had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to the Bahamas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration

Science Snapshots: November 1, 2026

Three recent important research developments, all readable in one minute

Morning Digest: Holiday for schools, colleges in several districts of T.N., A.P. due to Cyclone Murasu; Rahul Gandhi says CEC Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

How 8 hens turned into a 1,600-bird poultry business

Pattan, Nov 01: What began five years ago as a mother's wish to feed her children pure, home-reared eggs has grown into a thriving poultry enterprise run by Aabida Hamid, a woman originally from Srinagar who is now settled in Shirpora, Pattan, in Baramulla district. Her journey has turned her into an inspiration for women across both urban and rural Kashmir. Abida told Rising Kashmir that she started the poultry business around five years ago for the sake of her children. My journey began with a single egg, she said. I wanted to provide pure eggs to my children, which is why I brought a few hens home. Abida said she began with just eight hens of the Black Australorp breed, brought home purely for household use. Its egg production was excellent, she said. Once her family's needs were met, the surplus eggs began to accumulate. She started selling them in small quantities, and the response encouraged her to expand. Today, her farm holds between 1,200 and 1,600 birds across three breeds Black Australorp, Rhode Island Red and Sonali which she described as affordable, easy to maintain and in high demand. Abida said eggs from her farm are priced at around Rs 16.70 each, or approximately Rs 500 per crate, with home delivery available at an extra charge. Her customers come from as far as Shopian, Islamabad in Anantnag and Bandipora, she said. Pure and organic produce is rare in the market, which is why there is huge public demand for it, she said. The journey, however, was not without struggle. Abida said she faced scepticism early on, with many telling her the venture was pointless and that she would not reach anywhere. People often questioned how a woman from Srinagar would manage a poultry business in a village, she said. Nobody knows the hidden potential inside an individual. She added that the same people who once doubted her now come asking for eggs. She also spoke of the personal toll the business took on her. The biggest challenge, even to this day, remains my children, she said, recalling a difficult period in her life that turned the venture from a hobby into an economic necessity, during which she also went through depression. If I neglected the farm, that side suffered, and if I neglected the children, they suffered. Striking a balance between raising my children and running the business was extremely hectic, she said. Abida, who holds a graduate degree and trained privately in fashion designing before her marriage, said she chose poultry farming over a conventional career because it allowed her to manage both her children and her business from home. My children remain my first priority, and business comes after that, she said. On selling the birds she raises, Abida admitted it is emotionally difficult but said sentiment cannot be allowed to interfere with business. One cannot mix friendships, relations or concessions in business, she said, adding that she has learnt to remain firm even with relatives and neighbours who seek discounts. She credited her family, including her husband, for their support, but had a message for women without such backing. Women should not wait for support, as money earned from someone else's pocket is never truly one's own. What a person earns with their own hard work belongs to them, she said. She said she started the venture with zero investment, taking her first stock on credit from a supplier who told her to sell first and pay him back later. Abida said her livestock is sourced both locally in Kashmir and from outside states such as Punjab and Haryana. She has two children, aged five and three.

Delhi High Court seeks report on qualifications of two doctors accused of mishandling child

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna passed the order on October 30 while hearing a contempt petition filed by the childs mother

AMUs wants women on campus, not at the ballot box

Around 4,000 women students at AMUs Womens College have been denied voting rights in the Aligarh Muslim University Students Union (AMUSU) elections, raising concerns over gender discrimination and unequal representation. Their fight to be included in the university-wide electoral process has brought renewed scrutiny to the separate-union rules and the barriers women face in campus politics, finds A. M. Jigeesh

CM Omar hosts farewell dinner for retiring CS Dulloo

Jammu, Nov 01: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday evening hosted a farewell dinner in honour of Atal Dulloo, who retired as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir on October 31. The Chief Minister acknowledged Atal Dulloos distinguished service to Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated his contributions during his tenure as Chief Secretary. He extended his best wishes to Dulloo for a happy, healthy and fulfilling life ahead. All Ministers, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, officers from Army, Airforce, Railways, other organizations, senior officers of J&K administration among others, were present on the occasion.

India's identity rooted in shared cultural consciousness: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Nov 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said India's identity is rooted not only in geography but also in a shared cultural consciousness that has bound together diverse traditions, languages, customs, knowledge systems and artistic expressions for centuries. Highlighting the ideals of ancient Indian scriptures and literary traditions from different regions, he said India's rich heritage continues to nurture a sense of belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. Our literary and spiritual heritage, from Keralam to Madhya Pradesh, from Andaman and Nicobar to Andhra Pradesh tells us that we are integral parts of the same stream of life, and geographical distances can never erase our emotional closeness and the spirit of oneness, he said. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a commemorative programme at Lok Bhavan marking the Foundation Day of Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Keralam, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu. He extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of these States and Union Territories. He said the celebration of Foundation Days of different States and Union Territories reflects India's enduring civilisational ethos of unity in diversity, and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening the spirit of coordination, harmony and emotional integration among various regions of the country and advancing the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Highlighting the cultural contributions of the regions being celebrated, the Lieutenant Governor said each has enriched the national fabric while preserving its unique identity. He referred to Keralam's literary and artistic heritage, Andhra Pradesh's contributions to literature, spirituality and the freedom movement, Karnataka's saint-poet tradition, Punjab's profound spiritual legacy and Haryana's contribution to devotional literature. He also underlined the significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in showcasing India's cultural diversity, Chandigarh's place as a symbol of modern urban planning and Delhi's role as a vibrant confluence of cultures from across the country. Indian traditions demonstrate how diversity and unity coexist harmoniously. Our cultural practices, faith traditions and literary heritage reinforce the idea that people from different regions remain connected through shared values and collective national consciousness, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the Foundation Day celebrations provide an opportunity to understand one another's heritage, strengthen mutual respect and foster deeper people-to-people connections. He called upon citizens, particularly the younger generation, to draw inspiration from the ideals of the nation's ancestors and contribute actively to nation-building. We have the responsibility to internalise the ideals of our ancestors, walk the path they showed us, and make our role in nation-building more effective, he said. Emphasising the goal of Viksit Bharat, the Lieutenant Governor urged all citizens to work towards a future where diversity is respected, knowledge and innovation flourish, culture and heritage are preserved, and every individual is assured dignity, opportunity and meaningful participation in the country's progress.

1,799 vehicles seized, over 3,000 traffic violations detected in Kashmir night drives

Srinagar, Nov 01: In a major crackdown on traffic violations across Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Police checked more than 2.15 lakh vehicles, seized 1,799 and detected 3,023 violations during a fortnight-long night enforcement campaign, with riding without helmets emerging as the most widespread offence. Official figures released by Kashmir Zone Police reveal that 1,950 cases of riding without helmets were detected during the drives conducted between October 17 and the intervening night of October 31 and November 1, accounting for nearly 65 per cent of all recorded traffic violations. The figures point to widespread disregard for basic road safety measures, particularly the use of protective headgear, despite sustained enforcement across the Valley. According to the police fact sheet, district police units carried out intensive checking between 6 pm and 6 am, focusing on traffic violations, dangerous driving, vehicle seizures and compliance with road safety regulations. During the reporting period, 2,15,154 vehicles were checked across Kashmir, of which 1,799 were seized for various violations. Police also impounded 68 vehicles registered outside Jammu and Kashmir. The enforcement data shows that helmetless riding remained the single largest category of violations, followed by rash driving, with 510 cases, accounting for 16.9 per cent of the total. Another 474 cases of triple riding were detected, constituting 15.7 per cent of all violations, while 12 pressure-horn violations were recorded. Police also seized nine pressure horns during the campaign. The figures indicate that helmetless riding, rash driving and triple riding together accounted for 2,934 of the 3,023 traffic violations detected, highlighting the concentration of offences in three major categories directly linked to road safety. Srinagar district recorded the highest number of vehicles checked and seized during the enforcement campaign. Police checked 74,846 vehicles in Srinagar alone, accounting for nearly 35 per cent of all vehicles inspected across Kashmir. The district also topped the seizure chart with 377 vehicles taken into custody. Kupwara followed with 316 vehicle seizures, while Anantnag recorded 245, placing the three districts at the top of the enforcement figures. Together, Srinagar, Kupwara and Anantnag accounted for 938 vehicle seizures, representing more than half of the total seizures reported across the Valley. However, Anantnag led in a separate category of enforcement measures, recording 390 actions, followed by Ganderbal with 252 and Handwara with 164. Overall, police reported 1,219 other enforcement actions during the campaign, reflecting the wider scope of the drive beyond the detection of routine traffic offences. The police assessment identified Srinagar, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Anantnag and Pulwama among the districts showing notable enforcement activity in terms of vehicle checking, seizures and detection of violations. The scale of the campaign is reflected in the average of more than 13,000 vehicles checked and over 110 vehicles seized per night across Kashmir during the reporting period. The figures also show that approximately one traffic violation was detected for every 71 vehicles checked, although the number of vehicles seized was substantially higher than the recorded violations, indicating that the two enforcement categories were reported separately. Police said the sustained night operations were aimed at deterring traffic offenders, strengthening compliance with road safety regulations and reducing dangerous driving practices across the Valley. The enforcement campaign also brought renewed attention to the continued prevalence of helmetless riding and triple riding, particularly among two-wheeler users, despite repeated awareness campaigns and police action. While the fact sheet records the scale of checking, violations and seizures, it does not provide a district-wise breakdown of all offences or specify how many seized vehicles were subsequently released. The Kashmir Zone Police said coordinated enforcement by district police units would remain central to efforts aimed at improving road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations across the region.

Children of Lesser God : J&K orphans battle trauma, poverty, lost childhoods

Srinagar, Nov 01: For thousands of children growing up without parental care, the loss of parents is only the beginning of a much longer struggle. Behind the walls of orphanages and within families struggling to make ends meet, these children confront emotional trauma, financial insecurity, educational difficulties and an uncertain future, with many continuing to battle the psychological consequences of losing their parents. A systematic review published in the January-March 2026 issue of 'The International Journal of Indian Psychology' has brought these challenges into focus, identifying psychological distress as the most frequently reported problem among orphaned children in Jammu and Kashmir. Titled 'Challenges and Problems faced by Orphans of Jammu and Kashmir: A Systematic Review', the study by Sameer Ahmad Wani and Dr Dharmendra Kumar Sarraf analysed eight research papers to examine the social, psychological, educational and health-related difficulties experienced by orphaned children. Using Google Scholar for its literature search and following the internationally recognised PRISMA guidelines, the researchers found that psychological problems featured in six of the eight studies reviewed. The prominent problem which is faced by the orphans is psychological problem which was reported in six studies, the authors state. The findings point towards a serious mental health burden among children growing up without parental care. The conditions documented in the reviewed literature include obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, conduct disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. Anxiety was reported in three studies, while stress and depression featured in two. Psychiatric morbidity was also identified in two studies. The researchers argue that the emotional consequences of losing parents can affect children's overall development, sense of security and ability to cope with everyday life. With psychological problems various disorders were also found among the orphans, the study observes, stressing the need for focused psychological well-being interventions, particularly in orphanages. The difficulties, however, extend far beyond emotional trauma. Health-related problems were reported in three studies, while shelter-related difficulties also featured in three. Educational problems were documented in two studies, highlighting the multiple vulnerabilities faced by children without parental support. Other challenges identified include social disorganisation, insecurity, dependence, deviance, poor hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, regression, social phobias, suicidal tendencies and difficulties in developing coping strategies. The researchers point out that children living with relatives may also experience hardship when their caregivers lack the financial resources to meet their educational and other basic needs. Orphans also face educational problems, which could be associated to economic problems as many orphans have to earn for themselves if they not institutionalized, the authors write. Even institutional care does not necessarily eliminate these difficulties. Although orphanages provide food, clothing, shelter and educational facilities, children continue to face emotional and psychological challenges. The study underlines that material assistance cannot fully compensate for the absence of parental affection and belongingness. The inference we get from this is that no doubt how much facilities and alternative care we provide there is nothing parallel to the love and care of parents, the researchers state. Another significant finding concerns the geographical concentration of research. Of the eight studies examined, seven were conducted in Kashmir division, while only one covered the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir as a whole. The authors associate the vulnerability of children in Kashmir with the region's prolonged conflict, which has claimed lives, disrupted families and contributed to the circumstances in which children lose parental care. The study cites an estimate of around 2.15 lakh orphans in Jammu and Kashmir. However, it does not provide a fresh government enumeration or district-wise figures of orphaned children. The concentration of research in Kashmir also does not independently establish that the division has a higher orphan population than Jammu. Calling for immediate intervention, the researchers stress that the needs of orphaned children cannot be addressed through shelter and financial assistance alone. They underline the importance of psychological counselling, healthcare, educational assistance and improved institutional care. Therefore, psychological well-being interventions are the need of the hour, the authors emphasise. The review concludes that children who have lost parental care need sustained institutional and government support to rebuild their lives, safeguard their mental health and secure opportunities for education and development. Without a comprehensive support system, the loss of parents risks becoming the beginning of a lifelong struggle against disadvantage.

Winters Vagaries and the Test of Preparedness

Winter in Kashmir has never been merely a season on the calendar. It shapes the rhythm of daily life, tests the strength of homes and public services, and reminds people how closely their wellbeing is tied to the weather. Snowfall can transform the valley into a landscape of striking beauty, yet the same snow can close roads, disrupt essential supplies and leave people cut off from help. A dry spell may bring temporary relief from difficult travel, but it can also deepen concern about water, agriculture and the months ahead. Winters vagaries are part of life here; being unprepared for them should not be. The season makes clear that weather is not an abstract subject. It affects whether a patient can reach a hospital, whether a student can attend school, whether an elderly person has enough warmth at home and whether a family can manage the cost of heating. When temperatures fall sharply or snowfall arrives at an inconvenient moment, the effects are felt most by those with the fewest resources. The well-off may have better-insulated homes, reliable heating and access to private transport. For families in poorly heated houses, workers dependent on daily wages and residents of remote areas, a severe winter can become a struggle for health and security. This is why winter planning must begin before the first major spell of cold or snow. Roads cannot be cleared efficiently if machinery is unavailable, fuel is lacking or responsibilities are unclear. Hospitals cannot respond well if emergency supplies and backup power are not secured in advance. Communities cannot be protected by advisories alone when people do not know where to seek help or how to report urgent needs. Preparedness is not a photograph of officials reviewing arrangements. It is the practical ability to keep essential services functioning when conditions deteriorate. Road connectivity is among the first concerns. A road blocked by snow or damaged by weather can isolate an entire area, delaying medical care and interrupting access to food, fuel and other necessities. Snow clearance must be planned according to need, with priority given to routes serving hospitals, emergency services and remote communities. Machinery and trained crews should be positioned strategically, while communication between departments and local authorities must be reliable. Residents also need timely information about road conditions, closures and safe travel. Uncertainty can be dangerous: people may set out on roads that are impassable or remain unaware of routes that have reopened. But clearing roads is only one part of keeping people safe. Winter travel requires responsible behaviour from motorists and pedestrians alike. Slippery roads, reduced visibility and sudden changes in conditions demand lower speeds, careful driving and patience. Vehicles should be maintained for winter conditions, and drivers should avoid unnecessary journeys during severe weather. Authorities, in turn, must ensure that warning signs, barriers and traffic advisories are clear and timely. Road safety cannot be left to individual caution when dangerous stretches remain poorly marked or when snow and ice are not addressed. Power supply becomes equally important as the cold intensifies. Heating, lighting, communication and medical equipment all depend on reliable electricity. Outages during severe weather are not simply an inconvenience; they can threaten health and make already difficult conditions harder to endure. Public agencies should communicate planned interruptions, restore essential services quickly and make backup arrangements for critical facilities. At the same time, households need accessible information on safe heating practices. Improper use of heating equipment can create serious risks, especially in enclosed spaces. Winter safety campaigns should explain these dangers plainly and reach people before an emergency occurs. The cold also exposes weaknesses in housing. Many homes are poorly insulated, and the cost of heating can be beyond the reach of low-income households. People may ration warmth to manage expenses, increasing their vulnerability to respiratory illness and other health problems. Winter support must therefore reach households that need it most, rather than relying on general announcements that assume everyone has the same capacity to cope. Local administrations and community organisations can help identify elderly people living alone, families with young children, persons with disabilities and others who may need assistance during prolonged cold or snowfall. Health services must be prepared for seasonal pressures. Cold weather can aggravate existing conditions, while difficult travel can delay treatment. Hospitals and primary health centres need dependable power, essential medicines, functioning heating and emergency transport arrangements. Particular attention should be given to remote areas, where a blocked road may turn a manageable health problem into a crisis. Public health messaging should help people recognise warning signs and seek care early, without creating unnecessary alarm. It should also be accessible to those who may have limited internet access or rely on local communication networks. Winters impact on livelihoods deserves similar attention. Daily-wage workers, street vendors, transport workers and people employed in outdoor occupations may see their income fall when weather disrupts work. Small businesses can also be affected by reduced footfall, delivery delays and interruptions to electricity or transport. Support measures should take account of these realities. Emergency assistance, access to essential supplies and clear information about public services can help households withstand a difficult spell. Planning should include workers and businesses, not only infrastructure and administration. Agriculture and horticulture are deeply connected to winter conditions. Snow and cold play important roles in seasonal cycles, but irregular weather can create uncertainty for farmers and orchardists. A prolonged dry spell, sudden temperature changes or untimely precipitation may affect soil moisture, crops and future planning. Farmers need useful, localised weather information that is clear enough to guide decisions. Agricultural advice should be communicated through channels people can access and trust, and support systems should be responsive when weather-related losses occur. The aim should not be to promise control over the weather, but to reduce avoidable harm and help communities adapt. The question of water is often overshadowed by the immediate demands of snow and cold. Yet winter precipitation and dry periods influence water availability in the months that follow. Careful monitoring of water sources and transparent communication about local conditions are essential. Conservation cannot be treated as a slogan for warmer months alone. Communities, institutions and households all have a role in protecting water, while authorities must plan for both immediate needs and longer-term supply. Schools, too, need sensible winter policies. Decisions about closures and reopening should be guided by safety, road conditions, temperatures and the needs of students, not by rigid timetables. Children travelling long distances or walking on icy roads face particular risks. Schools need adequate heating and safe facilities, and families should receive timely notice when schedules change. At the same time, prolonged disruption can affect learning, especially for students without reliable internet or a quiet place to study at home. Any remote-learning plan must account for the unequal access to devices and connectivity across communities. Winters vagaries also test how information reaches the public. Conflicting or delayed announcements can create confusion at precisely the moment when people need clarity. Authorities should provide regular updates on weather, roads, power supply, school schedules and emergency services through multiple channels. Information must be accurate, practical and easy to understand. Rumours can spread rapidly during a crisis, so official communication should be prompt and consistent. Local media and community networks can help carry essential guidance, particularly to people who are not connected online. There is a broader lesson in the changing character of winter. Communities may encounter periods of severe cold, heavy snowfall or unusual dryness, and the timing of these conditions can be difficult to predict. No single season can be reduced to one pattern. Planning therefore has to be flexible and based on reliable observation, local experience and coordination across departments. Public institutions should review what worked and what failed after each difficult spell. Such reviews should lead to specific improvements, not disappear into paperwork. Climate concerns add urgency to this work, but they should be discussed carefully and responsibly. People experience weather locally and immediately; long-term climate patterns require sustained records and scientific assessment. Both matter. Local knowledge can help identify vulnerable roads, neighbourhoods and livelihoods, while scientific monitoring can improve forecasts and planning. The two should inform one another. Public discussion should avoid both complacency and unsupported claims, focusing instead on practical steps that strengthen resilience. The responsibility for winter preparedness belongs to government, but it does not end there. Residents can follow advisories, check on neighbours who may be at risk and avoid unsafe travel. Community organisations can help identify urgent needs and share reliable information. Businesses can prepare for disruptions and take steps to protect workers. Yet public participation cannot replace public services. People should not have to rely solely on personal networks to secure basic safety, emergency access or essential supplies. Each winter brings a familiar question: could the hardship have been reduced? Often the answer lies not in a dramatic new project, but in dependable work done in advancemaintained machinery, repaired roads, prepared health facilities, realistic school plans, clear advisories and targeted support. These measures may receive little attention when the weather is calm. Their value becomes unmistakable when conditions turn difficult. Winter will remain unpredictable in its intensity and timing. That uncertainty is no excuse for administrative uncertainty. A resilient response recognises that a season experienced as beautiful by some can be severe for others. It plans for isolated communities as carefully as central towns, and for low-income households as seriously as public infrastructure. Kashmir should not have to choose between enduring winter and getting through it safely. Preparedness cannot control the weather, but it can reduce the hardships it bringsand that is the responsibility that must not be neglected. (The author is a lecturer in HED and educationist)

AIs Future Must Be Shaped by Human Choices

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant prospect confined to research laboratories or speculative fiction. It is already shaping how people search for information, communicate, study, work and make decisions. A student may use an AI tool to understand a difficult concept; a doctor may rely on software to help interpret medical images; a small business may automate routine tasks that once demanded hours of work. Governments and companies are exploring how these systems can improve services and productivity. The question is no longer whether AI will influence the future. It is who will shape that future, whose interests it will serve, and how society will manage the risks that accompany its power. The excitement is understandable. AI systems can process large volumes of information at remarkable speed, recognise patterns and support tasks that would otherwise be slow or difficult. In health care, they may help clinicians identify warning signs and organise records. In agriculture, they could assist with weather forecasts, crop monitoring and more efficient use of water. In education, adaptive learning tools may help students practise at their own pace. For public services, automation may reduce paperwork and help officials respond more quickly. These possibilities are real, but they should not be confused with guarantees. A tools performance depends on the quality of its data, the purpose for which it is used and the people responsible for its decisions. The future of AI will be judged not by impressive demonstrations, but by whether its use improves peoples lives. Faster systems are not automatically fairer systems. Greater efficiency does not necessarily mean better service. A decision made in seconds may still be wrong, discriminatory or impossible to challenge. If an automated system influences access to a job, a loan, a public benefit or medical care, the people affected must be able to understand how it was used and seek a human review. Efficiency cannot become an excuse to remove accountability. One of the most difficult questions is the impact on work. AI can automate parts of many jobs, from data entry and customer support to writing, translation and analysis. In some workplaces it will replace routine tasks; in others it will change how work is organised. New occupations may emerge, while familiar roles require different skills. The scale and pace of these changes remain uncertain, but the concern among workers is not. People need more than assurances that technology will eventually create new opportunities. They need practical preparation, access to training and a voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods. Governments, employers and educational institutions must therefore treat reskilling as a central part of AI policy. Training should not be limited to technical specialists. Workers in administration, retail, health, education, transport and media may all need support to understand and use new tools. Employers introducing automation should explain what will change, consult staff and invest in learning rather than treating workers as costs to be removed. The gains from higher productivity should be shared through better services, improved working conditions and new opportunities, not concentrated only among those who own the technology. Education itself faces a broader challenge. AI can help explain a lesson, generate practice questions and offer immediate feedback. It may be especially useful where students have limited access to tutoring. Yet an answer generator is not a substitute for learning. If students rely on machines to produce work they do not understand, the technology can weaken the very abilities education is meant to develop: reasoning, curiosity, writing and independent judgement. Schools and universities should teach students how to use AI criticallyhow to verify claims, identify errors, protect personal information and acknowledge assistance. The goal should be to make learners more capable, not more dependent. This challenge is particularly important for communities that are often left behind when technology changes. Access to reliable internet, suitable devices, electricity and digital skills is uneven. If AI becomes embedded in public services, education and employment without addressing these gaps, it may deepen existing inequalities. A person with high-speed internet and the confidence to use new tools will gain opportunities that remain out of reach for someone without connectivity or training. The future of AI must include investment in digital access and basic literacy, especially for rural communities, low-income households and people with disabilities. Language is another measure of inclusion. AI systems often perform best in languages and dialects represented by large quantities of digital material. Many local languages, including those spoken across Kashmir, have less digital data and fewer tools designed around their specific needs. If technology is to serve people broadly, it must understand more than the languages of the worlds largest markets. Building useful language resources requires collaboration among researchers, educators, writers, communities and public institutions. It also requires respect for the people whose speech, writing and cultural knowledge may be used to train systems. That raises a critical question about data. AI systems depend on information gathered from people, organisations and public sources. Personal details, photographs, voice recordings, location histories and professional work can be collected or processed in ways users may not fully understand. Consent should not be a formality buried in pages of legal language. People need to know what data is being gathered, how long it will be kept, who can access it and whether it will be used to train other systems. Sensitive data, particularly in health care, education and public services, demands strong safeguards. Convenience cannot come at the cost of privacy. The quality of AI outputs is also a public concern. Systems can produce confident but incorrect information, invent sources, reproduce stereotypes or reflect gaps and biases in the data used to develop them. These failures are not merely technical quirks when the output influences a serious decision. Human oversight must be meaningful: a person with the knowledge and authority to question the system, correct errors and take responsibility. Organisations should test AI tools before relying on them, monitor their performance and provide clear ways for people to report harm. There is also a danger that societies may mistake access to AI for expertise. A polished answer can appear authoritative even when it is incomplete or false. In journalism, fabricated material can spread quickly and undermine trust. In public debate, synthetic images and audio can make it harder to distinguish authentic evidence from manipulation. In education and professional life, generated material can blur the line between assistance and misrepresentation. Media literacy and verification will become more important, not less. The ability to ask good questions must be matched by the habit of checking answers. The responsibility for building trust cannot rest on individual users alone. Technology companies should be transparent about the capabilities and limitations of their systems, disclose important risks and respond when their tools cause harm. Regulators must set clear rules for high-impact uses, protect privacy and ensure that people can challenge automated decisions. Public institutions should assess whether AI is appropriate for a task before adopting it, rather than purchasing technology because it appears modern. Independent audits, safety testing and accessible complaint mechanisms can help ensure that claims are examined rather than simply accepted. At the same time, regulation must be thoughtful. Rules that are too weak can leave people exposed to discrimination, surveillance and fraud. Rules that are poorly designed may prevent beneficial research and make it harder for smaller organisations to innovate. A sound approach should focus on risk: a tool used to recommend a film does not carry the same consequences as one used to assess a medical condition or determine eligibility for public support. The greater the potential harm, the stronger the requirements for testing, transparency, human oversight and accountability should be. AI also has an environmental cost that deserves attention. Developing and operating large systems requires computing power, electricity, water and physical infrastructure. The footprint varies by system and use, but it cannot be treated as invisible. Governments and companies should measure these costs, improve efficiency and consider whether a particular application delivers enough public value to justify its resource use. Technological progress should not simply move one burden out of sight while presenting itself as cost-free. For Kashmir, the debate should be grounded in local priorities. AI could support learning, health services, agriculture, tourism, language preservation and the delivery of public information. But these opportunities will not materialise through technology alone. They require reliable connectivity, skilled people, institutions able to evaluate tools and a clear commitment to protect rights. Local universities and research centres can help develop expertise and test applications against real needs. Public programmes should begin with problems people identify, not with the assumption that every problem has a technological solution. This distinction matters. A digital tool may help manage a service, but it cannot replace the staff, funding or infrastructure that service needs. An AI tutor cannot compensate for a lack of teachers. An agricultural forecast is of limited use if farmers cannot access it or act on its advice. A health algorithm cannot replace a well-equipped clinic. Technology should strengthen human systems, not disguise their absence. Ultimately, the future of AI is not predetermined by machines. It will be shaped by choices made in boardrooms, classrooms, legislatures and homes. Societies can choose whether the benefits are widely shared, whether workers receive support, whether personal data is protected and whether human beings retain meaningful control over consequential decisions. They can decide that innovation must be accompanied by responsibility and that communities deserve a say in technologies that affect them. The task is neither to reject AI out of fear nor to welcome every new system as progress. It is to approach the technology with curiosity, caution and a clear public purpose. The best AI will not be the system that can do the most. It will be the one that helps people do more while respecting their rights, strengthening their judgement and improving the institutions on which they depend. The future belongs not to artificial intelligence alone, but to the human choices that guide it. (The author is a research scholar and columnist)

The Test of Education

Literacy is often counted in numbers: how many people can read a sentence, fill a form or sign their name. These measures matter. A literate population is better equipped to access services, understand rights and participate in public life. But literacy alone cannot tell us whether education is preparing people to think independently, act ethically and meet the needs of a changing society. The distinction between being literate and being educated is not an argument against schooling. It is a reminder of what schooling must achieve. A person may hold certificates yet struggle to distinguish evidence from rumour, engage respectfully with disagreement or apply learning to everyday problems. Conversely, education is not confined to classrooms or degrees; it also grows through curiosity, experience and a willingness to keep learning. For Kashmir, this distinction deserves serious attention. Families rightly invest in education as a route to opportunity and stability. Yet when success is reduced to marks, credentials and government-job aspirations, the wider purpose can fade. Students may learn to reproduce answers without asking questions, while practical skills, creativity and civic understanding receive less attention. The result is a widening gap between qualification and preparedness. That gap cannot be bridged by blaming young people. Schools and colleges need supportive teachers, relevant curricula, libraries, laboratories and opportunities to learn by doing. Assessment should reward understanding, not only memorisation. Career guidance and vocational education should be treated as valuable pathways, not as second choices for those who do not secure a particular degree or job. Education also has a public purpose. It should equip people to assess information critically, especially in a world where misinformation travels quickly. It should nurture respect for others, awareness of rights and responsibilities, and the confidence to contribute to community life. These are not decorative additions to academic learning; they shape how knowledge is used. Parents, too, can help by valuing effort, questions and integrity alongside marks. Communities can strengthen learning through reading spaces, discussion and mentorship. And institutions must be judged not only by enrolment or examination results, but by whether students gain the understanding and skills to build meaningful lives. Literacy is a foundation, not the finished structure. The measure of an educated society is not simply how many people can read, but how well they can think, learn, work with others and make informed choices. Kashmir needs both literate citizens and genuinely educated mindspeople able to turn knowledge into capability, and capability into a more thoughtful, just and resilient society.

Sindhu, Lakshya make it a double delight for India

The former world champion Sindhu adds the Hylo Open to the Japan Open triumph earlier in the year and boosts her hopes of making the World Tour Finals while the latter ends his title drought in style

Cybercrime and Drug Addiction

Two dangers are increasingly testing families and communities: cybercrime, which exploits trust and technology, and drug addiction, which can erode health, dignity and hope. They may appear to belong to separate worldsthe screen and the streetbut both thrive where awareness is weak, support arrives late, and accountability is absent. Cyber fraud has become harder to recognise. A convincing call, message or link can trick people into sharing passwords, bank details or one-time codes. Older people, students and first-time digital users may be especially exposed, but no one is immune. The response cannot stop at warning people to be careful. Banks, telecom companies and digital platforms must make reporting simpler, act swiftly on suspicious accounts and help victims limit losses. Police cyber units need adequate staff, training and public-facing guidance so complaints are not lost in confusion or delay. Prevention begins at home and in schools. People should be taught not to share verification codes, to check a sender before clicking, and to report fraud promptly. But awareness campaigns must be practical and regularnot a poster seen once and forgotten. Victims also need reassurance. Shame and fear of blame can keep them silent, allowing offenders to target others. Drug addiction demands the same seriousness, but a different kind of response. It is not merely a law-and-order problem; it is a public-health and social challenge. Enforcement against those who traffic in drugs is essential, yet people struggling with addiction need timely treatment, counselling and a path back into education, work and community life. Treating every affected person as a criminal can drive the problem underground and make recovery harder. Families should be able to seek help without stigma. Schools, colleges, health centres and community organisations can identify warning signs early and direct people to qualified support. Treatment services must be accessible, confidential and sustained; a single intervention cannot substitute for follow-up care. At the same time, authorities must pursue those who profit from addiction, focusing on supply networks rather than simply displaying arrests as evidence of progress. Both crises expose the cost of delayed action. Cybercrime requires stronger safeguards and faster reporting; addiction requires prevention, treatment and firm action against traffickers. Neither can be managed by one department alone. Government agencies, educators, health professionals, families, technology providers and civil society must share responsibilityand measure success by whether people are safer and help is easier to reach. Kashmirs response must be compassionate without being complacent. Protecting people online and helping them recover from addiction are not separate tasks; they are part of the same duty to safeguard lives, livelihoods and the future.

Survivors identity must remain protected even if accused not tried for rape, says Delhi High Court

Justice Amit Mahajan passed the order on October 29 while hearing a womans plea that her identity had been exposed through court records available on the internet

One Health, One System

Many outbreaks that reach a hospital begin elsewhere, in wildlife or livestock, and cross into people through food, water or close contact. By the time the first case is diagnosed, the ecological event behind the outbreak may already be weeks old. That gap between the ecological event and the clinical diagnosis is the one that One Health, marked every year on November 3rd, is meant to close. The case for One Health rests on numbers that rarely change. The CDC and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) estimate that about six in ten known human infectious diseases can spread between animals and humans, and roughly three in four new or emerging ones originate in animals. India is exposed by its own success. It is the world's largest milk producer and has one of the largest livestock populations, and its farms, forest fringes and informal markets bring people, animals and wildlife into constant contact. In such a landscape, the first sign of a human epidemic is often a pattern in animals that nobody connected: clustered abortions in cattle, unexplained deaths in a flock, a rise in fever cases at a primary health centre. Environmental change is steadily widening that exposure. Warmer, wetter conditions lengthen the breeding season and extend the range of insect vectors. Lumpy skin disease, caused by a capripoxvirus and spread by biting flies, mosquitoes and ticks, swept through Indian cattle in 2022 and has since reached many States, including Jammu and Kashmir. It does not infect people, yet it is a public health concern: it deprives households of milk, draught power and income, and these are the families least able to absorb the loss. Climate stress works through the food chain as well. Experimental work on elevated carbon dioxide has found lower nutrient composition in crops such as wheat and rice, while droughts and floods degrade fodder. Undernourished animals can be less productive and more susceptible to disease. More pests and fungi mean heavier pesticide use, and residues drain into rivers and aquatic food webs, returning the problem to human diets. Some risks reach us quietly, through the milk pail. Raw milk can carry bacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella and Salmonella, which cause tuberculosis, brucellosis and salmonellosis in people. Brucellosis, for example, causes undulant fever, joint pain and fatigue, symptoms easily mistaken for typhoid or tuberculosis, so the disease is under-diagnosed and under-reported. Farmers and veterinarians carry occupational risk, and consumers carry the rest. Vaccinating female calves under the National Animal Disease Control Programme protects the herd, but it does not protect a household that receives unboiled milk from the unorganized sector. Pasteurization and the cold chain are therefore public health measures as much as dairy-economy ones. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is perhaps the clearest proof that the three domains are one. The Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance study in The Lancet estimated 1.14 million deaths directly attributable to bacterial AMR in 2021 and projected nearly 39 million cumulative attributable deaths between 2025 and 2050. Antibiotics given to animals for growth promotion, prophylaxis or unsupervised treatment select for resistant bacteria and resistance genes. These pass through manure, water, soil and food to people, and then back to animals. India banned colistin, a last-resort antibiotic, in food-producing animals in 2019, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has set residue limits. Enforcement, farm-level sales data and veterinary stewardship remain the weak links. The obstacle is institutional rather than scientific. Human disease surveillance sits with health authorities, animal disease reporting with animal husbandry departments, and wildlife and habitat data with forest and environment bodies. They rarely share a threshold for action, a database or a chain of command. Four global agencies, WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization, WOAH and the UN Environment Programme, have drawn up a One Health Joint Plan of Action, but the real test is delivery in Indias districts. That begins with health, veterinary and environment teams meeting within hours of a suspected outbreak, guided by warning signs agreed in advance. It requires funded veterinary diagnostic laboratories linked to block-level dispensaries, with veterinarians treated as part of public health surveillance and not as a separate service. It requires a safer milk chain through pasteurisation and testing, antibiotics for animals sold only on prescription with sales recorded, and climate-linked surveillance of vectors and wildlife for early warning of outbreaks. Households can contribute too: boiling milk, cooking meat thoroughly, and washing produce are among the cheapest protections available. But the risk begins earlier, on the farm and in the environment. Protecting animals and the environment is part of protecting people. (The Author is a Veterinarian and an Independent Researcher. Email: dr.akhterrasool@rediffmail.com)

Canada PM Carney says he had good conversation with Trump on trade

Canada and the United States have slapped billions of dollars in tariffs on each other in recent months

The Cost of Breaking Traffic Rules

Traffic rules are not written to inconvenience motorists. They are the basic safeguards that allow people to share roads without putting one anothers lives at risk. Yet across Kashmir, violations have become so commonplace that they often pass as ordinary conduct: speeding through busy streets, reckless overtaking, wrong-side driving, ignoring signals, using mobile phones behind the wheel, and parking wherever a vehicle can be left. When these habits collide with crowded roads and vulnerable pedestrians, accidents are not surprising. They are the predictable cost of treating road discipline as optional. Every crash is first a human tragedy. A family waits for someone who may not return; a survivor may face months of treatment, lost income and lasting disability. Beyond the immediate grief, road accidents place pressure on hospitals, emergency responders and households already struggling with daily expenses. Yet public attention often fades after the first reports. The incident is described as a mishap, the injured are counted, and the road returns to its familiar disorder. That cycle must end. We need to ask not only what happened in a crash, but what conditions made it possible and what could have prevented it. Responsibility begins with the person at the wheel. A driving licence is not permission to endanger others. It carries an obligation to obey speed limits, respect signals, maintain a safe distance and yield to pedestrians. A few minutes saved by speeding or forcing an overtake are worth nothing beside the harm that a collision can cause. The same is true of driving under the influence, using a phone, or carrying more passengers than a vehicle is designed for. These are not minor lapses. They are choices that transfer risk to everyone sharing the road. But individual carelessness is only one part of the problem. Roads shape behaviour, and poor design can make even careful travel hazardous. Missing or faded road markings, damaged surfaces, inadequate lighting, blind turns, unprotected crossings and unregulated roadside activity all increase the danger. In busy areas, pedestrians may have no safe place to cross, while drivers face congestion and sudden obstacles. Where footpaths are absent, blocked or unusable, people are pushed into traffic. Where roadworks lack clear signs and barriers, danger is built into the journey. This is why road safety cannot be reduced to challans alone. Enforcement matters, but it must be visible, consistent and fair. Occasional drives or crackdowns may attract attention for a few days; they rarely change habits if violations are tolerated again once enforcement recedes. Traffic rules should apply to all road users, regardless of status or influence. Speeding, dangerous overtaking, red-light jumping, helmet and seat-belt violations, and driving without valid documents should have clear consequences. At the same time, enforcement should be transparent, with technology used responsibly and penalties applied without favour. Public authorities must also make roads safer by design. Traffic surveys can identify accident-prone locations and recurring patterns. Black spots should be assessed and fixed, not merely noted. Clear signs, functioning signals, marked crossings, pedestrian refuges, street lighting and safe footpaths are practical measures, not luxuries. Road repairs and construction require proper traffic management, visible warnings and safe diversions. In congested town centres, parking and loading need to be organised so that vehicles do not choke the carriageway or force pedestrians into moving traffic. Emergency response is another essential part of road safety. After a crash, timely medical help can make the difference between life and death. Ambulances need clear access, emergency numbers must be known, and hospitals should be prepared to receive accident victims. Bystanders can help by alerting emergency services and avoiding actions that may worsen injuries. Public awareness campaigns should explain these steps alongside the importance of seat belts, helmets and responsible driving. Education should begin early and continue beyond the driving test. Schools can teach children how to cross safely and understand traffic signals. Driving schools must focus on judgement and responsibility, not simply on passing an examination. Campaigns should reach commercial drivers, two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, while recognising that safety is a shared duty. A pedestrians mistake can contribute to danger, but it does not absolve a driver or an authority from their own responsibilities. Reliable information is crucial. Authorities should regularly publish data on crashes, injuries, fatalities, causes and locations, while protecting the privacy of those affected. Without such records, interventions risk being driven by headlines rather than evidence. Data can show whether a particular junction, stretch of road or enforcement gap needs urgent attentionand whether changes are reducing harm. The test of a road system is not how quickly vehicles move, but whether people can travel without fearing for their lives. Kashmirs roads serve commuters, students, workers, visitors and families; they must be planned and managed for all of them, not only for the smooth movement of cars. That demands discipline from drivers, care from pedestrians, competent enforcement and sustained investment in safer infrastructure. Accidents may sometimes be unavoidable. Traffic violations are not. When dangerous behaviour is normalised and known hazards go unaddressed, preventable crashes become a public failurenot a string of unfortunate incidents. The road to safety begins with a simple principle: rules must be followed, risks must be reduced, and every life on the road must count. ( The author has a PhD in Public administration and is working in Dubai)

Bookaroo brings 5,000 children together in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 1: Around 5,000 children, parents, teachers and literary enthusiasts participated in the eighth Srinagar edition of Bookaroo Festival of Childrens Literature, held at Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar, Athwajan, on Sunday. Organised under the aegis of the D.P. Dhar Memorial Trust, the day-long festival brought together young readers from several districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla and Ganderbal. Based on the theme Where Books Come Alive, the festival featured 11 speakers from eight cities across the country and 21 sessions for children aged between four and 14 years. Authors, storytellers, illustrators and artists engaged participants through storytelling, art, music, drama, interactive workshops and discussions. The sessions covered a range of themes, including nature, history, environmental awareness and adventure, encouraging children to explore new ideas and express their creativity. Speaking on the occasion, Bookaroo co-founder Swati Roy said the festival aimed to make reading an enjoyable experience for children beyond classrooms and textbooks. She said the enthusiastic participation of children from different districts reflected the ability of stories to bring young minds together. DPS Srinagar Principal Shafaq Afshan said the participation of nearly 5,000 children, parents and educators reflected the importance of nurturing imagination and independent thinking. She said the festival provided an enriching environment for children to learn through stories, creativity and interaction. The participating authors and artists also appreciated the enthusiasm of the children. Author and artist Roshni Vyam, who attended Bookaroo in Srinagar for the first time, described the experience as memorable and said she was impressed by the warmth and curiosity of the students. Author Likla Lall, who introduced children to the works of artist Ganesh Haloi, said the participants were curious and creative, adding that the interaction had been a rewarding experience. Besides the scheduled sessions, the campus featured a doodle wall, bookshop, author-signing area and dedicated creative spaces. A PETA Point also introduced children to kindness and compassion towards animals through interactive activities. The participation of schools from across the Valley provided children an opportunity to interact with their peers from different backgrounds and share their interest in books and storytelling. The festival was supported by Encash Mahindra and Amandeep Ujala Hospital, Bemina.

Pathania holds awareness programme on electoral roll revision

Udhampur, Nov 01: MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania on Sunday held an awareness programme on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at Manwal, highlighting the importance of accurate voter lists and explaining the procedures involved in the exercise. The programme was organised under the nationwide Citizens for Democracy outreach as part of the Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao campaign. It witnessed the participation of hundreds of people, including party workers, prominent citizens, social representatives and members of civil society. Addressing the gathering, Pathania said the SIR exercise aims to ensure that every eligible citizen is included in the electoral rolls while identifying duplicate, deceased, shifted and otherwise ineligible entries through a prescribed verification process. He explained the role of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Booth Level Agents (BLAs), draft electoral rolls and the provision for filing objections, corrections and appeals. He also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the revision process. Clarifying concerns surrounding the exercise, Pathania said preliminary identification of entries should not be confused with their actual deletion from electoral rolls. He urged people to rely on official information rather than misleading interpretations. He said electoral roll revision was part of India's electoral process and called for discussions on SIR to remain focused on constitutional procedures and the right of every eligible citizen to vote. Pathania also urged citizens, particularly youth and social media influencers, to understand the process and share accurate information. He said informed public participation and respect for democratic institutions were essential to strengthening democracy. Several party functionaries and local residents attended the programme.

Kashmiris embrace new heating options for winter

Srinagar, Nov 1: As temperatures begin to dip across Kashmir with the onset of winter, households are increasingly exploring modern heating solutions to keep their homes warm, comfortable and energy-efficient, marking a gradual shift from traditional methods of surviving the harsh winter months. For generations, Kashmiris have relied on kangris, traditional hamams, pherans and firewood-burning bukhari systems to withstand the freezing temperatures. However, changing lifestyles, improved housing infrastructure and growing awareness about energy efficiency have encouraged many families, particularly in urban areas, to experiment with newer heating technologies. From underfloor heating and central heating systems to heat pumps, electric radiators, insulated windows and smart temperature controls, modern solutions are gradually finding their way into Kashmiri homes. One of the emerging trends is the installation of underfloor heating systems, which distribute warmth evenly across rooms by circulating heated water through pipes installed beneath the flooring. Unlike conventional heaters that warm the surrounding air in a limited area, these systems provide consistent heating and eliminate the need for multiple heating appliances. Heat pumps are another technology attracting attention. These systems transfer heat from the outside air into indoor spaces and can provide heating even during cold weather. Depending on the model and outdoor temperatures, they can offer an energy-efficient alternative to conventional electric heating. Smart thermostats and programmable heating controls are also changing how some households manage indoor temperatures. These devices allow users to regulate heating according to their daily routines, helping avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Earlier, one would depend largely on kangris and traditional heating arrangements. Now people are looking for solutions that can keep the entire house warm, particularly bedrooms and living spaces. Better insulation and modern heating systems can make a significant difference, said Faisal Ahmad, a Srinagar resident. Winters in Kashmir are becoming increasingly difficult, particularly for elderly people and children. Many have started using oil-filled radiators and other electric heating appliances because they are easier to operate and provide warmth without having to constantly manage a traditional heating arrangement. However, electricity consumption remains a concern, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local of Rajbagh area. Solar energy is another option being explored by some households. Solar water heaters can reduce electricity consumption for domestic hot water requirements, while solar photovoltaic systems, when combined with suitable heating arrangements, can help offset some of the electricity costs associated with winter heating. However, the transition towards modern heating systems also comes with challenges, particularly their installation and operational costs. Underfloor heating, central heating and heat pumps require considerable initial investment, while frequent power cuts and increased electricity consumption remain concerns for many households. Despite these challenges, the gradual adoption of modern heating technologies reflects a changing approach towards winter living in Kashmir. While the kangri continues to remain an inseparable part of Kashmiri culture, modern heating systems are increasingly being seen as an additional layer of comfort, offering households new ways to cope with the valleys long and harsh winters.

Mehbooba urges people to defend constitutional rights

Srinagar, Nov 1: Turning Jammu and Kashmir's loss of constitutional safeguards into a warning for the rest of India, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday told a gathering at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan that the country must resist what she described as attempts to weaken the Constitution and take away the people's right to choose their government. In a speech that drew parallels between the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and the political situation in the country, the former Chief Minister said the people of the Union Territory had already experienced the consequences of decisions that, according to her, undermined their democratic rights. We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have been destroyed. In 2019, they destroyed the Constitution. But now, you children, don't let the whole country become Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said, addressing the gathering. Her remarks placed Kashmir at the centre of a wider political argument, presenting the region not merely as a victim of constitutional changes but as a warning of what she alleged could happen elsewhere if democratic institutions and constitutional protections were weakened. Referring to the Constitution, Mehbooba said it had given citizens the power to elect and remove governments, but alleged that the ruling dispensation was attempting to undermine that fundamental democratic right. The Constitution has given you the vote to change governments. They want to snatch that right from you, she said. The PDP president accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of weakening constitutional principles despite having failed, in her assessment, to secure the mandate it had sought to change the Constitution after the 2024 general elections. She alleged that while the Constitution had not been formally replaced, attempts were being made to hollow it out. Expanding her attack beyond constitutional issues, Mehbooba accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of favouring powerful business interests at the expense of ordinary citizens. She alleged that public assets accumulated over decades under successive governments were being handed over to select businessmen, while poor families faced displacement and economic hardship. Referring to the demolition of homes and the cutting of trees, she accused the government of making land available to private business interests at throwaway prices, alleging that the poor were receiving little benefit from its economic policies. (KNS)

Israel elections chief says inquiry into irregularities will not undermine result

The Shin Bet security agency launched the inquiry last week, at the elections chiefs request, to determine whether the Arab Israeli party Raam received money from Qatar an accusation both the Gulf state and the party deny

NC MLAs rebellion driven by bruised egos, not ideology: MP Ruhullah

Srinagar, Nov 02: National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has accused disgruntled party legislators of raising their voice against the leadership only after being denied ministerial berths, dismissing their dissent as a fight driven by wounded self-interest and bruised egos rather than ideological concerns. In an interview, Ruhullah said the same MLAs who had criticised him for questioning the party leadership over its electoral promises and political compromises were now expressing resentment over the Cabinet reshuffle. He alleged that their outrage was rooted in personal interests, while his own opposition to the party's decisions had been driven by ideological differences and concerns over the public mandate. Excerpts from the interview. Q: Ever since this government assumed office, you have voiced sharp objections across several issues. How do you view the current political trajectory under the National Conference? Aga Ruhullah: From day one, the National Conference and this government executed a complete U-turn on their foundational promises. On autonomy and Article 370, the exact platform on which we sought votes, the Chief Minister declared publicly on election night, even before taking his oath, that they would avoid confronting the BJP or pursuing 370, choosing instead to focus solely on statehood. From that moment on, they retreated on every single manifesto commitment. No tangible effort was made regarding political prisoners languishing in jails across the country without trial. On reservation rationalization, they dragged their feet until student mobilization forced a six-month window; that six months turned into two years with zero results. On day-to-day governance, electricity tariffs, job creation, implementation has been non-existent. The administration functions precisely as a BJP government would have. Where the BJP needed to be vigorously challenged, this government chose normalization. When the Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced, assemblies across India including Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and others registered opposition. J&K, the only Muslim-majority legislature, actively suppressed even the tabling of a resolution under this NC administration. They capitulated entirely, and the fallout is now visible. Q: Around 21 NC legislators met recently to voice grievances against the leadership, echoing many of the criticisms you raised earlier. Do you see them as allies in your cause? Aga Ruhullah: They may be mouthing similar words, but their rebellion stems entirely from wounded self-interest and bruised egos. For two years, I spoke out for the public mandate, core principles, and the youth. Back then, these very MLAs mocked and vilified me. Calling me an agent of New Delhi, accusing me of indiscipline, and insisting that party compromises had to be swallowed. Today, they are staging torchlight marches, weeping openly, donning shrouds, and crying foul simply because they were denied ministerial berths. Had twenty of them displayed that same urgency when students were protesting over reservations, when the leadership compromised on detainees, or when the party abandoned 370, they could have applied genuine corrective pressure. Their outrage surfaced only when personal patronage was withheld. Their fight is fundamentally transactional; mine has always been ideological. Q: Does that suggest their previous attacks against you were simply aimed at currying favor with the leadership for cabinet portfolios? Aga Ruhullah: Their actions have proven that beyond doubt. They attacked me to please the Chief Minister in hopes of securing ministerial chairs. The outcome speaks for itself. Q: With your resignation deadline approaching on the 3rd, is there any room for reconciliation if the party leadership reaches out? Aga Ruhullah: Only if they issue an unconditional public apology, hold those responsible for the missteps of the past two years accountable, strip them of authority, and openly admit to breaching public trust. If the people then choose to forgive them, only then might I reconsider. But expecting such an institutional awakening is unrealistic. Q: Has there been any formal outreach from the senior leadership since your announcement? Aga Ruhullah: None, nor did I expect any. Meaningful outreach requires moral courage and an appetite for structural reform. Those currently enjoying power have zero inclination to risk their comfort to restore the people's dignity. Q: You were a cornerstone of the assembly campaign, trusted by voters on the ground. Does it hurt personally to feel you were merely utilized to win an election? Aga Ruhullah: That hurt is real. My ideological differences did not begin two years ago; they began immediately after August 5, 2019, when the party leadership failed to mount defiant resistance to the dismantling of our constitutional guarantees. I stepped down as chief spokesperson back then and planned to step back from electoral politics altogether. When the parliamentary elections arrived, party leaders pleaded with me. The Chief Minister stood at a press conference and claimed we were on the same page. They told me that Parliament was the national forum required to wage this ideological battle and promised the organization would back me. I took them at their word. Then, during the assembly polls, they utilized me across every region because they recognized the electorate had lost faith in them and would only listen to an uncompromised voice. Once power was secured, they discarded every commitment. They exploited the people, and they exploited me. Q: You recently indicated that the party remains united only as long as Dr. Farooq Abdullah is present, and that Omar Abdullah cannot steer it alone. Why? Aga Ruhullah: Look at the governance record and public communication. When citizens questioned rising electricity tariffs, the Chief Ministers response was that if his relatives can pay, common citizens must too. On the promise of 200 free electricity units, the explanation was dismissive, implying voters were foolish to take the pledge literally. Arrogance and contempt toward the public are no substitute for governance. Internally, management has collapsed. The Chief Minister functions captive to an insular coterie. He lacks an organic grasp of public sentiment or movement politics. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, whatever the circumstances, possesses the political gravity and temperament to manage internal discord. Once that presence is gone, this leadership simply cannot keep the organization afloat. Q: If you leave, bye-elections will follow. Do you plan to float a new platform, contest independently, or align elsewhere? Aga Ruhullah: Changing party flags accomplishes nothing. Look at J&Ks political landscape: the PDP mortgaged its mandate in 2014, and the National Conference has done the exact same thing now. Different banners, identical opportunism. My immediate focus is not launching an electoral vehicle, but identifying and uniting people of genuine character, conscience, and backbone. Whether they are students, doctors, journalists, merchants, or laborers. Any lasting alternative must be built on integrity, not transactional politics. Q: If sympathetic NC MLAs want to align with your platform, would they be welcomed? Aga Ruhullah: Not if they are using dissent as leverage for portfolios. Anyone who wishes to walk this path must first kick away the chair: resign from the party, resign from the assembly, renounce state privileges, and return to the people from scratch. I will not permit my platform to serve as a bargaining chip for ministerial aspirants. Q: Dr. Farooq Abdullah once challenged you to resign to prove your mass appeal. Will you contest the subsequent bye-election? Aga Ruhullah: I have nothing to prove to any political leader. My accountability is solely before the Almighty and the people. If future circumstances and the public demand that I contest independently, that decision will be taken on its own merits to serve the larger cause not to satisfy petty political rivalries. Q: Have you engaged national figures like Rahul Gandhi or Asaduddin Owaisi for your upcoming public gathering? Aga Ruhullah: No. This resignation is strictly between me and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Any future dialogue with national leaders regarding constitutional rights will be conducted from a position of democratic strength and dignity never from a stance of surrender.

Residents seek safe electricity network in Ganderbal village

Ganderbal, Nov 1: Residents of Hilpati area in Fraw Haknar B of Kangan continue to depend on wooden electricity poles and makeshift wiring, raising concerns over the safety and reliability of the power supply. They have urged the Power Development Department (PDD) to replace the ageing infrastructure, saying damaged poles and wires frequently disrupt electricity, particularly during snowfall and bad weather. Speaking to reporters, former Block Development Council (BDC) member Rafiq Bijran said it was unfortunate that people in the area were still dependent on wooden poles in an era when modern electricity infrastructure was available across the country. He said residents had installed many of these wooden poles themselves to ensure electricity reached their homes. However, the poles frequently collapse, particularly during snowfall and adverse weather conditions, leaving households without electricity for days. Whenever the poles fall or wires break, PDD Employees rectified it. He further expressed concern over what he termed an unfair situation, stating that households regularly pay their electricity bills but continue to face poor infrastructure and unreliable power supply. Bijran said hundreds of people were affected by the issue and urged the government to intervene without further delay, stressing that residents deserve safe and reliable electricity infrastructure. Another local resident, Farid Ahmad Bijran, said the electricity poles in the area had not been replaced for last many years, forcing people to depend on old wooden structures, some of which are supported by nearby trees. He said the situation becomes particularly difficult during snowfall and bad weather, when poles collapse and wires snap, disrupting electricity supply for several days. Sometimes electricity remains unavailable for eight to nine days. When the wires break, we purchase cables from local shops and make temporary arrangements ourselves to restore the supply. We are facing tremendous difficulties, he said. The residents have urged the concerned department to install proper electricity poles, replace damaged wires and strengthen the distribution system to ensure uninterrupted and safe power supply. Meanwhile, responding to the concerns, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), PDD Kangan, Farooq Ahmad Raina, said the department had already taken up the matter under improvement-related schemes and assured that necessary steps would be taken to address the problems. He said a proposal had been submitted under the SASCI scheme for improvement of the existing electricity infrastructure, adding that the department was also expecting further improvements under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Raina said the RDSS initiative would help strengthen the electricity distribution network and improve the overall power supply system in the area. Regarding complaints about damaged service lines and household connections, the AEE said he would send a Junior Engineer (JE) to inspect the issue and take necessary corrective measures. He also explained that electricity curtailment schedules are determined by the department's IT section on the basis of Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses recorded on individual feeders.

SSP Anantnag reviews crime, security situation

Anantnag, Nov 1: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure on Sunday chaired an operational and crime review meeting at the District Police Office (DPO), Anantnag, to assess the security situation and review progress in ongoing investigations. The meeting was attended by ASP North Camp Ashmuqam Rameez Raja, all SDPOs, SHOs and In-Charges of Police Posts. During the meeting, the SSP reviewed crime trends, investigation of registered cases, pendency and preventive policing measures. He directed officers to expedite investigations, strengthen supervisory oversight and ensure professional and result-oriented policing. Reiterating the district police's focus on tackling drug trafficking, Nagpure called for intensified action against drug traffickers, peddlers and habitual offenders. He stressed the need to identify drug supply networks and trace proceeds of drug trafficking, including properties allegedly acquired through illicit activities, for appropriate legal action. He also called for strengthening beat policing, taking preventive measures against anti-social elements and ensuring close coordination among officers. The SSP directed them to remain accountable and address public grievances promptly. He urged officers to maintain vigilance, strengthen field-level policing and work towards ensuring peace and security in the district.

District hospitals struggle without specialists

Srinagar, Nov 01: The absence of sanctioned specialist posts at district and sub-district hospitals is emerging as a major impediment to strengthening healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, with doctors calling for the creation of dedicated posts for radiologists, pathologists and other specialists to ensure round-the-clock diagnostic and clinical services. Doctors said the existing practice of managing specialist requirements through internal arrangements and temporary attachments was not a sustainable solution, particularly as the government continues to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and equip district hospitals with advanced diagnostic facilities. They pointed out that despite the installation of CT scan machines in almost all district hospitals, several facilities lack sanctioned posts of radiologists, leaving the functioning of these machines dependent on technicians and doctors assigned additional responsibilities. There are very few sanctioned posts of radiologists in Kashmir, while the Health Department does not have sanctioned posts of pathologists. If the government wants these specialists to provide services at district hospitals, it must create dedicated posts for them, a doctor said. He said sonologists and medical officers were often assigned responsibilities beyond their designated roles to fill the gaps, placing additional pressure on the existing workforce. Human resources are as important as infrastructure. You can install CT scan machines and other diagnostic equipment, but without qualified specialists to operate and interpret the investigations, the purpose of establishing these facilities is defeated, he said. Doctors said the expansion of diagnostic infrastructure has not been matched by a corresponding increase in specialist manpower. While district hospitals have acquired CT scan facilities, the absence of dedicated radiologists continues to affect the delivery of diagnostic services. They said the government was also upgrading several health institutions and extending their working hours to provide round-the-clock services, but the required specialist posts were not being created. Instead, doctors and other healthcare professionals are frequently shifted from one institution to another through temporary attachments to manage shortages. According to doctors, such arrangements may provide temporary relief but cannot ensure continuity of services or address the structural shortage of specialists across the healthcare system. They said the repeated complaints regarding the functioning of CT scan and UG reflects a deeper problem of inadequate manpower planning rather than merely a shortage of equipment. If we genuinely want to improve healthcare delivery, there is an urgent need to create the required posts at district and sub-district hospitals. Moving doctors from one institution to another through attachments will not strengthen the system, the doctors said. They suggested that if the government is unable to create regular posts immediately, it should consider adopting a policy similar to the one followed in Ladakh, where incentives are offered to attract doctors to contractual positions in areas facing manpower shortages. Doctors said such an incentive-based recruitment mechanism could help fill critical gaps, particularly in diagnostic and specialised services, while the government works towards creating permanent posts. They stressed that strengthening district-level healthcare institutions requires a comprehensive manpower policy aligned with the expansion of infrastructure, so that patients can access essential diagnostic services closer to their homes instead of being referred to tertiary care hospitals.

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Major education funding approved for J&K

Srinagar, Nov 01 : In a significant step towards strengthening the school education system in Jammu and Kashmir, the Samagra Shiksha J&K initiative has received an approved funding allocation of 2,325.84 crore, aimed at improving educational infrastructure, promoting digital learning, enhancing skill development and ensuring inclusive education across the Union Territory. The initiative, being implemented under the Samagra Shiksha programme, focuses on transforming the overall learning environment in government schools and providing students with better educational facilities and opportunities. As part of the infrastructure development component, 3,418 additional classrooms have been approved across Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative is expected to address infrastructure gaps, ease classroom congestion and create improved learning spaces for students. In a major push towards digital education, 4,428 smart classrooms have also been approved to integrate technology into classroom teaching and make the learning process more interactive, accessible and effective. Furthermore, 4,341 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories have been approved across Jammu and Kashmir. These laboratories will provide students with opportunities to develop digital literacy, acquire essential technological skills and become better equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven world. The programme also places emphasis on skill development and inclusion, with a broader objective of ensuring equitable access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds, including those requiring additional educational support. The substantial investment under Samagra Shiksha reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the foundations of school education in Jammu and Kashmir through improved infrastructure, technological advancement and inclusive learning opportunities. With the approval of additional classrooms, smart classrooms and ICT laboratories, the initiative is expected to contribute significantly towards creating modern, student-friendly and technology-enabled Government schools across the Union Territory. The overarching objective is to ensure quality education, brighter futures and better learning opportunities for students into the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Four held after stone-pelting at mosque in Anantnag, FIR registered

Anantnag, Nov 01 : Police have detained four persons for questioning after miscreants pelted stones at a mosque in the Pehroo Sherbagh area of Anantnag district during Isha prayers on Sunday, officials said. The incident caused damage to the structure, while some worshippers sustained injuries. A top official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the incident occurred amid objections raised by some local residents over prayers being offered at the newly constructed mosque. According to the official, the structure was a house that had been converted into a place of worship, where prayers commenced around a week ago. Some local residents belonging to the Hanafi school of thought had been objecting to the arrangement. Police said an altercation broke out over the offering of prayers, following which some miscreants pelted stones at the mosque during Isha prayers. A police team immediately reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Police have registered FIR No. 404/2026 and detained four persons for questioning. Further investigation is underway, officials said. Police have appealed to people not to give any communal colour to the incident or circulate unverified information, stating that the law-and-order situation remains normal and under control.(KNO)

1,781 persons bound over in ASR district ahead of MPTC, ZPTC polls

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RJD and JSP call for disqualification of independent MLCs who joined BJP

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Mail - TAN 2 edition

UGD system is in a bad shape

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Power crisis in Keralam will be resolved, says Electricity Minister

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Andhra Pradesh civic polls highlights | Polling ends amid Pulivendula clashes; Jagan demands repoll

Turnout was 48.03% by 3 p.m.; votes will be counted on November 3

India plans next-generation stealth destroyers to counter growing maritime threats

Defence Acquisition Council gives in-principle nod to futuristic warships at likely cost of 80,000 cr; will be equipped with advanced sensors, weapons; delivery to begin five to 10 years after contract is signed

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