'You should not be here': Trump tells CNN at UN as standoff with media outlets persists
The tense moment was a stark reminder of how dramatically the bitter conflict between U.S. President Donald Trump and news outlets whose coverage he objects to as fake news has escalated in just a few days
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Recruitment notification within days: J&K Bank MD & CEO
Srinagar, Sep 22: Jammu & Kashmir Bank on Tuesday held 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its shareholders here at SKICC. Banks Part-time Non-Executive Chairman S. Krishnan chaired the AGM - themed Trust, Tradition and Transformation - in the presence of MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee and the Banks Directors on the Board, including Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Shailendra Kumar (IAS), representing the majority shareholder and promoter, i.e. the J&K Government; Commissioner and Secretary of the Finance Department, Ladakh UT, Tsewang Tharchin (IAS), who was recently recommended by the Banks Board for appointment as a Non-Executive Non-Independent Director. Along with a large number of valued shareholders, the meeting was attended by the Banks Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, Chief General Managers, General Managers, Deputy General Managers, Company Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, Scrutinizer, auditors and other senior officers, besides members of the media fraternity. Addressing the shareholders, Chairman S. Krishnan captured the essence of theme, saying, Our past gives us identity. Our present gives us strength. Our future gives us responsibility. Trust is our inheritance. Tradition is our anchor. Transformation is our obligation. Chairman emphasised that the Banks progress must ultimately be measured by its wider contribution. The question before us is therefore not simply: How large can the Bank become? It is: How significant can the Bank become in the economic and social transformation of the region and beyond?, he said. He also spoke about the continuity of Banks role in enabling entrepreneurship. Chairman said, In the 1930s, the challenge was to create access to organised finance so that people could participate in economic activity. Today, the opportunity is to use finance to enable a new generation to create economic activity. The purpose remains remarkably similar. Only the opportunity has become larger, which makes Banks participation in Mission YUVA particularly significant. Reflecting on the Banks ongoing transformation, he said, Technology is the means. Customer experience is the end. As the Bank expands its digital capabilities, the objective must be to make banking simpler, safer and more accessible. The Chairman also placed on record the Boards appreciation for the leadership of MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee and his management team, acknowledging their commitment in translating the Banks strategic direction into performance. He further commended employees across the Bank for their dedication, resilience and professionalism, describing them as custodians of relationships that have sustained J&K Bank for generations and, in the truest sense, its living Bank. Speaking on the occasion, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, Notwithstanding the challenging circumstances, your Bank maintained its growth trajectory and delivered a fourth consecutive year of record profitability. Net profit reached an all-time high of Rs 2,363 crore, registering year-on-year growth of 13.5%. The growth momentum has continued into the current financial year. By June 2026, the Bank crossed the historic milestone of Rs 3 trillion in total business. This milestone is particularly significant because the journey from Rs 2 lakh crore to Rs 3 lakh crore has been completed in a relatively short period, demonstrating the growing strength and scale of our franchise. These outcomes demonstrate that our progress is broad-based, with profitability, asset quality, efficiency and capital strength advancing together. For our investors, this represents a resilient and increasingly diversified franchise, supported by strong fundamentals and a clear strategy for long-term value creation. As we grow, our focus will remain on the quality and sustainability of earnings rather than growth in isolation, he added. Reflecting on the Banks digital transformation, he stated, Our investments in digital platforms, data analytics, cybersecurity and process automation are improving customer experience and making our operations more efficient and responsive. The rapid growth of up to 94% in digital transactions during FY 2025-26 demonstrates the increasing trust customers place in our digital ecosystem. Laying out the way forward, the MD & CEO said, As we reflect with pride on a legacy spanning nearly nine decades, we remain conscious of the responsibility that accompanies it. Our aspiration is clear: to become the Bank of Choice. Towards this goal, we will continue to invest in our people and technology, reinforce cybersecurity, improve customer experience and institutionalise a culture of innovation and excellence. He concluded by placing on record his gratitude to our customers for their enduring trust, our shareholders for their continued confidence, our directors for their invaluable guidance and our employees for their dedication. Thereafter, the Banks DGM & Company Secretary Mohammad Shafi Mir read out the Auditors Report, the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and the Secretarial Audit Report and provided a brief background of each business item to be transacted at the AGM. He also informed the participants that the results of e-voting, along with the Scrutinizers Report, will be available on the websites of the Bank, RTA and Stock Exchanges within two working days from the conclusion of the AGM. The meeting concluded with the question-answer session, wherein shareholders asked questions and MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee answered all the queries to the satisfaction of the shareholders. Responding to a query regarding recruitment, MD &CEO said that the Bank will soon issue a recruitment notification for posts of associates and officers in J&K and Ladakh. Notably, the shareholders appreciated the Banks consistently improving performance during the financial year 2025-26.
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BJP MLA stirs row with Muslims should bring their daughters, sisters to Garba remarks
I want to tell Rameshwar Sharma ji that what he has said definitely works to divide this country. He should now take this up with his senior leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party, said AIMIM State president Mohsin Ali Khan
Jammu to be developed as year-round tourist destination: CM
Srinagar, Sep 22: The Tourism Department has drawn up a comprehensive plan to develop and promote tourism in Jammu Division, targeting its positioning as a year-round destination nationally and internationally through diversification across pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday. Replying to a starred question by BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi of Jammu East, the Chief Minister, who holds the tourism portfolio, said the department is pursuing developmental interventions and sustained promotion to diversify Jammu's tourism product. Major destinations taken up for development include Suchetgarh, Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Patnitop, Basholi, Bhaderwah/Gatha, Mansar, Baradari, Kesari Hills and Behra/Qasab, with a separate list of new and emerging destinations enclosed as Annexure-A to decongest existing tourist centres. On promotion, CM Omar said 110 events and festivals were facilitated or attended between April 2025 and March 2026, and 43 more between April and August 2026153 in all over 17 monthsbacked by district-wise publicity material and digital campaigns on Facebook, Instagram and X. He said the department represented Jammu's tourism at national platforms including GITB Jaipur, TTF Ahmedabad, IATO Convention Puri, ITM Jaipur, IITE Madurai, SATTE-2026 New Delhi and ITM Dehradun, and internationally at IFTM Top Resa Paris, World Travel Market London and ITB Singapore. On the tourism circuit connecting religious, heritage and natural sites, the Chief Minister said five pilgrimage circuits were sanctioned under the Capex Plan 2020-21: Mansar (Phase-1) at Rs 981.48 lakh, Shiv Khori at Rs 313.91 lakh, Uttervehni at Rs 850.33 lakh, Purmandal at Rs 981.57 lakh, and Sukrala at Rs 391.65 lakh, together about Rs 35.19 crore. Omar said 29 works are currently ongoing under these circuits at an approved cost of Rs 514.38 lakh, and that their completion is expected to generate local employment through homestays, tourist guides and related services. On funding, CM Omar said Jammu Division's tourism allocation rose from Rs 5,649.80 lakh in 2023-24 to Rs 6,115.08 lakh in 2024-25 and Rs 6,285.43 lakh in 2025-26, with project-wise details enclosed as Annexure-B. For Jammu East constituency specifically, allocation was Rs 212 lakh in 2023-24, rose to Rs 227.67 lakh in 2024-25, then fell to Rs 141.27 lakh in 2025-26.
J&K recruitment agencies fill 13,808 posts since 2024-25
Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday said the twin recruitment agencies - Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) - have filled over 13,800 posts since 2024-25 till mid-2026. A total of 13, 808 posts have been filled by the two recruitment agencies, with JKSSB making 11,465 selections during the calendar years 2024 and 2025 and up to June 2026, while the JKPSC has filled 2,343 posts during 2024-25, 2025-26 and up to April 2026. The figures were provided by the government in response to a starred question regarding vacant posts raised by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia during the sixth session of the J&K Legislative Assembly. According to the department-wise data, JKSSB made 5,653 selections in 2024, 761 in 2025 and 5,051 selections between January 1 and June 30, 2026, taking the total to 11,465. The Home Department accounted for the highest number of JKSSB selections in the first half of 2026, with 4,020 selections. It was followed by the Jal Shakti Department with 398, the Power Development Department with 292, Public Works (R&B) Department with 150 and Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department with 52 selections. During 2024, the Rural Development Department accounted for 1,395 selections, followed by Public Works (R&B) with 1,045, Finance with 1,053 and Agriculture/Animal & Sheep Husbandry with 376 selections. However, the JKPSC data showed that 721 posts were filled during 2024-25, 1,152 during 2025-26 and 470 from April 1, 2026 till date, taking the total to 2,343. The Health and Medical Education accounted for the largest share of JKPSC recruitments, with 454 posts filled in 2024-25, 487 in 2025-26 and 14 up to April 2026. School Education had 147 posts filled during 2025-26 and 443 during the period beginning April 1, 2026. The government said recruitment against government posts is undertaken in accordance with the applicable recruitment rules, reservation requirements, identification and referral of vacancies, with the selection process conducted by the competent recruiting agencies. It said recruitment had continued during 2025-26, with JKSSB issuing multiple advertisements and making selections against various posts, while JKPSC had also processed posts referred by departments for recruitment. On measures to address unemployment, the government said it was implementing schemes including Mission YUVA to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment and skill development among youth. As of August 31, 2026, Mission YUVA had received 1,00,407 applications, of which 36,077 had been sanctioned and 32,156 disbursed by banks, involving credit disbursement of 1,769 crore. A further 7,755 youth had benefited under the MUMKIN, Tejaswini and Spurring Entrepreneurship Innovative (SEI) schemes since inception. The government said the filling of eligible vacancies was an ongoing process and vacancies found fit for direct recruitment were being referred to the concerned recruiting agencies in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
650-year-old Chinar in Budgam Asias oldest: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said the historic Chinar tree at Chattergam in Budgam district is around 650 years old, describing it as the oldest Chinar tree in Asia. The government made the statement in response to a question raised by Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, MLA from Budgam, regarding the condition and preservation of the centuries-old tree. The Minister in charge of the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department said that some of the older and dried branches of the Chinar had naturally fallen off, while the remaining portion of the tree continues to remain green. The government said several protection and preservation measures have been initiated to safeguard the tree. An iron fence has been installed around its critical root zone, or buffer area, to prevent soil compaction and root suffocation and to keep vehicular movement away from the root zone. The government also attributed the decline in the number of Chinar trees across Kashmir to several factors, including the natural ageing and senescence of old trees, diseases and pest attacks, as well as the felling of Chinars for developmental activities across the Union Territory. Shrinking land availability and a growing population were also cited among the factors affecting the health and survival of Chinar trees. Under the existing protection measures, no person is permitted to cut even a branch of a Chinar without prior permission from the local administration in accordance with the prescribed rules. The government has also prohibited activities such as hammering nails into trees, attaching signboards, carving on the bark and damaging the bark or roots. To replenish damaged or pruned trees, the Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks undertakes annual Chinar plantation. Government offices, private institutions and the general public are also encouraged to plant Chinars, with saplings being provided free of cost. According to the government, the Floriculture Department planted 709 Chinar saplings during the last three years in gardens and parks maintained by the department. In addition, 7,134 Chinar saplings were distributed free of cost to the general public, educational institutions, security installations and other stakeholders across the Kashmir division. The government said that whenever permission is granted for pruning a Chinar branch, the pruned portion is recommended to be treated with lime or Chaubatia pruning paste to protect the tree from infection and further deterioration. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has undertaken a survey-based census of Chinar trees across Kashmir. Around 30,000 Chinar trees have so far been surveyed, excluding those located within security campuses and installations. The government further informed that permission for pruning or cutting Chinars is issued by the offices of the District Development Commissioners or the Revenue Department, as per the applicable procedure. In Budgam district alone, 70 orders were issued by the competent authority during the last three years for the lopping of dried or hazardous Chinar branches. During the same period, 161 applications seeking permission to prune dried or hazardous Chinar branches were received in Budgam. Of these, 130 cases were disposed of after obtaining and providing technical opinions. The government said the measures are aimed at protecting the surviving Chinars while promoting fresh plantation to ensure the conservation of the iconic tree species in Kashmir.
J&K colleges scrutinise 21.8 lakh books, 518 banned copies withdrawn
Srinagar, Sep 22: Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department has examined more than 21.81 lakh books and publications in Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory as part of a comprehensive academic and content audit, with 518 copies of 19 banned titles withdrawn from circulation. The details were provided by the government in reply to a starred question raised by MLA Langate Khurshed Ahmad Sheikh during the ongoing session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. According to the reply, 9,32,941 books/publications were examined in the Jammu division and 12,48,641 in the Kashmir division, taking the total number of examined books to 21,81,582. Fourty copies covering eight titles in Jammu and 478 copies covering 18 titles in Kashmir, totalling 518 copies across 19 titles, were withdrawn from circulation under S.O. 203 dated August 5, 2025, relating to banned books, the reply reads. Besides these, 3,996 books in Jammu and 4,249 in Kashmir, or 8,245 books in total, were withdrawn from circulation under categories other than the banned books. The reply further states that the scrutiny has also resulted in 1,752 books being referred for expert examination538 from Jammu and 1,214 from Kashmir. In his question, Sheikh had sought details on whether the government had adopted clear and objective criteria for identifying objectionable material in college and other libraries under Circular No. 02-JK(HE) of 2026 dated July 9, 2026, it states. He had also sought details of all material categorised or notified as objectionable, including titles, authors, subjects and number of copies withdrawn, removed or prohibited, along with safeguards for academic freedom, intellectual diversity and critical inquiry. The government replied that clear and objective criteria had been adopted, with the details contained in the July 9 circular. However, it said the scrutiny process was still underway, describing it as a laborious exercise that could take more time. The department said the figures supplied represented the books and material scrutinised as on date in Government Degree Colleges. The July circular establishes a three-tier Academic and Content Scrutiny Mechanism covering college, directorate and administrative levels. At the first level, every college is required to have a College Academic and Content Scrutiny Committee, headed by the Principal, with the Librarian as Member Secretary and senior faculty members from Arts, Social Sciences and Language/Literature departments. The committees have been tasked with examining library holdings for academic relevance, factual authenticity, pedagogical suitability, constitutional conformity and legal permissibility. They can recommend retention, withdrawal, replacement or further expert examination of publications, the reply reads. At the second level, the Directorate Academic Review and Verification Committee, under the Director Colleges, is responsible for scrutinising college audit reports, conducting random and sample-based verification and constituting expert panels where specialised examination is required. The reply states that a Departmental Review Committee, headed by the Administrative Secretary, Higher Education Department, constitutes the third tier and is mandated to review consolidated reports, monitor compliance and examine cases involving serious academic, legal or administrative implications. The circular directs institutions to scrutinise books, journals, supplementary reading material, reference books, periodicals, digital resources and other educational material, the reply reads. It says educational material should be academically relevant, factually accurate, curriculum-compatible and supportive of constitutional values, responsible citizenship, scientific temper and national integration. Material deemed to contain objectionable, misleading, distorted, inflammatory or unlawful contentincluding content promoting or glorifying terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism or radicalisationis liable to be withdrawn from circulation and placed in safe custody pending further orders, it states. The government has also made Principals and other authorities responsible for compliance, with the circular providing for administrative or disciplinary action in cases of negligence, procedural irregularities, suppression of material facts or failure to follow prescribed procedures. From 2026 onwards, the department has directed that the academic and content audit be conducted annually, creating a continuing system for review of library holdings in higher education institutions.
If either were to win, they would be the fifth author to have been awarded the Booker Prize twice, joining J.M. Coetzee, Peter Carey, Hilary Mantel and Margaret Atwood
J&K can lead millets movement: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Sep 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday outlined three key benefits of millets for Jammu and Kashmiraddressing malnutrition, providing solutions to lifestyle-related diseases, and ensuring prosperity for marginal farmersas he addressed the concluding session of the Millets Mission programme at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. The event, organised in collaboration with Kheti Virasat Mission, brought together farmers, scientists, chefs, doctors, students and policymakers from across the country for a meaningful dialogue on the revival and promotion of millets. Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Padma Shri Dr Khadar Veli; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission; A Rambabu, Millet and Traditional Food Crusader; Judges of the High Court; Ministers; Members of Legislative Assembly; Padma Shri Awardees, Heads of various educational institutions, social activists, civil society members, senior officials and prominent citizens were present. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated all the participating institutions for creating a platform that highlighted the nutritional, ecological and economic significance of millets. He emphasised that millets such as jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo, kangni and kutki have nourished human civilisation for centuries, and their reintroduction into daily diets is both a health imperative and a civilisational responsibility. The Lieutenant Governor noted increasing soil degradation, water stress and loss of biodiversity in recent years. Millets, he said, offer an opportunity to correct this imbalance. Several research studies show that millets require minimal water, thrive on rain-fed lands, need little or no chemical inputs and they are highly nutritious, rich in fibre, iron, calcium and protein, with a low glycaemic index that helps combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, he said. Highlighting the potential impact of millets in Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor called for the creation of a complete ecosystemfrom seed diversity and farmer training to processing, value addition, chef training and millet-based cuisine campaignsso that millets become a people's movement. All stakeholders should focus on seeds and crop diversification so that we can revive the diversity of our rich agricultural heritage. Now, we must move beyond seminars to the field and the market. Initiatives such as processing, value addition, chef training, 'from grain to plate' programmes, and women's home-based millet-cuisine campaigns must be transformed into a people's movement, only then will we achieve success, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that millets are climate-smart crops, offering resilience against increasing weather uncertainties and changing monsoon patterns. He underlined that a sustainable food system is essential for public health, workforce productivity and environmental conservation. He also urged all stakeholders including officials, experts, and media to continuously promote millets as part of everyday life and language. He reiterated that farmers' prosperity and nature's conservation can go hand in hand, and that millets represent a pathway towards sustainable, inclusive and future-ready agriculture in Jammu Kashmir. I believe Jammu Kashmir can lead the way in making millets a people's movement and strengthen farmers, empower women and youth entrepreneurs and ensuring healthier lives for all, he said. Following the event, a millet-based dinner was served, showcasing the diversity, taste and health benefits of these traditional grains.
LG calls for human-centric technology in AI era
Jammu, Sep 22: Technology must remain humanity's servant, never its master. The day technology becomes the master of humanity, our very existence will be at risk, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday, as he inaugurated a series of new facilities at the University of Jammu and called for tradition, innovation and human-centric technology in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The Lieutenant Governor raised a critical questionin the age of AI, what does it mean to be educated? He highlighted global concerns about AI's accelerating power, citing experts, and warned that AI, as a quadruple-use technology, could operate independently, producing both beneficial and harmful outcomes. Stressing that decisions affecting human dignity, livelihood, health and freedom must always be made by accountable humans, not machines, the Lieutenant Governor said, Machines can calculate, but they cannot feel. Machines can predict, but they cannot bear responsibility for decisions. Machines can mimic the language of compassion, but they do not stand at a patient's bedside at midnight, nor do they carry the moral weight of a judge's verdict. My clear view is that every decision that deeply affects a person's freedom, livelihood, health, education, or dignity must have a human behind it, who understands the decision, accepts responsibility for it, and can be held accountable, he said. Sinha said that in the age of AI, modern tools and machines have become more powerful than ever, and so the hands that wield them must possess greater steadiness, values, Sanskar and wisdom. Powerful tools in honest hands can achieve great work, but in the wrong hands, the same tools can cause serious harm, he said. He encouraged youth to dream big, linking aspirations to service for society and the nation. He reminded them that they are the first generation growing up with AI as a companion and bear the responsibility of shaping a future where humanity flourishes. The Lieutenant Governor outlined five pressing challenges for higher education. He said focus should be on relevance, and curricula must adapt rapidly to match the pace of change. He observed that rote learning should be avoided, and classrooms must focus on application and purpose, not memorisation. He highlighted that students must provide original answers, prioritising curiosity and reasoning, and that technology must not widen the gap between rural and urban learners. It is true that no technology can replace a teacher. But it is equally true that technology will certainly change the teacher's role. The teacher of the future will not merely be an information-giver; they will be a mentor, a guru, a questioner, and an inspiring personality who ignites curiosity and builds character in students, he said. For students and teachers, the Lieutenant Governor shared six guiding messagesembrace lifelong learning, cultivate uniquely human capacities like creativity and empathy, build bridges across disciplines, contribute to national development, balance academics with sports, and remain rooted in traditions and values. He urged students to become embodiments of both science and Sanskar. The inauguration included a modern sports complex, a shooting range, high-mast lights for the cricket stadium and the Tawi Guest House complex, developed at a cost of nearly Rs 10 crore. These facilities, the Lieutenant Governor noted, will empower the University's athletes, scholars and visitors, strengthening its role as a hub of excellence in the Union Territory. Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP, Jammu; Shridhar Patil, DIG, JSK Range; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof. Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Heads of Departments, faculty members and students attended the inaugural ceremony.
Highway restrictions trigger fresh debate
Srinagar, Sep 22: The issue of security-related restrictions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway triggered a fresh debate in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para urging the elected government to take up the matter with security agencies and the Centre. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Para said frequent stoppages of civilian traffic during convoy movement, the Amarnath Yatra and the tourist season had created a sense of discrimination and humiliation among local residents. It has created a real sense of humiliation for all of us, like a Berlin Wall, Para said, urging the government to approach the Unified Command and the Government of India for a review of the restrictions. He said security arrangements were necessary but should not come at the cost of civilian dignity and uninterrupted movement. Whenever we set out from there in the morning though we travel as VIPs and our roads are cleared the common people face immense hardships. It has become a sense of discrimination, Para said. The PDP MLA said residents living along the highway were repeatedly stopped whenever convoys, tourists or pilgrims moved along the route. Every day, whether it is for tourists, the Yatra or convoys, the locals the very people who gave their land, who built the highway are stopped. Every day, they are forced to wait for 10 to 15 minutes, he said. Para said the government should ensure that security restrictions did not turn local residents into unintended sufferers. If today, even after 70 years, a Kashmiri cannot walk along the highway with the rest of the nation, if this discrimination continues just because of a single past attack, it represents a grave inequality, he said. He urged the government to take up the matter with the Centre, security forces and the CRPF through the Unified Command. The government must take this up with the Government of India, with the security forces, with the CRPF. I think all of us need to raise this issue: this discrimination on the highway must end, and it should be taken up with the Unified Command, Para said. Supporting Para, National Conference MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi said the Assembly could send a recommendation or pass a resolution urging the Centre to review the restrictions. Larmi acknowledged that security matters fell under the Home Department and were not directly within the jurisdiction of the J&K Government, but said the elected House could convey the concerns of the people to the Government of India. Ever since the Pulwama incident occurred, from then until today, we have been suffering, Larmi said, referring to the continuing difficulties faced by commuters. He said people were suffering immensely because vehicles are stopped at every single spot. Larmi particularly highlighted the plight of people facing medical emergencies and families travelling with children. If someone has an emergency, even they are not allowed through, he said. He appealed to the Speaker to consider a resolution urging authorities to maintain necessary security arrangements while allowing vulnerable civilians to move without unnecessary delays. Let them do their duty, but at least spare the sick and the children, Larmi said.
Every destination cant be Gulmarg: CM
Srinagar, Sep 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday ruled out replicating the Gulmarg model of tourism infrastructure at every destination in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the government cannot build gondolas everywhere and must instead adopt a destination-specific approach that respects the unique character and attractions of individual tourist spots. Replying to questions by MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat during the ongoing Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said every tourist destination has its own unique and separate attraction, and development plans must take into account the visitor potential of each site. He noted that the Gondola at Gulmarg has a significantly higher ridership than the one at Patnitop, and said such factors need to be considered before proposing similar infrastructure at other destinations. Every tourist destination can't have a Gondola. Every destination cannot be Gulmarg. We have to see something unique, as these destinations are unique in their nature, he said. On the proposed Gondola/Cable Car project at Doodhpathri, the Chief Minister informed the House that the proposal is presently under consideration of the Government. The project will be taken up for execution subject to approval of the competent authority, completion of requisite formalities and availability of funds. He said winter adventure tourism at Doodhpathri has already received a boost, with snow skiing introduced by the Tourism Department in 2023 and conducted regularly during subsequent winter seasons. A Drag Lift has also been constructed and made operational from 2026, providing additional facilities for skiers and enabling regular skiing training and other winter adventure activities. The Chief Minister informed the House that the Government is pursuing planned infrastructure development around Doodhpathri to improve visitor management and reduce pressure on the destination. The Tourism Department has identified State land at five locations along the ArigamReyar Ich stretch for development of wayside facilities, including amenities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval for these facilities has been accorded at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh, and the works are presently at the tendering stage. He said approximately 25 kanals of State land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri has also been identified for development of a Tourist Transit Hub along with a 400-car parking facility at Doodhpathri. A Detailed Project Report for the proposed facility, estimated at Rs 75 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for consideration and approval. The proposed transit hub and parking facility is envisaged to regulate vehicular movement and improve visitor management at Doodhpathri. On tourism development in Khansahib, the Chief Minister said the Tourism Department has already initiated the process of identifying and assessing areas with tourism potential for future development. He said, in consultation with local stakeholders and officers of the Revenue and Forest Departments, the Department has conducted site visits to Pushker, Shoplian, Nowgam, Drung, Habber, Banglapathri and Palmasidan to assess their tourism potential and the feasibility of creating tourism-related infrastructure. Suitable sites will be considered for inclusion in future tourism development plans, subject to their tourism potential and feasibility, availability of suitable land and fulfilment of requisite statutory and administrative requirements. The process for identification, demarcation and transfer of State land at Banglapathri and along the stretch from Zoogu to Sitaharan has already been initiated with the Revenue authorities and is under process for further necessary action.
Macron urges world to choose UN over law of the jungle
The question put to us, in very simple terms, is whether we want to live in this state of nature, with a kind of return to the law of the jungle, or in a civilized international society, said Emmanuel Macron
CM praises BJP MLA for staying back in House
Srinagar, Sep 22: In a striking moment during a stormy sitting of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Yudhvir Sethi Tuesday stayed back in the House even as his party colleagues staged a walkout, drawing praise from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The unusual scene unfolded during the second day of the autumn session after BJP legislators walked out amid protests over the demand for restoration of a holiday associated with National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. As BJP members left the House raising slogans in favour of Maharaja Hari Singh, Sethi remained seated and proceeded with the listed business, including raising a question concerning his constituency. The move prompted Chief Minister Omar to praise the BJP legislator before responding to his question. I salute the MLA for standing apart from his party and raising peoples issues. He wants to use the House in the interest of people. This shows the difference between a real and a fake MLA, the Chief Minister said. Omars remarks came in the middle of an otherwise politically charged sitting, with the Assembly witnessing sharp exchanges over the holiday issue and other matters. The BJP legislators had objected to the demand raised by NC members for declaring Sheikh Abdullahs birth anniversary a public holiday. The issue triggered sloganeering and eventually led BJP members to leave the House. Sethi, however, chose to remain inside and participate in the proceedings. His decision immediately became one of the notable moments of the day, with the Chief Minister highlighting the role of legislators in using the Assembly to raise issues concerning their constituents. The episode also reflected the competing approaches adopted by members during a particularly contentious session, where political differences split into the proceedings through protests, slogans and walkouts. The BJP walkout followed an already heated exchange over government holidays. NC legislators had sought restoration of a holiday associated with Sheikh Abdullah, while BJP members opposed any move that could affect the holiday observed on Maharaja Hari Singhs birth anniversary. Against this backdrop, Sethis decision to remain in the House and pursue his constituencys business provided a different note to proceedings. The incident also underscored the significance of individual legislators using the Assembly floor to raise constituency-specific concerns even when their parties take a collective position on a broader political issue. For Sethi, the moment brought public recognition from across the political divide, with the Chief Minister personally acknowledging his decision to remain in the House and continue with legislative business.
Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed heated exchanges and noisy scenes on Tuesday after a demand for restoration of holidays associated with National Conference (NC) founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah triggered a confrontation between ruling NC members and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy erupted when Anantnag West MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi raised the issue of government holidays, pointing out that September 23 is observed as a holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh. Larmi demanded restoration of a holiday on the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He further said that if the government was unwilling to restore the holiday associated with Sheikh Abdullah, the existing holiday on Maharaja Hari Singhs birth anniversary should also be reconsidered. The remarks immediately drew strong objections from BJP legislators, who protested against any suggestion of withdrawing the holiday associated with Maharaja Hari Singh. BJP members raised slogans in his favour, leading to noisy scenes inside the House. Congress MLA G A Mir sought to strike a balance, saying that his party supported the demand for a holiday in memory of Sheikh Abdullah, but maintained that it was not fair to suggest cancellation of the holiday associated with Maharaja Hari Singh. Mirs intervention came as members from different parties voiced their positions on the issue, with the Congress seeking recognition of Sheikh Abdullahs legacy while opposing the removal of an existing holiday associated with Maharaja Hari Singh. PDP MLA Waheed Para also intervened, supporting the demand for restoration of the Sheikh Abdullah holiday and calling for the return of July 13 as a public holiday to commemorate the 1931 martyrs. The demand was legitimate and that July 13 should also be restored as a state holiday, he said. NC members backed the demand, with senior legislator Mubarak Gul saying the party had remained in power for decades but had not removed holidays associated with historical figures. The interventions further intensified exchanges between members from the ruling benches and the BJP. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened repeatedly and urged members to maintain order and allow the listed business of the House to proceed. He made it clear that the issue could be discussed through the prescribed procedure and that the House could not function amid protests and sloganeering. Despite the Speakers intervention, BJP members continued their protest and later staged a walkout from the Assembly amid slogans in favour of Maharaja Hari Singh. The holiday controversy added to the charged atmosphere in the Assembly, which has already witnessed sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches during the ongoing autumn session. The dispute brought competing historical and political perspectives into the centre of legislative proceedings, with NC members pressing for recognition of Sheikh Abdullah, PDP seeking restoration of July 13, Congress supporting the Sheikh Abdullah holiday while opposing cancellation of the Maharaja Hari Singh holiday, and BJP members protesting any move against the existing September 23 holiday. Meanwhile, BJPs Devyani Rana while speaking to Rising Kashmir said that let NC put their point on what they are demanding about Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah but they should not seek cancellation of Maharaja Hari Singhs holiday. On the other hand, despite BJPs walk out, question hour and business hour went on normally as per the schedule with important bills introduced and business taken up.
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Kashmir-shot film Obur wins Best Script Award
Ekta Nagar (Gujarat), Sept 22: A film shot against the backdrop of Kashmir has won national recognition, with Obur receiving the Best Script Award at the 72nd National Film Awards held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on Tuesday. Direct and screenwriter Faraz Ali was honoured with the award for Obur, a bilingual Hindi-Kashmiri short film that brings together regional storytelling traditions and explores themes rooted in the social and emotional realities of Kashmir. The film was shot in the Doodhpathri area and several downtown locations of Srinagar. Ali, who hails from Lucknow, travelled to Kashmir to shoot the film. Obur (2024), directed by Faraz Ali, follows a teenage horse guide who sets out in search of a lost digital memory. The story has been written by Shahnawaz Bhat and Faraz Ali. The films bilingual narrative combines Hindi and Kashmiri, with the screenplay drawing attention for its treatment of language, cultural authenticity and regional setting. Writing a screenplay across two languages presented creative and structural challenges, with the filmmakers seeking to retain the distinctiveness of Kashmiri storytelling while maintaining a cohesive cinematic narrative. The National Film Award recognition for Obur also brings the spotlight on Kashmir as a setting for contemporary cinema and highlights the contribution of regional stories and voices to Indian filmmaking. The National Film Awards are among Indias highest honours in cinema and recognise excellence across filmmaking, screenwriting, acting and technical categories in different languages and regions.
FDA cracks down on unsafe cooking oil in Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 22: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an enforcement drive across several areas of Srinagar, inspecting food businesses for compliance with food safety and hygiene standards. As part of the drive, a special Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) inspection was carried out among street food vendors at Nishat, Maki Point, Nehru Park, LD Hospital and Khayam. The teams inspected 20 street food establishments, of which eight food business operators were compounded under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for violations of prescribed sanitary and hygienic requirements. A total fine of Rs 8,000 was imposed. Around 45 litres of used or reused edible cooking oil deemed unsuitable for further use was identified and lifted through an authorised RUCO aggregator for disposal. The food business operators were directed to comply with prescribed limits on reuse of cooking oil and ensure that used oil is disposed of only through authorised aggregators. The enforcement teams also conducted on-site awareness programmes for vendors on safe food handling, personal hygiene, sanitary conditions, proper food storage and responsible management of used cooking oil. The FDA said enforcement, inspection and awareness activities would continue across Srinagar and other parts of J&K, with particular focus on street food establishments, high-footfall areas and RUCO compliance. The department urged consumers to report suspected unsafe or adulterated food products through the food safety helpline.
No proposal for KU satellite campus at Beerwah: Govt
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that there is currently no proposal under consideration to sanction or establish a satellite campus of the University of Kashmir (KU) at Beerwah in Budgam district or at any other new location in the Union Territory. The governments response came in the Legislative Assembly in reply to a question raised by Beerwah MLA Shafi Ahmad Wani. Minister-in-Charge, Higher Education Department, said that the University of Kashmir currently offers its academic programmes through its Main Campus at Hazratbal, Srinagar, besides its Institute of Technology at Zakura, North Campus at Delina in Baramulla, South Campus at Fatehgarh in Anantnag, and Kupwara Campus at Wayan. The University also operates a Sub-Office at Bathindi in Jammu, which, according to the government, strengthens its administrative and academic outreach across Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister further informed the Assembly that the University is presently focusing on optimising and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The priorities include modernisation of laboratories and equipment, introduction of employment- and skill-oriented academic programmes, promotion of self-sustaining initiatives, and timely and effective utilisation of grants and institutional resources. The government said that while no new satellite campus is currently under consideration, the University remains committed to expanding access to quality higher education in a balanced and sustainable manner, in line with its academic priorities and available resources.
Doodhpathri gondola project awaits approval
Srinagar: The proposed Gondola/Cable Car Project at Doodhpathri is currently under consideration of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, with its execution subject to approval by the competent authority, completion of requisite formalities and availability of funds. The Tourism Department said this in the Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat. The Minister in-charge of the Tourism Department said the department had already initiated the process of identifying and assessing areas with tourism potential for their future development. In this regard, site visits have been conducted in consultation with local stakeholders and officials of the Revenue and Forest Departments to assess the tourism potential of various locations and the feasibility of developing tourism-related infrastructure. The Minister said suitable sites, based on their tourism potential and feasibility, would be considered for inclusion in future tourism development plans, subject to the availability of suitable land and fulfilment of statutory and administrative requirements. The Assembly was further informed that the process of identification, demarcation and transfer of State land at Banglapathri and along the stretch from Zooga to Sitaharan has already been initiated with the Revenue authorities and is under process for further necessary action. Adventure tourism activities, including snow skiing, have been introduced at Doodhpathri by the Tourism Department since 2023 and have been conducted regularly during the winter season thereafter. The Tourism Minister said a drag lift has also been constructed and made operational in 2026, providing additional facilities for skiers and enabling regular skiing training and other winter adventure activities at the destination. Regarding the proposed Gondola/Cable Car Project, the Minister reiterated that the proposal remains under consideration and its execution will depend on approval of the competent authority, completion of requisite formalities and availability of funds. The Tourism Department has identified State land at five locations along the Arigam-to-Reyar Ich stretch for development of wayside facilities, including amenities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval for construction of the facilities has been accorded at an estimated cost of 50 lakh, with the works currently at the tendering stage. In another major infrastructure initiative, the department has identified approximately 25 kanals of State land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri for development of a Tourist Transit Hub along with a 400-car parking facility at Doodhpathri. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed facility has been prepared under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 at an estimated cost of 75 crore. The DPR has been submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for consideration and approval. The proposed transit hub and parking facility is aimed at regulating vehicular movement and ensuring organised visitor management at Doodhpathri. The facility is also expected to improve traffic management and reduce vehicular pressure at the popular tourist destination.
Salamabad TFC handover process begins
Srinagar, Sept 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that the process of handing over the Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Salamabad in Uri to the Tourism Department is underway. The governments response came in reply to a question raised by MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi on Tuesday during the ongoing session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The MLA had sought to know whether it was a fact that the Salamabad Trade Centre had not been handed over to the Tourism Department despite repeated requests made during consecutive Assembly sessions. He also asked when the facility would be transferred for the development of tourism infrastructure in the area. In a written reply, the Minister Tourism Department, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said, Handing/taking over the Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC), Salamabad Uri, to the Tourism Department is under process. The department further stated that the necessary formalities, including the preparation and verification of an inventory of assets and liabilities, were being completed in consultation with the Industries and Commerce Department. This exercise is likely to be completed very soon, the reply said. The proposed transfer is aimed at paving the way for the development of tourism infrastructure at the Salamabad facility, which previously served as a main centre for cross- LoC trade. The Salamabad TFC emerged as an important point of contact between the two sides of divided Kashmir following the launch of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service in 2005. The weekly Karwan-e-Aman (Peace Bus) service operated through Salamabad, allowing divided families to meet after decades of separation. The facility subsequently also became a major point for cross-LoC trade, with goods being exchanged between traders from both parts of divided Kashmir. The cross-LoC trade and the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service were suspended in April 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack and subsequent developments. The trade has not resumed since then, leaving infrastructure at Salamabad largely underutilised.
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Govt plans new subjects based on emerging needs
Srinagar, Sep 22: The J&K Government has said that the introduction of new subjects in schools will follow the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, availability of infrastructure, teaching faculty and prescribed norms. The issue was raised in the J&K Legislative Assembly by Pattan MLA Javaid Riyaz . He sought details about the proposed introduction of new subjects in High Schools and Degree Colleges across J&K, particularly in Baramulla district. In its reply, the government said JKBOSE has been tasked with framing and developing the curriculum for new subjects. It said curriculum changes would take into account the emerging educational needs, interests and aspirations of students. The government said vocational and skill education has already been introduced in Classes 9 to 12. The initiative covers skill based and technology oriented subjects aimed at developing contemporary skills among students and improving their employability. At present, 15 sector specific trades have been introduced in government High and Higher Secondary Schools. These include healthcare, tourism and hospitality, IT and ITES, retail, security, agriculture, telecommunications, media and entertainment, beauty and wellness, physical education and sports, apparel and made ups, house furnishing, automotive, plumbing, electronics and hardware, and power. On the introduction of new subjects or streams in Higher Secondary Schools, the government said there is no immediate proposal. It said such an exercise would require the creation of 10+2 lecturer posts and concurrence from the Finance Department. The School Education Department has constituted a committee headed by the Director School Education, Jammu, to frame guidelines for rationalisation and introduction of new subjects. Demands received from different Higher Secondary Schools have been referred to the committee for examination. For Baramulla district, the government said demands for new subjects in Higher Secondary Schools will be examined in accordance with the committee's recommendations. Regarding Degree Colleges, the Higher Education Department has proposed the introduction of new and emerging subjects and programmes in Government Degree Colleges across J&K, keeping academic requirements and changing educational needs in view.
Turtuks orchards tell a story of Balti heritage
Ganderbal: Turtuk, in Ladakhs Nubra Valley, is known for its distinct Balti culture, traditional lifestyle and rich fruit cultivation. The village is home to apricots, apples, walnuts, pears, grapes and almonds, while its history, old houses and border location have also made it an emerging tourist destination. Wahida Khan from Turtuk, Ladakh, who is currently pursuing her studies at the Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, Benhama, Ganderbal, shared her views on her native village, offering insights into its rich culture, agricultural practices, history and development. Having studied in the Kashmir Valley for more than a decade, Wahida brings a unique perspective on Turtuk and its heritage while continuing her education in Kashmir. During the interaction, Wahidah Khan spoke about the fruits and crops grown in Turtuk and said apricot is one of the most common fruits cultivated there. Apples, walnuts, Pears, Ladakhi grapes and almonds are also grown in the area. She said Ladakhi apples and grapes are generally smaller in size but have a distinct sweetness, while their ripening period is also different from fruits grown in Kashmir. Wahidah also explained that Turtuk has a comparatively warmer climate than several other parts of Ladakh, which makes fruit cultivation and agriculture possible in the region. Talking about Turtuks history, she said the village and some other Balti settlements remained under Pakistan until 1972-73. She said the area still retains a distinct Balti identity, with cultural similarities to Gilgit-Baltistan. According to Wahidah, respect for elders and tolerance are important parts of Balti culture. She also spoke about the old traditional houses and historical sites in and around Turtuk. She mentioned Chulangkha, located between Bogdang and Turtuk, where several abandoned houses can still be seen. She said some people left the area for Gilgit-Baltistan during 1972-73, leaving behind old houses and settlements. Besides fruit cultivation, buckwheat continues to be grown in Turtuk. Wahidah said it is used to prepare traditional dishes, including pancakes, and that awareness about the crops nutritional value has increased in recent years. She also spoke about seabuckthorn, which is found in the region and is used to prepare juice and other products. On tourism, Wahidah said Turtuk remained relatively inaccessible for several years due to its proximity to the border and security restrictions. However, tourists have increasingly been allowed to visit the area over the past few years, bringing greater attention to Turtuk and the wider Nubra Valley. She said the Balti belt includes Changmar, Bogdang, Chulangkha, Turtuk, Tyakshi and Thang, with Thang located close to the Line of Control. Reflecting on her long association with Kashmir, Wahidah said she has spent more than ten years studying in the Valley and has become familiar with Kashmiri language and culture. She said she likes Kashmir and finds similarities between Kashmiri and Balti culture and language. She also shared some Kashmiri phrases that she learned during her years of studying in the Valley.
Cancer care gets a push in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the existing cancer care in Jammu and Srinagar are being strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, human resources and specialized treatment services, as per the approved norms. The details were shared in reply to a starred question tabled by MLA Mir Saifullah regarding Establishment of Cancer Hospital in view of the rising number of cancer patients in J&K. The house was informed that cancer incidence has been witnessing an increasing trend globally, and a similar trend has also been observed in the UT. It said among the malignancies commonly reported, gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers constitute a significant proportion of the cases. The reply said to strengthen a coordinated response on the burden of cancer, the J&K Government has constituted an Apex Committee to provide guidance and formulate measures relating to prevention, screening and treatment of cancer. In reply to another question on whether it proposes to establish full-fledged Cancer Hospitals in different areas of J&K, the government said the financial and technical support of the Union Health Ministry, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), the J&K Government has already established two State Cancer Institutes, one at SKIMS, Soura and GMC Jammu. These institutes have been established to provide comprehensive and specialized cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment and other allied oncology services, thereby catering to the major cancer treatment requirements of the Union Territory, the reply said. It said the existing facilities are being strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, human resources and specialized services, as per approved norms and availability of resources. It added that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and quality cancer-care services, particularly for economically vulnerable sections of society. Eligible cancer patients are provided cashless/free treatment, as applicable, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, at empanelled Government as well as private health institutions, in accordance with the prescribed eligibility criteria and guidelines under the scheme, it said. The house was informed that in addition, poor and needy cancer patients requiring financial assistance are extended assistance under Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP) scheme, subject to eligibility criteria to facilitate access to appropriate cancer treatment and reduce financial burden on patients and their families.
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The Emerging Age of AI Literacy: Why Understanding AI Is Becoming Essential
Artificial intelligence is moving from a new technology to an established part of everyday digital life. It can help organise information, provide recommendations, assist with navigation, manage digital tasks, and create different forms of content. These systems are increasingly becoming part of the technologies and applications used in daily life. As AI use continues to grow, understanding its basic ideas and uses is becoming an important part of modern digital knowledge. Not long ago, computer literacy meant knowing how to type, save a file, send an email and use basic programmes. Over time, these skills became familiar parts of daily life. AI is now becoming part of search tools, recommendations, digital assistants, automated services and content creation. A 2025 study by KPMG and the University of Melbourne, involving more than 48,000 people in 47 countries, reported that 66 percent regularly used AI for work, study or personal activities, while 39 percent reported receiving AI education or training. This growing use has made AI literacy more important. It does not mean that everyone needs to learn programming or become an AI expert. A 2021 review of 30 peer-reviewed articles identified key parts of AI literacy, including understanding AI, using it, checking its results and thinking about its effects. MIT Open Learning has also discussed AI literacy as a field that can go beyond computer science. AI literacy also means knowing how AI produces information. AI can create explanations, summaries, images, recommendations and other forms of content. The result can depend on the system, the information available to it and the way a question is asked. This makes it useful to check important information and compare reliable sources. A basic understanding of AI can help people use these tools with greater awareness. AI is also opening new ways to learn and create. It can help explain ideas, organise information, develop ideas, create images and assist with solving problems. Alongside these possibilities, learning continues to depend on curiosity, practice and original thinking. AI literacy therefore includes knowing how to use these tools, how to ask clear questions and how to combine AI assistance with human judgement and creativity. The Harvard Graduate School of Education has discussed introducing AI literacy at an early age. MIT has also looked at ways to teach basic AI ideas to younger students. In one small MIT Media Lab study, students showed better understanding of AI after taking part in an AI literacy programme. Another MIT RAISE study involved 190 teachers and nearly 12,000 students. The teachers said they knew more about AI and felt more confident discussing it after the lessons. India is also taking steps to build AI awareness and skills. Through the IndiaAI Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has supported programmes related to AI education and skills. YUVA AI for ALL introduces learners to basic AI ideas, while Future Skills focuses on more advanced AI skills. AI Samarth also shares the experiences of educators such as Rajeswari Behera from Odisha and Mohandas Gaikwad from Maharashtra, who took part in AI literacy training. Their experiences show how simple training can help people become more familiar with AI and its uses. AI literacy is also being studied in different parts of the world. Universities and research centres are looking at simple ways to help people understand AI and use it well. The work includes learning how AI works, using AI tools, checking information and understanding responsible use. This shows that AI literacy is becoming a wider part of digital learning. Stanford University has created CRAFT resources to help high school students learn about AI. Oxford University has an AI Competency Centre that provides training on generative AI. The University of Cambridge has a Generative AI Literacy Course, while University College London has resources on using generative AI in learning and teaching. ETH Zurich is also studying how AI can support learning. Research in China and other countries is looking at AI literacy among university students and how it connects with learning and technology skills. UNESCO is also helping shape AI literacy. Its AI Competency Framework for Students lists 12 areas of learning, covering basic AI knowledge, ethics, practical use and AI system design. The OECD and European Commission's 2026 framework lists 19 AI literacy competences for school education. The European Union has also introduced AI literacy requirements through its AI Act. Together, these efforts show that understanding AI is becoming an important part of modern education and digital knowledge. AI literacy is becoming an important part of modern digital knowledge. Its purpose is not only to teach people how to use new tools, but also to help them understand the technology and explore its possibilities. AI can support learning, creativity, communication and problem-solving in many settings. Knowing its basic ideas can help people use these capabilities more effectively. The emerging age of AI literacy is therefore also an opportunity to build digital knowledge and take part in a changing technological world. Understanding AI can open new ways to learn, create, explore ideas and develop solutions. As AI literacy evolves, its value will lie in helping people understand and use this technology while keeping human judgement, curiosity and creativity at the centre. The real advantage will not simply come from knowing how to use AI, but from knowing how to understand it, work with it and use it with purpose. AI literacy can therefore become more than a new digital skill. It can be a foundation for confident and informed participation in the technological world ahead. (The author is a Columnist. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
Nutrition: Its More Than What We Put on Our Plate
PRIYANKA G BANSAL | APARNA MUKHREE What did you eat today? It is one of the most ordinary questions we ask. We ask it at the dinner table, over a phone call, or simply to keep a conversation going. Yet those four words carry a question that matters to every one of us: are we giving our bodies what they need to grow, function and stay healthy? Nutrition shapes how a child grows, how an adolescent develops, how a woman experiences pregnancy, how an adult stays healthy and how an older person stays active. In that sense, nutrition is not just about food. It runs through the story of our health at every stage of life. That is why Poshan Maah, observed every September, is more than a yearly reminder to eat healthy. It is a moment to pause and ask a bigger question: as India's food habits and health needs change, are our nutrition choices keeping up? India's nutrition story is changing, and it is growing more complex. Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remain serious concerns, even as overweight, obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise. In effect, we are dealing with too little, too much and, at times, simply the wrong mix, all at once. A picture like this calls for an equally broad response. Government programmes and public health initiatives are increasingly addressing the many sides of health. Their work ranges from screening and early detection of NCDs such as obesity and hypertension to promoting healthier food choices, cutting down on excess oil and encouraging physical activity. Initiatives such as the Eat Right India Movement and Khelo India carry a simple but powerful message: prevention is not just about avoiding disease; it is about building healthier lives. From evidence to action At the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), nutrition has long been a core area of work. Through its network of institutes and research grants, ICMR works across the full journey: understanding nutrition problems and what drives them, generating and bringing together evidence, testing interventions in real-world settings, and translating findings into policies and programmes. This work covers long-standing challenges such as anaemia and childhood undernutrition, as well as newer frontiers such as the gut microbiome, nutrigenomics, metabolomics, and emerging technologies for assessing nutrition and personalising approaches to health. The emphasis is increasingly on turning evidence into solutions. This means developing and evaluating food- and behaviour-based approaches that are scientifically sound, affordable, acceptable and practical in everyday life. Research is also looking beyond the health sector, at how agriculture, food systems and dietary choices can work together to improve nutrition and help prevent NCDs. The rainbow on the plate At the heart of all this is a simple idea: diet diversity matters. A healthy plate need not be complicated. Think of it as a rainbowdifferent colours, different foods and, importantly, different nutrients. Vegetables and fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and millets, pulses, nuts and seeds, milk or other protein sources all have a place. The goal is not to create a perfect plate at every meal, but to build a diverse diet across the day. The rainbow plate is more than a colourful picture. It carries a practical lesson: no single food can provide everything our body needs. India already has an extraordinary variety of grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and traditional foods across regions. We do not always need to search for the next superfood; sometimes, we simply need to rediscover the diversity already present in our own food traditions. At the same time, nutrition is rarely about putting foods into neat boxes of good and bad. Portion, frequency, preparation, nutrient composition and the overall dietary pattern all matter. A traditional food is not automatically healthy simply because it is traditional, just as a packaged food is not automatically unhealthy merely because it is packaged. The bigger picture is what matters: the diet as a whole. The nutrition transition is visible There is another change that is increasingly hard to ignore. The rise in overweight and obesity illustrates why Indias nutrition agenda has to address both deficiency and excess. Data from successive rounds of the National Family Health Survey show a steady increase in the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among both women and men. Note: Overweight/obesity is defined as BMI 25 kg/m. Figures are for adults aged 1549 years. Source: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3, 200506; NFHS-4, 201516; NFHS-5, 201921; NFHS-6, 202324). The next phase of nutrition research will need to be more integratedand more closely connected to real life. We need a better understanding of changing dietary patterns, vulnerable groups and the drivers of unhealthy diets. We need to know what works, for whom, where and at what scale. Stronger links between agriculture, food systems, nutrition and health, better use of technology and data, and greater attention to preventing diet-related NCDs will be central to this next phase. Most importantly, we need to move beyond simply describing nutrition problems. The real opportunity is to anticipate them, prevent them and develop solutions that people can actually use in everyday life. Because ultimately, nutrition is not about following a perfect diet. It is about the thousands of ordinary choices we make, meal after meal. What is on our plate today is also a little bit of the health we are building for tomorrow. Perhaps that is the simplest way to understand Poshannot just adding years to life, but adding health to those years. (The authors are Scientist E, ICMR Hqrs., New Delhi and Scientist F, Head, Division of RCN and Clinical Trials Unit, ICMR Hqrs., New Delhi, respectively. Courtesy: PIB
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Maharaja Hari Singh: A Crown Bound By Duty
The month of September has a mixed bag of fortunes in the historical context for the erstwhile state of J&K. This month had ominous consequences for it when the plans for the final stages of annexing this largest princely state neared their completion in Pakistan in 1947; and also because September had the good fortune of witnessing the birth of its protector 131 years back on 23 September 1895. On 23 September 2026, J&K will remember Maharaja Hari Singh on his 131st birth anniversary. The largest congregation of his supporters will be on Tawi Bridge on the river Tawi in Jammu. The YRS ( Yuva Rajput Sabha) of Jammu will take out the usual procession around the city in its traditional attire, with their headgear robed in Saffron pagri. A surfeit of garlands, speeches, commemorations and familiar references will be made with regard to the instrument of accession .But perhaps the most meaningful tribute to the last Dogra Maharaja would be to ask a more uncomfortable questionWhat did Maharaja Hari Singh understand about governance that we seem to have forgotten? He was a Maharaja, born into privilege and trained to rule. Yet his enduring legacy lies not in the palace he occupied, but in the idea that power carries an obligation. For the Maharaja, the state was not merely an instrument of power or authority, but a responsibility towards his subjects who had reposed unflinching faith and trust in his governance. And judged by that principle, the Maharaja was far more than the monarch described in conventional political narratives. Having inherited a complex , geographically vast and socially diverse state ,Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit Baltisthan and the frontier regions were not merely territories on a map. They were stamps bearing cartographic, linguistic and demographic imprints & challenges which to this day have been a Gordians knot for India to unknot. Representing a jigsaw puzzle consisting of diverse communities, languages, faiths, cultures, religions and political aspirations, J&K posed and still poses one of the biggest challenges, as mentioned above, for all of these facets to fall in one place in order to call itself a meaningful part of this sub-continent of ours. Governing such a state more than a century ago required something more than royal authority. It demanded bounden duty with little leeway for any slip-up in governance. His reign witnessed reforms in education, administration, social practices and governance. He was one of the first few Maharajas of princely India to have started primary education and acted against child marriage, a scourge that still rears its head from time to time in present-day India. Having opened the doors of his states temples to the downtrodden and to those who had for centuries been excluded from the abode of the Gods, the Maharaja took the battle straight into the domain of dogmatic and Hindu hardliners who were not too pleased with the rulers actions. He, being one of the most progressive rulers of princely India, introduced a constitutional framework in 1939, defining the relationship between the ruler, executive, legislature and the judiciary. This concept, being the keel of any democratic dispensation, was very deftly handled by the Maharaja, unlike his contemporaries during the British rule. The above-mentioned gestures were not mere one-off moves of the Maharaja, but revealed something more important about his understanding of kingship; i.e. tradition did not necessarily mean stagnation. A ruler could remain rooted in civilisational values while embracing modern institutions. This is where the idea of Raj Dharma became relevant and personified in the Maharajas persona. Raj Dharma , in its deepest sense, does not mean religious rule. It means the dharma of the rulerthe obligation to protect, administer fairly, uphold order and work for the welfare of the people. The ruler may possess power, but he does not possess the people, the most important component that drives his power. That distinction is crucial. For the simple reason that Hari Singhs life also demonstrated the stark reality ---history is rarely black and white. He was not a flawless democrat cum ruler despite his stated intent of being one. And his state was certainly not a modern liberal democracy. Political participation remained restricted, and his administration faced serious criticism and political opposition. The agitation of the 1930s, the Glancy Commission and the growing political movement in Kashmir reflected deep tensions within his rule. To romanticise him would therefore be as intellectually dishonest as to demonise him. But to oppose his reforms and his conception of responsibility would be equally wrong. The real tragedy is that Maharajas legacy has too often been reduced to one date---26 October 1947. The instrument of accession was undoubtedly a defining decision that was again mired in controversy by the detractors of the ruler. In fact, the seminal book Integration of Indian States on such matters, penned by none other than the then states secretary cum legal advisor to Lord Mountbatten VP Menon, has very categorically recorded that the Maharaja had, in July 1947, only approached the power centres at Delhi with the merger proposal of J&K with the dominion of India; should such a situation arise. But was kept on the tenterhooks for reasons best known to the leaders of that time. And perhaps that is precisely where we need to rediscover him. His dilemma in 1947 was not simply about choosing between two dominions. He was confronted with the survival of his state, the security of his subjects, and the collapse of an old political order. Whatever criticisms may be levelled against him and his political calculations, the final decision had consequences that continue to shape the Indian subcontinent even today. In ancient Indian political thought, the rulers legitimacy was inseparable from the welfare of the people. The famous ideal of Raja Praja Hitaya the ruler working for the welfare of his subjects was not supposed to be poetry for inscriptions. It was a standard against which power was to be judged. Maharaja Hari Singhs life offers precisely such a standard. Which Indian Maharaja, after the transfer of power in 1947, had to leave his own home state merely after 2 years to be banished to Mumbai on the exhortations of the then HM Sardar Patel, Nehru and Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah; only to let his former state to be governed as per the wishes of the former trio? Not even one, except for the ruler of J&K. After 131 years since his birth, perhaps the most befitting tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh is not to praise him more loudly, but to govern more responsibly. If Raj Dharma was expected of Maharaja, why should less be expected of those who govern in the name of the people? (The Author is a retired army officer and a regular scribe of Rising Kashmir. He can be approached on his email: slalotra4729@gmail.com)
Safety concerns at Astha Kunj Park not new, say south-east Delhi residents; DDA reviewing security
Maharaja Hari Singh: The Legacy of a Ruler Who Shaped the History of Jammu and Kashmir
The history of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be understood without understanding the life, governance and legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh. He was not merely the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir; he was a central figure during one of the most complicated periods in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Born on 23 September 1895, Maharaja Hari Singh became the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir in 1925. His reign unfolded during a period of enormous political and social transformation. British rule was approaching its final phase, political consciousness was expanding across India, and questions of representation, social reform, education and constitutional governance were becoming increasingly important. Maharaja Hari Singh inherited a geographically vast and socially diverse state. Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and other regions had different historical experiences, cultural traditions and social structures. Governing such a state was never a simple task. His legacy, therefore, needs to be examined in its full historical context rather than through a single political lens. A Ruler at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity Maharaja Hari Singh belonged to the Dogra ruling dynasty, whose history was closely associated with the political formation of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Yet his reign cannot simply be described as a continuation of traditional monarchy. During his rule, efforts were made to modernise aspects of administration, education, justice and social policy. His government introduced and supported measures aimed at addressing social problems and expanding educational opportunities. One of the important features associated with his reign was attention to social reform. Measures concerning child marriage and education reflected the changing social environment of the period. The importance given to education demonstrated an understanding that a modern state required an educated population. These developments should be viewed against the conditions of the 1920s and 1930s. India was still under colonial rule, literacy was limited, and political institutions were evolving. In that environment, administrative and social reforms in a princely state were part of a much wider transition from traditional systems toward modern governance. Education as an Instrument of Social Change Education was one of the most important areas of social transformation during Maharaja Hari Singh's period. A society cannot modernise without expanding access to education. The development of educational institutions and encouragement of schooling helped create opportunities for sections of society that had previously remained outside formal education. For Jammu and Kashmir, this question was particularly significant because the state contained communities with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Education could serve not only as a means of personal advancement but also as an instrument for creating administrative capacity and social mobility. The importance of this aspect of Maharaja Hari Singh's reign is sometimes overshadowed by the political controversies surrounding his rule. Yet the social reforms and educational initiatives of his period deserve serious historical examination. Administrative Reform and the Idea of a Modern State Maharaja Hari Singh also presided over efforts to strengthen the administrative machinery of the state. The transition from personalised monarchy toward more organised institutions was one of the major challenges facing princely states in the early twentieth century. Government departments, legal procedures, public administration and systems of governance had to respond to a society that was becoming increasingly politically conscious. Maharaja Hari Singh's administration attempted to address these changing requirements. This does not mean that his government was identical to a modern democratic administration. It was not. Jammu and Kashmir remained a princely state under hereditary rule. Political representation and democratic participation remained major areas of debate and conflict. But precisely because his reign occurred during this transitional period, it is historically significant. The Political Upheaval of 1931 The year 1931 occupies a particularly important place in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. Political dissatisfaction had been developing for several years, and questions concerning representation, administration and political rights increasingly entered public debate. The events of 1931 marked a major turning point. The events of 13 July 1931 subsequently became a powerful political symbol, although their interpretation has differed among political groups and historians. A serious examination of history requires distinguishing between established facts, contemporary accounts and later political interpretations. The events of 1931 should therefore be studied through multiple historical sources rather than reduced to a single political narrative. What is clear is that the 1930s transformed the political environment of Jammu and Kashmir. The relationship between the ruler, political organisations and different sections of society became increasingly complex. The pressure for political reform was no longer something that could simply be ignored. The state had entered a new political age. The Challenge of Balancing Authority and Political Aspirations Maharaja Hari Singh's reign illustrates a wider problem faced by many rulers of princely states. On one side stood the traditional concept of hereditary authority. On the other stood a rapidly growing demand for political participation and representative institutions. This conflict was not unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Across India, political movements were demanding greater participation in government. The rise of mass politics was changing the relationship between rulers and their subjects. Maharaja Hari Singh therefore governed during a period when the old political order was under increasing pressure. Understanding this context is essential. It allows us to examine both the reforms undertaken during his reign and the political opposition that developed against his administration without reducing the entire history to either praise or condemnation. 1947: The Moment That Changed Everything If one event permanently transformed the historical legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh, it was the crisis of 1947. India became independent in August 1947. The British withdrawal created a new political reality for the princely states. Each ruler faced the question of the future relationship of his state with the newly independent dominions of India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir occupied a unique position. It had a Muslim-majority population but a Hindu Dogra ruling dynasty. It shared geographical connections with both India and Pakistan and possessed immense strategic importance because of its borders. Maharaja Hari Singh initially explored the possibility of maintaining independence. The situation, however, changed dramatically in October 1947. An armed tribal invasion from Pakistan's side entered the princely state. The crisis rapidly developed into a military and political emergency. Faced with the deteriorating situation, Maharaja Hari Singh sought military assistance from India. The Instrument of Accession was signed on 26 October 1947, and India subsequently accepted the accession and provided military assistance. This decision became one of the most consequential moments in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The Instrument of Accession The Instrument of Accession is central to understanding the constitutional history of Jammu and Kashmir. Through the document, the Maharaja acceded the state to the Dominion of India in specified areas of authority, including defence, external affairs and communications, subject to the terms of the accession. Whatever political debates emerged later, the accession document remains a foundational historical document in the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and India. For Maharaja Hari Singh, the events of October 1947 represented an extraordinary crisis. The state was facing armed conflict, political uncertainty and territorial insecurity. His decision must therefore be studied in the context of the circumstances existing at that particular moment. Jammu and the Dogra Legacy Maharaja Hari Singh's historical significance is especially strong in Jammu. For many people in the Jammu region, he represents the Dogra historical legacy and the political identity associated with the Dogra dynasty. The history of Jammu cannot be separated from the Dogra period. The political expansion and consolidation of the Dogra state played a major role in shaping the territorial and administrative structure that existed before independence. Maharaja Hari Singh was the final reigning representative of that dynasty. His memory therefore carries a meaning that extends beyond the history of one individual. It is connected with questions of heritage, identity, culture and historical memory. The public celebration of his birth anniversary in Jammu reflects the continuing importance of that legacy. Beyond Political Slogans Maharaja Hari Singh has increasingly become a symbol in contemporary political discussions. Different political groups interpret his legacy in different ways. But history should not become merely a collection of slogans. To understand Maharaja Hari Singh properly, one must study his entire period: his accession to the throne in 1925, his administrative policies, social reforms, educational initiatives, the political developments of the 1930s, the events of 1931, the constitutional changes of the 1940s and finally the crisis of 1947. It is equally important to recognise that historical figures can have both achievements and limitations. A mature society does not fear complexity. It studies its past honestly. Why Maharaja Hari Singh Still Matters More than seven decades after his political authority ended, Maharaja Hari Singh remains part of public discourse. Why? Because the questions surrounding his era remain connected to questions that continue to shape Jammu and Kashmir: regional identity, political representation, constitutional relationships, governance, cultural heritage and the interpretation of history. His life also reminds us that political decisions are often made under circumstances that are very different from those existing decades later. The decision-making environment of 1947 cannot be understood through the political realities of 2026 alone. Historical figures must be judged within the circumstances in which they lived and acted. A Message for the Younger Generation For today's generation, Maharaja Hari Singh should not be merely a portrait displayed on a wall or a name mentioned during an annual celebration. Young people should study his era. They should ask: What was Jammu and Kashmir like before independence? What reforms were introduced during his reign? Why did political opposition grow during the 1930s? What happened in 1931? Why did the political situation become increasingly complicated in the 1940s? What happened during the October 1947 crisis? What was the Instrument of Accession? And how did these events influence the subsequent history of Jammu and Kashmir? These questions encourage historical understanding rather than political mythology. Remembering Maharaja Hari Singh Remembering Maharaja Hari Singh does not require ignoring the difficult chapters of his reign. Nor does criticism of aspects of his rule require erasing his contributions. A historical personality should be remembered through the complete record. His legacy includes social and administrative reforms, the development of education, the challenges of governing a diverse princely state, the political upheavals of the 1930s and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the accession of 1947. His story is therefore inseparable from the story of Jammu and Kashmir itself. Conclusion Maharaja Hari Singh occupies a unique place in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He was the last reigning Maharaja of the Dogra dynasty. He governed during an era when traditional monarchy confronted modern political aspirations. His reign witnessed social reforms, administrative change, political unrest and ultimately the dramatic events surrounding the partition of India and the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. His historical importance cannot be reduced to one event or one political interpretation. For Jammu, he remains an important symbol of Dogra history and heritage. For students of Indian history, his reign provides an important window into the transformation of princely India. For those seeking to understand the origins of the modern political history of Jammu and Kashmir, the events of his reign are indispensable. The most meaningful tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh is not simply to celebrate his name, but to study his era with honesty, depth and historical discipline. A society that remembers its history understands its identity more clearly. And Jammu's history cannot be written completely without Maharaja Hari Singh. Maharaja Hari Singh was not merely a ruler of a bygone era. He was a central figure in a period of transformation whose decisions, reforms and historical circumstances continue to influence the story of Jammu and Kashmir. (The author is a columnist)
Breakdown of civic infra in India
An official who clears or knowingly ignores an unauthorised structure should face the same consequences as the owners who built it
AISA claims college cancelled panel discussion after threat
Haifa day: Deterioration of memorial in Basra distresses families of martyrs
The Mysore Lancers, the armed force of the erstwhile Mysore princely State, was part of the Indian Expeditionary Force, which troops from other princely States were a part of.
Forestry students protest JKSSB draft rules
Ganderbal: Students of the Faculty of Forestry at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) continued their protest for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, opposing the eligibility criteria proposed in the recent draft recruitment rules issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) for forestry posts. The protesting students said the draft allows candidates with general graduation and degrees in disciplines including botany, agriculture, IT and computer science to apply for forestry posts, which they said undermines the specialised four-year forestry degree. Irza Shafi, a forestry student from Baramulla, said the students would continue their protest until they receive a clear assurance and a concrete resolution from the authorities. She appealed to the Forest Department and the government to take up the matter with JKSSB during the ongoing Legislative Assembly session. We want our specialisation to be valued. Our degree needs to have value, she said, adding that if their demands are not addressed, the students plan to begin a hunger strike from Wednesday. Another student, Toiba Basheer from Ganderbal, said forestry students undergo specialised academic training and extensive fieldwork during their four-year degree. She questioned the inclusion of candidates from unrelated streams in the eligibility criteria for forestry posts. Muskaan Mushtaq, a third-year forestry student, said students study more than 60 subjects and undertake extensive field training as part of their course. She said opening forestry posts to general graduates would make their specialised degree less meaningful. Why should we spend years and lakhs on a professional forestry degree if a general graduate is also made eligible for the same post? she asked, urging the government and concerned ministers to intervene. Third-year student Rabia Riaz said forestry students spend years receiving specialised education and practical training in forests and field conditions. She said forestry graduates are specifically trained to understand and manage forest ecosystems and appealed to the authorities to reconsider the proposed eligibility criteria. The students said their protest would remain peaceful and lawful. They added that the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and the Ganderbal police authorities had met them, following which the students assured them that no activity would be undertaken that could harm the institution or disturb peace on campus. The students have demanded that the eligibility criteria for forestry posts be revised to give due consideration to specialised forestry qualifications.
Chairperson, Members of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes meet CM Vijay
The delegation of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes also called on Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan
Sajad Lone flags Rs 251-cr power tariff burden
Srinagar, Sep 22: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone has criticised the National Conference-led government over its power policy, alleging that consumers will pay an additional 251 crore during 2026-27 following the recent tariff revision. Lone said the governments response to his Assembly question confirmed that the revised tariff approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission would generate an additional 251 crore for power distribution companies during the current financial year. The NC-led government may not have provided 200 units of free electricity to consumers but it has admitted today in response to my question that 251 crore will be collected from consumers on account of recent power tariff, he said. According to Lone, the government attributed the tariff revision to the gap between the cost of electricity supply and revenue realised under the existing tariff. He also questioned the governments explanation that its promise of 200 units of free electricity was being implemented through a RESCO-based rooftop solar scheme. Under the scheme, eligible households are to receive 2-kW rooftop solar systems, with the benefit becoming available after commissioning. Lone said the government had not provided figures on how many households had actually received commissioned systems so far. He also highlighted the governments response stating that 11 lakh smart meters had been installed across Jammu and Kashmir since October 2024. Lones remarks came amid the ongoing Assembly session, where power tariffs and the governments electricity policy have been among the issues raised by opposition members.
Five Handwara chemists face action over NRX stock
Handwara, Sep 22: Chemists were warned about fake AI-generated prescriptions being used by addicts to obtain habit-forming medicines, Executive Magistrate 1st Class and Tehsildar Handwara Zeeshan Khan said during an inspection drive in Handwara on Tuesday. Speaking during the joint inspection, Khan said the drive was conducted following directions issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara after an NCORD meeting. The Revenue Department and Drug Control Department inspected medical stores from around noon to check the sale and stock records of NRX and other habit-forming medicines. We inspected around 10 to 12 chemist shops. While several stores maintained proper records, discrepancies were found at multiple shops between the recorded stock, supplied quantities and the medicines available at the premises, Khan said. He said the sale of NRX medicines was immediately suspended at five shops where stock mismatches were detected. More than 100 strips were seized or kept locked under official seal, Khan said. According to the Tehsildar, the affected shopkeepers were served show-cause notices and asked to submit valid documents and explain the discrepancies by 4:00 PM tomorrow. If they fail to provide the required documentation and clear the discrepancies, their shops will be sealed and legal proceedings will be initiated, he said. Khan also raised concern over the changing pattern of drug misuse, saying individuals were increasingly turning to prescription NRX and habit-forming medicines as traditional illicit substances become harder to access. He said authorities had specifically found concerns surrounding fake AI-generated prescriptions. Chemists must thoroughly verify prescriptions before dispensing NRX medicines. They should ensure that the prescription is genuine and issued by a doctor, Khan said. He also urged chemists and medical associations to ensure strict compliance with prescription requirements. Khan said shopkeepers should retain copies of prescriptions when selling more than five to 10 tablets. The inspection drive, he said, was aimed at preventing the misuse and illegal diversion of prescription medicines and ensuring that medical stores maintain proper stock and sale records.
AIP seeks details of 6,519 books removed from libraries
Srinagar, Sep 22: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed has sought details of around 6,519 books reportedly removed from libraries of colleges and institutions under the Higher Education Department, questioning the lack of information about their titles, authors and subjects. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Khursheed said he had raised a starred question in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session seeking details of books that had been banned or removed from libraries and colleges across the Union Territory. He alleged that the question was not taken up in a manner that allowed supplementary questions, denying him an opportunity to seek further clarification from the government. Khursheed said the governments response mentioned that approximately 6,519 books had been removed but did not provide details such as their titles, authors, subjects or publishers. He sought a complete list of the books along with the names of their authors, subjects and publishing houses, besides details of the policy or criteria under which they were removed. This is a serious issue. When the Assembly session resumes, we will once again ask the government to provide the complete list of these books, he said. Khursheed questioned who had authorised the removal of the books and under what guidelines the decisions were taken. He said the government should clarify whether any specific criterion had been applied to books relating to Kashmir. He also raised concerns over what he described as restrictions on access to literature concerning Jammu and Kashmir, linking the issue to freedom of expression and preservation of the regions history and literature. Khursheed also criticised the government over its handling of the issue and questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs position, alleging that the elected administration had not sufficiently raised the matter. He said the AIP would pursue the issue in the Assembly and seek complete details of the books removed from libraries. The party, he added, would also share a copy of the Assembly question with the media so that the public could examine the information sought and the governments response.
Fishermen plan protest against new Secretariat project at Foreshore Estate on Sept. 29
Protest planned as there was no move by the government to drop the proposal, says a community leader
Madras High Court allows foreign national aged above 50 to undergo IVF treatment
Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy says, the Parliament had fixed upper age limit under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 only by taking into consideration the life expectancy in India and not elsewhere
Suspect who set hospital worker on fire shot while trying to evade arrest
When a police team tried to apprehend the suspect, he allegedly attacked a police officer with a sickle, injuring him
Annai Velankanni Shrine becomes a minor Basilica
It is now the 30th basilica in the country
A. Myilvaganan posted as Joint CEO of T.N. Sports Development Authority
He will function under the overall control of the Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu
In Granite Baron R Veeramani Child Sex Abuse Case, Ex-Employee Arrested
Ganeshan, who worked with Veeramani's Gem Granites group for 23 years before joining another company, was arrested by the Central Crime Branch.
Counterfeit rabies vaccine worth 2 lakh seized in Delhi
Ethanol company sues Andhra farmer over pollution claims, seeks 1 crore compensation
Sentini BioProducts Pvt. Ltd. has sued farmer M. Muralidhar Reddy of Gandepalli village, near Keesara in the NTR district, requesting that he be directed to issue a public apology and perpetual injunction restraining the farmer from making any misleading and malicious statements in the future
Liquor outlets to remain closed in Cyberabad for final Ganesh idol immersion
India begins anti-dumping probes against imports of Glycine chemical from China
If it is established that the dumping has caused material injury to domestic players, the DGTR would recommend the imposition of duties on the imports. The Finance Ministry takes the final decision to impose these duties
Astha Kunj Park gang-rape: LSR suspends classes; students consider leaving Delhi amid safety fears
Police encounter with accused took place barely 50 metres from colleges back gate; students union says 2,0003,000 women students live around the park
Two-Day Probe Turns 20-Day Wait: Bandipora Newborn Death Report Still Pending
Bandipora, September 22: Twenty days after the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora constituted a five-member committee to inquire into the alleged medical negligence in connection with the death of a newborn at District Hospital Bandipora, the committee is yet to submit its final report. The committee was constituted by the CMO Bandipora on September 1, 2026, vide Order No. CMOB/Estt/2026-27/1610-14, with directions to examine the circumstances surrounding the newborns death and submit its report within two days. However, despite the stipulated two-day timeframe, the report has not yet been submitted, with 20 days having passed since the constitution of the inquiry committee. The inquiry was ordered following allegations by the newborns family regarding alleged medical negligence and delay in referral to a higher medical centre. The committee was tasked with examining the treatment provided, medical decisions taken during the course of treatment, and the circumstances preceding the newborns death, including the alleged delay in referral. When contacted, CMO Bandipora said the report is yet to be finalised and may take another two to three days. The report hasn't come yet and will take another two to three days. Furthermore, as an official government document, it cannot be released to the public. While we initially estimated a two-day timeframe, coordinating with doctors travelling from afar caused some delays. However, the preliminary report is already prepared, and once the final touches are applied, the final version will be ready in a couple of days, the CMO said. The five-member panel comprises Dr Mohammad Asif Khan, Principal, ANMT School Bandipora; Dr Tahera Nazir, District Health Officer, Bandipora; Dr Shabnum, Consultant Gynaecologist, CHC Sumbal; Dr Aijaz Ahmad, Medical Officer (Paediatrician), CHC Hajin; and Muzaffar Ahmad, Senior Assistant in the office of the CMO Bandipora. The inquiry assumes significance as the family had sought an impartial examination of the treatment provided to the mother and newborn, the medical decisions taken during the course of treatment and the circumstances leading up to the death. The committee is expected to establish the sequence of events and examine whether there were any lapses in treatment, medical management or referral. The report is to be submitted to the concerned higher authorities for further consideration.(KNS)
Govt. brings smartphone screen protectors under Bureau of Indian Standards
The mandatory BIS certification will be effective from April 1, 2027
Govt. brings smartphone screen protectors under Bureau of Indian Standards
The mandatory BIS certification will be effective from April 1, 2027
PhonePe secures UAE central bank approval for two payment licences
The digital payments firm will now work towards obtaining final approval before commencing commercial operations in the United Arab Emirates
Digital Literacy Is the First Line of Defence
The rapid spread of smartphones, digital payments and online services has transformed the way people communicate, work and conduct their daily affairs. From banking and education to shopping and public services, much of life now unfolds through a screen. Yet with this convenience has come a growing danger: online frauds are becoming more frequent, more organised and increasingly difficult to detect. Cybercriminals no longer rely only on obvious fake messages or poorly written emails. They use convincing phone calls, impersonate bank officials, circulate fraudulent links and exploit peoples fears and urgency. A message warning that an account will be blocked, a call promising a government benefit or a link offering a job may appear genuine at first glance. In reality, such tactics are designed to manipulate people into revealing passwords, one-time passwords, banking details or other sensitive information. The victims of these frauds are not necessarily careless or uneducated. Even informed people can be deceived when criminals use personal details, official-looking logos and persuasive language. The elderly, students, small traders and people living in areas with limited access to digital training are particularly vulnerable. For many, the digital world has arrived faster than the knowledge required to navigate it safely. This is why digital literacy must be treated as an essential life skill rather than a specialised subject. Knowing how to use a smartphone is not enough. People must also understand how to identify suspicious links, verify unknown callers, protect personal information and report fraudulent activity without delay. No legitimate bank or government agency asks for passwords, PINs or OTPs over the phone. This simple principle needs to be repeated widely and regularly. Schools, colleges, banks, local institutions and civil society organisations all have a role to play. Digital safety awareness should be included in educational programmes and community outreach campaigns. Banks must communicate security warnings in clear, local-language messages. Public agencies should establish simple and accessible channels for reporting cybercrime. Awareness cannot remain limited to occasional advisories issued after a major fraud has taken place. Citizens, too, must adopt responsible habits. They should avoid clicking on unverified links, refrain from sharing confidential information and pause before acting on messages that create panic or promise sudden rewards. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication and regular checking of bank alerts can provide an additional layer of protection. The fight against online fraud cannot be won through technology alone. It requires awareness, vigilance and a culture of digital responsibility. As Kashmir becomes more connected, its people must be equipped not only to access the benefits of the digital age but also to protect themselves from its darker side. Digital literacy is no longer optional; it is the first line of defence.
Congress accuses Centre of hiding IIT student suicide data
Party cites report claiming that more than half of those who died by suicide in IITs over the past 5 years were from SC, ST, OBC communities
Samsung India profit falls 36% to 7,228 crore in FY26; mobile revenue declines
In the Indian smartphone market, Samsung competes with Apple in the premium category, while facing intense competition from Chinese brands such as Vivo, Xiaomi, Oppo and Realme in the mass-market and affordable price segments
Theni set to become pioneer in solar energy in Tamil Nadu
Squatting on mining assets a concern, says Mines Secretary
Senior official says some miners do not commence operationswithin a stipulated time-frame, such squatting rests on speculative tendencies
Police seized 350 kg of red sanders in Tiruvannamalai
The seized wooden logs were given to the Forest Department
Graduation day held at Annai Mira College of Engineering in Ranipet
260 graduates, including 15 postgraduate students received degrees
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave away the awards at the eighth edition of the event that honours human catalysts
Two persons killed in road accident near Walajah
Passersby and other motorists admitted them to Government Taluk Hospital in Walajah town where they succumbed to injuries
Steel prices at four-year high; trend to continue in H2: report
The spike in prices is mainly due to rise in key raw materials coupled with an increase in demand, a BigMint analyst said
Steps to ensure medicine supply to hospitals in Keralam, says Murali
Woman, daughter held for theft in industrialist Sekar Reddys house at Katpadi
They have been remanded in Vellore Central Prison
Shillong, Sep 22: Cooks under the PM-POSHAN scheme across Meghalaya staged simultaneous sit-in protests on Tuesday as their indefinite cease-cooking strike entered day 22, demanding continuation of the scheme and enhancement of honorarium from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. The state-wide protest was held at Khyndailad in Shillong, Ummulong in Jowai and near [] The post PM-Poshan cooks strike, demand Rs 10k pay, scheme continuation first appeared on Highland Post .
Regulator warns against indiscriminate use of painkillers and antibiotics, cites kidney disease risk
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation advises against self-medication and urges doctors to follow antimicrobial stewardship principles while prescribing antibiotics
Air purifiers will be rolled out around Byrnihat if trial successful
Shillong, Sep 22: The air purifier installed at Byrnihat is currently being tested on a trial basis and a larger pilot project will be considered only if the trial proves successful, cabinet minister Sosthenes Sohtun said on Tuesday. Speaking about the state governments efforts to address pollution in Byrnihat, Sohtun said the air purifier was [] The post Air purifiers will be rolled out around Byrnihat if trial successful first appeared on Highland Post .
No justice yet, may set up peoples tribunal: Sonam Wangchuk on 2025 Ladakh firing investigation
In this video, The Hindus Vijaita Singh spoke to Sonam Wangchuk about the investigation into last years Ladakh violence and the calls for justice and accountability.
Orient Cables to raise 552 crore through IPO
Brazil Legends and Indian All Stars to rekindle football magic
Bolarum arms theft accused questioned for six hours on first day of police custody
Nicaraguan government responsible for at least 8 deaths in custody since 2018, U.N. report finds
A U.N. report says the Nicaraguan government is responsible for at least eight deaths in custody since 2018
Watch: Vande Mataram case: SC examines religious objections to singing Vande Mataram
The Supreme Court has said the government can decide the scope and length of the National Song, but cannot violate religious freedoms or impose criminal penalties on those who conscientiously refuse to sing Vande Mataram. The observation came during the hearing of Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishnas petition challenging the 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
BJP questions Congress after court order on Sonias electoral roll entry
Delhi court had directed Magistrate to look into the complaint alleging that Sonia was added to the voters list before she became an Indian citizen
IB school leaders from pan-India converge at IB Manthan 2026 in the city
CPI(M) march to Srikakulam over Narayanapuram land grabbing issue
Watch: French President Macron discusses West Asia security, Ukraine-Russia conflict with Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron said his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York was very constructive. The two leaders discussed the West Asia crisis, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the Ukraine-Russia war and support for Ukraines energy system.
Family alleges police jeep deliberately rammed bike, demands attempt-to-murder case
Mother of injured youth releases audio-video recording allegedly capturing police conversation after July 16 incident
Family alleges police jeep deliberately rammed bike, demands attempt-to-murder case
Mother of injured youth releases audio-video recording allegedly capturing police conversation after July 16 incident
