During the course of the inquiry into the petition submitted by Mr. Palaniswami, the four former MLAs appeared before the Speaker separately on two occasions and gave both oral and written explanations
Ivory and tush missing from eight dead wild elephants of Malayattoor, Vazhachal forests of Kerala
However, the SIT ruled out any possibility of any deliberate or accidental human-caused mortality, namely poaching, poisoning, weapon injuries, or anthropogenic interference in the elephant deaths.
At least 23 missing after Vietnamese ship sinks in South China Sea: Chinese state media
The cargo vessel Khoi Nguyen 18 encountered trouble near Yongshu Reef, also known as Fiery Cross Reef, state broadcaster CCTV reported, adding that 39 people had been rescued
Iran army says war to expand further if U.S. attacks restart
I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists' deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further, army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia told state television.
Prahlad Joshi takes charge as Education Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on July 25, following the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protests across the country, demanding his ouster over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Wrong-side driving rampant on Puducherrys arterial roads
With motorists and vehicle users showing scant regard to the No Entry Board erected by the Traffic police, the city is now rife with one-way violations creating a perilous situation for other vehicle users.
Discipline for the greater common good
Build strength and resilience for not only the guts and nervous system but also neighbourhoods, streets, and cities
With the advent of food delivery platforms, the traditional Indian kitchens have become redundant
Modern reading challenge is changing yet another enjoyable human activity into a measurable achievement
Vessel with four Indians struck at Ukraines Odessa port; two safe, fate of two awaited
The incident occurred on Saturday (July 25, 2026) when MV AGN Ragnar was hit at the Port of Odessa, one of Ukraine's key Black Sea ports
The reframing of the political narrative by Gen Z at Jantar Mantar
The anti-paper leak protests at Jantar Mantar evolved into a wider expression of Gen Zs concerns over fairness, accountability and trust, posing a political challenge for the BJP and prompting questions about the credibility of sections of the mainstream media
According to the Forest department, KM1 regularly breaches various protective barriers installed along the forest boundary to enter in habitat areas
D.K. Shivakumar convenes meeting of Karnataka MPs in Delhi to press States pending demands
The Chief Minister said Karnataka was passing through a difficult period owing to the drought situation and expressed hope that the Centre would extend the required assistance
Recalling the conflict, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said 527 soldiers were martyred during the Kargil War, including 13 from Karnataka
Security guard found dead inside Tambaram MEPZ
The deceased man was working in a private pharmaceutical company located in the Tambaram MEPZ complex, for the past eight months.
Carrie teaser: Mike Flanagan reimagines Stephen Kings horror classic for Prime Video
Prime Video has released the first teaser for Carrie, offering a first look at Mike Flanagans contemporary reimagining of Stephen Kings iconic horror novel ahead of its October premiere
A 73-year-old advocate who had contested against the former Chief Minister in Kolathur constituency insists upon an inquiry by the Election Commission of India
PAV urges govt. to strengthen disease surveillance as COVID cases rise
In a representation to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, the organisation said mild and asymptomatic infections may go undetected as widespread testing has stopped, and sought targeted testing among symptomatic people, vulnerable groups and healthcare workers
Neuromancer teaser: Apple TV unveils first look at William Gibsons cyberpunk classic
Apple TV has released the first teaser for Neuromancer, offering us our first glimpse of the long-awaited adaptation of William Gibsons groundbreaking cyberpunk novel ahead of its January 2027 premiere
Tamil Nadu gears up to host 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in August
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the Southern Zonal Council meeting. Tamil Nadu government has nominated Ministers R. Nirmalkumar and Rajmohan as members of the Southern Zonal Council.
Mann ki Baat: India emerging as trusted global defence partner, says PM Modi
The Prime Minister said, be it in defence production or defence exports, India is consistently moving towards new heights.
Marvel Studios packed Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con with major announcements, revealing a new Black Panther film, a long-awaited Ghost Rider reboot and fresh footage from Avengers: Doomsday as it laid out the next phase of the MCU
Tamil Nadu government extends Seventh State Finance Commissions tenure till December 31
The Seventh State Finance Commission, chaired by retired IAS officer K. Allaudin, was constituted in May 2025.
Congress cites household expenditure data to slam Govt, says youth crying out for remedial action
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the youth and their parents are crying out for remedial action on accessibility and affordability
17 teaching hospitals in Andhra Pradesh lack sewage treatment plants; 83 crore plan drawn up
Health Minister tells officials to ensure that all teaching, area and district hospitals in the State have STPs within ten months
No talks with Pakistan except on PoK: Rajnath Singh on Kargil Vijay Diwas
Operation Sindoor showed Indias resolve, the Union Defence Minister said at the Kargil War Memorial, adding that Pakistan is seeking new ways of infiltration
Visakhapatnam to host AP Chambers Business Expo from September 11
Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore said the three-day expo, the first in the city, would focus on MSMEs, and that the government was giving special attention to the Visakhapatnam Economic Region and the Bay City concept
Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan would be hearing on Monday the case filed by Karu Nagarajan of We The Leaders movement
Take up Dagadarthi airport after Bhogapuram, Nellore MPs urge Naidu
Rajya Sabha member Beedha Mastan Rao Yadav and MPs Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy raised the delay in the Dagadarthi airport with the Chief Minister
Assam flood situation improves marginally; four more deaths take toll to 66
Sivasagar is the worst-hit district with nearly 2.9 lakh people reeling under the deluge, followed by 1.9 lakh people in Charaideo and more than 1.3 lakh people in Jorhat
France, Spain battle wildfires as more than 2,50,000 people are forced to flee homes
Recent wildfires in southern Europe have displaced over 2,50,000 people, including 70,000 in central Spain. One man died in Manises, marking the first fatality from the blazes
The city that never left the frame: how Vizag became Indian cinemas enduring backdrop
From the black-and-white drama ofKula Gothraluto contemporary films, Visakhapatnams beaches, hills and heritage buildings have quietly shaped the visual languageof Indian cinema. Through the memories of a retired professor, a veteran actor and a filmmaker, the citys six-decade relationship with the silver screen comes alive
Pickaxe Mountain | Irans natural fortress
The mountain range that U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike is composed of volcanic rocks that could complicate efforts to penetrate deeply buried facilities
Special Intensive Revision: AI used to detect 6.41 lakh anomalies in Bengaluru
For the first time since the enumeration phase began, the Greater Bengaluru Authority has disclosed that there have been at least 6.41 lakh logical discrepancies or anomalies withinitsjurisdiction
The state is draining ISROs hard-won excellence
Rather than protecting ISRO from short-term pressures and enlarging its capacity, the state has been treating ISRO as an asset to be mobilised, consuming its capacities to satisfy immediate fiscal, political, and strategic objectives
On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh
News in Frames: Upheaval in undulating valley
Water bodies swollen, crops submerged and structures damaged an intense monsoon across the Kashmir Valley grinds daily life and local agriculture to a halt
Students are more important than any post, says Amit Shah after Dharmendra Pradhan's exit
The decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure strict punishment for those guilty of paper leaks are commendable, Amit Shah said
Tehran [Iran], July 26 : Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday accused the United States of deliberately violating the Iran-US memorandum of understanding by establishing an unauthorised alternative shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz and redirecting commercial vessels away from corridors designated by Tehran. Citing the Foreign Minister's remarks from an interview with the Iran daily, Press TV reported that Araghchi emphasised that Article 5 of the memorandum was unambiguous and that Washington's actions went beyond a simple misunderstanding. It appeared that they insisted on creating other routes alongside the one Iran had designated to ensure safe and free passage [through the Strait of Hormuz], Araghchi said, according to Press TV. The foreign minister stated that American forces actively directed vessels away from the safe transit corridor specified by Iran, encouraging them instead to navigate the US-established alternative route. Detailing the agreement, Araghchi clarified that Article 5 explicitly grants Tehran the authority to oversee shipping arrangements during the transitional post-war period. When Article 5 says that 'Iran will make arrangements', it means that Iran determines the required route and mechanisms to restore traffic to pre-war levels within a month, Araghchi said. According to the foreign minister, the designated one-month timeline was required to perform critical mine-clearing operations and implement essential safety measures before full commercial maritime operations could resume safely. The framework also stipulates that maritime services in the strategic waterway will be provided free of charge for 60 days, after which Iran and Oman will enter discussions regarding future waterway management and service protocols, he added. Araghchi reiterated that setting up a separate route unilaterally was fundamentally inconsistent with the terms of the memorandum. He noted that under Article 5, any modifications or additions to shipping corridors required prior consultation with Iranian authorities. Article 5 explicitly stipulates that responsibility for demining lies with Iran, Araghchi affirmed, adding that U.S. deployment of a southern route roughly 10 days after reopening the strait was ruly a spiteful move. Addressing broader regional relations following the conflict, Araghchi emphasised that Iran holds no hostility toward neighbouring nations and remains committed to building mutual trust. While noting that diplomatic contact with regional neighbours remains continuous, Araghchi criticised countries that made their facilities available to US forces during the hostilities. There is no doubt that tensions currently exist in relations [with some regional countries] and this issue is quite natural and clear given the conflicts that have taken place, Press TV cited Araghchi as saying. The Foriegn Minister further defended Iranian strikes against regional US bases and military installations, reiterating that we believe this action was carried out entirely within the framework of our right to self-defence. Looking forward, Araghchi highlighted the need for a period of trust-building, asserting that lasting regional stability must be achieved collectively rather than through reliance on external military powers. They also seek stability and economic progress, and we too seek a stable region. In fact, a collective understanding has now formed in the region that security and stability must be ensured collectively, Araghchi stated, adding that he presence of US bases has not brought them greater security and stability, but has in some cases become a factor against security. However, US Central Command said earlier in the day that the American naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect, emphasising that two ships that didn't comply with orders were disabled, while two others were boarded o ensure total compliance. In a post on X, CENTCOM disclosed that coalition forces have redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach the perimeter as part of an ongoing effort to restrict unauthorised maritime transport bound for Iranian ports. (ANI)
Govt to introduce strict anti-paper leak amendments in LS tomorrow
New Delhi, Jul 25: Against the backdrop of high-voltage political drama, nationwide protests, and the recent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Central Government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh will move for leave to introduce the legislation. The Bill introduces seven key amendments designed to plug enforcement loopholes, establish dedicated judicial mechanisms, and accelerate criminal trials following widespread irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The legislative push comes after a complete washout of the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament, which commenced on July 20, as opposition parties and student groups maintained unrelenting pressure on the Centre over paper leaks. The proposed legislation seeks to significantly overhaul the original 2024 framework by instituting strict time bounds for both investigations and judicial proceedings. State Governments and Union Territory Administrations will be empowered to designate Courts of Session as Special Fast Track Courts dedicated exclusively to trying offences under the Act. Proceedings in Special Fast-Track Courts must be conducted on a day-to-day basis, with trials mandated to conclude within three months from the date the chargesheet is filed. The Centre retains the authority to constitute a dedicated Special Task Force to handle high-stakes or cross-state examination fraud. Investigations into offences under the Act must be completed within two months to prevent procedural delays. State Governments and UT Administrations will be authorised to appoint specialised legal counsel specifically for prosecuting examination malpractices. Enhanced terms of imprisonment and heavier financial penalties for individuals, coaching centres, and service providers found guilty of organised paper leaks. The introduction of the amendment bill follows weeks of intense turmoil in the Capital. A 37-day-long demonstration spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alongside activist Sonam Wangchuk culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a series of high-level negotiations with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. While the CJP announced the formal withdrawal of its sit-in at Jantar Mantar in good faith after reaching an understanding with the Centre, all eyes now turn to Parliament. The passage of the 2026 Amendment Bill will serve as a crucial test for the Centre as it attempts to restore institutional credibility, safeguard the future of competitive exam aspirants, and rebuild public trust in national testing agencies.
NEET paper leak : Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union Education Minister
Srinagar, Jul 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, taking moral responsibility for the NEET UG paper leak controversy that triggered one of the largest student movements in recent years. His resignation came after days of nationwide protests demanding accountability and sweeping reforms in the country's examination system. Pradhan announced his decision through a public statement and submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his resignation message, he said his decisionwasaimed at protecting the interests of students and ensuring that the ongoing unrest did not affect their future. Pradhan also said he wanted to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation and allow students to return to their studies without uncertainty. The protests began after allegations of large-scale irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET UG examination. The controversy affected nearly 20 lakh medical aspirants across the country, raising serious concerns over the credibility of the National Testing Agency and the conduct of national level entrance examinations. The issue soon developed into a nationwide movement, with students, parents and civil society groups demanding a transparent investigation and fixed responsibility. Thousands of students gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and in several other cities, calling for the Education Minister's resignation. Police used tear gas and detained several protesters during demonstrations, drawing criticism from opposition parties and rights groups. The protests intensified over the past week, putting increasing pressure on the government. Soon after Pradhan stepped down, protest leaders declared the agitation successful and announced that the demonstrations would end after the Centre accepted their principal demands. The government assured that no action would be taken against protesters and promised reforms in the examination system, including stronger safeguards to prevent future paper leaks and improve transparency in the functioning of the National Testing Agency. Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar as students hailed the resignation as a victory for accountability. Opposition leaders described the development as a reminder that governments must respond to public concerns, while education experts stressed that restoring trust in India's examination system would require long term institutional reforms beyond a change in leadership. Pradhan's resignation is only the second ministerial exit during the Modi government's tenure following sustained public protests, making it one of the most significant political outcomes of the NEET controversy. The Centre is expected to announce a new Education Minister in the coming days as efforts begin to rebuild confidence in the country's examination process.
Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan : Sgr Police attach properties worth over Rs 4 crore under NDPS Act
Srinagar, Jul 25: Continuing their sustained crackdown on drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan - a 100-day campaign aimed at eradicating the drug menace - Srinagar Police on Saturday attached immovable properties worth approximately Rs 4.09 crore belonging to drug peddlers under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In three separate actions, police attached properties including residential houses and land in different parts of the city, targeting assets illegally acquired through proceeds of narcotics trafficking. Property worth Rs 2.74 crore attached in Soura In the first case, police attached a double-storeyed residential house along with 12 marlas of land beneath and appurtenant to the house, worth approximately Rs 2.74 crore, belonging to the accused Mubashir Ahmad Hakeem, son of Abdul Hamid Hakeem, a resident of Awanta Bhawan, Soura, Srinagar. The attachment has been carried out in connection with FIR No. 142/2025 registered under Sections 8/22 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Safakadal. Property worth Rs 70 lakh attached in Hyderpora In the second case, police attached a double-storeyed residential house situated at Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora, Srinagar, worth approximately Rs 70 lakh, belonging to Aqib Farooq, son of Farooq Ahmad, resident of Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora. The attachment has been made in connection with FIR No. 16/2025 registered under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act. Property worth Rs 65 lakh attached in Hazratbal In the third case, Police Station Rainawari attached a single-storeyed residential house constructed on five marlas of land, situated at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal, Srinagar, worth approximately Rs 65 lakh, belonging to Azan Parvaiz Giltsaaz, son of Parvaiz Ahmad Giltsaaz, originally a resident of Kani Mohalla, Rainawari, and presently residing at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal, Srinagar. The attachment has been carried out in connection with FIR No. 09/2023 registered under Sections 8/21/29 of the NDPS Act. During the course of investigation, all three properties were found to have been illegally acquired from the proceeds of narcotics trafficking and drug peddling. Consequently, the properties have been attached under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, including Section 68-F, subject to confirmation by the Competent Authority. A police spokesperson said these actions reflect the unwavering commitment of Srinagar Police to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks by targeting assets acquired through illicit proceeds. Such measures are intended to deter individuals involved in narcotics-related activities and reinforce the rule of law, the spokesperson said, adding that by targeting illegally acquired properties, Srinagar Police aims to deprive drug peddlers of the economic benefits of their criminal activities and send a strong message that narcotics-related offences will invite stringent legal and financial consequences. Srinagar Police reiterated their resolve to continue stringent action against drug peddlers and appealed to the public to actively support the fight against drugs by sharing any information related to narcotics trafficking with the nearest police station or through official helplines. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, the spokesperson said. Srinagar Police remains firmly committed to the vision of a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir and will continue to take decisive action against individuals involved in the narcotics trade.
Woman killed in house collapse; rain death toll 27
Srinagar, Jul 25: The death toll from the recent spell of heavy rains and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 27 on Saturday after a woman was killed in a house collapse in Rajouri district, while moderate to heavy rainfall continued across the Union Territory, triggering fresh landslides, disrupting traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and keeping authorities on high alert. Officials said a residential kitchen collapsed in Bhatian village of Thanamandi in Rajouri district amid incessant rainfall, leaving one woman dead and two others injured. The deceased was identified as Shahida Parveen, wife of Abdul Rehman. She sustained critical injuries after being trapped under the debris and later succumbed. The injured, identified as Abdul Rehman, son of Fauz Ullah, and his son Tofeeq Rehman, were rescued by locals and rescue teams and shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, for treatment. Their condition is stated to be under observation. Shahidas body was handed over to her family after legal formalities. With the latest fatality, the death toll from rain-related incidents, including flash floods, across Jammu and Kashmir has climbed to 27, while several people are still reported missing. Rains lash Kashmir Moderate to heavy rainfall lashed the Kashmir valley and higher reaches from Saturday morning, while several parts of the Jammu region also received fresh showers. However, officials said the water level in the Tawi River has started receding. Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that widespread rainfall was recorded across both plains and higher reaches of the valley. We are expecting some improvement in the weather during the evening. However, overall weather conditions will remain wet for the rest of this month, he said. Ahmad said light rain is likely to continue on July 26 and 27. Another major wet spell is expected between July 28 and 31. During this period, the valley will also receive moderate to heavy rainfall, but Jammu division is likely to be affected more severely, he said. He said the highest rainfall recorded on Saturday was around 12 mm. The MeT Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall and brief intense showers in a few districts of Jammu division between July 28 and 31. It has also cautioned about the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations over the next five days. The department has advised the general public, tourists, travellers and transporters to follow administrative advisories and avoid travelling through landslide-prone areas during adverse weather. Jhelum water level receding Despite moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of the valley, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department said water levels across the Jhelum basin continued to recede on Saturday. Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir, Showkat Hussain, told Rising Kashmir that there was no cause for panic. Water has receded significantly today. Despite todays rainfall, there has been no major impact on water bodies. We have witnessed a decline in water levels at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh, and the situation is returning to normal, he said. According to the departments latest update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a gradual decrease in rainfall over South Kashmir, with precipitation expected to shift towards Central and North Kashmir. NH-44 closed again A day after the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, was partially reopened, the highway was shut again on Saturday afternoon due to fresh landslides and shooting stones triggered by continuous rainfall. A Traffic Police official said vehicular movement was suspended after multiple vulnerable stretches witnessed fresh mudslides and shooting stones. Traffic has been stopped on the highway. More than 500 vehicles are stranded between Jakhani and Samroli. Landslides and shooting stones are hampering restoration work, the official said. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid undertaking travel on the highway until weather conditions improve and the road is declared safe for traffic. The Mughal Road, the strategic highway connecting the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian in South Kashmir was closed for traffic on Saturday following multiple landslides, officials said.
LG reviews Yatra track repairs after heavy rains
Srinagar, Jul 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with Camp Directors and senior officials to review ongoing repair and restoration work along the Shri Amarnathji Yatra tracks in the wake of recent heavy rainfall, assessing damage on tracks, safety railings, and essential infrastructure. The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Additional CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Rahul Singh, SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama, Camp Directors, and senior officials of civil administration, Police, Army, Security forces, Shrine Board, BRO, Health, Meteorological, and other line departments. The Lieutenant Governor directed executing agencies and officials to prioritize vulnerable zones prone to mudslides and shooting stones. To ensure safety of pilgrims, he directed the deployment of additional Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) and stressed the importance of sharing real-time weather updates with the Yatris proactively. He also instructed officials to ensure that essential services, including power, water supply, communication, and healthcare, remain fully operational. The Yatra, which was suspended for six consecutive days due to inclement weather, is likely to resume on Saturday subject to favourable weather conditions. Officials continue to closely monitor the weather and road conditions along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
True education is putting knowledge into practice: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Jul 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week to celebrate six successful years of the National Education Policy. Addressing thousands of students from colleges and universities across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significance of the reading marathon as a symbol of collective learning and social responsibility. Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds, social spaces, and become a way of life. Today's Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision, he said. The reading marathon carried the message Run for a Green Future. The LG described this motto as a life philosophy, saying that both knowledge and environmental conservation require patience, discipline, and sustained collective effort. Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies, and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges, he said. Sinhaaurged young participants to take three important pledges: make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation in everyday life, and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment to bring positive change in society. Let the spirit of doing something good for society become a lifelong commitment. I believe that merely reading books is not enough. True education is to put what you have read into practice. Today you all have chosen the path of change, and that is the greatest success of the Chinar Book Festival, he said. On the eve of Vijay Diwas, the Lieutenant Governor invoked the courage of young soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, reminding the youth of Jammu and Kashmir that discipline, leadership, and a Nation First attitude can create new history. Most of the soldiers and officers who defended the country in the Kargil War were young people aged 20 to 25. The stories of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Manoj Kumar Pandey, and Captain Anuj Nayyarmakeyoung people realise that with the right direction and spirit, the youth can create new history. I want the Reading Marathon to spread the thinking of 'Nation First,' a 'Never Give Up' attitude, and the spirit of discipline and leadership, and to kindle the flame of national service in the heart of every youth in Jammu and Kashmir, he said. The flag-off ceremony was attended by Chinar Book Festival Chief Convener Dr Amit Wanchoo, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. CEO Dr Angelo George, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, senior officials, members of the National Book Trust, heads of educational institutes, eminent literary personalities, teachers, and a large number of students.
Congress will now demand accountability from BJP govt on paper leaks in Parliament, says Hooda
The government must now apologise to the youth, the countrys future, whom it subjected to lathi-charges and brutality. Also, the examination system must be made transparent enough to eliminate any possibility of future paper leaks, Bhupinder Singh Hooda said.
SIR: Voters in Karnataka report being marked shifted despite living at same address
As the Special Intensive Revision progresses, several families in Bengaluru have reported that even though the household continues to live at the same address, in many cases one family member has been marked as shifted on the enumeration form
Typhoon Noul makes landfall in southern China; over 3,40,000 evacuated
Hong Kong airport's website showed more than 150 flights were canceled for July 25-26
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Anahat Singh first Indian to reach World Junior Squash Championship final since 2005
Enemys intentions unchanged, proxy war still a challenge: Rajnath
Defence Minister reaches Ladakh, pays tributes to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War
Haryana completes SIR phase-I; over 33 lakh names left out due to relocation, death, duplication
Haryana CEO Sreenivas said that 20,629 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) distributed enumeration forms to more than 2 crore electors, out of which over 1 crore enumeration forms have been digitised.
AI and Modern Teaching: Between Promise and Peril
Artificial Intelligence has quietly walked into our classrooms. It sits in the phones of our students, in the lesson plans of our teachers, and in the dashboards of school administrators tracking every mark and every absence. For many, AI feels like the latest in a long line of educational fadsanother buzzword that will fade like smart boards and e-learning portals. But this time is different. AI is not just a tool; it is a way of seeing, measuring, and even shaping learning itself. That is precisely why, especially in a society like ours, we have to ask harder questions about what it means for teaching. In Kashmir and beyond, education has always carried a weight larger than textbooks and exams. It is a route out of conflict, a bridge to opportunity, a fragile promise to our children that their future can be more stable than our past. When AI enters this space, it does not do so into a vacuum. It enters classrooms already marked by inequality, exam pressure, and an education culture that often values memory over understanding. The way we adopt AI, then, will determine whether it deepens these problems or helps us rise above them. At its best, AI can help teachers do what they have always wanted to do but rarely had time for: understand each child as an individual learner. An AI-driven platform can track where a student struggles in mathematics, how often they get stuck on a concept in science, which passages they skim past in an English text. It can then recommend practice questions, explanations, or videos tuned to that students level. In theory, no child is left behind simply because the teacher has forty or fifty faces to manage in a single period. For overburdened teachers, this promise is seductive. Instead of staying up late manually checking notebooks and exam scripts, they can use AI to generate quizzes, summarise readings, or even draft feedback for students. This can free time for what no machine can do: listening to a student who is anxious about an exam, noticing the quiet child who has suddenly become withdrawn, or encouraging a teenager who has begun to believe that science is not for people like us. The real gift of AI, if we choose to use it wisely, could be that it returns teachers to the human core of their profession. Yet the same technology that can liberate teachers can also quietly replace them in the minds of students and policymakers. When an app explains a concept more clearly than a tired lecturer, when a chatbot answers doubts instantly at midnight, it is tempting to ask: why invest in teachers at all? Why not simply put all our faith in personalised learning platforms and AI tutors and imagine that the problem of quality education has been solved with a subscription fee? This is a dangerous illusion. A large language model can produce a competent answer to a textbook question, but it cannot read a classrooms mood after a disruptive week. It cannot adapt its pace because it senses that students are not just confused, but demoralised. It cannot understand the social realities that shape a childs silencethe fear of speaking in English, the weight of family expectations, the trauma of growing up amid conflict. Teaching is not only about transferring information; it is about forming minds and nurturing citizens. No algorithm, however advanced, can replace that complex human relationship. There is another, quieter risk. AI systems are only as fair as the data on which they are trained. If that data carries biasesabout language, region, gender, or classAI-driven assessments and recommendations will quietly reproduce those biases at scale. A Kashmiri students accent on a speech-recognition app, a local idiom used in a written answer, or a different cultural reference in an essay can all be misread by a system trained primarily on Western examples. The result is that students may be judged not for what they know, but for how closely they resemble a narrow, invisible standard. In regions like ours, where connectivity is uneven and schools are unequally resourced, we must also confront the very real danger of a new digital divide. Well-funded private institutions may deploy sophisticated AI platforms, while government schools struggle with basic infrastructure. If AI becomes the new marker of quality education, children who already stand on the margins will be pushed further out. The irony would be bitter: a technology with the potential to personalise learning for every child may instead deepen the gap between those who can afford it and those who cannot. So what should a sensible path forward look like? The first step is to reject the false choice between AI schools and traditional schools. The real debate is not man versus machine, but what kind of partnership we allow between them. We should treat AI as an assistant, not an authority. It can help design practice papers, analyse patterns in learning, and suggest resourcesbut the final judgment about what is good for a particular child must remain with a responsible, trained teacher. Second, we need a deliberate public conversation about ethics and regulation. Education departments, school leaders, teacher unions, and parents should all have a say in how AI is procured and used. What data is being collected on our children? Who owns it? How long is it stored? Can parents opt out if they are uncomfortable? These are not technical questions; they are questions about rights, dignity, and trust. Third, we must invest in training teachers, not bypassing them. An AI-literate teacher is not one who simply knows how to click through a dashboard, but one who can question the output it gives. Why is this student being flagged as low performing? Is it because of genuine struggle, or because the system fails to recognise regional language use? Why is one type of answer rewarded over another? A confident teacher will use AI as a mirror to reflect on practice, not as a master to obey. Finally, we must keep our eyes on the true purpose of education in a place like Kashmir: not simply to produce employable graduates, but to cultivate resilient, thoughtful, and compassionate human beings. AI can help a student master algebra, learn scientific facts, or practice a new language. It cannot teach them how to sit with a grieving friend, to question injustice, or to imagine a future beyond fear. Those capacities are shaped by human relationshipsby teachers who model integrity, courage, and care. AI and modern teaching are now inseparable; the question is not whether we will use these tools, but how. If we allow market hype and administrative convenience to lead the way, we may wake up to find that our classrooms are more efficient but less humane, more data-rich but poorer in wisdom. If, however, we insist that technology must serve the human, that algorithms must answer to teachers and communities, then AI can indeed become an ally. In the end, the measure of any educational innovation is simple: does it help our children become more fully human? If AI in the classroom merely trains them to perform for a machine, we will have failed them. But if it frees our teachers to listen more, to guide more, and to build deeper connections, then this new era of learning may yet be worthy of the hopes we place on it. (The author is a researcher and columnist)
Critical and unsavoury social media chatter also played a role in government conceding to CJPs demands
Thriving Radicalization vs Inadequate Counter Narratives in J&K
CROSS ROADS The face of Islamist radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir has changed over the past two decades, capitalizing on accelerating developments and trends in the realm of communication technologies that have rendered information and digital content almost ubiquitously accessible. These processes have transformed some of the channels through which radicalization of the individual and broader communities as a whole can take place, in particular raising the dangers of self-radicalization. Whilst this raises new concerns for intelligence and security services, especially concerning the early detection of at-risk individuals, it cannot be deduced that the ultimate character of radicalization, namely its social and normative dimension, has changed as well. Radical messages and those espousing them continue to speak to those who perceive themselves marginalized by societies and their institutions, providing a framework to them that provides sense, meaning and context to the suffering of the individual and the individuals partially transnationally imagined social community. Put differently, cyber radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir has shifted aspects of how radicalization technically takes place without fundamentally shifting the underlying reasons for why radicalization takes place. The advent of a globally accessible digital space has not undermined the role and significance of previously more dominant channels of radicalization, including the work of the ever-growing radical Islamist parallel institutions that have increasingly become integrated and accepted into the educational and social fabric of Jammu & Kashmir. Contemporary Islamist radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir can consequently be treated as a hybrid in which both dimensions of radicalization, in-person and online, serve complementing rather than competing functions. Unlike in-person radicalization, cyber radicalization operates more independent from interpersonal linkages and the physical access to extremist ideas or individuals and groups espousing these ideas. Owing to its existence as a networked entity, cyberspace defies boundaries and is hence theoretically open to anyone connected to the internet. As such, advancements in cyberspace have subsequently allowed terrorist organizations to circumvent many of the physical anti-terror measures put in place. In addition, digital access and proficiency have become less coupled to economic income than it has been in previous decades, with the internet now being more accessible to people of lower socio-economic-educational standing as well. Radical thoughts and materials readily and globally available, allow young individuals to radicalize themselves without necessarily being exposed to prior integration into radicalized social contexts, further facilitating the radicalization of these youngsters that have been born and bred in social environments without the degree of violent inter-communal conflict which previous generations in Jammu & Kashmir witnessed and lived through. Although cyber radicalization operates in a territorially less bound and constrained manner, its basic purpose and message overlaps with that of in-person versions of radicalization. Online forms of radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir also engender stories and narratives that situate the perceived experience of the youngsters in Jammu & Kashmir in the struggle of Muslims elsewhere, like Iran, Palestine, Afghanistan, the US and Europe. Cyber radicalization therefore also speaks to sentiments of degradation and exclusion - as such, it is the mode of engagement rather than the underlying messages that manifests the most palpable difference between in-person and cyber radicalization. It goes without saying that cyber radicalization as such is coupled with developments in and the expansion of cyberspace more generally, meaning that as cyberspace expands both in societal use and significance, so will its use by terrorist organizations. Crucial for the purposes of radicalization, both online and offline, is how social narratives situate the struggles and experiences of the to-be-radicalized individual in a grander, more global context. Narratives, regardless of how they are created and disseminated, consequently mark a way of making sense of the world and the individuals place, past, present and future in it. They shape the way individuals think of, and live, their lives. Radicalizing narratives therefore appeal to different cognitive frameworks to incentivize alignment with the radical cause. These narratives rest on mainly Political, Moral, Religious and Social-psychological foundations. It is clear that both online and offline narratives play onto caveats that, at least in Jammu & Kashmir, are connected to perceived feelings of exclusion, marginalization and humiliation. Radical narratives target these negative feelings and re-write them into a radicalized identity that seeks vengeance for the perceived experienced victimization, indicating that radical ideas are enabled by perceived social environments of exclusion. The emergence of cyberspace as a security space manifests new challenges for security and intelligence communities. Previous forms of surveillance, for instance in the form of focusing on at-risk individuals and communities, emerge as an increasingly inefficient mode of operation as with cyber radicalization the essential danger is self-radicalization. This does not mean that necessarily more people will become radicalized but that those that are at risk of radicalization may become radicalized more quickly and more easily. Security and intelligence services would consequently do well by acknowledging that radicalization derives its functioning from situating the individual, and by implication, their broader community, in a narrative that speaks to their sentiments, whereby the main focus of security agencies must lay on identifying these sentiments, understanding them and their root causes, and, ultimately, addressing the perceived social structures that incentivize radicalization, both online and offline. As cyber radicalization fosters more opportunities for at-risk individuals to radicalize themselves quicker and easier and facilitates the access to radicalizing materials without necessarily accelerating public radicalization as such, it raises the stakes for security services to detect early stages of radicalization. This phenomenon of cyber radicalization will require policy responses that consistently account for technological, methodological and procedural changes. Assessing the role of cyber radicalization in relation to in-person radicalization reinforces the analysis that radicalization as a phenomenon is a distinctly social development that consequently requires predominantly social responses. This is not to say that short-term solutions, such as removing content from social media platforms or blocking accounts that disseminate radical narratives, do not matter or should not be continued. That said, radicalization is an issue that must be addressed in its root cause, namely the perceived feeling of exclusion and marginalization. Any other policy response will be a mere short-term fix that does not provide a sustainable way of addressing the issue at hand. Developing independent counternarratives thus differs from other tactical policy approaches such as content removal or blocking accounts by seeking to address the social dimension of radicalization. At present, terrorist organizations have proven effective in winning the contest of socio-political narrative, appealing to sentiments and capitalizing on the echo chamber effect. To reclaim some of the lost control, societies such as Jammu & Kashmir, faced with rampant subterranean Islamist radicalization must seek to reclaim control over the narrative and the normative assumptions of what it means to live in a pluralist society. Scholars identify four key caveats that must be included in any efficient counter narrative: (i) Disparage the idea that Western countries and societies are fighting Islam, (ii) Counter the idea that Muslim terrorists protect the values of Islam and or Muslim societies, (iii) Delegitimize the notion that terrorist attacks on Western civilians or fellow Muslims - in this context viewed as collateral damage - are valid forms of political resistance and expression and (iv) Discourage the idea that non-terrorist Muslims are morally and religiously obliged to aid and or support terrorists in their activities or terrorist narratives. The arguments provided here generate a comprehensive framework through which to counter the way in which terrorist narratives make sense of the societies that surround them. However, it is critical that the creation of counternarratives must not seem imposed in a top-down manner. Although the State and its institutions inevitably will have to play a key role in facilitating these narratives, it is paramount that the narratives are coordinated with, organized and supported by the communities they seek to speak to. In this context, governments and their agencies must work closely with non-state actors within the community to ensure the legitimacy of the narrative and, thus, the legitimacy of the operation. In this context, it is paramount for governmental institutions as well as civil society in Jammu & Kashmir to reclaim the narrative regarding the advantages, rather than the disadvantages, of living in pluralist, heterogeneous and democratic community. Independent counternarratives, created in accordance and engagement with the needs and desires of the Kashmiri community most affected by radicalization, can and should serve a useful practical strategic approach towards this process of reclaiming the narrative and, thus, making sense of the said community in a different way. However, reclaiming a social narrative will be insufficient to generate long-lasting change without an accompanying attempt to genuinely integrate these youngsters and address the perceived structural issues underlying their very radicalization. Only if the emotive roots of radicalization are addressed, namely that of individual and group-based perceived experiences of marginalization and exclusion, counternarratives will be capable of serving their ultimate strategic purpose. Anti-radicalization and de-radicalization are multipronged and multidimensional strategic approaches which require determination, sensitivity and patience by the state. There are, regrettably, no overnight solutions. (The Author is the Director of European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) and can be reached at: j.qureshi@efsas.org )
From Protest to Policy: The Success of the Students Movement and the Road Ahead
The recent student-led protests in Delhi have emerged as one of the most significant democratic movements witnessed in contemporary India. What began as an expression of anguish over systemic failures has evolved into a nationwide call for accountability, transparency, and institutional reform. The movement has demonstrated that Indias youth, particularly Generation Z, are not indifferent spectators but active stakeholders in the nations democratic journey. Their courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to constitutional values have reaffirmed that peaceful protest remains one of the strongest pillars of a vibrant democracy. The immediate success of the movement lies not merely in drawing national attention but in compelling institutions and governments to respond. Public discourse shifted from routine political rhetoric to serious questions about governance, justice, accountability, and citizens rights. Students succeeded in transforming isolated grievances into a broader conversation on the quality of public institutions and democratic governance. Equally important was the unprecedented solidarity displayed across campuses. Students from diverse educational institutions, social backgrounds, and regions stood together, transcending ideological, linguistic, and cultural differences. Lawyers, teachers, academics, parents, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens joined hands in support of the students democratic right to peaceful dissent. Such solidarity reflects the resilience of Indias constitutional culture. One of the defining achievements of the protests was the maturity displayed by the student leadership. The movement largely rejected violence and embraced peaceful marches, sit-ins, public discussions, legal advocacy, and social media engagement. This reaffirmed Mahatma Gandhis enduring principle that peaceful resistance possesses immense moral strength. It also reminded the nation that democratic dissent is not anti-national but essential to preserving constitutional democracy. The movement also highlighted the growing political consciousness of Generation Z. Unlike previous generations, todays youth are digitally connected, globally informed, and deeply aware of constitutional rights. They demand transparency rather than patronage, accountability rather than slogans, and performance rather than political spectacle. Their aspirations reflect a modern India that seeks efficient governance, equal opportunities, social justice, and institutional integrity. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the protests has been the restoration of faith in collective civic action. In recent years, many believed that public participation had become passive and fragmented. The students disproved that perception. They demonstrated that constitutional methods of protest continue to have the power to influence public policy and shape national conversations. However, every successful movement must now confront its greatest challenge: sustaining momentum without losing direction. History teaches us that protests succeed only when public mobilisation is transformed into long-term institutional reform. Emotional energy alone cannot deliver lasting change. Organisation, dialogue, policy engagement, and constructive participation must now replace street mobilisation as the principal strategy. The first priority should be the establishment of structured dialogue between student representatives, educational institutions, governments, and civil society. Democratic governments must recognise students not merely as beneficiaries of policy but as legitimate participants in policy formulation. Regular consultation mechanisms should be institutionalised to address issues affecting higher education, employment, research, campus governance, and student welfare. Second, the movement should evolve into a nationwide campaign for strengthening constitutional literacy. Many young Indians participated because they instinctively valued justice and fairness. That commitment can be deepened through greater awareness of the Constitution, fundamental rights, fundamental duties, democratic institutions, and the rule of law. Universities should become laboratories of constitutional citizenship rather than arenas of political polarisation. Third, student organisations should broaden their agenda beyond immediate grievances. Issues such as quality education, affordable higher education, employability, mental health, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, gender equality, digital rights, judicial accessibility, and electoral reforms deserve sustained attention. By engaging constructively with these issues, the movement can mature into a positive force for nation-building. The legal fraternity also has an important responsibility. Lawyers and bar associations should continue providing legal assistance wherever constitutional freedoms are threatened. Equally, they should mentor young citizens on constitutional methods of advocacy, mediation, and peaceful dispute resolution. The alliance witnessed between students and lawyers during the protests demonstrated how different sections of society can work together to strengthen democracy. Political parties must also draw lessons from these events. Rather than viewing student movements through partisan lenses, they should appreciate them as expressions of democratic participation. Young citizens seek responsive governance, ethical leadership, and inclusive development. Their aspirations should be met through constructive engagement rather than confrontation. The media, too, has a vital role. Responsible journalism should amplify genuine public concerns while avoiding sensationalism or misinformation. A well-informed citizenry is indispensable to the health of any democracy. Most importantly, the students themselves must remain united, disciplined, and focused. Every movement faces attempts to divide, politicise, or delegitimise it. Its credibility will depend upon maintaining peaceful methods, respecting constitutional institutions, rejecting violence, and remaining committed to democratic values. True leadership is measured not merely by the ability to mobilise crowds but by the capacity to transform public aspirations into meaningful reforms. Indias constitutional democracy has always evolved through the participation of its people. From the freedom movement to contemporary social reforms, young citizens have consistently played transformative roles. Todays students are writing the next chapter in that democratic tradition. Their movement has reminded the nation that democracy is strongest when citizens actively participate, question authority respectfully, and demand accountability within the framework of the Constitution. The success of the recent student protests, therefore, should not be measured only by immediate governmental responses. Their real achievement lies in rekindling democratic participation, restoring confidence in peaceful constitutional action, and inspiring a new generation to engage responsibly in public life. If this spirit is sustained through dialogue, institutional reform, and civic engagement, the movement will leave a lasting legacy far beyond the campuses where it began. The way forward is clear: transform protest into policy, convert public awakening into institutional reform, and channel the energy of Indias youth towards building a more just, inclusive, transparent, and constitutionally vibrant Republic. In doing so, the students of today will not merely shape their own futurethey will strengthen the future of Indian democracy itself. (The author is a noted Senior Advocate and a political analyst)
Inclusion is about mental access and emotional access to spaces
Chennai Corporation to start survey of out-of-school children in 418 Chennai schools in August
You should all go home now: big announcement leaves many in disbelief
Police vehicles fitted with loudspeakers rolled through the roads surrounding Jantar Mantar, urging the crowd to return home peacefully
Beerwah traders seek flood compensation
Budgam, July 25: Owners of a shopping complex and traders who lost their businesses in the recent flash floods in Beerwah have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to provide adequate compensation, waive bank loans and allow reconstruction of the damaged complex at the same site. The shopping complex, located in the heart of Beerwah town, was completely destroyed after flash floods swept through the area, causing extensive damage to more than 32 shops and leaving dozens of families without a source of livelihood. Ghulam Mohammad Wani, one of the owners of the shopping complex, said the entire structure was reduced to ruins in the disaster. The complex housed 32 shops, all of which have suffered extensive damage. We urge the government to provide suitable compensation and grant us permission to reconstruct the complex at the same location so that business activities can resume, Wani said. Among the affected traders is Mohammad Akbar, whose mobile phone business was completely destroyed in the floods. He said the disaster has pushed many families into financial uncertainty. More than 32 shops have been completely damaged. We had established these businesses to earn a livelihood and support our families. We hope the Jammu and Kashmir Government will provide financial assistance, fair compensation, and facilitate reconstruction so that we can restart our businesses. the government intervention is essential to help them recover from the losses, restore their businesses, and bring normalcy back, he said Another affected shopkeeper, Abdul Aziz Sofi, said his son's medical shop was among those badly damaged in the flooding. According to Sofi, more than 40 people were running businesses from the shopping complex before it was destroyed. The families of the affected shopkeepers are facing a severe financial crisis as they have had no source of income for the past five days. They are anxiously waiting for government assistance, compensation, and permission to rebuild their shops at the same location, Sofi said. The affected shopkeepers said immediate government intervention is essential to help them recover from the losses, restore their businesses, and bring normalcy back to their lives following the devastating flash floods.
Drivers in Keralas Kochi demand well-maintained washrooms, common resting spaces at hotels, resorts
The issue is back in the spotlight following a protest by a few tourist taxi car drivers atCrownePlaza seeking adequate restroom facilities
Sheet by sheet, stage that amplified students voices taken down
Two killed, five injured in separate road accidents
Srinagar, July 25: Two persons were killed and five others injured in two separate road accidents reported from Doda and Baramulla districts on Saturday. Officials said two persons lost their lives after a Tempo Traveller met with an accident near Shoonsh on the DodaMahalla Road in Doda district. According to officials, the vehicle reportedly went out of the drivers control and skidded off the road, resulting in the fatal accident. Soon after the incident, police personnel, along with local residents, launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment. Officials said the condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, five persons were injured after a sumo and a tipper skidded off the Baramulla-Handwara road and plunged into a deep gorge near Nadihal in Ladoora area of Baramulla district on Saturday afternoon. Officials said continuous rainfall had rendered the road slippery, causing both vehicles to lose control before falling into the gorge. An immediate rescue operation was launched by Sopore Police, Armys 32 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and local volunteers, who worked in difficult weather conditions to evacuate all the injured. The injured were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for treatment.
Dal Lake hosts record-breaking reading Marathon
Srinagar, Jul 25: Thousands of students from schools, colleges and universities across Jammu & Kashmir participated in a historic 5-km Reading Marathon along the banks of Dal Lake on Saturday, setting a new record for promoting reading and environmental awareness. The event, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, in collaboration with Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd was held as part of the Chinar Book Festival 2026 and Shiksha Saptah. In a first-of-its-kind achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, a total of 4,644 children participated in the marathon, earning recognition from both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records for the Maximum Children Participating in a Marathon to Promote Reading and Environment. The initiative combined fitness, literature and environmental consciousness, aiming to cultivate reading habits among young people while encouraging sustainable practices. The enthusiastic participation of students turned the scenic Boulevard Road into a celebration of books, learning and nature, reinforcing the festival's theme, Together We Read, Together We Lead. The marathon was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Chief Convenor of the Chinar Book Festival Dr Amit Wanchoo, and CEO of Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. Dr Angelo George. Welcoming the participants, Dr Amit Wanchoo described the Reading Marathon as a unique initiative that combines the joy of reading with the responsibility of protecting the environment. Dr Angelo George lauded the National Book Trust for creating a platform that connects books with environmental consciousness and inspires young readers. Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha termed the marathon a unique celebration of knowledge, fitness and responsibility towards nature. He said the initiative reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by demonstrating that education extends beyond classrooms. He urged the young participants to adopt three lifelong resolutions - making reading a daily habit, contributing to environmental conservation, and striving to bring positive change to society. The event also honoured the winners of the Shikarathon, with Tanveer Ahmad Bhat securing the first position, followed by Muzaffar Ahmad and Manzoor Ahmad. The winners of the 5-km Reading Marathon were felicitated in both boys' and girls' categories. In the girls' section, Mansha Zehra of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh, claimed the top position, while Aymaan Gulzar and Uribeen Imtiyaz secured second and third places, respectively. In the boys category, Musaib Shabir Bhat of Boys Higher Secondary School, Hazratbal, emerged as the winner. Zubair Ahmad of Higher Secondary School, Shalimar, finished second, while Farhad Latief of Government Higher Secondary School, Palpora, secured the third position. Special recognition was also presented to young participants Azhar Abbas and Fazil Abbas.
Madhya Pradesh SDM sends delivery executive to jail after receiving less items in parcel
Madhya Pradesh SDM jails delivery executive over incomplete parcel, sparking controversy and potential administrative repercussions
District Legal Services Authority begins functioning in Vijayanagara
The newly constituted District Legal Services Authority will take free legal aid to the doorsteps of the poor and promote amicable settlement of disputes before they reach courts, Karnataka High Court Judege Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur said
Post Pradhans resignation, protestors in Chennai say abolishing NEET is their goal
While the Cockroach Janta Party withdraws agitation in Delhi, protestors at Balan Illam look to bigger venues to continue their agitation against NEET
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations begin in Drass
Drass, July 25: The two-day commemorative events marking the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commenced on Saturday at Drass in Ladakh, with the nation remembering the unparalleled courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The Kargil War Memorial, the focal point of the celebrations, has been adorned with special decorations in preparation for the annual tribute, symbolising the nation's gratitude towards the Bravehearts of Operation Vijay. Veterans, next of kin of martyrs, senior Army officers, civil administration officials and invited guests are participating in the commemorative events. The opening day's programme featured Yudh Sansmaran at Lamochen View Point, Gauravmay Sanskriti at Vishwanathan Stadium, Vijay Bhoj, and Shaurya Sandhya at the Kargil War Memorial. The events highlighted the extraordinary bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and celebrated the spirit of patriotism that defined India's victory in the Kargil conflict. Observed annually on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India's victory in Operation Vijay, during which the Indian Armed Forces successfully recaptured strategic mountain peaks occupied by Pakistani intruders after weeks of intense high-altitude warfare. The commemorative programme will conclude on Sunday with the Shradhanjali Samaroh at the Kargil War Memorial, where tributes will be paid to the fallen heroes. The ceremony will also include interactions with the families of martyrs, inauguration of the Virtual Walkthrough Portal, and the flagging off of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra motorcycle rally.
Mission accomplished, a site clean-up for Jantar Mantars next cause warriors
Worker killed, another injured as construction hoist crashes in Taramani
Tarun Tahilianis secret isnt embroidery. Its context
Having built worlds around his clothes for years, the designer invites his audience to walk through one, with Navaratna at India Couture Week later today
IGCAR event focuses on taking research innovations to industry and space
Conservancy workers decry unpaid workload during festival season, urge public to avoid open dumping
The list of eligible associate professors would be included in the regular panel for promotion to the post of principal Grade II for the year 2026-27. However, this was subject to the outcome of ongoing court cases, a G.O. read
HPCL, IOCL launch 5kg, 10kg LPG cylinders in Chennai
Man from A.P. dies of cardiac arrest near Arunachaleswar temple in Tiruvannamalai
After he fainted, he was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead
Girl dies after being hit by tractor
Children playing with the victim were unhurt
Minor boy held for death of ex-AIADMK MLAs son
Here for future of our children say parents at CJP protest with young children
For many parents, joining the student protest was an act of hope, defiance and a way of demanding a future where their children would not have to endure a broken education system
Why multi-art workshops are catching on in Chennai
Hakeem Yaseen backs NEET aspirants, seeks accountability
Srinagar, July 25: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday expressed support for protesting NEET aspirants, saying their concerns should have been addressed before the situation escalated. In a statement, Hakeem said the grievances raised by students regarding the NEET examination were not addressed in time, leading to distress among lakhs of aspirants and their families. He said the alleged use of force against protesting students could have been avoided through timely intervention and responsible decision-making by authorities. Calling for accountability in the education system, Hakeem said responsibility must be fixed wherever lapses occur. He added that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had become necessary in view of the concerns raised by students across the country. Hakeem urged the government to ensure a transparent and fair examination system where student grievances are addressed promptly. The youth are the future of the nation. Their voices should not be ignored, and every effort must be made to protect their rights, dignity and aspirations, he said.
CPI(M) hails student protests, demands NTA overhaul
Srinagar, July 25: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Polit Bureau on Saturday congratulated students and youth across the country for their protests demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks, saying their movement reflected the strength of Indian democracy. In a statement, the CPI(M) said the protests were driven by the determination of students and youth, supported by sections of society, despite facing repressive measures by authorities. The party welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but said it should be followed by the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which it held responsible for repeated paper leak controversies. The CPI(M) reiterated its demand for decentralisation of examinations and called for scrapping the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, alleging that it promoted commercialisation, centralisation and communalisation of education. The party said unless structural reforms were introduced, issues related to paper leaks and denial of opportunities to students would continue. The CPI(M) also urged student and youth organisations to continue campaigning for reforms concerning the future of young people.
Sagar reviews Hazrat Hamza Urs preparations
Srinagar, 25 July: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar Saturday asked the district administration to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth observance of the annual Urs of Hazrat Mehboob-ul-Aalam, Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), scheduled to be observed in the coming days. In a statement issued from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said that thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to visit the revered shrine at Makhdoom Sahib, Srinagar and called upon the administration to make all necessary arrangements well in advance to facilitate people visiting the revered shrine. He stressed the need for uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply, sanitation, adequate healthcare facilities, proper traffic regulation, parking arrangements, security and cleanliness in and around the shrine precincts. He also urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, PHE, PDD, Health, Traffic Police, and other line departments to work in close coordination to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the Urs. Sagar said the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) is a spiritually significant occasion that attracts devotees from every corner of the Valley, reflecting the revered saint's enduring message of piety, compassion, communal harmony, and service to humanity.
Former actress Mateena Jeelani joins Apni Party
Srinagar, July 25: Former actress, model and social media influencer Mateena Jeelani joined the Apni Party on Saturday along with her associates during a function held at the party headquarters. Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with senior party leaders, welcomed Jeelani into the party and extended their best wishes. Jeelani, a native of Rajwar in Handwara, has a background in acting, modelling and social media, and enjoys a significant public following. Welcoming the new entrants, Bukhari expressed confidence that Jeelani's induction would strengthen the party's organisational base in Rajwar and enhance its outreach among the people. The joining programme was attended by senior party leaders and party workers.
After winning polls, Srinagar MLAs forgot people: Bukhari
Srinagar, July 25: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday accused Srinagar MLAs of neglecting public issues, alleging that elected representatives had failed to fulfil promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering at the party headquarters in Srinagar, organised to felicitate newly elected District President Srinagar Zaffar Habib, Bukhari said the citys residents were facing several challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inadequate housing and civic issues. He alleged that the ruling party leaders had made several promises during the elections, including free electricity, LPG cylinders, additional ration quota, government jobs and regularisation of daily wagers, but had failed to deliver after coming to power. How do you sleep while the people who voted for you continue to suffer? Bukhari asked while targeting Srinagar MLAs. He said the Apni Party remained connected with people at the grassroots and would continue to highlight their concerns at every forum. He particularly flagged issues faced by youth, including unemployment and alleged harassment. Bukhari assured that the party would work towards addressing public grievances through immediate relief measures and long-term solutions. Congratulating Zaffar Habib on his election as Srinagar district president, Bukhari expressed hope that his appointment would strengthen the partys organisational base in the city. Apni Party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir also congratulated Habib, saying his election through a democratic process reflected the partys commitment to internal democracy. He assured him of full support in carrying out his responsibilities.
NC hits out at opposition, highlights Omar govts flood response
Srinagar, July 25: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir on Saturday accused opposition parties of indulging in political gimmickry and said the Omar Abdullah-led government was focused on governance, development and addressing public concerns. In a statement issued from the party headquarters at Nawa-e-Subha, Mir alleged that the PDP, Apni Party and Peoples Conference were raising issues unrelated to the aspirations and day-to-day problems of the people. He said the NC government was working on multiple fronts, including strengthening civic infrastructure and pursuing the constitutional demand for restoration of statehood. Mir said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken the issue of statehood to New Delhi through a peaceful and constitutional battle, while the government continued development and public welfare initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the recent flash floods, landslides and heavy rains, Mir said the natural calamity had tested the administration but the government responded with resolve and compassion. He said the Chief Minister and his cabinet members were personally monitoring rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, adding that ministers had visited affected areas despite difficult conditions. Mir also mentioned that MP Mian Altaf Ahmad and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had a narrow escape while visiting flood-hit areas, saying it reflected the governments commitment to stand with affected people. He said restoration work was being expedited and urged opposition parties to rise above political differences and contribute constructively during the crisis instead of spreading propaganda and misinformation.
Flood-hit areas lack basic amenities: Khatana
Srinagar, July 25: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the recent flash floods and landslides in Rajouri, Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Khatana conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the calamity. Expressing concern over the disruption of electricity, drinking water supply and road connectivity, he said many flood-affected villages continue to face severe hardships in the aftermath of the disaster. Khatana urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the concerned departments to restore essential services on a war footing and ensure that no affected village remains cut off. He also called for expediting relief and rehabilitation measures, timely compensation for the families of those who lost their lives, and adequate assistance to all affected households. Reaffirming his solidarity with the people of the affected areas, Khatana said every possible effort should be made to restore normalcy and support communities recovering from the disaster.
Govt working for long-term flood mitigation plan: Rana
Poonch, July 25: Continuing his visit to flood- and landslide-hit areas, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday called for long-term disaster mitigation measures, directing officials to identify vulnerable locations and prepare permanent protection plans against landslides and flash floods. The Minister visited Dhara Sangla in Surankote and interacted with the families who suffered losses in the recent landslides and flash floods. The visit formed part of the Ministers extensive tour of flood and landslide-affected Pir Panjal region over the past several days, aimed at assessing the ground situation, reviewing relief and restoration efforts and ensuring timely assistance to the affected population. At Dhara Sangla, Rana offered condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and assured them that the Government shares their grief and stands firmly with them during this difficult time. He was accompanied by MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram along with officers from various departments. The Government stands firmly with every family affected by this tragedy. We will remain with you through this difficult time and ensure timely support, including immediate relief, rehabilitation assistance and compensation, to help you rebuild your lives, the Minister said. He also told the residents that the Government is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully committed to restore normalcy at the earliest. During the ongoing tour, the Minister has been visiting some of the worst-hit villages and remote habitations, interacting with the affected families and inspecting damage to homes, roads, water supply schemes, irrigation facilities and agricultural land. He is also reviewing the pace of relief and rehabilitation works being carried out by the district administration and line departments. While taking stock of the restoration of essential services, Rana emphasised that the relief process must remain people-centric and responsive. He directed the officers to ensure that genuine cases of loss are assessed promptly and that eligible families receive relief and compensation without unnecessary delay. He reiterated that the Government will continue to monitor the situation closely until normalcy is fully restored. He directed the concerned to restore damaged roads, drinking water schemes, power infrastructure and other public utilities on war footing to ease hardships for the affected population.
CULTURE In the bustling streets of Kashmir, amidst the clamour of modernity, there exists a relic of our cultural richness, a symbol of our culinary tradition that refuse to be forgotten the customary Chochvor or telvora traditional savoury yeast-leavened local bread that thrives even today in the vibrant culinary delights. Compared to other kinds of local bread, Kandar Tchot like bakirkhani, lawasa, sheermal, kulcha, etc, Chochvor serves as reminder of the importance of preserving our rich cultural roots. Chochvor is more than just a kind of local bread; it is a symbol of antiquity, sustainability, community and resilience. As we cherish the aroma of the freshly baked bread and savor the flavors of tandoori delicacies, Chochvor keeps the flame of local bread baking custom burning bright even today. Although Chochvor is small in size; it is famous all over the Valley for its taste. Compared to a dense doughnut, it is soft in texture, savory in taste usually with a hole in the middle and stretchy with a crusty top with sesame seeds Til, sprinkled over it during baking that gives it another name Telvor. Best served with traditional Nun Chai or Kahwa as a morning or evening tea snack, Chochvor in Kashmir is a gift to have, straight journeyed from Iran with Shah-e-Hamadan (RA) where it too is baked in tandoor. Unlike other kinds of local bread, Chochvor hold a special place in the hearts of Kashmiris. It gets sold like hot cakes, and people love to take it fresh for breakfast. It is a stomach-friendly bread that is in great demand everywhere in the valley. Chochvor is one of the most loved breads from our bakers. Its more than breadit carries our culture, taste, tradition, hospitality, community life and is symbol of our heritage. In the past, when people traveled anywhere, they carried Chochvor along because it stayed fresh and satiated their hunger. Back then, only the Kandar community baked it in tandoors. But, now, it is baked at home too. I recall, when in childhood, I had fever. My parents would give me Chochvor with Nun Chai. They believed it helped cure us. Every Friday at our village Madrasa, we were served Chochvor with Kahwa. We sip Kehwa with Chochvor even today. But, honestly, the unique taste, and aroma in the Kehwa of that Darasgah with Chochvor won't be found anywhere. Each district of Kashmir has its special bread. While Pompore is famous for Sheermal, Shopian for Kripan, Anantnag for Katlum, Baramulla for Kulcha, Srinagar for Bakirkhani & GirdaSopore & Bandipora is famous for the best quality Chochvor in the whole valley.Today, Chochvor isnt just baked in the Valley.Our women abroad carry the sweet tradition forward, baking it in their home ovens. One often misses Kashmiri bread, especially Chochvor outside, because it symbolizes Kashmiriyat. It is our identity, and happens to be a significant part of Kashmiri culture. As far as the other kinds of local bread, Chochvor is the crown. It is everyone's favorite, says Dr Rafiq Masoodi, noted writer, erstwhile secretary, cultural academy & ADG Doordarshan. Come; lets pass on our age-old flavors and keep the tradition of baking bread that ties us to our culinary heritage. (The author is an educator and can be reached at: manzurakash@yahoo.co.in )
Beyond Apples: Kashmir's Blueberry Opportunity
Few fruits have shaped the destiny of a region the way the apple has shaped Kashmir's. For decades, orchards stretching across the Valley have sustained an entire economy, providing employment, income and identity to hundreds of thousands of families. Yet this very success has bred a vulnerability of its own. A warming climate, shrinking and increasingly degraded land, rising input and labour costs and a market that swings between glut and scarcity have all combined to remind growers and planners alike that an economy built around a single crop is an economy perpetually at risk. The search for alternatives that can sit alongside, not replace the apple, has therefore become urgent. Among the contenders, one small, dark fruit is quietly making a strong case for itself: the blueberry. Turning a Soil Constraint Into an Opportunity Apples do best in soils that are neutral in pH, precisely the conditions that define most of Kashmir's traditional orchard belts. Blueberries, by contrast, are unusually adapted to acidic conditions and require soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, a range that is unsuitable for many conventional fruit crops. This apparent limitation is, in fact, a major opportunity for Kashmir. The Valley contains substantial areas of acidic and degraded lands, including certain Karewa uplands, brick-kiln-affected sites, eroded hill slopes, and other marginal lands with poor soil fertility and low suitability for traditional horticultural crops. Many of these areas remain underutilised or are left fallow because crops such as apple perform poorly under such conditions. Blueberry cultivation offers a unique opportunity to bring these lands into productive use. By exploiting the crop's natural adaptation to acidic soils, these otherwise unproductive areas can be transformed into economically viable horticultural enterprises, thereby expanding Kashmir's horticultural area without competing with the prime agricultural lands already devoted to apple production. A Small Fruit with an Outsized Market What makes the proposition genuinely attractive is the blueberry's standing in the global marketplace. Marketed worldwide as a superfood on account of its rich antioxidant, anthocyanin and vitamin content and linked to benefits ranging from better heart health to sharper cognitive function, the blueberry has ridden the global wellness wave to become one of the most sought-after fruits on supermarket shelves. The numbers reflect this appetite. The global blueberry market, valued at well over three billion dollars in 2025, is projected to nearly double within a decade, while worldwide production crossed two million tonnes for the first time only recently. India's own import bills for the fruit have risen sharply over the past year, a clear sign that domestic demand is racing ahead of domestic supply. For Kashmiri growers, this gap represents an opening: fresh blueberries routinely command prices well above those of conventional fruit, and the potential rewards multiply further when linked to organised retail, the hospitality sector and processing units producing jams, juices and dried berries. Easier on the Farmer, Kinder to the Land Beyond economics, blueberries bring agronomic advantages that matter in a Valley where farm labour is becoming scarcer and costlier by the year. Unlike apple trees, which demand intensive pruning, canopy management and elaborate training systems through much of the growing season, blueberry bushes are naturally compact and far less labour-intensive to maintain. Once established, they ask for comparatively modest care, a quality that could make them especially attractive to smallholders and to families where younger members are increasingly reluctant to take up the demanding routines of traditional orchard work. Two Roads Into Cultivation Kashmir's geography offers growers more than one way in. Where field soils are unsuitable, blueberries can be grown in grow bags or containers filled with specially prepared acidic media; a method that has gained popularity worldwide precisely because it allows precise control over soil acidity, drainage and nutrition, sidestepping the limitations of native soil altogether. Where naturally acidic mountain soils already exist in the upland regions, direct field planting becomes a real possibility. Combined with the Valley's temperate climate, its reliable winter chilling essential for the plant's fruiting cycle and access to irrigation water, several upland pockets could emerge as genuine commercial cultivation zones, not merely experimental plots. Getting the Basics Right None of this potential will be realised without attention to fundamentals. Healthy, true-to-type planting material from reputable nurseries is the starting point; poor-quality stock, whether from seeds or unreliable sellers, can doom a plantation before it begins. Growing media rich in organic matter like pine bark, peat moss, cocopeat and similar acidic substrates need to be incorporated to recreate the conditions blueberries demand. Mulching helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds and stabilise root-zone temperatures, while regular irrigation is non-negotiable given the plant's notably shallow root system, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Planting more than one compatible variety, even where some cultivars are self-fertile, can noticeably improve pollination, fruit set and berry size, details that, taken together, separate a thriving plantation from a struggling one. Comparative Advantage of Blueberry Cultivation Blueberries possess significant comparative advantages as a high-value fruit crop for Kashmir. Under suitable management, blueberry plants start bearing fruit in the second year after planting, producing approximately 0.5 kg of berries per plant. As the plants attain full bearing at around 45 years of age, yields can increase to 2-3 kg per plant. The plants can be spaced at 0.7 m x 1.5 m accounting for approximately 482 plants/kanal (9500 plants/ha), keeping a minimum yield of 1-1.5 kg/ plant, we could harvest around 14000 kg/ha. With a modest farm gate price of Rs 1000/kg, we are looking for a revenue of more than a 50 lakh/ha. Financial Feasibility and Initial Costs Blueberry is emerging as a promising alternative fruit crop in Kashmir, particularly as growers seek diversification beyond traditional apple cultivation. Several private companies and progressive farmers have already started commercial blueberry plantations in the valley, indicating increasing interest in the crop. While rabbiteye blueberries are predominantly cultivated in many parts of India due to their lower chilling requirements, they generally produce lower yields and are considered inferior in flavour and fruit quality compared to highbush blueberries. In contrast, Kashmir's temperate climate provides adequate winter chilling required for highbush blueberry cultivars, enabling their successful cultivation. Highbush blueberries are known for their superior taste, higher yields, larger berry size and greater antioxidant content, making them more desirable in both domestic and premium markets. These favourable agro-climatic conditions, coupled with the crop's high market value and nutritional benefits, make blueberry an excellent candidate for large-scale cultivation and commercialisation in Kashmir. Recognizing its potential, SKUAST-K has initiated research on blueberry cultivation and performance under Kashmir conditions. Three highbush blueberry cultivars: Spartan, Liberty, and Toro have been evaluated and have shown promising growth, adaptability and yield performance. Furthermore, the university is currently undertaking a project on the establishment of a Smart Blueberry Farm to develop advanced production technologies and demonstrate the crop's commercial viability. The initial establishment cost of a blueberry farm is relatively high, primarily due to the cost of planting material. At present, each blueberry plant costs approximately 600, although this price is expected to decrease in the future as domestic production and availability improve. With a planting density of approximately 400 plants per kanal at a spacing of 2.5 ft 5 ft, the total expenditure on planting material is about 240,000. In addition, the cultivation system requires grow bags and cocopeat, costing around 100 per grow bag and 100 worth of cocopeat per bag, resulting in an additional 80,000 (40,000 for grow bags and 40,000 for cocopeat). Thus, the combined cost of plants, grow bags, and cocopeat is approximately 320,000 per kanal. Furthermore, the installation of a drip irrigation system is estimated at 10,000 per kanal, while another 10,000 should be allocated for miscellaneous activities such as site preparation, planting, and other establishment expenses. Therefore, the overall initial investment required to establish a one-kanal blueberry farm is approximately 340,000. A Complement, Not a Competitor It would be a mistake to frame this as apples versus blueberries. The case for the blueberry rests precisely on its ability to thrive where apples cannot-on acidic, degraded and non-traditional land that currently contributes little to the horticultural economy. Used this way, blueberries do not compete with the apple sector for land, water or attention; they expand the productive base around it, giving farmers an additional, high-value income stream and the Valley's horticulture a measure of resilience it currently lacks. Realising this, however, will take more than enthusiasm. It calls for sustained research support from institutions such as SKUAST-Kashmir to identify and popularise cultivars suited to local conditions, reliable access to quality planting material, structured training for farmers willing to experiment with a crop most have never grown and market linkages that ensure the premium the fruit commands abroad and in metropolitan India also reaches the grower in the Valley. Existing schemes for horticultural diversification and irrigation support could be steered, with some intent, toward exactly this kind of initiative. The story of Kashmir's apple economy was written over decades through vision, experimentation and the willingness of farmers to adapt. The blueberry, small as it is, may be offering the Valley a chance to write a new chapter in that same tradition one berry at a time. (The author is Head, Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-K. Feedback: ashaqpandit@gmail.com)
