Bengalurus The Counterpoint Crew presents Dakshin Diaries at Alliance Franaise de Bangalore
A Cappella ensemble The Counterpoint Crew recently brought a multi-lingual musical experience to the stage with songs in various languages
Three polio workers abducted during vaccination campaign in northwestern Pakistan
The gunmen took the three workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Tank district to an undisclosed location after abducting them. The abducted workers were identified as Mir Janan, Ikram and Khanzala, says police
Sub-inspector shoots at history-sheeter for attacking him during escape bid in Vellore
Sub-inspector Raja and suspect Poovarasan were admitted to Government Taluk Hospital in Gudiyatham town
Japan Open badminton: Gayatri-Treesa pair advances; Dhruv-Radhika combo bows out
The men's doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun made it to the next round
Sonia Gandhi trying to justify Emergency, memoir should've been named Whitewashing: BJP
The comments from the ruling party came on the day Sonia Gandhis memoir was released, in which she weighed in on the Emergency imposed in the country in 1975 and called it a mistake
Academy of Music Chowdiah Utsava 2026 to offer visitors more than a melodious experience
The Academy of Music will unveil its annual fiveday music festival of classical music, heritage events, food stalls and craft from November 11 to 15
The bare necessities: Exploring Pench, Rukhad and Kanha at Jungle Camps India
Across lodges at Pench, Kanha and Rukhad, Jungle Camps India offers a chance to look beyond Rudyard Kiplings imagination and into the living forests of Madhya Pradesh
How Indias only opera house became a hub for diverse cultural activities
Built in 1916, the Royal Opera House fell into neglect before being restored in 2016. A decade later, Mumbais historic landmark is looking towards a new phase of artistic engagement.
New Vice-Chancellor appointed for Indian Maritime University
The duo behind DCs latest cinematic reboot will leave their executive positions in December, returning to full-time creative work while Latcham assumes control of the studios film, television and animation slate
DMK MP Jagathrakshakan, son Sundeep Anand of TVK move Madras High Court over 161.12-crore FEMA case
They have challenged seizure of properties worth 45.34 crore in India in connection with a company incorporated in Singapore
DMK MP Jagathrakshakan, son Sundeep Anand of TVK move Madras High Court over 161.12-crore FEMA case
They have challenged seizure of properties worth 45.34 crore in India in connection with a company incorporated in Singapore
Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky launches bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Thomas Massie, who was defeated by a Trump-backed challenger in a primary earlier this year, said Pete Hegseth's actions amounted to high crimes and misdemeanors
Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky launches bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Thomas Massie, who was defeated by a Trump-backed challenger in a primary earlier this year, said Pete Hegseth's actions amounted to high crimes and misdemeanors
FDA adds rare vision-loss warning to popular obesity, diabetes drugs
The eye condition, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, can cause significant vision loss and has been reported with all GLP-1 drugs,
Tool developed to test teachers knowledge of inclusive education
Nagaland University researchers say the 50-item achievement test is designed to improve teaching practices for children with learning needs
Tool developed to test teachers knowledge of inclusive education
Nagaland University researchers say the 50-item achievement test is designed to improve teaching practices for children with learning needs
Adnans mortal remains reach Srinagar, being taken to Sopore for last rites
Srinagar, Nov 10: The mortal remains of Kashmiri MBBS student Adnan Altaf Rathar, who died in Bangladesh on November 4, reached Srinagar Airport on Tuesday morning, sources said. Sources said that the mortal remains arrived at Srinagar Airport this morning and are being taken to his native village in Sopore area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district for last rites. An ambulance was arranged at the airport for the onward transportation of the mortal remains to Sopore. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said Adnans last rites are scheduled to be performed around 11:15 am. The association also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his Advisor Nasir Sogami for their timely intervention and for ensuring necessary arrangements, including an ambulance and logistical support, to facilitate the transportation of the mortal remains from Srinagar Airport to the familys native place. Adnan, a resident of Sopore, was pursuing MBBS in Bangladesh, where he died on November 4. His mortal remains were brought to New Delhi on Monday evening and flown to Srinagar on Tuesday morning.(KNO)
Odisha: 4 held for 'scuffle' with police personnel during Diwali celebrations in Cuttack
The incident took place when a group of people were bursting firecrackers in Nayasadak area
PWD entrusted with supervision of Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel road project in Keralam
Under new directive, Superintending Engineer of PWD (Roads), Kozhikode North Circle, and Executive Engineers of PWD (Roads) for Kozhikode and Wayanad will directly monitor construction activities. Construction work at all tunnel portals has been temporarily suspended by the government following the debris slip at Kalladi in July
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe first Test yields more than 1,500 runs, ends in draw
At the age of 41, Ervine scored his first test double hundred and was unbeaten on 206 as Zimbabwe chose not to declare on an unresponsive pitch
NCW receives 1.5 lakh complaints annually, domestic violence tops list: Vijaya Rahatkar
No woman should feel that she could not approach the NCW simply because she did not know how to file a complaint, Vijaya Rahatkar
China says 2026 trade surplus surpassed $1 trillion in October
Exports from the world's second-largest economy have surged in recent months, driven in part by soaring global demand for artificial intelligence-related products including computer chips, data centre servers and networking equipment
What is the bar licence controversy in Keralam | Explained
Congress-led UDF govt in Keralam has barred the issuance of new liquor licences, including bars and wine and beer parlours, until a formal alcohol policy is unveiled, a move that follows the removal of Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao. Excise Minister M. Liju has signaled a review of licence-granting procedures
Supreme Court Government Employee Suspension Rule: 48-Hour Custody Triggers Automatic Suspension
New Delhi, November 10: Supreme Court Government Employee Suspension rules provide that a Central Government employee detained in police or judicial custody for more than 48 hours is automatically deemed suspended from the date of detention under Rule 10(2) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965. In a landmark judgment delivered [] The post Supreme Court Government Employee Suspension Rule: 48-Hour Custody Triggers Automatic Suspension appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
How do tokamaks work to make nuclear fusion possible?
A tokamak uses magnetic fields to confine superhot plasma to enable nuclear fusion; despite advances in research, engineering challenges remain, and no tokamak has generated net energy for commercial power
Strait of Hormuz LNG traffic hits highest in October since Iran war began
October exports were the highest since February when the war started and were up from Septembers corresponding tally of 23 vessels exiting the strait
Made To Wait At Temple, Devotees Throw Slippers At Screen Showing DK Shivakumar Praying
Videos of the brief protest including some people throwing slippers have been shared widely on social media
Deepavali celebrations: Over 200 cases registered in Delhi for violating firecracker time limits
Man Posing as CID Officer Dupes People of Lakhs; EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet
Srinagar, Nov 10: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in case FIR No. 24/2023 under Sections 420 and 468 IPC before the Hon'ble Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar, against Ghulam Hassan Dar S/o Mohammad Yousuf Dar R/o Dhobi Ghat, Hazratbal. The case was registered on the basis of a written complaint alleging that the accused impersonated a CID officer posted at Delhi and fraudulently induced people by promising government favours. The accused individual assured the transfer of an employee of the Railway Department from Uttarakhand to Srinagar. The accused also promised to secure an appointment as a Nursing Orderly in the Health Department and provided fake appointment orders and a forged deputation letter to the victim. In the process, the accused cheated and duped lakhs of sums. During the course of investigation, the allegations were substantiated. Accordingly, the investigation was concluded as proved, and the chargesheet has been filed before the Hon'ble Court of Law in absentia under Section 512 CrPC, as the accused is absconding, for judicial determination. SSP EOW Kashmir advises the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming officialconnections and never pay money for government jobs or transfers through unauthorized channels. Report any such fraudulent activity to EOW Kashmir.
BJP wave incoming? More MLAs, MDCs keen on joining State Prez says
Shillong, Nov 9: Several sitting MLAs and MDCs in Meghalaya have approached the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with the intention of joining it, state party president Rikman Momin has said. However, Momin said that a decision on their joining will be taken after a crucial meeting on November 15 with central party leaders. The BJPs [] The post BJP wave incoming? More MLAs, MDCs keen on joining State Prez says first appeared on Highland Post .
Telangana Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor Accused Of Sexual Harassment
The assistant professor on November 7 held a press conference and alleged that Vice-Chancellor made inappropriate personal remarks, pressured her to leave her husband working abroad and subsequently transferred her to Nizamabad after she refused his alleged advances.
KJDSTA to strike from Wednesday over Govt
Shillong, Nov 9: The teachers of the Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA) on Monday announced an indefinite strike, due to the failure of the state government to implement their demands. Speaking to media at the Shillong Press Club, Boswell Pala, KJDSTA president, said the association has taken this decision because the state government [] The post KJDSTA to strike from Wednesday over Govts failure to implement demands first appeared on Highland Post .
KSU lodges FIR into Daistong confrontation
Shillong, Nov 9: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has lodged an FIR with the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills over an incident that allegedly took place on November 7 near the Shree Cement plant in the Daistong area . The FIR was filed by Shining Kharbihkhiew, the KSUs environment secretary. According to the [] The post KSU lodges FIR into Daistong confrontation first appeared on Highland Post .
Why has NMC cautioned students against unauthorised medical colleges? | Explained
The advisory warns that misleading advertisements, websites, social media promotions, unauthorised admission offers and false representations by institutions or agents could leave students and their families vulnerable to fraud
City lawyer says grandson not victim of accidental drug overdose but murder
Shillong, Nov 9: Advocate VK Jindal, grandfather of 16-year-old Ekansh Jindal, has claimed that his grandson was murdered by being administered an overdose of drugs and urged the police to investigate a wider network allegedly involved in supplying narcotics to schoolchildren in Meghalaya. Addressing the media, Jindal said the circumstances surrounding Ekanshs death on March [] The post City lawyer says grandson not victim of accidental drug overdose but murder first appeared on Highland Post .
Anthropic launches Fable 5.2 and Mythos 5.2 ahead of IPO
The new models, Fable 5.2 and Mythos 5.2, can perform up to 30 percent faster than previous versions, per Anthropic
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh and the Shillong Ropeway Project in Meghalaya are very different in scale, yet the concerns raised by the tribal communities affected by them are strikingly similar. The Siang project is an 11.2-GW mega project conceived as a strategic response to Chinas aggressive development of a 60-GW mega-dam [] The post Two Projects, One Fear first appeared on Highland Post .
Why is rural internet connectivity hard to expand? | Explained
The past few years have seen a major, but not total, reduction in the lack of internet connectivity in rural areas. Why is it hard to make access more universal?
The Contribution of Wetlands towards Sustainable Agriculture
By Pukhram Bhumita, Dwipendra Thakuria & Anupam Mishra Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, serving as natural reservoirs of water, biodiversity, nutrients and food. They regulate floods, recharge groundwater, store carbon, support fisheries and provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Their contribution to agriculture extends beyond water availability: wetlands sustain [] The post The Contribution of Wetlands towards Sustainable Agriculture first appeared on Highland Post .
Mystery of a missing sewage treatment plant tells the tale of the lake in Krishnakanth Park
Currently restricted to about three acres and divided into three separate ponds with interconnecting canals, the water body is now set to be increased to 12 acres
CSIR-CCMB team identifies potential new targets to fight Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge, as treatment requires a combination of antibiotics taken over several months and is becoming increasingly difficult due to the emergence of resistant strains
Popular cinematographer Shaji Kumar passes away
The death occurred at around 12.36 a.m. following cardiac failure, according to private hospital authorities in Kochi
Judge sets summer 2028 trial for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk
Utah District Judge Graf allocated 105 days for the trial, beginning with jury selection on June 21, 2028
An Asian rejection of unilateralism
Capacity building-cum-seed distribution program held at KVK Ganderbal
Srinagar, Nov 9: The Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), SKUAST-Kashmir, Rangreth, organised a one-day Capacity Building-cum-Seed Distribution Programme under HADP Project No. 1 (Development of Seed Chain) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ganderbal, to promote food, fodder and nutritional security in Jammu and Kashmir. The programme, titled A Step Towards Ensuring Food, Fodder and Nutritional Security in J&K, witnessed the participation of over 100 farmers from Nagbal and Behama. As part of the initiative, farmers were distributed free seed of SKUAST-Kashmir's released fodder oats variety SFO-1 to strengthen local seed systems and address the region's fodder deficit. Dr. M. Ashraf Bhat, Associate Director Research, DARS, Rangreth, and Principal Investigator of the project, coordinated the programme along with Dr. Mehfuza Habib and Dr. Sabina Naseer. On the occasion, Dr. Sabina highlighted the role of improved fodder varieties in addressing Jammu and Kashmir's estimated 4045 per cent fodder deficit. She noted that the shortage of green fodder, particularly during winter, remains a major constraint to livestock productivity. Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Malik, Programme Coordinator, KVK Srinagar, emphasised the importance of quality seed in improving fodder productivity and livestock nutrition. He highlighted the potential of SFO-1 and stressed the adoption of improved agricultural practices, timely seed availability and farmer-oriented extension interventions. Dr. Mehfuza sensitised farmers about the suitability of oats to the region's temperate agro-climatic conditions. She highlighted its high biomass production, nutritional value and suitability for green fodder, hay and silage, making it an important crop for ensuring year-round livestock feed availability. The programme provided a platform for farmer capacity building and access to quality fodder seed. The initiative is expected to contribute towards reducing the fodder deficit, improving livestock nutrition and strengthening food and nutritional security in the region.
DC Shopian stresses zero-tolerance against encroachments
Shopian, Nov 9: In a major push toward transparent governance and robust public service delivery, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Charandeep Singh, chaired a comprehensive revenue meeting at the Mini-Secretariat, Shopian on Sunday. The meeting focused on evaluating the functioning of the Revenue Department, tightening administrative accountability and accelerating key field-level initiatives across the district. Taking a firm stance against land grabbing, the DC issued clear instructions to Tehsildars to initiate immediate, aggressive anti-encroachment drives targeting Khacharie and State land. Emphasizing a strict zero-tolerance policy, the Deputy Commissioner directed that illegal encroachments be handled with utmost seriousness to guarantee the prompt retrieval of all occupied state and Kahcharie land. The meeting also featured a thorough operational review of field personnel, including Lumberdars and Chowkidars. Directing these officials to execute their duties with unyielding dedication, the Deputy Commissioner ordered the immediate submission of comprehensive work verification and performance reports to ensure absolute accountability at the grassroots level. Prioritizing public relief, the DC closely examined pending migrant grievances. He stressed the necessity for speedy, high-quality and priority disposal of all such cases to ensure fair and timely justice for affected individuals. The Deputy Commissioner instructed all revenue officers to maintain seamless inter-departmental coordination, uphold complete transparency in land records management and treat the resolution of public grievances as a top administrative priority. Among others the meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz, ACR, Shakoor Ahmed Dar, SDM, Zainapora, Bilal Ahmed, Tehsildars, Naib-Tehsildars, Girdawars, Partwaris, Numberdars and Chowkidars.
DC Anantnag reviews progress of dev works
Anantnag, Nov 9: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, on Monday chaired a meeting to review the physical and financial progress of ongoing development works being executed across the district. During the meeting, a detailed sector-wise review was conducted regarding the status of various ongoing works, expenditure incurred, targets achieved and bottlenecks, if any, affecting the pace of execution. The Deputy Commissioner took stock of the progress of works being implemented by different departments and executing agencies and directed the concerned officers to closely monitor the pace and quality of works on the ground. He instructed all concerned to expedite the execution of ongoing works and ensure that the available working season is utilised to the maximum for completing works within the stipulated timelines. The DC stressed the need for effective inter-departmental coordination, timely resolution of bottlenecks and regular field inspections to ensure that projects are executed as per approved specifications and timelines. He further directed officers to maintain close monitoring of both physical and financial progress and ensure optimum utilisation of funds, while according due priority to projects having direct public benefit. The Deputy Commissioner called for a result-oriented approach and directed the executing agencies to work with greater coordination and commitment to achieve the set targets within the prescribed timelines.
DC Ganderbal chairs review meeting for upcoming JKSSB exam
Ganderbal, Nov 9: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shreya Singhal on Monday chaired a review meeting to ensure smooth, transparent, and successful conduct of upcoming JKSSB OMR-based written examination for the post of Accounts Assistant (Finance Department), scheduled for November 15, 2026. The meeting was attended by ADC Ganderbal, Dr. Syed Faheem A. Bihaqi, representatives from Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), Centre Superintendents, Observers, and appointed Magistrates. During the meeting, the ADC Ganderbal briefed the DC in detail on the administrative, operational, and security arrangements put in place. He outlined the specific roles, duties, and responsibilities assigned to Magistrates, Observers, and Centre Superintendents to maintain absolute integrity throughout the examination process. As part of the proceedings, specialized training was also organized for Centre Superintendents, conducted by Principal Govt Boys Higher Secondary School Kangan. Addressing the officers, the DC emphasized that although conducting such examinations is a regular administrative function, it remains an event of significant importance. She directed all deployed personnel to execute all guidelines and examination protocols in letter and spirit. The DC stressed the importance of maintaining a supportive, compassionate, and considerate approach toward candidates appearing for the exam, ensuring they face no unnecessary hassle or discomfort at the examination venues.
3 Workers Die After Inhaling Toxic Gas At Tata Electronics Plant In Tamil Nadu
According to the police, the three workers were engaged in cleaning a wastewater storage tank known as the Nano Filter (NF) Tank.
DLSA Srinagar celebrates Legal Services Day at ADR Centre
Srinagar, Nov 9: Under the directions of Naseer Ahmad Dar, Chairman DLSA (Principal District Sessions Judge), Srinagar and overall supervision of Secretary DLSA, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, organized week-long celebration through PLVs at their respective Free Legal Aid Clinics and Legal Literacy Clubs, culminating with the concluding ceremony on the eve of Legal Services Day at the ADR Centre, Srinagar. The concluding ceremony was attended by Secretary DLSA Srinagar, staff members and Para legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Srinagar. The concluding ceremony was inaugurated by Naseer Ahmad Dar, Chairman DLSA Srinagar, who delivered the special address, interacted with the PLVs and highlighted their significance in the discharge of legal services duties, with emphasis on the importance of free legal aid and the vital role played by Legal Services Institutions in ensuring access to justice for all. The Chairman also sensitized the participants about various modes of dispute resolution, including pre-litigation services, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. The week-long celebrations included organization of awareness programmes at Free Legal Aid Clinics and Legal Literacy Clubs, with the aim of sensitizing the general public about the legal aid services available to them through the distribution of pamphlets highlighting Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The Para Legal Volunteers along with Panel Lawyers also marked the day by organizing a rally from the ADR Centre to the Main Gate of the District Court Complex and also distributed pamphlets among the general public at the entrance of the court premises to create awareness about eligibility for free legal aid. Furthermore, on the conclusion of legal services week the Chairman also dedicated water dispensers to the ADR Centre and the Creche at District Court Complex, Srinagar, as an initiative to strengthen basic facilities and provide essential amenities. The Annual Report Card of the DLSA Srinagar was also released to highlight the work done by the Authority in dispensation of Legal Services during the current year. The celebration highlighted the commitment of DLSA Srinagar towards spreading legal awareness, promoting access to justice and ensuring that free legal services reach the weaker and disadvantaged sections ofsociety.
Six injured as speeding BEST bus triggers multi-vehicle pile-up at Wadala traffic signal
Police moved the damaged vehicles to the roadside to restore normal flow of traffic at the junction
SKUAST-K establishes Kashmiri Faverolla conservation centre in Budgam
Srinagar, Nov 9: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has established an Institutional Kashmiri Faverolla Conservation-cum-Demonstration Centre at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam and distributed elite germplasm to 13 farmers to establish community-based conservation and multiplication units. The initiative was launched during an awareness and field assessment programme held on November 6 at Haran and Watrehal villages of Budgam district. It was organised by Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, in collaboration with KVK Budgam under the ICARNBAGR Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources. The centre at KVK Budgam will facilitate scientific conservation, breeding, maintenance and multiplication of the indigenous poultry breed. It will also serve as a demonstration and training facility for promoting improved backyard poultry management. As part of the community-based initiative, 13 units of elite Kashmiri Faverolla germplasm were distributed among progressive poultry farmers at Watrehal. The farmers will establish decentralised conservation and multiplication units, expanding the network for maintaining and disseminating quality indigenous germplasm. Prof. (Dr.) Syed Shahnaz Shafi, Professor and Head, Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, highlighted the importance of breed documentation, scientific selection and systematic breeding for conserving indigenous poultry genetic resources. She stressed coordinated institutional and community efforts for the sustained conservation of Kashmiri Faverolla. Prof. (Dr.) Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Head, KVK Budgam, highlighted the role of indigenous poultry in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and rural livelihood enhancement. He emphasised the role of KVKs in taking scientific technologies to farming communities. Dr. Shahid Ahmad Shergojry, Associate Professor-cum-Senior Scientist, Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, stressed the importance of breeding records, selection of superior birds and scientific multiplication practices. Dr. Kavita Rani, Animal Scientist, KVK Budgam, highlighted the breed's potential in backyard poultry production and its adaptation to regional agro-climatic conditions. The programme also included field surveys and farmer interactions to assess existing poultry resources, identify conservation challenges and explore opportunities for their improvement. The initiative is expected to strengthen the conservation of Kashmiri Faverolla, expand the availability of quality indigenous germplasm and promote backyard poultry-based livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
J&K to transform silk sector, retain value addition
Srinagar, Nov 9: Jammu and Kashmir is seeking to restructure its traditional silk industry by expanding local processing capacity and attracting private investment, as the Union Territory continues to sell a substantial portion of its annual cocoon production outside the region. The UT produces around 800 to 900 metric tonnes of cocoons annually, but only about 30 per cent of the output is consumed locally, while the remaining quantity is sold outside J&K. The government is now working to develop an integrated post-cocoon sector, with a focus on processing locally produced cocoons, strengthening the domestic market for growers and creating employment opportunities through activities ranging from reeling and twisting to dyeing and finished silk products. The proposed strategy envisages upgrading existing marketing infrastructure and establishing reeling, twisting and dyeing units, besides facilities for designing, printing and marketing silk fabrics and other products. Private-sector participation is being encouraged in phases, with the broader objective of processing the entire local cocoon production within the Union Territory. To facilitate investment, the proposed funding structure provides for an 80 per cent central subsidy and a 10 per cent state subsidy, with beneficiaries required to contribute the remaining 10 per cent towards eligible projects. Jammu and Kashmir has a long history of silk production and is known for its quality bivoltine silk. However, the sector underwent a major structural change in 1989 when it was demonopolised, opening cocoon reeling to private players and introducing an open auction system. Until 1988, Jammu and Kashmir Industries Limited's silk filatures were the sole purchasers and consumers of cocoons produced in the region. The existing infrastructure includes nine functional reeling units, six in Kashmir division and three in Jammu division. The UT also has 102 cocoon hot-air dryers, 11 cocoon auction market sheds and six warehouses. Among the recent private-sector initiatives is an automatic reeling unit established at Khonmoh in Srinagar district. The 200-end unit, operated by M/S Bombyx Mori Silks, processes around 600 kilograms of green cocoons daily and has an annual processing capacity of approximately 1.8 lakh kilograms. The government is also exploring additional processing capacity through new projects. An automatic reeling unit has been proposed in Jammu division under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), with site inspections completed in Udhampur and Jammu districts. In Kashmir division, a 120-end automatic reeling unit proposed in Anantnag district is under consideration by the Project Monitoring Committee. To strengthen market liquidity and encourage local reeling units to procure cocoons, the Cocoon Bank Revolving Fund has been enhanced to Rs 3.50 crore. Government silk filatures in Jammu and Srinagar have also recently become operational, adding to the existing processing infrastructure. In a move aimed at improving returns to cocoon growers, the minimum support price for commercial dry cocoons has been increased from Rs 510 to Rs 800 per kilogram. The highest bid recorded for silk cocoons during the current year was Rs 2,110 per kilogram. The government's proposed interventions also extend to downstream processing. Funding has been recommended for a silk digital printing machine worth Rs 165 lakh and a twisting unit aimed at converting raw silk yarn into finished textile yarn. The initiatives are intended to establish a more integrated value chain connecting cocoon growers with processing units and finished-product manufacturers, allowing a greater share of the economic value generated by the silk industry to remain within Jammu and Kashmir.
El Nino Watch: the impacts around the world this week
Experts say it could help make 2027 the hottest year on record
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to part ways with wife, Anna Lezhneva
In a joint statement, the couple said that, after sharing a significant part of their lives together, they had decided to separate
Heat-trapping carbon pollution drops, but scientists cite Iran war rather than energy progress
In 2026, the world emitted 42.2 billion tonne of heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. It's a 0.4% decrease from last year, according to the scientists of the Global Carbon Project
How AI is reshaping Chinas universities
AI disruption and a tightening job market are driving a sweeping change across Chinas universities; under the governments guideline on the reform of higher education institutions, universities will now be tasked with specific goals, pursuing either research, application-oriented objectives, or skills development
Pope meets survivors of clergy abuse in Argentina as it reckons with legacy and ongoing cases
The Vatican said Pope Leo spent about an hour meeting individually, and then as a group, with five victims of abuse by clergy and church institutions who were chosen by the local church
Review | Elizabeth Strouts TheThings We Never Say is an elegy for the ordinary
The Pulitzer-winning author crafts another quietly moving novel about grief, kindness and human connection
The novel expands the canon of queer literature while confronting the violent legacies of homophobia and colonialism
History is mostly artifice: Rebecca Perry, author of Booker-shortlisted May We Feed the King
How much of history is curation, and can the past ever be fully known, asks Perry with her novel
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Kochi Corporation plans water security assessment to strengthen citys resilience
The project, which will be implemented with technical support from the Kerala Water Authority, is expected to be completed in six months
Demand grows for alternative greenfield road corridors to Infopark in Kochi
IT professionals flag safety concerns over narrow, potholed roads and traffic snarls, and call for parallel roads through vacant plots to improve connectivity to Infopark
35-Year-Old Man Stabbed To Death In Broad Daylight In Delhi: Cops
The incident took place in Rohini Sector 10, near a Mall, falling under the jurisdiction of the Prashant Vihar police station, triggering panic among commuters and local shopkeepers.
Delhi To Get 11-Km Chhath Ghat, BJP Chief To Inaugurate It On November 12
The government says the new ghat will allow devotees from several neighbouring Assembly constituencies to offer prayers without having to travel long distances.
The unsung hands that build Asias largest tulip garden for just Rs 300 a day
Srinagar, Nov 09: Long before millions of vibrant tulips draw hundreds of thousands of tourists beneath the Zabarwan range each spring, Asias largest tulip garden is built by hand through an unyielding, eleven-month cycle of gruelling physical labour. Yet, the men orchestrating this world-renowned showcase do so on a daily wage of barely Rs 300 to Rs 311, remaining trapped in temporary status after decades of service. For Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Ishber in Nishat, the garden has consumed nearly half his life. He first walked into the grounds as a casual labourer in 1999. Twenty-eight years later, he is still working with the same casual designation, nursing the same hope for permanent employment as age slowly catches up with him. It has been 28 years, and we are still casual labourers, Ahmad said, leaning on his tools during planting season. The government makes promises and attempts to address it, but nothing has materialised for us. We are getting older, our strength is waning, and day by day, family expenses are mounting. Most of us have two or three children to feed. All we ask is that the government establishes our base and regularises our services. The visual spectacle that captivates visitors for just four weeks in April demands round-the-clock stewardship through freezing winters and scorching summers. The soil requires constant tilling, beds must be levelled, drainage canals carved, and sand, manure, and fertilisers blended into the earth. Between November and December, labourers plant thousands of bulbs by hand across hundreds of bedscalibrating anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 bulbs per plot depending on length. The work requires specialised technique rather than mere brute strength; bulbs must be buried roughly four inches deep to survive frost, prevent rot, and avoid being scavenged by animals. Once winter passes, labourers tend the shoots through March, irrigating the beds and conducting careful hoeing and weeding. The harvest period following the spring exhibition is equally delicate. Workers must excavate hundreds of thousands of domestic bulbs using hand tools (rambi) without slicing or bruising the fragile stock, which is then dried and stored for months until the next cycle begins. An ordinary person cannot simply walk in and plant these, Ahmad explained. Digging out and preserving the bulbs requires immense focus and precision. If you strike wrong with a spade, the crop is ruined. Over decades, guided by our officers and supervisors, we have turned into seasoned experts. Despite the stark disparity between their specialised skill and stagnant daily wages, Ahmad insists the workforce has never compromised on their dedication. We dont sit back and think, 'We only get Rs 300 or Rs 311 a day, so why pour our hearts into it?' Never, he said. We work with complete devotion and love for this garden throughout all twelve months. But we need a lifeline. We have waited decades, and we urge the administration to finally take concrete steps to secure our future.
Class 10-12 results by Jan 10: JKBOSE
Srinagar, Nov 09: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is targeting January 10, 2027, for the declaration of annual examination results for classes 10, 11 and 12, Secretary JKBOSE Sheikh Ghulam Hassan said on Monday. Speaking about the ongoing examinations, Hassan said the examination process was progressing smoothly across the region, with minor grievances being addressed promptly. He said the major papers for classes 10 and 12 had largely been completed, with only a few additional and vocational subject examinations remaining. Examinations for Class 11 students across Science, Arts, Home Science and Commerce streams have also commenced. Addressing concerns over heating arrangements at examination centres, the Secretary said favourable weather conditions and the expected completion of examinations within the next 8 to 10 days had reduced the need for heating facilities. He also pointed out that arranging heating devices at more than 2,600 examination centres would be difficult and could pose safety risks, including gas leaks. Referring to last year's result declaration timeline, Hassan said the board was aiming to announce the results by January 10, 2027, after completing practical and vocational examinations. He expressed confidence that the board would complete the process within the targeted timeline.
Return of patriarch: Farooq steps in as NC old guard reasserts influence to check Omar
India gets 1.75 lakh quota for Haj-2027
Jeddah, Nov 09: India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj-2027 in Jeddah, with the country quota for India confirmed at 1,75,025 pilgrims. The agreement was signed following a bilateral meeting between Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Jeddah Superdome. The Ambassador of India to KSA and the Joint Secretary (Haj) participated in the discussions on arrangements for Haj-2027. The ministers reviewed the ongoing preparations for Haj-2027, discussed measures to strengthen bilateral coordination and logistical support, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for each and every Indian Haj pilgrim. Noting that the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia rests on long-standing historical ties and deep people-to-people links, the Ministers reaffirmed the spirit of collaboration in ensuring a successful and comfortable Haj experience for every Indian pilgrim. Rijiju appreciated the successful conduct of Haj-2026 and assured the Saudi side of India's full cooperation for the successful conduct of Haj-2027. Rijiju is on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 6 to 9. The Indian delegation included the Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the CEO, Haj Committee of India. On November 8, the Union Minister attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and participated in the Ministerial Conference chaired by Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. He conveyed India's appreciation for the Saudi leadership's continued commitment to pilgrims' welfare and reaffirmed India's commitment to close bilateral cooperation for Haj-2027. He also joined visiting Ministers in an interaction with HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region. During the visit, Rijiju attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House, Jeddah, where he interacted with members of the Indian community and officials. He appreciated the Indian diaspora's contribution in strengthening ties between the two nations and commended their role as a living bridge of friendship and goodwill between India and Saudi Arabia. The minister also chaired a review meeting with officials of the Consulate General of India, Ministry of Minority Affairs and Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for Haj-2027. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders and urged continued close coordination to ensure the comfort and welfare of Indian pilgrims. He also visited key Haj-related and cultural sites in Jeddah. The visit, officials said, marks a further strengthening of the longstanding India-Saudi Arabia partnership, reaffirming the shared commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation in Haj management, pilgrims' welfare, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
Jammu Warehouse Market Fire : LG, CM express grief, direct immediate relief
Jammu, Nov 09: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed deep grief over the devastating fire incident in the Warehouse area near Bikram Chowk in Jammu, directing officials to ensure immediate and comprehensive relief to all those affected. Several shops were gutted in a major blaze late Sunday night at the historic market in the Bikram Chowk area. The market, one of the oldest commercial hubs of Jammu, is known for wholesale trade in foodgrains, edible oil, essential commodities and other daily-use items. I am deeply saddened by the devastating fire incident at Warehouse, Jammu. I reviewed the situation last night and spoke with senior officials today, directing them to ensure immediate and comprehensive relief for all those affected, the Lieutenant Governor said on X. He also extended his heartfelt sympathies to the business community and traders who suffered losses in the incident, wishing them strength during this difficult time and assuring all possible assistance. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to all those affected and directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief and extend all necessary assistance to the affected persons. He also instructed the administration to undertake a thorough assessment of the damage and take appropriate measures to address the needs of those affected. A massive fire broke out at the Warehouse near Bikram Chowk on Sunday evening, spreading to several adjoining structures, including business establishments. This is the second major fire incident in Jammu in a little over a fortnight, resulting in the gutting of two major marketplaces in the winter capital. A massive fire broke out at Shiv Market on the night of October 25 and continued till the morning of the next day, engulfing at least 40 shops and destroying property worth crores of rupees.
Trinamool MLA Paresh Ram Das arrested on charges of rape and extortion
Several leaders of the Trinamool Congress have been arrested after the BJP came to power in May 2026, which includes five former Ministers
LG highlights dev under PM Modi's leadership
Jammu, Nov 09: Commending the developmental progress achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday highlighted historic transformation in connectivity, education, healthcare, digital infrastructure and local economic activities such as homestays, organic farming, handicrafts, tourism and start-ups in Uttarakhand. He was speaking at the celebration of the 26th Foundation Day of Uttarakhand at Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan, where he extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the State, saying the day celebrates the rich cultural, spiritual and civilisational heritage of Uttarakhand. The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalling his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment that led to the creation of Uttarakhand. He noted that Vajpayee understood the long-standing aspirations of the people of the hill region and transformed them into reality. Describing Uttarakhand as Devbhoomi, Sinha said the State embodies India's spiritual consciousness through the grandeur of the Himalayas, the sacred flow of the Ganga and the rich traditions of faith and devotion. Referring to the revered shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, he said the pilgrimage of faith represents India's cultural continuity and civilisational values. In the caves of the Himalayas, our sages and seers kindled the light of knowledge. On its peaks, the tradition of austerity flourished, and in its valleys flowed the streams of devotion, compassion, and humanity. The Ganga and Yamuna flowing from Gangotri and Yamunotri, Badrinath dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Kedarnath, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, all are invaluable symbols of our faith, our cultural continuity, and our civilisational identity, he said. Sinha said the Ganga is not merely a river but a symbol of India's cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and life-giving values, urging the younger generation to recognise the importance of preserving its purity and uninterrupted flow as both an environmental and moral responsibility. Highlighting Uttarakhand's inclusive spiritual heritage, he said Hemkund Sahib, Gurudwara Meetha Reetha Sahib and the Mindrolling Monastery are symbols of harmony, coexistence and mutual respect among diverse faiths. The proclamation of our ancient Vedic tradition is 'Ekam sad vipra bahudha vadanti', truth is one and the wise describe it in many ways. I believe that this diversity of Uttarakhand tells us that India's strength lies in the coexistence, mutual respect, and harmony of its diverse faiths, he said. The LG also lauded Uttarakhand's contribution to literature, art, music and national service, describing the State as both Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi and expressing gratitude to the armed forces, veterans and families of brave soldiers from the region. He referred to the Garhwal style of painting, which developed in the seventeenth century, and to the popularity of Uttarakhand's folk songs in India and abroad. Just as the Ganga and Yamuna, emerging from the soil of Uttarakhand, connect many regions and nourish India's public life, in the same way the cultural consciousness of 'Devbhoomi' binds the entire nation in a thread of emotional unity, the Lieutenant Governor said.
60 fire incidents in Jammu province in 24 hours
Jammu, Nov 09: Diwali celebrations turned into a challenging night for Fire and Emergency Services across Jammu Division, as a spate of fire incidents kept firefighters on their toes, with 60 emergencies reported within 24 hours, including 35 in Jammu district alone. From residential and commercial buildings to warehouses, marriage tents, dry grass and forest areas, the series of incidents placed considerable pressure on the department's operational machinery, requiring the simultaneous deployment of firefighting personnel and equipment at multiple locations. The situation was particularly demanding in Jammu district, where 16 fire incidents were reported within approximately five hours from 7 pm on November 8, including several major emergencies that required extensive firefighting operations. Anticipating the possibility of fire emergencies during Diwali, the department had made advance arrangements by strategically deploying fire tenders at Gole Market, Gandhi Nagar and Gangyal, besides keeping regular fire stations operational to ensure a swift response. One of the major incidents was reported at Pahari Mohalla around 8:37 pm, where a fire broke out in a five-storeyed residential-cum-commercial building. Four fire tenders from Gandhi Nagar and two from City Fire Station were immediately mobilised. The first units from City Fire Station reached the spot at 8:44 pm. With additional resources pressed into service, the deployment increased to seven fire tenders. The blaze was brought under control in approximately 45 minutes, followed by cooling operations. Barely 40 minutes later, another major emergency was reported at 9:18 pm at a warehouse-cum-shopping premises, where grocery and ration items, including cooking oil and ghee, were stored. The intensity of the blaze necessitated the mobilisation of 18 fire tenders from different fire stations and strategically stationed locations. Fire tenders positioned at Gole Market, Gandhi Nagar and Gangyal were also pressed into service. CCTV footage from the Smart City camera installed at Asian Hotel Crossing showed fire tenders proceeding towards the incident site at 9:38 pm, while three additional tenders reached within approximately ten minutes thereafter. After an intensive firefighting operation lasting around one-and-a-half hours, the blaze was brought under control. Approximately seven shops sustained damage, while several adjoining commercial establishments were saved from being engulfed. Cooling operations were subsequently undertaken to prevent any further spread or recurrence. Police, SDRF and the District Administration also assisted in the operation. Another fire broke out at Garden Estate around 10:28 pm, involving a marriage tent. Four fire tenders from the nearest available locations were immediately dispatched and reached the spot within seven to eight minutes. An additional tender from Bari Brahmana was also sent as reinforcement. The fire was brought under control in around 30 minutes. The series of emergencies continued late into the night, with another fire reported at Janta Medical Store, Shalimar, around 11:40 pm, involving the third floor of a four-storeyed building. The first fire tender reached the location at 11:46 pm, followed by additional units. A total of five fire tenders were deployed, and the blaze was brought under control in approximately half an hour, followed by cooling operations. Despite the unusually high volume of emergency calls and multiple simultaneous incidents, Fire and Emergency Services maintained its response across the division, with firefighters working through the festive night to contain the flames, protect lives and prevent further damage. Meanwhile, the department has rejected social media claims alleging a delay of approximately one-and-a-half hours in the arrival of firefighters at the warehouse fire site. Referring to official deployment records and CCTV footage, the department maintained that the emergency call was received at 9:18 pm, while footage from Asian Hotel Crossing showed fire tenders proceeding towards the location at 9:38 pm, with three additional tenders reaching approximately ten minutes later. The department said the available records did not substantiate allegations of a one-and-a-half-hour delay, urging media organisations and social media users to verify incident timelines with official sources before circulating such claims.
MOTHER TONGUE MUTED : Kashmiri loses its voice to Urdu, English in own homeland
Ranks third in proficiency behind Urdu, English Dominates home conversations Researchers caution sample limited to one village Srinagar, Nov 09: Kashmiri may continue to dominate conversations within households across the Valley, but a new sociolinguistic study from south Kashmirs Pulwama district has revealed a striking gap between the language people speak at home and their overall proficiency in it, with Urdu and English emerging ahead of the mother tongue. The study titled A Sociolinguistic Study of Language Proficiency among the Kashmiri Speech Community of Ratnipora, Pulwama, conducted by University of Kashmir research scholars S Shabrooz Andrabi and Ishrat Gul, has found that Urdu enjoys the highest overall proficiency among respondents, followed by English, while Kashmiri occupies the third position. Published in Aethel Research Digest Juncture, an International Journal, the research examined the self-reported language abilities of 60 native Kashmiri speakers from Ratnipora, Pulwama, across four languages Kashmiri, Urdu, English and Hindi. The respondents were assessed on four basic language skills: understanding, speaking, reading and writing. The findings raise important questions about the changing linguistic preferences of Kashmiri-speaking communities and the growing influence of languages associated with formal education, professional communication and wider social interaction. The researchers also conducted a Friedman statistical test, which established significant differences in proficiency across the four languages. The results suggest that respondents' command of different languages varies considerably despite belonging to the same Kashmiri-speaking community. One of the study's most significant observations is that Kashmiris dominance in the domestic sphere does not translate into comparable proficiency across formal language skills. While the mother tongue remains central to everyday household communication, Urdu and English appear to have stronger positions in education, reading, writing and wider communication, the study reveals. This distinction is particularly important for a language deeply intertwined with Kashmir's cultural identity, folklore, poetry and literary heritage. Citing the 2011 Census, the researchers note that approximately 6.8 million people reported Kashmiri as their mother tongue. Kashmiri is also among India's 22 Scheduled Languages and one of the five official languages of J&K, the study reads. The concern, therefore, is not that Kashmiris are learning additional languages, but whether the mother tongue is receiving adequate attention in reading, writing and formal learning, particularly among younger generations. Occupation also showed no significant relationship with Kashmiri proficiency. Business respondents recorded the highest mean score of 3.17, followed by students at 3.08, private employees at 3.04 and government employees at 3.00. The differences between occupational groups were statistically insignificant, it said. The findings offer a glimpse into the changing relationship between multilingualism, education and cultural identity in Kashmir. The growing presence of Urdu and English in classrooms, professional environments and public communication appears to coexist with Kashmiris continued importance in family conversations, the study notes. It points towards the need for greater emphasis on Kashmiri-language education, children's literature, reading habits and the use of the mother tongue in everyday family interactions. However, the researchers caution that their findings are based on a sample of 60 respondents from a single village and cannot be generalised to the entire Kashmiri-speaking population. Wider studies covering urban and rural communities across different districts would be required to establish whether the pattern holds across the Valley.
U.K. writer M. John Harrison wins Booker for AI-tinged apocalyptic novel
M. John Harrison, 81, became the oldest winner of the award, which comes with a 50,000 ($67,000) prize
Trump says U.S. military action against Iran not necessary at this point
At this point ... taking the military action doesnt seem to be a very necessary thing. But were locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes, Mr. Trump said
A Highway That Must Not Become a Death Trap
Two people are dead and several others injured after a Swift car struck a culvert wall near Shabanbass on the JammuSrinagar National Highway. The immediate facts are stark; the consequences are lasting. Families have lost loved ones, injured passengers are receiving treatment at Banihal Hospital, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Every fatal road accident is a human tragedy. But when deaths occur on a major highway, grief must be accompanied by serious questions about the conditions in which people travel. Was the vehicle moving too fast? Did road design, visibility, signage or the condition of the culvert contribute? Were there other circumstances that caused the driver to lose control? The available report does not answer these questions, and it would be wrong to guess. The investigation must establish the facts before responsibility is assigned. That investigation should be prompt, impartial and meaningful. Taking cognisance is a necessary first step, not an outcome. Authorities should examine the crash site, the vehicle and any other relevant evidence, then communicate their findings clearly. If the inquiry identifies a safety defect or negligence, corrective action must follow. If it finds other causes, those too should inform prevention. Without transparency, an investigation risks becoming a procedural formality, while the same hazards remain in place. NH-44 is a vital road connecting communities across Jammu and Kashmir. Its importance makes road safety a public responsibility, not merely a matter of individual caution. Drivers must obey speed limits and remain attentive, but safer travel also depends on road engineering, visible warnings, reliable maintenance and enforcement. Culverts, bends and other roadside structures need to be assessed for the risks they pose, especially where a vehicle leaving the carriageway could strike a solid obstruction. The injured passengers must receive timely care, while families of those killed deserve support and clear information. But the wider duty is to learn from this crash. Authorities should review safety conditions at the site and across comparable stretches of the highway, publish what the investigation establishes and act on any shortcomings. Two deaths are not just a statistic to be recorded and then left behind. They are a warning that must be examined with care. The measure of a response will be whether it brings the truth to grieving families and makes the road safer for everyone who must travel it.
When the Fire Service Arrives Too Late
A fire in a crowded commercial market is never only an accident to be mourned after the flames are out. It is also a test of how prepared the administration is to protect livelihoods, limit damage and respond when every minute matters. The blaze that gutted around 15 shops at Warehouse Nehru Market in Jammu on Sunday night has brought that test sharply into focus. The market is one of Jammus oldest commercial hubs, dealing in foodgrains, edible oil and other essentials. No one was injured, a relief for which there is reason to be grateful. But for the shopkeepers whose businesses were gutted, the loss is immediate and deeply personal. Their stock, investment and daily income may have gone up in smoke in a matter of hours. Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs direction to the district administration to provide immediate relief is therefore welcome. It must now translate quickly into practical assistance, with affected traders assessed fairly and without avoidable delay. Yet relief cannot be the only response. Warehouse Association president Deepak Gupta has alleged that the fire and emergency services arrived nearly 90 minutes after the outbreak, despite a fire station being about five minutes away. He says only two fire tenders reached the site. These are serious claims, but they remain allegations and must be established through an impartial inquiry. If the response was delayed, the public deserves to know why. If the department acted within its procedures, the timeline and decisions should be made clear. Accountability should not be reduced to an immediate demand for suspensions. Such action may be warranted if negligence is proven, but it must follow evidence, not substitute for it. Investigators should examine when the first call was received, when crews were dispatched, what equipment was available and whether access, staffing or other constraints hindered the response. The findings should be public, and any failures should lead to responsibility and corrective action. The incident also raises a wider question about fire safety in dense markets. Narrow lanes, closely packed shops and warehouses storing combustible goods can turn a small outbreak into a fast-moving disaster. Prevention requires more than fire engines: regular inspections, working alarms and extinguishers, clear emergency access and practical coordination between traders and responders. The government must support the affected shopkeepers now, while ensuring that the inquiry is prompt and credible. A fire can destroy businesses overnight; a weak response can also erode public trust. The measure of the administration will be not only how swiftly it offers sympathy, but whether it learns the truthand acts on it.
We live in a world where everyone seems to be winning. Someone is travelling the world, someone is building a thriving career, someone is celebrating a dream relationship, while someone else appears to have achieved everything we are still striving for. A few scrolls through social media, and suddenly our own lives seem less exciting, less successful and somehow less meaningful. Welcome to the comparison trapa silent race in which we measure our everyday realities against carefully curated versions of other people's lives. Social media has transformed the way we perceive ourselves. We no longer compare our lives merely with those around us; we measure them against thousands of strangers whose realities we barely know. We see their celebrations, not their disappointments; their achievements, not their struggles; their picture-perfect moments, not the imperfections cropped out of the frame. We compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel, forgetting that no one shares the entire story. The real problem is not someone else's success; it is our inability to celebrate it without questioning our own worth. Someone's promotion makes us feel inadequate. Someone's holiday makes our ordinary weekend seem insignificant. Someone's happiness makes us doubt our own. Gradually, we abandon our personal standards and begin measuring our worth against someone else's milestones. And the race has no finish line. There will always be someone richer, more successful, more attractive or more accomplished. Even our greatest achievements begin to look ordinary beside someone else's extraordinary moments. We become so preoccupied with what others possess that we lose sight of what we already have. In chasing more, we forget to value enough. The consequences run deeper than we realise. Comparison breeds insecurity, dissatisfaction and a persistent sense of inadequacy. We begin measuring our worth through likes, followers, appearances and public approval. Happiness becomes something to display rather than experience. We photograph moments instead of living them, seek applause instead of fulfilment, and chase validation from people who may not even know us. But when did happiness become a competition? Who decided that success must arrive at a certain age, that everyone must follow the same path, or that an ordinary life is somehow an inferior one? Life has no universal timetable. Some find success early; others take years to discover their purpose. Some aspire to extraordinary careers, while others find contentment in family, meaningful relationships or a peaceful existence. Not every victory makes headlines. Not every struggle is visible. And not every meaningful life needs an audience. This does not mean abandoning ambition or refusing to learn from others. There is a fundamental difference between inspiration and comparison. Inspiration fuels growth; comparison breeds inadequacy. One expands our sense of possibility, while the other diminishes our sense of self-worth. It is time to rediscover the value of our own lives. Celebrate small victories. Cherish quiet moments. Acknowledge personal growth. Stop treating someone else's timeline as a deadline for your own. A life is not successful because it looks impressive to others, but because it holds meaning for the person living it. The next time someone's achievement makes you feel left behind, remember this: you know the struggles behind your journey, but you see only the success in theirs. You carry the full weight of your reality while judging it against a carefully selected glimpse of theirs. Someone else's progress is not your failure. Their happiness is not your deprivation. Their success is not evidence of your shortcomings. The greatest freedom lies not in living a life others envy, but in building one you genuinely appreciate. Social media may show us a thousand beautiful gardens, but we must not become so consumed by admiring them that we forget to nurture our own. (The Author is a freelance Columnist and writes on various issues. He can be reached at: fidahumairawrite@gmail.com )
Six of family killed in fire at home above grocery store in Maharashtra
A boy, who was brought downstairs to safety by his parents before they went back in an effort to rescue the others, was the sole survivor
Beyound Incubation Centres: Kashmir Needs Cultural Entrepreneurs
Kashmir is in the middle of a startup moment. Incubation centres are opening in universities and government institutions. Entrepreneurship summits fill auditoriums, and young people are told that the path to prosperity runs through a pitch deck. This energy is welcome. After decades of uncertainty, it is good to see young Kashmiris willing to build something of their own. But we should be honest about what much of this activity produces. Many of the ventures emerging from our incubators are small variations on the same few ideas: another caf, another delivery app, another tour aggregator, another online store for products that already sell. Some will survive, and a few may grow. But it is hard to argue that they are changing what Kashmir believes about its own future. That, I want to argue, is the deeper task. Kashmir does not only need business entrepreneurs. It needs cultural entrepreneurs. What is a cultural entrepreneur? The term comes from the Noble Prize (2025) winning economic historian Joel Mokyr. In his book A Culture of Growth, Mokyr asks why Europe, and not some other part of the world, became the birthplace of modern economic growth. His answer is not coal, capital or colonies alone. It is culture. Between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, a small number of thinkers transformed what educated Europeans believed was possible. Figures such as Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton promoted the idea that nature could be understood systematically, knowledge could be applied to practical purposes, and the future could be better than the past. Mokyr describes such individuals as cultural entrepreneurs because, rather than selling products, they challenged existing beliefs and introduced new ideas that reshaped societys understanding of what was possible and desirable. He argues that most people tend to accept the prevailing beliefs and cultural choices of their society as given, whereas exceptional individuals actively seek to challenge and change them. In this sense, just as a business entrepreneur builds a company, a cultural entrepreneur transforms the ideas and values that determine what a society considers worth pursuing. The emergence of factories, inventions, and investment followed this broader transformation in cultural beliefs, suggesting that changes in how people thought about knowledge, progress, and innovation preceded and helped enable economic change. Kashmir has done this before Kashmir knows this better than most places. Tradition credits Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who arrived in the fourteenth century, with bringing artisans and crafts from Persia and Central Asia. In the fifteenth century, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, remembered as Budshah, actively patronised craftsmen, learning and new skills. Whatever the exact historical details, the outcome is not in doubt. Shawl weaving, carpet making, papier-mch and woodwork became the foundation of an economy and an identity that lasted for centuries. Kashmiri shawls were later prized in the courts of Europe. These were acts of cultural entrepreneurship. They changed what Kashmir valued, what its people learned, and what kind of economy they imagined. No incubation centre could have produced that. Why startups alone are not enough In my research on regional economic development, I study what scholars call regional imaginaries: the shared stories a place tells about what it is and where it is going. These stories matter enormously. They decide which ideas sound realistic and which sound naive. They decide where money flows, which careers young people choose, and whether talented people stay or leave. A region can have hundreds of startups and still have a narrow imagination. In fact, startups often reflect the existing imaginary rather than challenging it. If young Kashmiris believe that the only viable futures are tourism, government jobs or migration, their ventures will mostly circle around those same options. Incubators can polish business plans, but they cannot, on their own, widen the horizon of what people think is possible. That horizon is built by cultural entrepreneurs: writers, teachers, scientists, journalists, artists, engineers, religious and community leaders, and artisans who are willing to tell a different story about what Kashmir could become. What building cultural entrepreneurs would look like First, universities must become places where Kashmirs futures are argued over, not just where degrees are awarded. Our professors and students should treat local questions as serious intellectual work: the future of craft, water, horticulture, energy, and the knowledge economy. Second, we need public intellectual life. Kashmir has a rich tradition of poetry, scholarship and debate. Newspapers, podcasts, public lectures and reading circles can become spaces where new ideas about the future are tested in public. Third, we must value people who change minds, not only people who raise funds. A teacher who convinces a classroom that Kashmiri craft knowledge can meet modern design and science may matter more, in the long run, than a dozen app-based startups. Fourth, incubators themselves can change. Instead of judging success only by the number of startups launched, they can ask whether their ventures introduce genuinely new ideas, knowledge or ways of working into Kashmirs economy. Ideas come first Mokyrs history teaches a simple lesson. Prosperity follows belief. Societies that come to believe they can shape their future through knowledge eventually do so. Societies that see their future as fixed, or as decided elsewhere, struggle no matter how many businesses they register. Kashmir does not lack talent, ambition or enterprise. What it needs now is people who can change the story Kashmir tells about itself. Startups may follow such a change. They cannot replace it. Further suggested reading: A Culture of Growth: The Origins of the Modern Economy, Joel Mokyr, Princeton University Press. (The Author is a Marie Skodowska-Curie Research Fellow, University of Stavanger, Norway Miguel-Dols Fellow, London School of Economics, UK)
Tobacco Dependence: A Habit With a Heavy Cost
A cigarette is often treated as a small thing: a brief pause, a familiar ritual, a companion in a moment of stress. But tobacco dependence is not a small habit. It is a powerful addiction that takes hold gradually, often beginning in adolescence, and can shape a persons health, finances and daily life for decades. In Kashmir, as elsewhere, its consequences reach beyond the smoker. They enter homes through second-hand smoke, strain family budgets, burden health services and rob communities of health and potential. The first challenge is to speak about tobacco dependence honestly. People who use tobacco are not simply making a careless choice or displaying a lack of willpower. Nicotine is addictive. Repeated exposure can make quitting difficult, even for people who understand the harm and genuinely want to stop. Shame and blame may silence them; they do not help them recover. A serious response must recognise dependence as a health issue and make support accessible, while also preventing the next generation from being drawn into it. Tobacco use is often normalised through everyday life. A cigarette may be offered among friends, seen in a shop doorway, or treated as an ordinary way to manage tension. Smokeless tobacco can be even less visible: used discreetly and mistaken for a harmless alternative. Yet tobacco in any form can cause serious harm. The difference in how it is consumed does not make it safe, and its quiet presence can make it easier for families and communities to underestimate the danger. For young people, this normalisation matters. Adolescence is a period when identity, belonging and habits are being formed. Curiosity, peer influence, stress and easy access can combine to make experimentation seem inconsequential. The first use may not look like the beginning of dependence. But nicotine can establish a pattern before a young person fully understands what is happening. Prevention therefore cannot begin only after a student is caught using tobacco or becomes visibly ill. It must begin with honest education, supportive adults and environments where tobacco is neither glamorised nor readily available. Schools have an essential role, but they cannot carry the responsibility alone. A lecture or a warning poster is not enough if students encounter tobacco in shops near school gates, see adults using it openly, or have no trusted person to approach when they are struggling. Families, educators, health workers, local institutions and enforcement agencies must act together. Children need clear, age-appropriate information about addiction and health, but they also need to see that adults take the issue seriously in their own lives and public spaces. The stakes are not confined to the young. Many people begin using tobacco in adulthood, and many who have used it for years may feel that stopping is beyond reach. They may have tried and relapsed. They may fear withdrawal, judgement or failure. Some may use tobacco to cope with anxiety, grief, loneliness or pressure. These realities call for care, not dismissal. A person who returns to tobacco after trying to quit has not proved that change is impossible; they need continued support and a practical path forward. That path should be easier to find. People who want to quit should be able to speak confidentially with a health professional, receive sound advice and learn about treatment options. Primary health facilities can help identify tobacco use, offer brief counselling and connect people to appropriate cessation support. Health workers should be equipped to discuss dependence without scolding patients. A respectful conversation can make the difference between someone hiding their use and seeking help. Public health messaging also needs to move beyond general warnings. Most people have heard that tobacco is harmful. The harder task is making support visible, credible and accessible. Campaigns should explain how dependence develops, what quitting can involve, where help is available and how family members can support someone without humiliating them. They should also address the full range of tobacco products, including smokeless forms, and counter the belief that some products are harmless because they are common or culturally familiar. Tobaccos costs are measured not only in illness but in household choices. Money spent sustaining dependence is money unavailable for food, education, savings and other needs. When illness follows, families may face further expenses, lost work and the emotional burden of caring for a loved one. These costs are often absorbed privately, behind closed doors. Treating tobacco dependence as a public concern means recognising those hidden consequences and preventing avoidable harm before it becomes a crisis. The burden on health services is equally serious. Tobacco contributes to diseases that require long-term care, and the effects can accumulate over years. Hospitals and clinics may treat the consequences, but treatment alone cannot substitute for prevention. A system that waits for disease to appear is responding too late. Public health planning must give equal weight to reducing exposure, discouraging initiation, helping people quit and protecting those who do not use tobacco from second-hand smoke. Smoke-free public spaces are part of that protection. No one should have to breathe tobacco smoke while visiting a health facility, travelling in a shared vehicle or spending time in a public place. Rules matter, but rules that are not enforced become little more than statements of intent. Authorities must ensure that smoke-free protections are clear, practical and consistently upheld. Businesses and institutions should be expected to comply, and the public should know how to report violations. The same principle applies to restrictions on tobacco sales and promotion. Measures intended to limit access, particularly for young people, need visible enforcement. If prohibited sales or advertising continue without consequence, the message is that the rules can be ignored. Enforcement should not be selective or merely symbolic. It should focus on protecting health, reducing youth access and holding sellers and institutions accountable under the law. But enforcement alone cannot end dependence. A person who uses tobacco is not the enemy of public health. The product and the conditions that make it easy to start and difficult to stop deserve scrutiny. That means examining access, marketing, social norms and gaps in health support. It also means resisting the convenient fiction that the problem belongs only to individual users. Personal responsibility matters, but it operates within an environment shaped by families, markets, schools, public policy and the availability of care. There is a broader social question as well: why do so many people reach for a product that harms them, and what kinds of support are available for the pressures they are trying to manage? Tobacco is not a treatment for stress, though it may feel like temporary relief. People need healthier ways to cope and supportive places to turn. Community health programmes can connect tobacco cessation with wider mental and physical well-being, while avoiding the mistake of treating every persons circumstances as identical. Families can help by replacing confrontation with conversation. If someone is using tobacco, a relatives concern may be more effective when expressed without threats or ridicule. Asking whether the person has considered quitting, listening to what makes it difficult and offering practical support can open a door. Families should also insist on smoke-free homes and cars, especially to protect children. Those boundaries are not a rejection of the person; they are a defence of everyones right to breathe clean air. The media, too, has a responsibility. Tobacco use should not be presented casually as a mark of confidence, adulthood or sophistication. Public discussion can give space to the realities of dependence and quitting, including setbacks, without turning people into cautionary caricatures. Local reporting can examine whether prevention programmes are reaching schools, whether services provide cessation support, whether smoke-free rules are enforced and whether young people can easily access tobacco products. Accountability is not achieved by repeating slogans; it requires asking what institutions are doing and what remains undone. The response must be sustained. A short campaign may attract attention, but addiction and the conditions that sustain it do not disappear when the posters come down. Prevention requires continuity in schools and communities. Cessation support requires trained staff and dependable services. Enforcement requires follow-through. Public agencies should communicate what they are doing and measure whether their efforts are reaching people, particularly young people and those who have limited access to health care. Tobacco dependence is not inevitable. People can quit, and young people can be protected from starting. But neither outcome should be left to chance or reduced to a test of individual resolve. A society that knows the harms of tobacco must do more than warn people after dependence has taken hold. It must make tobacco less accessible and less normal, protect people from smoke, provide meaningful support for quitting and hold institutions accountable for carrying out their responsibilities. The first step is to stop treating tobacco use as an ordinary background habit. It is an addiction with consequences that reach into households, schools, workplaces and clinics. The second is to respond without stigma and with practical help. And the third is to ensure that prevention and enforcement are visible in everyday life, not merely written in policy. Kashmir cannot afford to leave the next generation to learn the cost of tobacco through illness and loss. The time to act is before another first cigarette becomes a lifelong dependence. (The Author is a research scholar and social activist)
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Between Tradition and Economic Prudence: India's Unending Romance with Gold
India's Deepawali celebrations have once again illuminated an interesting aspect of the country's economic and cultural consciousness. While millions of homes were adorned with lamps, rangolis and festive decorations, jewellery markets across the country witnessed an impressive flow of customers, reaffirming India's enduring fascination with gold. Yet, this year's festive gold purchases have acquired a significance beyond the customary celebrations. They have raised an important question about the relationship between individual aspirations, inherited traditions and the larger economic interests of the nation. According to preliminary estimates of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), gold sales on Dhanteras this year touched approximately 60,000 crore, registering an increase of 1520 per cent in monetary value compared with the previous year. The figure is particularly interesting because it comes at a time when the Prime Minister has appealed to citizens to exercise restraint in gold purchases, keeping in view the country's economic interests, foreign exchange requirements and the need to strengthen the domestic economy. At first glance, the substantial sales figure might appear to suggest that the appeal has failed to influence consumer behaviour. However, the reality is somewhat more nuanced. The increase is largely in monetary value, while the actual volume of gold purchased is expected to remain broadly unchanged. Rising gold prices, therefore, account for a significant part of the apparent growth. Nevertheless, the figures offer an opportunity to reflect upon something much deeper than market performance. They reveal the extraordinary place gold continues to occupy in the Indian psyche, where economic calculations frequently coexist with emotional attachments and cultural convictions. In India, gold has never been merely a precious metal. It has been woven into the social fabric of our civilisation, carrying meanings that extend far beyond its market price. It represents prosperity, security, dignity and continuity. It is associated with marriages, family celebrations, religious observances and the aspirations of parents who wish to leave something tangible for their children. For countless households, purchasing even a small quantity of gold during Deepawali or Dhanteras is not simply a financial transaction; it is an expression of faith in prosperity and an acknowledgement of traditions inherited from generations. The belief that purchasing gold on Dhanteras brings good fortune is deeply embedded in Indian cultural consciousness. Families may postpone several other expenditures, but the symbolic purchase of gold or silver during the festive season often remains a priority. The quantity may have diminished in response to rising prices, but the sentiment has survived. A small coin, a delicate ornament or a modest piece of jewellery is enough to preserve the emotional significance of the occasion. This is precisely where the economic argument encounters the force of tradition. India is among the world's largest consumers and importers of gold. Since domestic demand is met substantially through imports, excessive dependence on imported gold has implications for the country's foreign exchange reserves, current account balance and the stability of the rupee. At a time when the nation aspires to strengthen its economic foundations, expand manufacturing, encourage domestic investment and reduce avoidable import dependence, the appeal for moderation in gold consumption has a legitimate economic rationale. The challenge, however, is that national economic priorities and individual financial choices do not always operate on the same plane. While the government looks at gold imports through the larger framework of macroeconomic stability, an ordinary household often regards gold as a dependable form of personal security. For a family, the purchase of gold may represent protection against uncertainty, an investment for the future or an asset that can be liquidated during difficult circumstances. What appears to be an economic liability at the national level may be perceived as financial reassurance at the household level. There is also a psychological dimension to this continuing attraction. Gold has historically enjoyed a position of trust among Indian savers. Its tangible nature, cultural acceptability and long association with wealth preservation have made it an enduring choice. Market fluctuations may influence the quantity purchased, but they have not fundamentally altered public sentiment towards the metal. In times of economic uncertainty, gold often acquires an even greater emotional and financial appeal. Yet, it would be unfair to interpret this year's sales figures as evidence of public indifference towards the Prime Minister's appeal. The largely unchanged volume of gold purchases suggests that consumers are already adapting to economic realities. Lightweight jewellery, smaller coins and modest purchases have increasingly replaced the more extravagant buying patterns of the past. People are not necessarily purchasing more gold; they are spending more because gold itself has become considerably more expensive. This distinction is important and should not be overlooked while interpreting the festive sales figures. At the same time, the occasion raises a broader question about our understanding of prosperity. Have we become so accustomed to associating wealth with the accumulation of precious metals that we sometimes overlook other avenues of investment and wealth creation? Could a part of the money traditionally directed towards gold be channelled into productive sectors, domestic enterprises, infrastructure, education, innovation and financial instruments that contribute more directly to national development? This is not an argument against purchasing gold. Nor should economic responsibility be understood as a demand to abandon cultural practices that have survived centuries. Rather, it is an appeal to develop a more balanced understanding of wealth. Traditions deserve preservation, but they must also evolve with changing economic circumstances. A society that respects its heritage must equally recognise the responsibilities that accompany economic progress. Perhaps the way forward lies not in discouraging the cultural significance of gold but in encouraging informed and responsible consumption. Greater financial awareness, confidence in alternative investment avenues and a stronger domestic manufacturing ecosystem can gradually help diversify household savings. Equally, recycling and exchanging existing gold can reduce the need for fresh imports while allowing families to retain their cherished traditions. The Deepawali gold-buying figures, therefore, should not be viewed merely as a success story for the jewellery industry or as a contradiction of the government's economic appeal. They represent a meeting point of two powerful realities: India's timeless cultural attachment to gold and its contemporary aspiration to become a stronger, more self-reliant economy. The real challenge before the country is to reconcile these two realities without diminishing either. We need not extinguish the traditional lamp of prosperity to illuminate the path of economic prudence. What we need is a greater awareness that individual prosperity and national prosperity are ultimately interconnected. Gold may continue to adorn our homes, celebrate our festivals and preserve our family memories. But the true wealth of a nation lies in the strength of its institutions, the productivity of its people, the opportunities available to its younger generations and the confidence with which it faces the future. Perhaps, this Deepawali, the most meaningful investment would be to reflect upon the distinction between possessing wealth and creating it. For while gold may preserve the value of our savings, it is enterprise, knowledge, innovation and responsible economic choices that ultimately build the wealth of a nation. The brilliance of gold may illuminate our celebrations, but it is the wisdom with which we manage our resources that will illuminate India's economic future. (The writer is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Sonamarg restaurants fined 12,000 for food safety violations
Ganderbal, Nov 09: In a bid to ensure food safety, maintain hygiene standards and protect the health of tourists and locals, the Food Safety Department Ganderbal conducted a late-evening inspection of restaurants and other food establishments in the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg on Sunday, imposing a cumulative penalty of 12,000 on establishments found violating prescribed safety norms. The inspection was aimed at checking compliance with mandatory food safety standards and ensuring that food business operators adhere to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006, along with the rules and regulations framed thereunder. During the inspection, officials identified violations related to food safety requirements and imposed penalties amounting to 12,000 on erring restaurant operators for failing to comply with the prescribed norms. Speaking about the inspection, Food Inspector Food Safety Kangan, Fayaz Ahmad, said that the department is committed to ensuring the availability of safe and hygienic food to people, particularly in tourist destinations like Sonamarg, where a large number of visitors arrive throughout the year. He said that food safety and hygiene cannot be compromised, and every restaurant, hotel and food business operator has a responsibility to maintain the required standards while preparing, handling and serving food to customers. We are conducting inspections to ensure that all food establishments strictly follow the guidelines laid down under the FSS Act, 2006. During today's late-evening inspection in Sonamarg, violations were noticed at some restaurants, and penalties amounting to 12,000 were imposed on the erring establishments, Fayaz Ahmad said. He further urged restaurant owners and other food business operators to maintain proper cleanliness, ensure hygienic food handling practices and comply with all mandatory food safety requirements to avoid action under the law. Ahmad said that such inspection drives are important not only for protecting public health but also for maintaining the reputation of Sonamarg as a major tourist destination, where visitors expect safe, clean and quality food. He added that the department would continue its enforcement activities and inspections to ensure that food establishments operate in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.
NC believes in action, not slogans: Tanvir Sadiq
Srinagar, Nov 09: National Conference chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq on Monday laid the foundation stone of a Water Supply Augmentation Scheme aimed at addressing drinking water shortages in five localities of his constituency. The scheme will cover Bagwanpora, Qale Mohalla, Hakim Mohalla, Amda Kadal and Lal Bazar, where residents have reportedly faced water-related difficulties for nearly three decades. Speaking on the occasion, Sadiq said the National Conference government believed in practical action rather than slogans, with its focus on performance, accountability and tangible results. He said access to clean and adequate drinking water remained a priority and directed the concerned officials to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. The MLA also visited Zahidpora Hawal, Amda Kadal and Bhrar Bagwanpora to take stock of public grievances and review ongoing developmental works. He interacted with residents and assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the concerned departments for timely redressal. Sadiq also appreciated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's efforts to facilitate the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the institutions would expand higher education, promote research and innovation and create employment opportunities. He highlighted provisions for 25 per cent reservation for local youth in admissions and employment, besides scholarships for economically weaker students. The MLA called for effective coordination between public representatives and government departments to ensure timely completion of development works and delivery of benefits to people. Superintending Engineer PHE Anbreen Anjum, Executive Engineer Aijaz Rafiq, the concerned Assistant Executive Engineer, party representatives and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
JKBOSE begins free textbook distribution across Valley
Srinagar, Nov 09: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is set to distribute 8.20 lakh textbooks free of cost among students enrolled in government schools from Classes 1 to 8 across the Kashmir Valley during the new academic session. Speaking to the Rising Kashmir, JKBOSE Secretary Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said the distribution of textbooks has already commenced, with educational zones across the Valley receiving supplies in a phased manner. During the new academic session, we are going to distribute 8.20 lakh textbooks among students studying in government schools. We have already started supplying books to educational zones across the Kashmir Valley, and dates have been fixed for each zone. The distribution is being carried out district-wise, Sheikh said. He said educational zones in Srinagar have already received textbooks from the JKBOSE office Srinagar. The books will subsequently be handed over to government schools for distribution among students from Classes 1 to 8 under the government supply scheme. Sheikh said the Board aims to complete the distribution process across government schools by November 15, adding that consignments of textbooks are arriving at the JKBOSE office in Srinagar on a daily basis. We are receiving trucks loaded with textbooks every day and distributing them to educational zones across the Valley. Parents of government school students need not worry, as we are making every effort to ensure that all students receive their books by November 15, he said. Regarding students enrolled in private schools, the JKBOSE Secretary said they would have to purchase the prescribed textbooks from authorised booksellers in their respective districts. He added that the Board has already supplied textbooks to registered booksellers, and the books are available in the market. He also advised parents to ensure that they purchase textbooks at the prices printed on the books, stating that students and parents should not be charged beyond the prescribed rates. Sheikh further said that the Board has prioritised the distribution of textbooks to snowbound areas of the Kashmir Valley to ensure that students in remote and inaccessible regions receive their books without delay. He added that some textbook titles for Classes 3 and 6 are still pending. However, the Board expects to receive the remaining books by November 15, following which they will also be distributed among students in government schools. Students studying in Classes 9 to 12 in government schools will have to purchase their JKBOSE-prescribed textbooks at their own expense, as the free textbook distribution initiative is limited to students from Classes 1 to 8. Sheikh said the Board has initiated the distribution process alongside the commencement of the new academic session, adding that efforts are underway to ensure the timely availability of textbooks for students across the Kashmir Valley.
