Govt to Revive 25 Neglected Tourist Assets Across Kashmir
Rs 3 crore project to transform Chinar Bagh: Dir Tourism Srinagar, June 18: The Tourism Department said it will undertake a major restoration and upgradation drive of several neglected tourism assets across Kashmir, with the iconic Chinar Bagh on the banks of Dal Lake among the top priorities, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad said on Thursday. Speaking on the sidelines of a cleanliness drive at Chinar Bagh, Sajjad said the department has earmarked Rs 3 crore for the restoration of the historic leisure park, which is expected to undergo a visible transformation within the next six months. Chinar Bagh is one of the finest tourist attractions and leisure parks located on the banks of Dal Lake. Although its restoration was included in previous plans and implemented to some extent, the asset was not properly upgraded or maintained over time. We have now taken cognizance of the issue and are committed to its comprehensive revival, he said. The Director said the department has identified around 25 tourism assets across Kashmir that have fallen into a dilapidated condition due to years of neglect. These assets have been earmarked for restoration and are expected to be revived within the next six months. We have outsourced several such assets that are currently beyond recognition and require major overhauls. Chinar Bagh is one of them, and similar restoration work will be carried out at other locations as well, he added. Sajjad said the initiative is not aimed at generating revenue for the department but at creating livelihood opportunities for local youth. Our objective is to involve local youth in the maintenance and management of these assets so that employment opportunities are generated at the grassroots level. This will also ensure the long-term upkeep of these facilities without putting an additional financial burden on the government, he said. He noted that many of these parks and tourism facilities serve as vital recreational spaces for visitors and residents alike. These are breathing spaces where tourists would like to spend time, especially as urban areas are becoming increasingly crowded. We are committed to upgrading these parks and improving the overall tourism experience, Sajjad said. The restoration initiative forms part of the Tourism Departments broader efforts to enhance visitor amenities, preserve public recreational spaces, and promote sustainable tourism across the valley.
Fast Lane to Formula 1: Kashmirs Young Racing Star
Srinagar, June 14: While most 11 year olds are navigating the routines of middle school, Srinagar born Atiqa Asif Mir is busy breaking speed records on the international stage and shattering gender stereotypes in a male dominated sport. Atiqa recently made history by securing first position in Round 2 of the prestigious Champions of the Future Academy Program held in Thessaloniki, Greece. Dominated by a highly competitive international grid, the young racer bounced back from a challenging first day to claim pole position, win two consecutive heats, and comfortably take the final victory. For Atiqa, racing is a lifelong calling. While other young girls grew up with Barbie dolls, her room has only ever been filled with toy cars, specifically her favorite character, Lightning McQueen. Racing runs deep in her DNA. She is the daughter of Asif Nazir Mir, Indias first National Karting Champion and a former Formula Asia driver. Though she never saw him compete live, watching video archives and his local track runs in Dubai sparked a fierce passion. She has already been training and competing professionally for nearly five years. When asked how she maintains the mental fortitude to compete against the world's best at such a young age, Atiqa offered wisdom well beyond her years I dont think motivation can stay with you forever; motivation comes and goes. But the thing that stays with you forever is discipline. Some days I dont want to train, but I have to and I want to, to become better and stronger. Stepping onto international tracks as a young girl from Kashmir brings unique challenges. Atiqa candidly shared that she has faced skepticism from relatives who don't understand motorsport, alongside on track hostility from male competitors. One of the main challenges is getting bullied by the boys on the track because I dont think they like to lose to a girl, Atiqa said with a smile. But I bully them back on the track. I think they learn that shes a strong girl and she doesnt give up. Standing proud on the podium in Greece while wearing her hijab as the national anthem played, Atiqa described the moment as deeply emotional. I was thinking of all the moments that people said 'you can't do it,' but I think I showed them that I can, and that females are no less than males. Its a big barrier broken for me and for all the people who believe females cant do it. Karting is globally recognized as the foundational stepping stone to elite open wheel racing. Atiqas sights are firmly set on the pinnacle of motorsport: Formula 1. While the current minimum age restriction to enter F1 is 18, she aims to break into the circuit by the time she turns 18. Her historic feat in Greece has already caught the highest levels of political attention back home. Following her victory, Atiqa met with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi. According to Atiqa, the minister expressed immense pride in her achievement and shared the government's ambitious vision to bring Formula 1 racing back to India. Supported closely by her parents who travel with her to every race to offer honest critiques and unconditional support, Atiqa wants her journey to serve as a blueprint for young girls across India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. My message to everyone out there is to keep pushing and never give up on your dreams, because you never know when they could come true, she said. When you want to quit, you just have to keep going. Girls, people will say you cant do it, but always believe that you can.
Promise Of Peace Or Just A Pause?
New deal reopens Hormuz, but tests of trust lie ahead
Parents, Screens and a Lost Generation
How weakened families are feeding crime, addiction and alienation Modern Kashmir stands at a dangerous crossroads. We debate politics, security, infrastructure and jobs with justified urgency, yet ignore the one institution that once held this society together: the family. The slow but steady decadence in our homes is reshaping the Valleys moral landscape and not for the better. For generations, the Kashmiri family was more than a household; it was a moral school, a welfare system and a conflictresolution council under one roof. Grandparents transmitted values, parents enforced discipline with love, and children learned their first lessons in empathy, patience and faith at home, not on a screen. Today, that compact is visibly fraying. The joint family is shrinking into isolated nuclear units. Elders, once revered, now find themselves sidelined, their counsel treated as outdated lectures in a hyperconnected, hyperdistracted age. Decadence does not arrive with a single dramatic event; it seeps in gradually. It is evident in the normalisation of disrespectful speech, in rising domestic violence, and in the erosion of modesty and restraint in our public and digital lives. It appears in parents inability or unwillingness to set boundaries for children, while gadgets and social media quietly assume the role of surrogate guardians. As consumerism deepens its roots, the language of sacrifice and contentment that once defined Kashmiri homes is giving way to envy, display and relentless comparison. Terrorism, economic anxieties and exposure to a globalised culture have all played their part. But to attribute everything to circumstances is to evade responsibility. A society that cannot protect its own value system inside the four walls of its homes cannot hope to insulate its streets from chaos. Crime, substance abuse, mental health crises and a growing sense of alienation among the youth are not detached social phenomena; they are symptoms of a deeper breakdown in the first school of life, the family. Reversing this decadence demands more than sermonising from pulpits and podiums. It requires parents to reclaim time from their screens and careers and reinvest it in conversations at the dinner table. It requires schools and religious institutions to work with families, not in parallel, to nurture character. It requires the State to recognise that policies on housing, work and social welfare directly influence how families live, gather and care for one another. Kashmir cannot afford a future where the marketplace and the mobile phone raise our children, while parents become mere financiers of lifestyle. If the Valley is to recover its moral compass, the repair work must begin at home. A society that rebuilds its families rebuilds its future; one that lets decadence hollow out its households will eventually find its public life collapsing under the same rot.
Revisit the One-Year Research for Honours Programme
One of the major areas requiring review is the clarity and structure of the research framework DR KHURSHID A TARIQ The NEP 2020 envisages the promotion of research in the HEIs. This led to the introduction of a one-year research component in the Honours Programme from the academic session 2025 for 2022 batches in some J&K degree colleges as per UGC NCrF guidelines, which is a significant academic initiative aimed at developing research aptitude, analytical thinking, scientific curiosity, and independent learning among students. However, the SOPs for fourth-year research implementation were missing, and the vibrant research ecosystem is still a dream apart. Undoubtedly, research exposure at the UG level provides students with an opportunity to get sensitised with research, inculcate a scientific temper and spirit, understand scientific methodologies, and develop scientific pursuit to understand nature and natural principles, emerge as problem solvers, explore new ideas, and contribute meaningfully to the knowledge creation in their respective disciplines. However, a systematic evaluation of the one-year research programme is necessary to identify the existing gaps and address the shortcomings so that future batches receive a more effective, structured, and academically enriching research experience for a meaningful learning outcome of pursuing research at the final stage of a four-year academic programme. The sudden implementation of research at the UG level without actually assessing the ground situation and developing the requisite physical infrastructure for research has adversely affected the morale of the research students presently enrolled in the honours with research programme. Before offering the one-year research to a fresh batch of honours programme from this academic session, a critical evaluation of the already continuing research is need of the hour for early redressal and rectification of shortfalls, challenges, and limitations observed during its first year of implementation. Research cannot achieve its intended objectives without providing students with a supportive academic environment and research ecosystem. One of the major areas requiring review is the clarity and structure of the research framework. During the initial year, several challenges emerged due to the absence of research cells in the colleges and the lack of research statutes/guidelines governing the honours with research programme. Understanding of the research problem, selection of suitable topics, development of research synopsis, formulation of research objectives and hypothesis, conducting the local, national and international literature review, designing of research methodologies, understanding the applications of statistical methods for research, defining expected research outcomes in sync with societal needs, understanding the nitty-gritty of academic writing and writing of research dissertations/projects, writing of research papers and understanding the publication process for publishing the research findings in journals should be clear to a student before making a choice for honours with research. All of these are the indispensable requirements for doing research and will actually enable the students for a direct PhD programme in HEIs and research centres, otherwise it will be a mere accumulation of a transcript and will fetch no real purpose. A detailed review to assess whether relevant research guidelines are available, whether research spaces and protocols exist, whether research SOPs exist, whether adequate research laboratories exist in colleges, whether uninterrupted electricity is available to run the equipment for scientific research, and whether the colleges can remain open to run early morning, late evening or late night experiments. Research cant be done or fulfilled from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; it is a 24x7 activity. Successful completion of research projects depends on continuous discussion with the supervisor, repetition of the experiments, access to libraries, databases, field facilities, software tools, and other necessary resources. If students face difficulties due to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to research materials, or financial constraints, these issues must be addressed before implementing the programme for a new batch in the fourth year. Another important aspect is the availability of suitable supervisors and their workload management. Quality research not only depends on the availability of physical infrastructure but largely on effective mentorship and persistent supervision. The first-year experience should be analysed to determine whether the number of supervisors were sufficient, whether faculty members had adequate time and resources to guide and monitor students. Overburdening faculty members with excessive research supervision responsibilities may compromise the quality of guidance and will not only reduce the effectiveness of the programme but will overall degrade and compromise the quality of the teaching-learning process. The feedback received from students, supervisors, departments, and institutions should form an integral part of the fresh admission process to assess the shortfalls and shortcomings and address the challenges faced during the first year of implementation before offering the research option to the next batches. A mandatory induction and orientation programmes, workshops, and training sessions should be held to acquaint the students with the need and significance of research and the future academic and job prospects in their chosen research fields, so that the real purpose of nurturing future researchers and innovators is met. This will pave the way for strengthening the programme and reap the actual benefits of research at the UG level. ( The Author is Associate Professor of Zoology, Islamia College of Science & Commerce. Feedback: drkatariq@gmail.com)
Swami Vivekananda and the Global Return of Yoga
From The Sacred Soil Of Bharata To Chicago And Back To Hooghly PRATAPRAO JADHAV Throughout history, certain ideas have travelled beyond boundaries and transformed societies. And Yoga is one of the Indias oldest traditions, whose journey has moved from ancient scriptures to global recognition. The word Yoga derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning 'to yoke' or 'to unite' encapsulates a comprehensive system of philosophical inquiry and practical discipline aimed at the union of the individual self (jvtman) with the Universal Consciousness (Paramtman). The earliest seeds of Yoga are found in the ig Veda (c. 15001200 BCE), where the concept of tapas (austerity) and dhyna (meditation) are referenced. These ideas were further developed in the Upaniads, which articulated many of the philosophical foundations of Yoga. It was, however, the Yoga Stras of Maharihi Patajali (c. 200 BCE 400 CE) that gave Yoga its most systematic framework the classical aga yoga or eight-limbed path comprising Yama, Niyama, sana, Pryma, Pratyhra, Dhra, Dhyna, and Samdhi. Beyond Patajali, the Bhagavad Gt presents Yoga as a dynamic philosophy for living. Set against the backdrop of the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna offers profound insights into human duty, purpose, and spiritual growth. Among the various paths described in the Bhagavad Gt, Karma Yoga (path of selfless action), Jna Yoga (path of knowledge), and Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion) are the three great roads to liberation. India, therefore, is not merely the birthplace of yoga it is the living civilisation from which yoga grew organically, over millennia, as part of its spiritual, cultural, and philosophical fabric. However, during the period of colonial influence sections of educated Indian society increasingly came under the influence of Western intellectual frameworks, and traditional systems of knowledge, including Yoga, were often viewed as less relevant in the changing modern world. At this important time, Swami Vivekananda emerged as a powerful voice who helped people rediscover the value of yoga. Through his teachings and his historic speech at the Worlds Parliament of Religions, he brought global attention to Indias spiritual heritage and inspired a new confidence in the timeless wisdom of yoga. He shared the ideas of Vedanta and yoga with people from different parts of the world and showed that yoga was not only a religious practice but also a path for personal growth, inner peace, and self-development. The respect and appreciation he received abroad helped Indians regain confidence and pride in their own ancient traditions and culture. His lectures in Chicago and subsequently across the United States and Europe introduced the West to the concept of Rja Yoga (the royal yoga of mind-control), Jna Yoga (the yoga of intellectual discrimination), Karma Yoga (yoga of selfless service), and Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion). His book Rja Yoga (1896), based on Patajali's Yoga Stras, became one of the earliest and most influential introductions of yogic philosophy to Western audiences. In his lectures on Rja Yoga, Swami Vivekananda presented Yoga as a systematic and experiential discipline for exploring the inner dimensions of human consciousness. For Vivekananda, India's greatest contribution to humanity lay in its spiritual wisdom, with Yoga representing one of its most profound and enduring expressions. His ideas attracted the attention of prominent intellectuals and thinkers of the period, contributing to a broader Western engagement with Indian philosophy. What is perhaps less celebrated but equally significant is the manner in which Vivekananda's work in the West catalysed a renaissance of yoga within India itself. When Swami Vivekananda returned to India in 1897, he did not come back empty-handed. He brought with him a renewed self-confidence a reconstituted sense of pride in India's spiritual inheritance that had been galvanised by his reception in the West. After returning to India in 1897, Vivekananda delivered lectures across the country, inspiring people to rediscover Indian spiritual traditions. On 1 May 1897, Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in Belur Math, Howrah situated on the western bank of the Hooghly river, just a short distance from where Rmakia had passed his final years at Dakshineswar. This institution, built on the Hooghly riverbank in Bengal, became the global headquarters of a movement that propagated the ideals of Vednta, service as worship (iva jne jva sev), and the practical application of yoga philosophy. Despite being the land of spiritual pioneers like Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, the public visibility of yoga in Bengal gradually reduced with changing times. Yoga gradually moved away from the centre of public life due to changing lifestyles, modern priorities, and social shifts. Yet, its roots remained alive through spiritual institutions and dedicated practitioners. On 11 September 1893, Beginning with the immortal greeting, Sisters and Brothers of America, Swami Vivekananda introduced the world to Indias spiritual wisdom through his historic speech at the Worlds Parliament of Religions. Now, Sisters and Brothers of West Bengal, in your own home, witness the homecoming of yogafrom Chicagos global stage to the banks of the Hooghly. these words carry a deep emotional connection, reminding us of the historic moment when Swami Vivekananda introduced Indias spiritual wisdom to the world. His message travelled from India to the world, spreading the values of yoga, harmony, and inner peace. What returns to the banks of the Hooghly today is not Yoga itselfwhich never ceased to exist in Indiabut the renewed global recognition and appreciation of Yoga that began with India's ancient sages and found renewed expression through Vivekananda's message to the world. It has returned reinvigorated, re-recognised, and re-established to the Hooghly riverbank in Bengal, where Belur Math stands to this day as a living monument to that journey. Today, as yoga is practised globally, and as the world recognises yoga as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is essential to remember that yoga's global journey has its axis in Swami Vivekananda's historic mission. Today, with the celebration of International Day of Yoga in Kolkata, it feels like a beautiful homecoming of yoga to the land from where its message began its journey to the global stage. The banks of the Hooghly once again witness people coming together to celebrate a tradition that crossed oceans and returned with greater recognition and respect. This journey from Chicago to Hooghly is not merely the journey of a practice; it is the journey of an Idea and indeed an emotion that continues to connect humanity through balance, compassion, and self-awareness and the pursuit of inner harmony. (The Author is Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. Courtesy: PIB)
The Return of El Nino: What Lies Ahead for India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already projected a below-normal monsoon for 2026, with a 60% chance of a deficit or deficient monsoon DR TANVEER ALI DAR Thousands of kilometres away from India, in the tropical Pacific Ocean, sea surface temperatures are rising. Yet this distant warming has the potential to influence rainfall over Indian farms, reservoir levels across the country, groundwater recharge beneath our feet, and even snowfall in the Himalayas. This phenomenon, known as El Nio, has officially returned in 2026, prompting scientists and weather agencies around the world to closely monitor its possible impacts. While El Nino develops in the Pacific, its consequences can extend from the drought-prone regions of central India to the snow-fed mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Recent assessments by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other climate agencies indicate a high probability that El Nio conditions will strengthen during the coming months. Forecasts suggest that the event could reach moderate to strong intensity, raising concerns about its influence on global weather patterns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already projected a below-normal monsoon for 2026, with a 60% chance of a deficit or deficient monsoon. Government agencies have reportedly identified nearly 150 to 200 districts across India as potentially vulnerable to rainfall deficits and associated agricultural stress. For many people, El Nio remains a technical scientific term. Yet its influence on India has been recognized for more than a century. El Nio is characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. These temperature changes alter atmospheric circulation patterns across the globe, affecting the movement of winds, moisture, and storm systems. Historically, several drought years in India have coincided with El Nino conditions, leading to concerns whenever a strong event develops. However, the relationship between El Nino and the Indian monsoon is no longer as straightforward as it once appeared. In the past, a strong El Nio often meant a weak monsoon. Today, climate scientists recognize that other factors, including Indian Ocean temperatures, western disturbances, regional circulation patterns, and long-term climate warming, can modify or even counteract El Nino's influence. Some strong El Nino years have produced severe rainfall deficits, while others have resulted in near-normal monsoons. This increasing complexity is one of the defining challenges of climate science in the twenty-first century. What remains undeniable, however, is India's continuing dependence on rainfall. Despite decades of economic growth and technological advancement, the monsoon remains the foundation of India's water and food security. Nearly half of India's agricultural land is still rain-fed. Groundwater supports a large share of irrigation and supplies drinking water to hundreds of millions of people. Reservoirs sustain agriculture, hydropower generation, industries, and urban water supply systems. Even modest changes in rainfall patterns can therefore have significant economic and social consequences. The concern today extends beyond simply receiving less rainfall. Climate change is altering the way precipitation occurs. Across India, rainfall is increasingly becoming concentrated into shorter and more intense events. Long dry spells are often interrupted by episodes of extreme rainfall that can trigger floods, landslides, and urban inundation. As a result, regions may simultaneously experience drought conditions and destructive flooding within the same season. This growing variability means that the impacts of El Nino can no longer be assessed solely through seasonal rainfall totals. Agriculture remains particularly vulnerable. A weak monsoon can affect sowing schedules, reduce soil moisture, increase irrigation demand, and expose crops to heat stress during critical growth stages. Pulses, oilseeds, and several rain-fed crops are especially sensitive to rainfall variability. Even if national food production remains stable, localized droughts can severely affect farming communities and rural livelihoods. Rising temperatures further compound these challenges by increasing evapotranspiration and reducing soil moisture availability. Water resources face similar pressures. Reservoir storage levels, groundwater recharge, and river flows are all closely linked to seasonal rainfall patterns. Consecutive years of rainfall deficits can place significant stress on water supplies, particularly in regions already experiencing groundwater depletion. The effects may not always be immediate. In many cases, the hydrological consequences of a weak monsoon emerge months later through declining groundwater levels, reduced streamflow, and increasing competition for water resources. For Jammu and Kashmir, the implications of El Nino are somewhat different but equally important. Unlike much of peninsular India, the region relies heavily on winter precipitation delivered by western disturbances. Snowfall, glaciers, springs, rivers, and groundwater collectively sustain water availability across the Himalayan landscape. Although El Nino does not directly control Kashmir's weather, it can influence large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns that interact with regional climate systems. Recent years have highlighted the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate variability. Snow-deficit winters, earlier snowmelt, retreating glaciers, damaging hailstorms, flash floods, and prolonged dry spells have become increasingly common topics of discussion. Several studies have suggested that changes in atmospheric circulation can influence the position and behaviour of the subtropical jet stream over the Himalayas, which plays a crucial role in guiding western disturbances and winter precipitation. Scientific research indicates that El Nino events can shift the Himalayan jet stream southward and alter storm tracks affecting South Asia, potentially influencing snowfall and precipitation patterns across the region. For a region whose rivers, springs, and groundwater systems depend on seasonal snow accumulation, such changes are far from trivial. Snow functions as a natural water reservoir, storing winter precipitation and releasing it gradually during spring and summer. Variations in snowfall therefore affect not only mountain ecosystems but also agriculture, hydropower generation, drinking water supplies, and downstream river systems. Yet perhaps the most important lesson from El Nio 2026 is not about rainfall totals or drought forecasts. It is about uncertainty. Climate systems are becoming increasingly interconnected and complex. The traditional assumptions that once guided seasonal climate expectations are being challenged by rising global temperatures and changing ocean-atmosphere interactions. Weather patterns that were once considered unusual are becoming more frequent, while historical relationships between climate drivers and local weather are evolving. The developing El Nino of 2026 is therefore more than a seasonal weather event. It is a reminder that India's climate is connected to processes occurring across the globe. A warming Pacific Ocean can influence agricultural productivity in the Deccan Plateau, groundwater recharge in northern India, reservoir storage in central India, and potentially even snowfall in the Himalayas. As climate variability increases and extremes become more common, understanding these connections will become increasingly important for science, policy, and society alike. The Pacific Ocean may seem distant from India's shores, but its influence reaches far beyond geography. In an era of climate uncertainty, what happens in one part of the planet can no longer be viewed in isolation from another. The story of El Nino is ultimately a reminder that our climate, our water resources, and our future are more interconnected than ever before. (The Author is a Postdoctoral Researcher and hydrogeologist whose research focuses on groundwater systems, climate variability, and water resources in mountain environments, particularly the Himalayan region)
Dy CM for prompt decisions on sand, stone quarrying, loose material lifting
Chairs meeting on revival of customary mining activities in Kashmir SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary on Thursday emphasized the need for prompt decisions regarding the sand and stone quarrying and lifting of loose material across Kashmir to ensure the uninterrupted availability of construction material for the public. The Deputy Chief Minister made these remarks []
Ensure greater vibrancy in KVIB to spur employment, economic growth
SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday called for revitalizing the Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) to boost employment and economic growth. Speaking at a review meeting in Srinagar, he highlighted the importance of making KVIB more dynamic by expanding outreach and implementing reforms. He reviewed progress under the Prime []
CS directs rationalization of departmental cadres, timely DPCs
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with Administrative Secretaries to review the status of Recruitment Rules (RRs) updates and Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) for government employees. The meeting focused on strengthening human resource management, ensuring timely promotions, and aligning departmental structures with modern governance needs. During the session, the Chief []
Opp has no constructive response to Omar govts dev agenda: NC
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President (Kashmir) Showkat Mir Thursday said that the opposition parties have failed to put forward any constructive suggestions to match or challenge the development momentum initiated by the Omar Abdullah-led elected government. He made these remarks while interacting with several public and individual delegations at the party []
Public engagement essential pillar of effective governance: Itoo
JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday held series of interactions with public delegations and citizens at Civil Secretariat, Jammu, listening to their concerns and assuring them of timely and effective redressal. During the public outreach, delegations representing different areas and sectors apprised the Minister of issues []
Div Com Kmr inaugurates CoE for e-Governance at RTO Office
SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, along with Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Thursday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for E-Governance (CSC) established by the District Administration Srinagar at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Srinagar. The Centre of Excellence has been set up with the objective of strengthening public service delivery and improving citizen []
DC Sgr inspects vulnerable power substations
Calls for replacing damaged equipment SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Thursday conducted on-site inspections of various vulnerable Distribution Transformer Substations (DTs) across the District to assess their operational condition, evaluate infrastructure deficiencies and ensure uninterrupted power supply and public safety. The DC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, IAS []
Minister Sharma calls for ethical, people-centric use of AI
Minister Sharma calls for ethical, people-centric use of AI GANDERBAL: The International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence (2AI-2026) was inaugurated on June 18 at the Tulmulla Campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), marking a significant event in AI research and collaboration. Organized by the Department of Information Technology in partnership with the University []
JKBOSE notifies date sheet for Hr Sec Annual (Pvt)/Bi-Annual Exam
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has notified the Date Sheet for the Higher Secondary Part-I (Class 11th) Examination, Session Annual (Private)/Bi-Annual 2026, for both Kashmir Division and Winter/Summer Zone areas of Jammu Division, including the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The examinations shall commence on 7 July, 2026 and []
Khyber Cement Regrets the Accident at Khonmoh Plant; Injured Employees Receiving Medical Care
SRINAGAR: Khyber Cement is deeply saddened to report that an unfortunate accident occurred on 18th June 2026, at its manufacturing plant in Khonmoh, at around 9 PM, resulting in injuries to a few employees, the company said in a statement issued at midnight. Emergency response protocols were activated immediately following the incident, and the injured []
MeT Issues Flash Flood Alert as Rain, Thunderstorms Hit Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Amid a Meteorological Department warning of flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas, rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening. An official of the MeT Centre Srinagar said that many places across Kashmir and parts of the Jammu division, including Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and []
Woman Injured in Srinagar Hit-and-Run Accident Dies at SMHS Hospital
SRINAGAR: A woman who was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident near Ahmadia Hospital in the Nowgam area of Srinagar succumbed to her injuries at SMHS Hospital, officials said on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Arooja Tariq, wife of Tariq Ahmad Wani and a resident of Baghat, Srinagar. Officials said the woman had []
KPDCL Announces Scheduled Power Cuts in Several Kashmir Districts
SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced a series of scheduled power shutdowns across parts of Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara districts later this month to facilitate maintenance and related works on various transmission lines. According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, power supply to HSHS Market, Batamaloo, PCR Batamaloo, Firdousabad, Sarai []
NC Govt Will Complete Full Term, BJPs Campaign Will Fail: Sadhotra
SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Wednesday asserted that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would complete its full five-year term, saying attempts by political opponents to create uncertainty about its stability would be proved wrong. Addressing a workers meeting in Udhampur, organised by District President []
Peace process sustainability rests heavily on mutual accountability: Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali
New Delhi [India], June 18 : Addressing the long-term durability of the recent diplomatic breakthrough, Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali has stated that the sustainability of the peace process rests heavily on mutual accountability, noting that the current accord possesses the unique potential to establish lasting regional stability if all global signatories uphold their responsibilities in good faith. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Fathali asserted that while Tehran remains fully committed to its international obligations, the ultimate success of the agreement will depend on whether all parties maintain strict adherence to their diplomatic promises. Ultimately, any judgment regarding the sustainability of this agreement depends on the extent to which all parties adhere to their commitments, Fathali said. These observations follow a highly anticipated diplomatic breakthrough on Thursday, where US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a historic peace deal aimed at bringing an end to the months-long war in the Middle East. Trump put his signature to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles following a G7 summit. The 14-point US-Iran agreement provides for an immediate cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon, and commits both countries to pursuing a final agreement within 60 days. It also includes provisions for the removal of the US naval blockade, safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, phased sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a US-backed economic development programme for Iran worth at least USD 300 billion. Furthermore, the memorandum states that Iran has reaffirmed it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons and envisages future discussions regarding enriched uranium stockpiles under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Reflecting on past diplomatic friction to contextually frame this newly signed peace process, the Iranian envoy drew a sharp historical contrast regarding compliance, highlighting that Tehran has a proven track record of honouring its international covenants. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently demonstrated its commitment to its international obligations and has never violated its agreements. By contrast, it was the United States that unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 agreement (the JCPOA), he stated. Despite these historical challenges and deep-seated geopolitical hurdles, Fathali described the current accord as a potential watershed moment that could fundamentally transform international diplomacy and build mutual trust across the region. Nevertheless, we believe that the current agreement has the potential to become a historic turning point in the region and in international relations, provided that all parties uphold their commitments in good faith and with a full sense of responsibility. If such an approach prevails, this agreement can serve as a foundation for lasting stability, cooperation, and mutual trust. However, if commitments are disregarded, it is only natural that its continuity and success will face significantchallenges, Fathali said. (ANI)
Police Attach Drug Peddlers Vehicle Worth Rs 3.5 Lakh Under NDPS Act
SRINAGAR: Police in Ganderbal have attached a vehicle worth approximately Rs 3.5 lakh belonging to an alleged drug peddler under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police identified the accused as Arshid Shafi Bhat, who is involved in FIR No. 180/2023 registered at Police Station Ganderbal under the relevant provisions []
Pakistani National Repatriated Through Teetwal Friendship Bridge in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A Pakistani national apprehended earlier this month was repatriated to Pakistan-held Kashmir (PaK) through the Teetwal Friendship Bridge in the Karnah sector of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Thursday after the completion of all legal and procedural formalities. Officials said Assad Khan, son of Janzab Khan and a resident of Muzaffarabad, had been apprehended []
IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Preparedness for NEET Re-Exam, Amarnath Yatra
Srinagar, June 18: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, chaired a high-level meeting to evaluate security preparedness for the upcoming NEET UG-2026 re-examination and the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026. During the review, he directed officers to ensure comprehensive security arrangements, strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and close coordination among all concerned agencies. The meeting focused on assessing plans related to security deployment, traffic regulation, public facilitation, and overall operational readiness to guarantee the smooth and incident-free conduct of both events. While reviewing preparations for the NEET re-examination, Birdi instructed officers to maintain heightened alertness at examination centres and enforce all prescribed guidelines effectively. He emphasized adequate deployment of police personnel for crowd management, access control, and maintaining law and order. He also directed thorough frisking and verification of candidates at entry points in coordination with examination authorities and stressed secure handling and transportation of confidential examination materials. Traffic officials were asked to ensure hassle-free movement of vehicles and prevent congestion around examination venues. The IGP also reviewed arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, stressing coordinated efforts between security forces and civil administration. District SSPs were directed to personally monitor security measures and ensure comprehensive protection of Yatra convoys. He further called for strict implementation of convoy schedules, enhanced security along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, and continuous vigilance at vulnerable locations.
Apple may hike prices as it grapples with memory chip shortage
California, June 18: Apple may be forced to raise prices across parts of its product lineup as escalating costs for memory and storage chips continue to pressure the technology giant's supply chain, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal . Describing the situation as unsustainable, Cook said Apple has taken extensive measures to shield consumers from rising component costs but indicated that maintaining current pricing levels could become increasingly difficult. We've done everything we can to absorb these increases and protect customers, Cook was quoted as saying. However, he declined to specify which products could be affected by potential price adjustments. The remarks come as the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom drives unprecedented demand for advanced semiconductor components, particularly memory and storage chips that are critical to both AI infrastructure and consumer electronics. The rapid deployment of enterprise AI systems and next-generation AI models has significantly increased demand for high-performance computing hardware. Large-scale AI data centres rely on graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), memory chips and storage components, creating intense competition for semiconductor supplies. Major memory chip manufacturers, including South Korea's SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, as well as U.S.-based Micron Technology, have benefited from the surge in demand, with their market valuations rising sharply in recent months. Apple, which depends on memory chips for products such as iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, is among the consumer electronics companies facing growing challenges in securing sufficient supply as AI-related demand continues to expand. The company is widely expected to unveil its next-generation iPhone 18 lineup in September, with industry reports suggesting that a foldable iPhone could be introduced. Any increase in component costs could influence pricing strategies for future product launches. At the same time, major AI infrastructure operatorsincluding Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Alphabethave substantially increased capital expenditures to expand computing capacity for training and deploying advanced AI models. Their aggressive investments have further tightened the market for critical semiconductor components. The industry is also witnessing rapid innovation in memory technology. SK Hynix recently announced that it has supplied samples of its latest High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips to customers. According to the company, the new 12-layer HBM4E chip delivers speeds of up to 16 gigabits per second per pin and offers more than 20 percent higher power efficiency compared with previous-generation products. Analysts say continued growth in AI workloads is likely to keep demand for advanced memory solutions elevated, potentially reshaping pricing dynamics across the broader technology sector and increasing cost pressures for consumer device manufacturers.
PM Modi outlines India's AI vision at VivaTech 2026, rolls out red carpet for global tech players
New Delhi [India], June 18, : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday outlined India's vision for ArtificiaI Intelligence stating that its democratization is important for ensuring that its benefits reach everyone. Addressing the 10th edition of the VivaTech Summit, in Paris, PM Modi rolled out the red carpet for top tech companies emphasizing that his government is easing regulations and expanding ease of doing business. He asked the attendees to visit the India pavilion and get a feel of the startup innovation and India's immense energy. The Summit, Europe's largest technology and startup event, brings together startups, technology leaders and investors under one roof. He said that the India pavilion shows the prowess of India's startup ecosystem. From world's first 3D printed rocket engine to advanced genetic engineering therapies and AI solutions that detect cancers and other critical diseases, the India pavilion is host to emerging technology. The Prime Minister laid emphasis on the booming artificial intelligence (AI) technology improving access, driving economic growth and also help sustain our healthy planet. Weighing on the AI technology, PM Modi said that for India AI means all-inclusive underlining the importance of the principle of inclusivity that is at the heart of the Modi government. The Prime Minister asked everyone present to take the lead and work with India and deliver for all. Using the example of Sarlaben to showcase India's AI prowess, PM Modi said that it is helping women dairy farmers in livestock management. Launched by Amul, Sarlaben is a voice-first AI assistant that helps dairy farmers managing their livestock right from their nutrition to health. The Prime Minister also delved on India's great achievements in space technology stating that India was the first country to land near the south pole of the moon. On prioritising digital technology, PM Modi said that numerous lives are being transformed through government's initiatives like the SVAMITVA scheme and the PM GatiShakti initiative. The Prime Minister said that India is a world leader in digital payments with half of world's digital payment transactions happening in India through UPI. He also gave the example of DigiLocker that has led to 700 million people accessing authentic documents with no need for physical documents. In the last decade, India has been going through a rapid transformation that is powered by technology. From creating the world's largest digital identity system to the world's largest digital payment platforms. We are using technology at a massive scale for financial inclusion, education, telemedicine, agriculture and more. Because of our unified payments interface or UPI, half of the world's real-time digital transactions happen in India today. You can now use UPI in France too at the Eiffel Tower or the Paris airport. We have several examples of such world-class digital public goods. Digilocker is one of the world's largest digital document wallet..., the PM said. PM Modi is currently in France, where he participated in the G7 Summit over the last two days and held talks with several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. Earlier on Thursday, he met leading business executives in Paris and held discussions on investment opportunities and expansion plans in India. The discussions with the CEOs of the French companies focused on strengthening cooperation across sectors ranging from shipping and logistics to railways, construction and artificial intelligence, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). (ANI)
DIG NKR Conducts Security Review, Assesses Police Station Functioning in District Bandipora.
Bandipora, June 18, 2026: Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range visited District Bandipora today to conduct a comprehensive security review with special emphasis on the functioning of Police Stations and overall preparedness of the district police. During the visit, DIG NKR was accompanied by SSP Bandipora and other Officers where he inspected the premises of Police Post Aloosa, Police Station Bandipora and Police Station Aragam and examined infrastructure, deployment patterns and operational readiness. He interacted with officers and personnel at each establishment, assessed station-level functioning and issued directions aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and preparedness. Structured review meetings were held to evaluate crime control measures, coordination among units and the overall performance of Police Stations and Police Posts. The deliberations highlighted the importance of intelligence-based policing, enhanced coordination and proactive station-level functioning to effectively address emerging security challenges. During his visit to Police Station Aragam and Police Station Bandipora, the DIG NKR also reviewed the functioning of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and allied online platforms, including the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). He laid particular emphasis on ensuring quality, accurate and real-time data entry in the online CAS/CCTNS platform and directed officers to maintain the highest standards of data management and timely updation of records. DIG NKR further reviewed security and administrative arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 and Muharram observances in Sub-Division Sumbal. He stressed upon meticulous planning, inter-agency coordination and proactive measures to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of both events. While addressing officers, DIG NKR underscored vigilance, discipline and professionalism as the cornerstones of effective policing. He directed officers to intensify patrolling, maintain operational sharpness and ensure seamless functioning of Police Stations.
Jammu Kashmir HC Rejects Appeal in Pre-Emption Land Dispute
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has upheld the dismissal of a suit seeking enforcement of a right of prior purchase over a parcel of land in Budgam, ruling that the claim could not survive after the repeal of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Prior Purchase Act under the Jammu []
New Delhi [India], June 18 : Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed the national roadmap prepared to strengthen cooperative banking, organic products, and cooperative exports. The high-level meeting focused on accelerating digital transformation, improving cybersecurity frameworks, and enhancing institutional support for cooperative entities. Emphasising the need for modernisation, Shah directed cooperative banks to adopt a shared digital platform, robust cybersecurity systems, and common service frameworks at the earliest. In a major push toward digitisation, Shah instructed rural cooperative banks to integrate with the 'Sahkar Sarathi' platform, while urban cooperative banks were asked to connect with the National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC). It was also mentioned that NUCFDC is working to bring all urban cooperative banks onto a common platform to provide technological solutions and institutional support. The move is expected to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and strengthen financial inclusion in both rural and urban areas. Highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in the evolving financial landscape, the Home Minister noted that the integration of MuleHunter.AI with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) would significantly enhance fraud detection capabilities and cybersecurity preparedness of cooperative banks. This integration is seen as a critical step in safeguarding cooperative banking networks from rising digital fraud threats. During the meeting, officials informed that 'Sahkar Sarathi' has already launched the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) services. Additionally, e-KYC services have gone live in select cooperative banks, with a target to onboard at least 100 cooperative banks by August 2026. These initiatives are expected to simplify banking processes and improve accessibility for customers, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. The review also covered developments in the cooperative organic and export sectors. It was also noted in the meeting that the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) will increase procurement from organic farmers and strengthen testing, certification, and market linkages, while the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) will expand the reach of cooperative products in global markets. Officials also highlighted the role of 'Co-op Mark', a digital marketplace designed to promote cooperative products. The platform is expected to drive a digital marketplace, international expansion and cooperative products for stronger brand recognition, wider market access, and greater competitiveness. In the meeting, Shah reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector as a key pillar of economic growth. He stressed that technological integration, improved governance, and global market access would play a crucial role in transforming cooperative institutions into modern, efficient, and globally competitive entities. The review meeting marks another step in the government's broader strategy to revitalise the cooperative ecosystem and ensure its alignment with India's digital and economic growth ambitions. (ANI)
CAT Srinagar to Observe Summer Vacation from June 22
SRINAGAR: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, will observe its annual summer vacation from June 22 to July 5, 2026, in accordance with the notified Calendar of Sittings for the year. According to an official notification, the tribunal has made special arrangements to ensure that matters of an urgent nature are addressed during the []
DFCO Shuts Medical Store Over Pregabalin Supply Probe
SRINAGAR: The Drugs and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the closure of a medical store in Udhampur after an investigation into the alleged illegal supply of Pregabalin capsules, officials said on Thursday. The action against Nath Medicos, located on Battal Ballian Road in Udhampur, followed the recovery of 100 Pregabalin []
Leh , June 18, 2026 : Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, IAS, along with Vijay Kumar, Assistant Chief Prinicpal Census Officer and Census District Prabhari Tashi Otsal today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Conference Hall, Council Secretariat, Leh to assess the progress of the ongoing House Listing Operations (HLO) under Census 2027 in Leh district. In his presidential remarks, CPCO Amit Sharma described Census as one of the most important national exercises, stating that reliable Census data forms the foundation for evidence-based governance, developmental planning and equitable distribution of resources. He further clarified that the data collected from residents of the nation under both phases of Census 2027 is non-shareable to any outside agency or department or individuals and non-admissible even in the Court of Law, which is clearly mentioned under Section 15 of Census Act, 1948. Further, while reviewing the progress of Census operations in Leh district, CPCO Amit Sharma appreciated the preparedness of the district and noted that conducting Census in Ladakhs vast, mountainous terrain with scattered settlements and remote border villages requires meticulous planning and coordinated field-level execution. He stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of accuracy during data collection and directed enumerators and supervisors to ensure that every entry is recorded correctly and verified thoroughly. Amit also cautioned that even minor errors or conceptual misunderstandings could affect the quality of Census data and impact long-term policy planning. CPCO Amit Sharma passed explicit directions to Charge Officers and Supervisors in UT of Ladakh to ensure regular field inspections and quality checks to maintain data integrity. He emphasized strict adherence to Census guidelines and called for comprehensive coverage of all households, including those in remote habitations, border areas and seasonal settlements. During the meeting, CPO Leh, Konchok Gyalson briefed the CPCO on the district profile and the status of preparations for Census 2027. The Chair was also apprised of the training imparted to enumerators and supervisors, self-enumeration progress, IEC awareness campaigns, and monitoring mechanisms put in place to ensure quality data collection. Interaction of queries and other technical issues were discussed with the officers present in the meeting. Highlighting the role of technology, Amit Sharma said the digital mode of data collection would improve efficiency, transparency and the quality of information gathered during the Census process. The meeting also reviewed training activities, awareness campaigns, supervision mechanisms and field-level monitoring arrangements aimed at ensuring comprehensive and error-free Census operations across Leh district. Later, CPCO Amit Sharma briefed the media on the progress achieved under the ongoing House Listing Operations of Census 2027 in Leh and highlighted the extensive preparations undertaken for the smooth, accurate and timely completion of the exercise. He appealed to the people of Ladakh, especially residents of Leh district, to extend full cooperation to Census enumerators and provide accurate information, reiterating that robust Census data is essential for inclusive development and future planning. The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer Leh, Konchok Gyalson, along with Charge Officers of Leh Urban, Leh Rural, Nubra, Khaltsi, Durbuk, Nyoma, Saspol and Kharu, supervisors, enumerators besides concerned officers and officials associated with Census operations.
Jammu, June 18, 2026: In a significant boost for fruit growers in Jammu & Kashmir, Northern Railway's Jammu Division has achieved a record milestone in the transportation of perishable fruits during the 2026 harvest season, facilitating the dispatch of approximately 250 tonnes of cherries and 10 tonnes of litchis to major markets across the country. According to railway officials, around 250 tonnes of cherries were loaded from Jammu Tawi Railway Station and transported to key metropolitan markets including Mumbai, Vadodara and Surat. Additionally, nearly 10 tonnes of litchis were dispatched from Pathankot Cantt Railway Station to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat. The initiative is aimed at providing fruit growers with faster, more economical, and reliable access to distant markets. Railway authorities stated that the use of dedicated parcel wagons and streamlined loading and unloading arrangements has helped ensure the timely movement of highly perishable produce. Agriculture and trade stakeholders note that improved rail connectivity can reduce dependence on intermediaries, potentially enabling growers to secure better market prices. Rail transportation is also considered a cost-effective alternative to road transport, helping lower logistics expenses and improve returns for producers. The faster transit time has emerged as another key advantage. By reducing travel duration, fruits can reach consumers while retaining freshness, thereby minimizing post-harvest losses and spoilage. Industry observers believe that improved access to markets in Maharashtra and Gujarat has contributed to growing demand for cherries and litchis originating from Jammu & Kashmir. Commenting on the achievement, Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, said that the division remains committed to supporting fruit growers through efficient freight services. We have arranged special parcel wagons and expedited handling facilities for perishable commodities such as cherries and litchis. Our objective is to ensure that the produce of Jammu & Kashmir reaches markets across the country in a timely and cost-effective manner. This initiative supports growers by reducing transportation costs and improving market access, he said. He further noted that rail transport can be significantly more economical than road transport while helping preserve the freshness of fruits during transit. Railway officials have assured growers that freight-related support and infrastructure facilitation will continue in the coming seasons to strengthen the region's horticulture supply chain and expand access to national markets. The achievement highlights the growing role of rail logistics in supporting agricultural commerce and enhancing market opportunities for fruit growers in Jammu & Kashmir.This version is written in a professional newspaper style suitable for publication in a national or regional daily, with balanced reporting, attribution of claims, and adherence to journalistic ethics.
Brussels [Belgium], June 18 : US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced that America will conduct a comprehensive review of its forces stationed in Europe. The announcement follows a sharp critique directed at the volume of financial contributions made by the United Kingdom and other international allies to the NATO alliance. Addressing defence ministers at the alliance headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth stated that, for an extended period, NATO had functioned as a paper tiger and a one-way street, exhibiting excessive dependence on Washington. He further asserted that some of NATO's largest economies... still think the era of free riding is here. No more, he added, according to statements delivered at the headquarters. For all of our clarity, too many allied capitals seem to still miss something in translation. Too many allies still don't recognise the historic need that President Trump has made clear to them and to NATO itself. Beyond the ongoing debates surrounding military funding, the Pentagon chief also strongly criticised the European response regarding the American conflict with Iran. The administration in Washington has reportedly expressed intense dissatisfaction that multiple nations, including the UK, demonstrated reluctance to back the military strikes executed by American and Israeli forces. Elaborating on the strain in transatlantic relations, Hegseth noted: [Trump] gave our allies a test to support America when we asked for their help, and too many failed it. The United States has defended Europe for generations. He stated that the American President had explicitly detailed operational expectations, explaining that our jets would need to take off from bases in Europe or our ships from ports to strike targets in the Middle East, Iranian targets that threaten European interests even more directly than they threaten us. Critiquing the pushback received from European partners during the security crisis, Hegseth noted: But too many of our allies said no or tried to drown us in arcane legal debates or criticised us publicly for doing what they aren't prepared or able to do themselves. It was shameful, he added during his address. These allies put America's sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access and overflight that never should have been in question at all. In direct response to these diplomatic and operational frictions, Hegseth declared that Washington would cease paying a disproportionate share for the collective defence of NATO relative to its allies. Moving forward, American financial dues will remain strictly contingent on other member nations fulfilling their designated spending targets. Concurrently, the Pentagon is prepared to initiate an official assessment of the American troop presence across the European theatre, with Hegseth cautioning that specific NATO members would fall short of expectations. Reacting to the shifting security dynamics, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that European member states are already actively pledging to substitute the battlefield equipment that the United States is currently pulling back, as reported by Politico. What we are working on is to make sure that what the US has been providing so far will be filled, the NATO Secretary General informed journalists in Brussels. Most of it is done -- some of it nearly, and some of it requires more debates and discussions. Emphasising the transition towards greater European strategic responsibility, Rutte stated: The US is saying, 'we have adjusted our contributions to the NATO force model,' that means other allies have to step up. The NATO chief also noted, We see that European allies and Canada are ready, willing and able to do more. (ANI)
Pradhan reviews preparedness for NEET-UG re-exam; stresses integrity, transparency
NEW DELHI:Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday with senior officials from the Ministry of Education, state governments, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and higher education institutions to assess preparedness for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. The NEET-UG for admissions into medical courses took place on May 3 []
Govt Cannot Deny Old Pension Benefits Due to Its Own Appointment Error: JKHC
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has upheld a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order granting notional seniority, promotion benefits and coverage under the Old Pension Scheme to an engineer who was wrongly denied appointment despite securing higher merit than the last selected candidate in his category. A Division Bench comprising Justice []
Rebel Sena (UBT) MPs given additional Rs 10 cr, moved to safe location in Rajasthan: Raut
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed that the rebel MPs of his party had been given an additional Rs 10 crore and moved to a safe location in Rajasthan, as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party faces an imminent crisis. Addressing a news conference in New Delhi, Raut said the traitors, a reference []
Iran-US peace deal stipulates guarantee of Lebanon's territorial integrity: Iran FM Spox
Tehran , June 18 : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei in his interview with Al-Akhbar, said that the peace memorandum stipulates the other party's guarantee of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Al Akhbar is known to be sympathetic to Lebanon's Hezbollah. In Iran's view, this means the complete withdrawal of occupying forces from Lebanese territory, as Baghaei explains. He said that on non-fulfillment of the commitment, the memorandum will be ullified, and subsequent negotiations will not lead to a final agreement unless there is a complete cessation of hostilities and an end to the occupation. The Foreign Ministry spokesman also addressed the issue of Lebanon's reconstruction, stating that Iran is among the countries that have supported foreign investment in Lebanon's reconstruction and played an active role in it. We are confident that Lebanon, with the return of security and stability, will once again become an attractive market for investment, he said, During negotiations, Baghei said, that a partial end to the war was impossible. We declared unequivocally that a When we speak of ending the war, it must end on all fronts and completely. This has been the principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the beginning of the Islamabad negotiations, and we have emphasized it throughout the entire negotiation process. It was unacceptable for us to abandon our brothers in Lebanon, the spokesperson said. He said that regarding Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, one cannot eliminate Lebanese territory controlled by Israel. Regarding Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as you know, by ending the war we mean a decisive and lasting cessation of hostilities. For this reason, we cannot speak of ending the war while parts of Lebanese territory remain under the occupation of the Zionist entity. As long as the occupation continues, it can be said that the war is still ongoing and has not ended in its essence. Therefore, we pursued the Lebanese file with great seriousness, with the dual objective of achieving a ceasefire and ending the occupation. This resulted in the mention of the State of Lebanon three times in the text, reflecting the paramount importance of Lebanon to us, he said. When Baghaei was asked if Israel retains control over security zones within Lebanon, what would Iranian response be? He said that in such a case the MoU will remain null and void. In this case, the Memorandum of Understanding would be considered null and void. When the other party guarantees Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, everything you mentioned constitutes a violation of this memorandum, he said. As you know, after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the second phase of our negotiations to reach a final agreement will begin. This final agreement will only be achieved if the Memorandum of Understanding is fully implemented, which, in the Lebanese context, from our perspective, means a complete cessation of hostilities and an end to the occupation, he added. Baghaei said that with the return of stability, Lebanon will become an attractive investment market. Iran has consistently supported foreign investment in Lebanon's reconstruction and has played an active role in this area. We are confident that, with the return of security and stability, Lebanon will once again become an attractive market for investment, he said. Baghaei said that Israel finds no mention in the MoU and they have only the end of the war and a pledge not to resume it in the peace deal. Let me be clear: Israel is not mentioned by name in this memorandum of understanding. Iran's position regarding the criminal nature of this entity remains unchanged. What we have before us is an understanding to end the war, and a pledge not to resume it, between Iran and its allies on one side, and the United States and its allies on the other, he said. Baghaei said that American bases in the region serve no purpose other than protecting Israel and jeopardizing the security of the host countries. The war has left bitter memories of our neighbors in the Persian Gulf. Being attacked in the middle of Ramadan from the territory of a neighboring Muslim country is something we cannot easily forget. The countries of the region could have prevented the United States from using their lands without restraint to launch attacks against a neighboring state. In any case, it has become clear that the American bases in the region serve no purpose other than protecting Israel and jeopardizing the security of the host countries. Today, we are talking about a lost trust. The countries of the region must seize the opportunity to repair the crisis they themselves created, he said, as quoted by Al Akhbar. Baghaei said that Iran views the United States with suspicion and distrust, and noted that they were attacked twice in between peace negotiations. I leave it to you and your followers to judge what has changed. Generally speaking, Iran views the United States with suspicion and distrust, and I believe any observer would agree with this sentiment. We were attacked twice during negotiations, and both times, relying on our own capabilities, we managed to force the other side to back down. As you know, negotiations haven't even begun yet, so we shouldn't rush to predict the other side's position, he said, as quoted by Al Akhbar. Meanwhile, Presidents of both US and Iran- Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian- had signed an agreement. The two leaders virtually signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries. The MoU is aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and launching a 60-day process to negotiate a final agreement on sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme. (ANI)
PM Modi meets Saint-Gobain CEO Benoit Bazin in Paris
France, June 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Benoit Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saint-Gobain, in Paris, France. The high-level meeting took place during the Prime Minister's visit to the French capital. PM Modi arrived in Paris as part of his three-nation visit, following the conclusion of his engagements at the G7 Summit. During his stay in the city, the Prime Minister is slated to participate in several crucial bilateral meetings, alongside attending the VivaTech Summit 2026. VivaTech, recognised as Europe's largest technology and startup convention, serves as a premier gathering for international leaders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and innovators. Notably, India is participating as the AI partner country during this year's edition of the event. At the summit, PM Modi is projected to highlight India's rapidly expanding innovation landscape, focusing on its advancements in digital public infrastructure and progress in emerging technologies. Reflecting the vast opportunities for synergy between Indian and European tech pioneers, India will establish the largest national pavilion at the exhibition. Later in the day, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to participate in a series of high-level sessions at VivaTech. This joint participation will culminate in a keynote address expected to underscore India's expanding footprint as an international hub for digital transformation and innovation. Beyond the tech summit, the Prime Minister's itinerary in Paris features a strong focus on community engagement. He is scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora at a dedicated event. The Paris leg of his visit will draw to a close with a massive diaspora reception, featuring cultural showcases that celebrate India's diverse and vibrant heritage. This packed schedule follows PM Modi's arrival from the G7 Summit, where he outlined India's vision on sustainable development, global governance, and international trade. In a post on X, the Prime Minister had stressed the need for deepened cooperation with nations of the Global South to foster inclusive growth and shared prosperity. During those G7 outreach deliberations, PM Modi advocated for enhanced cooperation among the G7 bloc, India, and developing nations to bolster trade and connectivity networks. He also highlighted the negative economic repercussions of the West Asia conflict on developing economies. (ANI)
CM Omar offers prayers at Kheer Bhawani temple, reviews Mela arrangements
Ganderbal, June 18 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited the Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal to offer prayers and review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela. The Chief Minister, who is also representative for the Ganderbal constituency, took stock of the facilities being set up for the devotees ahead of the festival on June 22. Speaking to the media, CM Omar Abdullah said, June 22 is the auspicious occasion of Kheer Bhawani Mela. People from all over the world will gather here to have 'darshan' of the Goddess and seek her blessings. As the MLA here, I have come to see how the arrangements are, what preparations are being made and what remains to be done. The Chief Minister interacted with the temple priests and local administration to identify any gaps in the arrangements. After talking to the priests here, I have found out that 2-3 things are needed. We will try to complete these works before June 22, he added, ensuring that the government would provide all necessary support for the smooth conduct of the festival. The Kheer Bhawani Mela is an important annual religious festival for the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is held at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulla Mulla village of Ganderbal district. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, a form of Goddess Durga, and is considered one of the holiest sites for Kashmiri Hindus. The Mata Kheer Bhawani annual Mela at the famous Ragnya Devi temple near Srinagar. Kheer'- a milk and rice pudding that is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as 'Milk Goddess'. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir; most of them worship her as their protective patron deity, Kuladevi. (ANI)
In Ladakh, Police Arrests Eight in Alleged Conversion Case
SRINAGAR: Eight persons have been apprehended by Leh Police for their suspected involvement in organised religious conversion-related activities in Ladakh, officials said on Thursday. Acting on what police described as credible information regarding alleged proselytisation activities in different parts of the Union Territory, an FIR has been registered at Police Station Leh under relevant provisions []
Police Seize Nearly 6 Kg Poppy Straw in South Kashmir, Woman Booked
SRINAGAR: Anantnag Police on Thursday recovered a significant quantity of contraband during a search operation in the Ashmuqam area of South Kashmirs Anantnag district. According to police, Police Station Ashmuqam received specific and credible information that a woman identified as Mst Fatima, daughter of Ghulam Hassan Tak and a resident of Amad, had allegedly stored []
War Ends, Oil Flows Again: US-Iran Deal with Sanctions Relief and $300 Bn Rebuild Plan
SRINAGAR: The United States and Iran have signed a landmark 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending months of conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing sanctions on Tehran and paving the way for a comprehensive agreement on Irans nuclear programme within the next 60 days. President Donald Trump signed a copy of the []
Bear Attacks Injure Three Women in Poonchs Mandi
Poonch, June 18: Three women were seriously injured in separate bear attacks in the Biddar and Chhamber areas of Mandi, Poonch, while they were engaged in routine daily work. Officials said that the three women were seriously injured in separate bear attacks and they have been identified as Najma Akhtar, daughter of Abdul Karim and a resident of Chhamber; Shaheen Akhtar, wife of Mohammad Parvez and a resident of Biddar; and Gulnaz Akhtar, wife of Jalal Din and a resident of Biddar. All three were shifted to the Government Sub-District Hospital in Mandi for treatment. Officials said two of the women sustained critical injuries and have been referred to the District Hospital, Poonch, for advanced care.(GNS)
Three Women Injured in Bear Attacks in Mandi, Poonch
Poonch: Three women were seriously injured in separate bear attacks in the Biddar and Chhamber areas of Mandi, Poonch, while they were engaged in routine daily work. Officials said that the three women were seriously injured in separate bear attacks and they have been identified as Najma Akhtar, daughter of Abdul Karim and a resident []
US, Iran talks to take place in Switzerland following signing of ceasefire agreement: Reuters report
Switzerland, June 18 : The United States and Iran are set to hold their initial round of talks following the ceasefire agreement which was signed Wednesday virtually by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Reuters reported on Thursday citing the Swiss government. As per Reuters, the talks are slated to take place at the Buergenstock mountaintop resort in Switzerland on Friday. As things stand, the plan is still for the U.S. and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar and other involved countries, to meet tomorrow at Buergenstock for initial negotiations about implementing the agreement, the Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying by Reuters. No further information is currently available regarding the schedule and details of this meeting,it further noted. This comes after the Swiss Foreign Ministry in an official statement called peace and security in West Asia a priority of it foreign policy and said, The FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) is in close contact with the US, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar to facilitate the possible signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Burgenstock in the canton of Nidwalden. US President Donald Trump non Wednesday evening signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles while he was being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The agreement marks a significant diplomatic development between Washington and Tehran. According to CNN, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian virtually signed the 14-point memorandum aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching a 60-day process to negotiate a comprehensive final agreement. CNN reported that a White House official confirmed Trump personally signed the document on Wednesday while in France, while Pezeshkian signed it separately, bringing the agreement into immediate effect. A senior US administration official described the agreement as a framework designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately, address Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium and create a pathway for phased economic relief tied to Tehran's compliance with the deal. The 14-point agreement provides for an immediate cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon, and commits both countries to pursuing a final agreement within 60 days. It also includes provisions for the removal of the US naval blockade, safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, phased sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and a US-backed economic development programme for Iran worth at least USD 300 billion. The memorandum further states that Iran has reaffirmed it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons and envisages future discussions regarding enriched uranium stockpiles under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (ANI)
Tough as a Killer: Trump Praises Modi During G7 Bilateral Talks
SRINAGAR: US President Donald Trump has hailed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a very tough negotiator following a high-level bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. The encounter, which marked the first one-on-one session between the two leaders in 16 months, has signalled a renewed effort to stabilise ties and []
Free health camp to be held in Uri today
Srinagar, June 17: A comprehensive free health camp will be organised at Mini Stadium Uri on Thursday by the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir. Announcing the initiative, MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi said that a team of specialist doctors from various fields, including gynaecology, paediatrics and surgery, will be available to provide medical consultations and treatment to patients. He said that several important diagnostic tests, including screening for HIV, hepatitis and diabetes, will also be conducted free of cost during the camp. Dr Shafi said the camp aims to bring quality healthcare services closer to the people of Uri eliminating the need for patients to travel to Baramulla, Srinagar or other places for specialist consultations and medical tests. I appeal to the people from Zehanpora to Dulanja and all other areas of Uri to take full advantage of this health camp. Such opportunities are not available on a regular basis. The same specialist doctors whom patients usually visit in Baramulla and Srinagar will be available in Uri, he said. The MLA urged residents to participate in large numbers and make use of the healthcare facilities being provided through the camp.
Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs skip party meet, switchover to Shinde camp appears imminent
NEW DELHI: The writing appeared to be on the wall for Shiv Sena (UBT) as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs skipped its parliamentary party meeting here on Thursday, signalling that a formal crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde may be only a matter of time. Sena (UBT) MPs Arvind []
Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar Offers Prayers at Vaishno Devi Shrine
SRINAGAR: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar visited the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra and offered prayers at the cave shrine, seeking blessings. The actor undertook the pilgrimage amid tight security arrangements and spent time at the shrine performing religious rituals and paying obeisance. His visit attracted considerable attention from devotees and visitors present at the []
Mehbooba Urges Kashmiris to Welcome Amarnath Pilgrims
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti said that the annual Amarnath Yatra presents a valuable opportunity for the people of Kashmir to connect with devotees from across the country and strengthen bonds of mutual understanding. Addressing locals in Sonmarg, Mehbooba Mufti emphasised that Kashmirs hospitality, kindness, and compassion should serve as a []
Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Reviews Kheer Bhawani Mela Preparations
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed arrangements for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district and assured that all pending works identified during the inspection would be completed before the festival begins on June 22. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the revered shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani, Abdullah []
Cashier Murder Case: Two Held in Jammu Kashmir, Injured During Escape Attempt
SRINAGAR: Two accused arrested from Jammu and Kashmir sustained bullet injuries while allegedly attempting to escape from police custody during their transit to Chandigarh, officials said on Wednesday. The accused were arrested in connection with the murder of Janki Das, cashier at Shri Kumar Medical Hall in Chandigarhs Sector 11, who was shot dead by []
Rain, Thunderstorms and Hailstorm Likely at Many Places in J&K Till June 22
Srinagar, June 18: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally unsettled weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir over the next several days, with intermittent spells of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected in different areas. According to the forecast, from June 18 to June 22, weather conditions are expected to remain generally cloudy with one or two spells of light rain accompanied by brief intense showers, thunderstorms, hailstorm, lightning and gusty winds at many places. For June 23 to June 25, the weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy, with light rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds expected at a few places. Issuing an advisory, the MET Centre recommended that orchard spray should be carried out during early morning hours. People have also been advised to stay away from loose structures, electric poles, hanging wires and old trees during adverse weather conditions. The department further advised suspension of boating activities and Shikara rides during thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. The MET Centre warned that isolated places may witness hailstorms during the next five days, while brief intense showers could trigger flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
Army Soldier Dies Of Accidental Fire in J&K's Poonch
Poonch, June 18: An Army jawan died at the headquarters of 16 Rashtriya Rifles in Draba, Surankote area of Poonch district, in the early hours on Thursday. Officials told GNS that the incident occurred early morning when the jawan, who was on night duty and was found dead at the post. The deceased has been identified as Naik B.D. Rao of 16 RR (ASC). Body was shifted to Goverment Sub-district hospital Surankote for medico-legal formalities. Further details are awaited, and an inquiry is underway, added an official. (GNS)
Modi, Trump direct officials to fast-track commercially meaningful trade Pact
EVIAN-LES-BAINS (FRANCE): (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump directed their officials to work towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and commercially meaningful trade agreement at the earliest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said this on Thursday, a day after the two leaders held wide-ranging talks for the first time in 16 []
AI must empower people: PM Modi at G7 Summit
France, June 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Outreach Session on Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of Artificial Intelligence, at the G7 Summit in Evian, France. The Prime Minister highlighted that while Artificial Intelligence was a transformative force with the potential to redefine the direction of human civilization, it must also empower people. He elaborated that it was with this larger thought that India had hosted the AI Impact Summit recently. Underlining India's human-centric or MANAV [human] vision for AI, he stated that the technology must be anchored in the principles of inclusivity, security, and public good. Noting that India has always viewed cyberspace as a global public good, Prime Minister emphasized that democratic countries must have access to AI models that can secure their critical information infrastructure and help them deal with cyber threats. He called for an integrated approach to AI development where safety, speed and efficiency are dealt together. In this regard, he made four suggestions: AI systems should be safe-by-design; AI deployment must be accompanied by common standards, testing frameworks, and regulatory guidelines; there should be effective global cooperation to deal with deepfakes, misinformation and cyber fraud; and the benefits of AI must reach countries of the Global South to ensure an inclusive world, as per the statement. The Prime Minister concluded by stating that AI must expand human potential, empower human choice and protect human dignity, and noted that India would continue to work with partners to promote these objectives, the statement said. Meanwhile, PM Modi met US President Donald Trump on the margins of the G7 Summit. He commended President Trump for his efforts that had resulted in an understanding to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia and restore peace and stability across the broader region. He also underlined the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to ensure the safety of seafarers. The two leaders reviewed the substantial progress achieved under the India-U.S. COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) since their meeting in Washington DC in February 2025. They welcomed key developments across the defence, strategic technologies, energy, and bilateral trade sectors. The statement said that the leaders noted with particular satisfaction the significant progress made in negotiations towards an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and instructed their officials to work towards a balanced, mutually beneficial, and commercially meaningful agreement at the earliest. The US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, will be visiting India next week in this connection. Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across all domains for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples, the statement said. (ANI)
US-Iran sign 14-point MoU ending military operations, reopening Hormuz
Washington DC , June 18: US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have virtually signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and launching a 60-day process to negotiate a final agreement on sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme. Citing a White House official, CNN reported that Trump personally signed the memorandum on Wednesday while meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The agreement, which was also signed by Pezeshkian, immediately came into effect. CNN reported that the United States released the official text of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. A senior US administration official described the agreement as a mechanism to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, address Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium and create a framework for phased economic relief linked to Iranian compliance. This is fundamentally an agreement that allows us to open the Strait of Hormuz immediately, commit the Iranians to destroying the nuclear dust, and then gives us a dial where if the Iranians dial up their good behaviour, we respond by dialling up the kind of economic and sanctions relief that can make them a more prosperous country, the official was quoted by CNN as saying. According to Press TV, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the text of the memorandum had been finalised and signed by both sides. He stated that consultations with Oman and other countries had been underway for some time and that arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz had largely been agreed upon. Baghaei said safe maritime passage would be ensured while preserving he sovereignty and authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The 14-point agreement includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon, and a pledge to conclude negotiations on a final deal within 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. Under the memorandum, the United States will begin removing its naval blockade and related restrictions, while Iran will facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for an initial 60-day period. The document also outlines plans for the phased lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, Treasury waivers for Iranian oil exports, and a US-backed reconstruction and economic development programme for Iran worth at least USD 300 billion. According to Press TV, Iran reaffirmed in the memorandum that it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The agreement also provides for discussions on the future of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Fox News had earlier reported that the broader framework would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the American blockade, initiating a 60-day negotiation period on Iran's uranium enrichment activities, sanctions relief measures and a structured ceasefire arrangement involving Israel and Hezbollah. (ANI)
Army Soldier Dies Of Accidental Fire in Surankote, Poonch
Poonch: An Army jawan died at the headquarters of 16 Rashtriya Rifles in Draba, Surankote area of Poonch district, in the early hours on Thursday. Officials said that the incident occurred early morning when the jawan, who was on night duty and was found dead at the post. The deceased has been identified as Naik []
US, Iran sign initial deal to end war; ease sanctions, open strait as nuclear talks continue
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran Wednesday that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives US-backed sanctions on the country, immediately allowing Iran to sell its oil freely in a major concession from Washington, according to details released by both countries. The initial deal to end []
Sanskritik YatraSindhu Darshan festival celebrates Indias cultural diversity
Srinagar, Jun 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala and All J&K Christian Sabha, organized the vibrant Sanskritik Yatra 2026Sindhu Darshan Festival at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. MLA Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, graced the occasion as the chief guest while MLA Ramnagar, Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj, attended as the guest of honour. Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, was the special guest on the occasion. The programme was attended by the artists, religious leaders, students, cultural enthusiasts and citizens in a unique celebration of Indias rich cultural heritage and collective commitment towards a drug-free society. Secretary JKAACL Harvinder Kour highlighted the importance of cultural exchange programmes in strengthening the national integration and preserving Indias rich artistic traditions. She said that such initiatives provide an ideal platform for the artists from different regions to interact, learn from one another and celebrate the spirit of Unity in Diversity. Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi lauded JKAACL, NZCC and All J&K Christian Sabha for organizing a programme that combined cultural celebration with a powerful social message. He observed that art, culture and languages are invaluable assets of every society and serve as bridges connecting people across regions, faiths and communities. He said that in an era marked by social and ideological divisions, cultural initiatives have an important role in promoting mutual respect, harmony and national integration. Referring to the theme of the programme, Pardesi expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth and emphasized that society must collectively address this challenge. He urged the young people to channel their energies towards education, sports, creativity and community service. Stressing that the future of the nation rests in the hands of its youth, he said that every stakeholder including parents, teachers, religious institutions and civil society organizations must work together to protect young minds from the dangers of addiction. He described drug abuse as a social challenge that can only be overcome through awareness, compassion, guidance and sustained community participation. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Ramnagar Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj, described the programme as a meaningful initiative that successfully integrated cultural exchange with social awareness. He said that the theme Unity of Religions Against Drug Abuse carries immense significance in the present times and demonstrates how cultural and religious institutions can contribute positively towards nation-building. Referring to the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the campaign reflects the government's commitment to eliminate the scourge of drugs and creating a healthier society. Dr. Bhardwaj emphasized that art and culture are powerful mediums for educating and sensitizing youth about social issues. He stated that the vision of a Viksit Bharat can only be realised through a healthy, educated and empowered youth population. Various interfaith leaders, including representatives of different religious communities, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the collective responsibility of society in combating the drug abuse. They highlighted the crucial role of parents and families in sensitizing the children about the harmful consequences of addiction and promoting ethical and moral values from an early age. The audience was enthralled by a series of mesmerizing cultural performances representing the rich cultural ethos of different states of the country. Artists from Manipur presented the graceful Lai Harobba, Gujarat showcased the energetic Dandia Raas, Maharashtra presented the vibrant lavni while artists from Kashmir captivated the audience with an enthralling Dhamali folk dance. Odishas traditional Goti Pua, Rajasthans world-famous Kalbelia, and Punjabs energetic Bhangra added colour and vibrancy to the festival. Renowned folk and Sufi singer Manak Ali further enthralled the audience with soulful renditions blending spirituality and folk traditions.
JK Pensioners Welfare Federation President Lenin Sampat visits Bpora
Srinagar, Jun 17: Lenin Sampat, State President of the Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners Welfare Federation and Senior Citizens Civil Society, visited District Bandipora on Wednesday. During the visit, he held a detailed meeting with local pensioners, attended by District President Mohd Maqbool and District General Secretary Gh. Rasool Wani of Sumbal. A wide range of issues concerning pensioners was discussed in the meeting. It was also decided that a district-level Convention of pensioners of Bandipora will be convened shortly.
IUST holds RAC meeting, discusses measures to strengthen research ecosystem
Awantipora, Jun 16: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Wednesday convened a second meeting of its Research Advisory Council (RAC) under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo. The meeting attended by Dean Academic Affairs Prof Sheikh Aijaz Ahmad, deans, experts, controller of examination, finance officer, members of the research fraternity was coordinated by Dean Research Dr Aabid H Shalla. The Council deliberated on a range of strategic issues aimed at strengthening the University's research ecosystem and enhancing its standing as a nationally and globally recognized research-intensive institution. Several important decisions were taken regarding the University's research ordinance, doctoral programmes, post-doc research, research quality, innovation, collaborations, enhancing research fellowships and mechanisms for promoting interdisciplinary and socially relevant research. Presenting the University's research profile, Dr. Shalla highlighted IUST's significant achievements in research, innovation, and capacity building. He informed the Council that the University has secured more than 107.61 crore in extramural research funding and is currently implementing research projects worth 81.13 crore. During last one year, the University submitted research proposals amounting to approximately 358 crores, reflecting its expanding research footprint and growing confidence among national funding agencies. Dr. Shalla further noted that IUST has developed a strong culture of innovation and intellectual property creation, with a portfolio of 113 patents, including 39 granted, 69 published, and 5 filed patents. These innovations span diverse areas such as healthcare, renewable energy, environmental engineering, smart systems, and assistive technologies, including low-cost ventilator prototypes, powered air-purifying respirators, solar-powered thermal storage systems, and other technologies with significant societal impact. Highlighting the University's research productivity, he stated that IUST has produced 1,831 Scopus-indexed publications since 2019. Annual publications increased from 78 in 2019 to 384 in 2025, while total citations crossed 31,470, rising from 724 citations in 2019 to 10,067 citations in 2025, demonstrating the growing global visibility and impact of research conducted at the University. The Vice Chancellor appreciated the progress achieved by the University in research and innovation and emphasized the need for sustained efforts towards high-quality, impactful, and collaborative research that addresses regional, national, and global challenges. He underscored the importance of strengthening industry-academia linkages, international collaborations, and interdisciplinary research initiatives to further enhance IUST's research profile.
Transport Commr. reviews preparedness for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 at Sonmarg
Ganderbal, Jun 17: Transport Commissioner, Vishesh Mahajan on Wednesday visited Sonamarg and Baltal to review the transport preparedness and arrangements being put in place for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. He was accompanied by RTO Kashmir, Qazi Irfan; ARTO Ganderbal, Anis Ahmed and other officers of the Transport Department. During the visit, the Transport Commissioner chaired a meeting of all stakeholders, including officers of the Transport Department, Traffic Police and transport operators and other concerned agencies. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of various departments and discussed measures required to ensure safe, efficient and hassle-free transportation facilities for the pilgrims. The Transport Commissioner stressed that only roadworthy and fit vehicles should be deployed for Yatra duties and directed the concerned officers to ensure timely inspection and fitness certification of all vehicles proposed to be engaged for the pilgrimage. He emphasized that drivers engaged for the Yatra must possess the requisite driving skills, valid credentials and be well acquainted with the Yatra route, traffic regulations, safety protocols and emergency response measures. Taking serious note of complaints regarding overcharging by transport operators, the Transport Commissioner directed strict adherence to the notified fare structure and warned that any instance of overcharging would invite stringent action under the relevant provisions of law. The Transport Commissioner also reviewed the availability of vehicles for the Yatra and directed transport operators to ensure adequate deployment of vehicles to cater to the anticipated demand of pilgrims. He stressed the need for maintaining sufficient reserve capacity to address any surge in passenger traffic during the Yatra period. As part of the visit, the Transport Commissioner inspected the Motor Vehicles Department Enforcement Post at Sonamarg and reviewed the enforcement and facilitation measures being undertaken by the department. He directed the field officers to maintain effective surveillance and ensure strict compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements. The issue of parking management was also discussed in detail. Directions were issued for earmarking adequate parking slots in consultation with the Traffic Police and other concerned agencies. The Transport Commissioner reviewed the proposed technology-based parking management system and emphasized the effective use of the dedicated mobile application for allocation, monitoring etc. The Transport Commissioner reiterated that the foremost priority of all agencies associated with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 is to ensure a safe, comfortable and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for every pilgrim. He further directed the concerned officers to adopt a proactive approach in addressing issues on the ground so that pilgrims can undertake the sacred journey with convenience, safety and peace of mind. Senior officers of the Transport Department and representatives of various stakeholder agencies attended the meeting and accompanied the Transport Commissioner during the visit.
Gulmarg Gondola to resume after committee submits report
Srinagar, Jun 17: The Gondola cable car service in Gulmarg will resume operations after the government-appointed committee submits its final report, officials of the Cable Car Corporation said on Wednesday. Anofficial ofthe Cable Car Corporation told Rising Kashmir that all repairs and inspectionshave been completedand the corporation is nowawaiting directions from the governmentregarding the resumption of services. We have completed all repairs and inspections and are waiting for the government's direction to resume Gondola operations. Once the committee submits its final report, services will resume as soon as possible, the official said. Earlier, the government ordered an inquiry into the technical glitch in the Gondola system that left over 300 people stranded mid-air. The passengers were later rescued in a coordinated operation carried out by the Cable Car Corporation, SDRF, NDRF, Police, Army and the civil administration. The official said a team of French engineers recently conducted the final inspection of the Gondola system. He added that all technical inspections have been completed and trial runs of the cable car were carried out successfully. All inspections have been completed successfully. As soon as the committee submits its final report and the government grants approval for the resumption of services, the Gondola will start operating again, he said. The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the major tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir and is considered among the highest operating cable car systems in Asia. Hundreds of tourists use the Gondola every day, making it a key component of tourism activities in Gulmarg.
NIA attaches properties of terror accused in Bla
Srinagar, Jun 17: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday attached two properties belonging to an accused in a Pakistan-backed terror conspiracy case involving the banned militant outfits Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). According to the officials, the attached properties belong to Shaheen Ahmad Lone, who is accused of facilitating the smuggling of arms, ammunition and explosives from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir through the Line of Control (LoC). Investigations revealed that the weapons and explosives were subsequently supplied to terrorists affiliated with HM and LeT for carrying out terror-related activities in the Kashmir valley. Officials said Lone was also involved in receiving and channelling funds to terrorists operating in the region. He was arrested by the NIA in September 2020and waschargesheeted in March 2021 under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P) Act]. The attachment was carried out under Section 33(1) of the UA(P) Act following orders issued by the NIA Special Court in Jammu. The action is part of the agencys ongoing crackdown on terror networks and their support infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The attached assets are located in Kanispora village of Baramulla district and include a residential house built on 7.5 marlas of land, as well as a six-marla plot on which a shed has been constructed. The case registered as RC-01/2020/NIA/JMU is currently under trial before the NIA Special Court in Jammu. The agency said its efforts to dismantle terror financing and logistical support networks in the Union Territory remain underway.
CM Omar gives Bandipora Rs 100 crore boost
Inaugurates, lays foundation for 18 major projects Bandipora, Jun 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday gave Bandipora district a massive developmental boost by inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 18 major projects worth approximately Rs 100 crore, spanning higher education, roads, bridges, clean drinking water, urban development, and agriculture infrastructure. Major initiatives include the construction of the Government Degree College at Ajas (Rs 14 crore), a footbridge over the River Jhelum at Tundipora-Hakbara (Rs 10.62 crore), a female student hostel at Government Degree College Bandipora (Rs 10 crore), and a school building at Kaloosa (Rs 3.71 crore). Other works include the Markundal-Hajin road upgrade (Rs 7.13 crore), a water supply augmentation scheme (Rs 6.66 crore), a multi-storey car parking facility (Rs 3.74 crore), and residential apartments for Panchayati Raj Institution members. During his visit, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting to evaluate the developmental scenario, public service delivery, and progress of various schemes, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo (virtual), Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan, Nizamuddin Bhat, and Hilal Akbar Lone, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib, and other senior officers. Noting Bandipora's progress in the last financial year, the Chief Minister urged all departments to maintain their developmental momentum, emphasizing that the government has cleared administrative and financial approvals well in advance this year to ensure departments can utilise the working season fully and execute projects timely, particularly vital for the district due to challenging geographical and climatological conditions. Highlighting Bandipora's rich natural wealth, the Chief Minister called for scientific cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and directed that the possibility of setting up a specialised industrial estate for medicinal herbs be explored, expected to enhance local entrepreneurship, create fresh jobs for youth, and add significant value to the district's natural resources. Earlier, the Chief Minister distributed vehicles to beneficiaries under the UMEED initiative and inspected stalls set up by local self-help groups. He also met with public delegations from Gurez, Tulail, and Sonawari, assuring them of timely and equitable redressal of their developmental concerns. A special highlight was an open interaction between the Chief Minister and students of Government Degree College Bandipora, hosted by a female student, where students asked candid questions about governance, jobs, and public policy. Praising the confidence of the students, the Chief Minister encouraged the young generation to actively participate in democracy and nation-building. Local lawmakers raised constituency-specific demands which the Chief Minister promised would be swiftly reviewed and resolved.
Div Com Kashmir reviews preparations for Intl. Yoga Day celebrations
Srinagar, Jun 17: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess and finalize arrangements for the observance of International Yoga Day across the Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director AYUSH, Director SKICC, and senior officers from various departments, including Health, School Education, Sports Council, Fire & Emergency Services, Traffic Police and other stakeholder agencies. The flagship event is scheduled to be held at the SKICC on June 21 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Reviewing the preparations, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Director AYUSH to ensure the timely distribution of yoga mats and T-shirts among participants. He further instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Deputy Director Planning (DDP) to formulate a comprehensive transportation plan to facilitate the smooth movement and punctual arrival of participants at the venue. Deputy Commissioners apprised the chair of district-level arrangements, including the organization of yoga sessions at prominent tourist destinations and iconic locations, as well as provisions for live streaming of the event across all districts. The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed logistical arrangements at the main venue, including the installation of a public address system for the National Anthem, installation of LED display screens, instructor platforms, drinking water facilities, sanitation arrangements, besides distribution of refreshments to participants after the culmination of the event. To ensure effective documentation and reporting of Yoga Day activities, he issued directions for heads of educational institutions to register on the AYUSH Department portal and upload photographs of events conducted under the International Yoga Day programme. Also, Garg instructed all concerned officers to ensure the live streaming of the Prime Ministers Yoga Day session. Further, he stressed the need for seamless inter-departmental coordination and directed all departments to ensure that necessary arrangements are put in place well in advance for the successful conduct of the event.
Highly trained MRTs to guard Yatris on twin Amarnath tracks
DGP Prabhat to flag off specialised rescue teams for 57-day pilgrimage today 30 teams to be deployed to assist pilgrims in emergency situations: DIG CRPF Srinagar, Jun 17: In a major step towards ensuring a safe and smooth Shri Amarnath Yatra-2026, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat will on Thursday flag off the specialised Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) that will be deployed along the Baltal and Pahalgam pilgrimage routes for the annual pilgrimage beginning July 3. The 57-day-long yatra to the holy cave shrine is expected to witness a record influx of devotees this year amid cool weather in Kashmir anda heat wave in the rest of the country. The administration and security agencies have expressed confidence that the pilgrimage will be conducted peacefully and successfully under an elaborate multi-layered security and rescue framework. Following the flag-off ceremonythat will be heldin Srinagar, the MRT personnel will be stationed at strategic and vulnerable locations along the twin routes in Ganderbal and Anantnag districts to provide immediate rescue and medical assistance to pilgrims undertaking the arduous Himalayan trek. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of CRPF Srinagar North, Sudhir Kumar, who hasbeen serving as the Nodal officerfor the pilgrimage for the past three years at Baltal base camp, said the CRPF has made extensive preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of yatris during the pilgrimage. He said the MRTs comprise specially trained personnel equipped to handle medical emergencies, altitude-related illnesses, exhaustion, landslides, flash floods and other natural calamities that may arise during the yatra. The teams remain prepared to respond swiftly to any exigency. They provide first aid, emergency medical assistance and physical support to pilgrims negotiating difficult stretches of mountainous terrain, Kumar said. He added that the MRTs work in close coordination with the SDRF, Army, police and civil administration to ensure a synchronized and rapid response during emergencies. According to the DIG, the rescue teams played a crucial role during last years pilgrimage, handling and providing due care to nearly 1,000 pilgrims who required medical assistance and emergency support during the yatra. This year, the teams are more highly trained and equipped with the latest equipment than in the previous year. Around 30 MRTs will be deployed along the base camps and trekking routes to serve pilgrims in case of any emergency or rescue operation, Kumar said. Officials said the deployment reflects meticulous planning by security and civil agencies to ensure that devotees experience a safe, smooth and incident-free pilgrimage. The administration has intensified arrangements related to security, healthcare, sanitation, accommodation and disaster management ahead of the pilgrimage season, while police and paramilitary forces have already begun area domination and route sanitisation exercises along the yatra axes. Authorities are hopeful that this years Shri Amarnath Yatra will emerge as one of the biggest and most successful pilgrimages in recent years, with a record number of devotees expected to pay obeisance at the holy cave shrine.
Drugs in Teens Part 4:Sleeping pills, nail paint, morphine most common among student addicts
Over 50% high school students unaware of causes, effects of drug abuse: DIET research PROBLEM: Cigarette smoking often acts as gateway to drugs Among girls, sleeping pills most used substance after tobacco SOLUTION: Immediate awareness progs in schools to address information gap Prevention of experimentation among adolescents Srinagar, Jun 17: A startling research has revealed deep and widespread awareness about narcotics and substance abuse among school-going children in Srinagar, with sleeping pills, nail paint, morphine, bhang, opium, and inhalants emerging among the most commonly identified and abused substances by teenagers, according to an action research project submitted to the Principal DIET Srinagar. The study, conducted on 3,100 students from Classes 9th to 12th across 20 secondary and higher secondary schools of Srinagar district, paints a disturbing picture of growing exposure of adolescents to drugs, addictive substances, and inhalants at a very young age. The research has found that the students between the age group of 12 and 19 years displayed striking familiarity not only with conventional narcotics such as heroin, charas, morphine, and cannabis but also with everyday household and stationery items, allegedly being misused as intoxicants. According to the findings, cigarette smoking emerged as the most commonly identified substance among students, with 53.99 per cent of boys and 47.36 per cent of girls reporting awareness about cigarettes being used as drugs. The study reads that among narcotic substances, morphine was identified almost equally by boys (30.41%) and girls (28.77%), followed by cannabis, opium and shireh (opium extract). The study also found that a significant number of students were aware of substances such as heroin, cocaine, hashish and naswar. The report revealed another disturbing trend the use of inhalants and commonly available products as addictive substances among teenagers. Girl students, in particular, showed awareness about chewing gum, correction fluid, nail paint remover and Vicks VapoRub being misused for intoxication purposes, it states. As per the survey, 33 per cent of girls identified chewing gum as a substance being abused, while 28.60 per cent reported correction fluid misuse. Nearly 21.90 per cent of girls also pointed towards nail polish remover as an addictive substance, it reads. Among boys, substances like shoe polish, petrol, kerosene and spirit were more commonly identified as intoxicants. The study further assessed students awareness regarding the causes and consequences of drug abuse and found major gaps in understanding, particularly among high school students. According to the findings, less than 50 per cent of students studying in high schools were aware of the causes and harmful effects of drug abuse. Among higher secondary boys, 68 per cent were aware of the causes and consequences of substance abuse, while awareness among higher secondary girls stood comparatively lower. Researchers observed that more than half of high school students and a large section of girls in higher secondary schools were either unaware or uncertain about the dangers associated with drugs. The report recommended immediate awareness programmes in schools to address the growing information gap and prevent experimentation among adolescents. The study also attempted to identify substances commonly abused by students. Tobacco or cigarettes topped the list among both boys and girls. Among boys, 65.09 per cent identified tobacco as the most commonly abused substance, followed by morphine (45.06%), opium (40.84%), bhang (34.46%) and charas (32.85%). Among girls, tobacco remained the most commonly identified substance at 47.36 per cent, followed by sleeping pills (34.04%), opium (31.57%), correction fluid (28.60%) and bhang (28.69%). Researchers noted that cigarettes remain socially and culturally acceptable in society and are easily accessible, which may explain their widespread use among adolescents. The report also linked the use of locally available substances such as bhang and opium to easy availability and local production, warning that such accessibility may be worsening the drug crisis among youth in Kashmir. Citing previous studies, the report said cigarette smoking often acts as a gateway to drugs. It referred to earlier research showing increasing tobacco addiction among schoolchildren and rising opioid abuse in Kashmir, including heroin and morphine consumption. The findings gain significance at a time when schools, health experts and law enforcement agencies in Kashmir have repeatedly raised concerns about rising drug abuse among teenagers and the emergence of a hidden culture of inhalants, prescription medicines and synthetic narcotics within the student community.
Seasons Out of Joint in Kashmir
This summers wild swings in temperature and rain are a warning the Valley can no longer afford to ignore Kashmirs summer has always had its own poetry: a slow melt of snow, a gentle rise in temperature, orchards coming alive, and evenings that carry a familiar, comforting chill. This year, that rhythm lies broken. From unseasonal downpours to sudden heat spikes, from cold nights that feel like April to daytime cloudbursts and gusty winds, the Valley is living through a season that refuses to behave. These erratic weather patterns are not isolated quirks. They are part of a worrying trend that has been building for years. Farmers are complaining that prolonged cloud cover and unexpected rain are damaging paddy transplantation and vegetable crops; orchardists report irregular flowering and fruiting in apple and cherry, with fears of reduced yield and altered quality. Tourism stakeholders, too, are uneasy: when a June morning can look like late autumn and a single sunny spell can turn oppressive by afternoon, planning for visitors, treks, and pilgrimages becomes guesswork. Scientists have long warned that the Himalayan region, including Kashmir, is one of the worlds climate hotspots. Rising average temperatures, shrinking glaciers, and altered snowfall and rainfall patterns are already well documented. What we are seeing this summer is not a passing anomaly; it is the lived experience of climate change at our doorstep. Yet official response remains piecemeal and reactive, limited to issuing weather advisories and damage assessments after every bout of extreme rain or hail. The administration cannot treat this as a purely meteorological curiosity. Erratic weather has direct implications for food security, water availability, livelihoods, and even disaster risk, with sudden cloudbursts and flash floods no longer rare. A serious climate-resilience strategy for the Valley is overdue. That must include investing in localised weather monitoring and early-warning systems, revising cropping calendars with scientific input, promoting climate-resilient crop varieties, protecting wetlands and floodplains, and strictly regulating construction in vulnerable zones. Equally, there is a need for honest public communication. People deserve clear, accessible information on how weather patterns are changing, what that means for their lives, and what steps government and society must take. Without that, each strange summer will be dismissed as a bad year until a disaster forces attention. Kashmir has contributed little to global warming, but it is paying a heavy price. The disrupted summer of 2026 should be treated as a final alert: the Valleys seasons are out of joint. The question now is whether policy will catch up with the climate before the damage becomes irreversible.
Another crash, more bodies, and still no serious action on road safety in South Kashmir Two more young lives have been snuffed out on a mountain road that should have been a gateway to beauty, not a corridor to death. Yesterdays accident on the Aru Valley road near Pahalgam, in which two residents of Dialgam, Anantnag, lost their lives and six others were injured, is not an isolated tragedy. It is a grim reminder of a pattern that Kashmir has been allowed to normalise: death by negligence on our roads. The facts, as always, are depressingly familiar. A local car lost control on the Aru road. Two occupants, including the driver, died. Six others were rushed to the hospital, their exact condition still unclear. Rescue teams did what they could after the damage was already done. The police have taken cognisance; an investigation is underway. We know this script too well. What we do not see is accountability. Aru, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg; our fragile tourist circuits are dotted with narrow, poorly engineered, and poorly policed roads that carry far more traffic than they were ever designed for. Guardrails are missing or broken, curves are blind, signage is either inadequate or non-existent, and overloading remains routine. Add to this a culture of rash driving, weak enforcement of speed limits, and the near-total absence of scientific post-accident audits, and Kashmirs roads become killing fields. Every time such a crash happens, officials promise a probe, and the file eventually gathers dust. No one is told whether it was a mechanical failure, a design flaw in the road, overspeeding, fatigue, or simple official apathy that caused the deaths. Without transparent accident reports and without fixing responsibility, these inquiries serve only to buy time until the next tragedy. This cannot continue. The administration must turn this latest Aru accident into a turning point rather than just another statistic. That means immediate safety audits of all arterial and tourist roads, installation and repair of crash barriers, strict enforcement of speed and load limits, mandatory periodic fitness checks of vehicles on hilly routes, and real penalties for both errant drivers and negligent departments. Most importantly, families of the deceased and injured deserve more than condolences; they deserve answers. Kashmir can no longer treat such deaths as the cost of development or tourism. Every life lost on a road that could have been safer is a life taken by policy failure. The question is stark: will this tragedy on the road to Aru finally force those in power to act, or will we wait, as usual, for the next accident to write the same editorial all over again?
Fear The Fear of Missing Out Just Miss Out!
When people believe they are being left out, stress and emotional discomfort can emerge, despite there being no real danger DR. IQRA SHAFI BHAT There was a time when being unavailable meant exactly what it was. Oh my my! Evenings disappeared into hearty and insightful conversations, unfinished books, idle walks, or simply doing nothing at all. Missing an event was not a personal crisis - it was part of life, a cherished one. Today, however, absence feels visible, and exclusion weighs heavy. Open any social media platform, and within minutes, the world appears to be moving at a faster pace than you. Someone is celebrating a milestone, someone is travelling, someone is attending an event that seems enticing. In contrast, ordinary moments begin to feel disappointingly ordinary. Slowly, a question slips into the mind: Am I living enough? This feeling and lived phenomenon has become quite common and is readily relatable its called FoMO, the Fear of Missing Out. FoMO is often mistaken for a mild concomitant effect of modern technology and marketing science, but its influence reaches deeper than casual curiosity. It touches one of the oldest human instincts: the need to belong Human beings are social by design. Throughout history, inclusion meant safety and exclusion carried consequences. Although life has changed dramatically, our minds still respond strongly to signs of being left behind. The twist in the contemporary times is that the threat is no longer physicalit is psychological. A missed invitation, a photo from a gathering, or a stream of celebrations online can create a sense of distance that feels larger than reality itself. What makes this experience powerful is that the brain does not always distinguish between actual isolation and perceived exclusion. Lest we forget, perceptions are as important and sometimes, more important than reality! When people believe they are being left out, stress and emotional discomfort can emerge despite there being no real danger. The experience may begin with a glance at a screen but end with self-doubt, restlessness, or loneliness. Technology did not invent this fearbut it gave it unprecedented reach. Previous generations had fewer windows into the lives of others. There were moments of comparison, certainly, but there were also long stretches of silence. People could disappear into their own lives without constantly measuring them against everyone elses. Now, comparison arrives instantly. Social platforms offer a nonstop exhibition of celebrations, achievements, friendships, and milestones. Yet what appears online is rarely a complete portrait. Difficult conversations, failures, insecurity, boredomthese moments usually remain outside the frame. The result is a strange imbalance: people compare their behind-the-scenes reality with everyone elses edited highlights. Eventually, the pressure extends beyond screens. People begin saying yes to plans they do not enjoy. They remain available at all times. They attend gatherings out of obligation rather than desire. Being seen has become more important than being present. And beneath this behaviour often sits an uncomfortable fearnot merely of missing out, but.of losing significance. Questions emerge quietly: Will people forget about me? Do I matter if I am not included? Such questions unveil that FoMO is rarely about entertainment. Sadly, the irony of FoMO is impossible to ignore. The pursuit of belonging has turned into performance. Approval has become addictive. Personal time begins to feel undeserved unless it is shared, posted, or validated. More often, it reflects deeper fears and uncertainty about identity, connection, and self-worth. When people become disconnected from their own values, they become vulnerable to living according to everyone elses priorities. In trying to experience everything, people often fail to experience anything completely. I believe that the antidote to FOMO is not escaping the modern world but changing our relationship with it. Choosing to step away occasionally is not withdrawal; it is intention. Limiting digital noise, protecting quiet time, and resisting the urge to constantly compare can create opportunities and space to rediscover what genuinely matters. There is also value in rejoicing in something many have forgotten: boredom. Unfilled time leaves room for reflection, creativity, and self-discovery. Not every evening needs plans. Not every experience needs documentation. Most importantly, we must learn to ask a different question. Instead of wondering, What am I missing? Perhaps we should ask, What am I choosing? Because a meaningful life cannot be built by chasing every invitation or witnessing every moment. It is shaped by presence, not participation; by intention, not visibility. In a culture that constantly whispers that something better is happening elsewhere, perhaps the most radical act is to stay where you areand discover that your own life is already enough. Reclaim yourselves- embrace the Joy of Missing Out. ( The Author is Assistant Professor at NIFT, Srinagar)
The Arithmetic of Aspiration: Why Indias employment question now turns on permanence
India sets its course towards a developed economy by 2047 DR. V. ANANTHA NAGESWARAN When Sir Arthur Lewis set out in 1954 to explain how poor economies grow rich, he located the central drama of development not in the accumulation of capital, but in the migration of workers out of subsistence agriculture into the more remunerative occupations of industry and services, a transition he rightly anticipated would govern the prospects of every late-industrialising nation. India stands precisely at that crossing today, and the question before policymakers is not one of whether enough jobs exist, but the more demanding one of whether the economy can generate employment that is sufficient in number, formal in character, and durable enough to carry a young worker into a lifetime of rising productivity and security. The scale of the task can be stated with some precision, for the Economic Survey 2023-24, drawing on the Periodic Labour Force Survey and demographic projections, estimated that the economy must generate nearly 78.5 lakh non-farm jobs every year through the remainder of this decade, a figure flowing from two compounding pressures, the steady rise in the workforce as participation deepens, and the labour that structural transformation must draw out of agriculture, whose share in employment, still close to 46 per cent, is expected to fall towards a quarter by 2047. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and operational from the following month, is the most considered attempt yet to attack that deficit, deploying 99,446 crore through the Employees Provident Fund Organisation to catalyse more than 3.5 crore formal jobs in the two years to July 2027. A worker joining an EPFO-registered establishment for the first time, and earning below 1 lakh a month, becomes eligible for up to 15,000 paid in two instalments, the second conditional on a financial literacy course and held in savings, while employers who expand their payroll beyond an established baseline receive up to 3,000 a month for each new worker, on terms calibrated so that even small firms are drawn in rather than crowded out. What elevates the scheme above the familiar and disappointing genre of hiring subsidies is its requirement of six months of continuous employment before the first benefit is released, since hiring a first-timer pays off only if the worker stays to become productive, and the condition converts the initial hiring into a genuine commitment, assuring the employer of tenure enough to repay the cost of training while giving the worker the months within which real skills and a credible record are built. Thus, it rewards not hiring, but the harder discipline of retention, and what it leaves behind is a portable employability track record for the worker. Its most deliberate tilt is towards manufacturing, where the employer incentive runs for four years rather than two, a doubling that acknowledges the longer gestation of industrial capacity and weights the manufacturers calculus towards expanding the workforce rather than substituting labour prematurely with automation. Importantly, it is a stance that the government has recognised as essential to the countrys realisable aspiration to become a global manufacturing centre. Through the EPFO, every worker onboarded acquires a Universal Account Number and a first taste of social security few informal workers have known, and the early returns are encouraging, with some 60 lakh first-time employees enrolled since the launch, the bulk of them under thirty and over 18 lakh of them women, while nearly 1.77 lakh establishments, many of them small firms where informality has long concentrated, have generated upward of 66 lakh opportunities. It would be imprudent, however, to mistake an encouraging beginning for an accomplished transformation, and the schemes safeguards, its exclusion of fraud-tainted establishments, its six-monthly electronic returns confirming that employment is sustained rather than merely declared, and its automated disbursement, reflect a welcome awareness that schemes of this kind must guard against rewarding hiring that would have occurred anyway. Its true measure will lie not in the first years enrolment figures but in whether the jobs outlast the incentive that created them, and whether the demand it stimulates meets a supply of employable young people, which is why its fortunes are inseparable from parallel investment in skilling. It is worth remembering that joblessness penalises far more than income, eroding skills, self-respect, and ones place in society, and Voltaire had said as much when he let Candide conclude that labour keeps three great evils at bay, namely boredom, vice, and want. A scheme of this kind is finally to be valued because it grasps that fuller meaning of employment, treating the formal job not as a statistic to be tallied but as the first secure rung of a working life, and the task now, as India sets its course towards a developed economy by 2047, is to hold to the patience the scheme embodies and to ensure that meaningful employment for the young, which the Prime Minister has placed at the centre of the national project, is realised not in a single season of incentives but across a generation of durable, productive, and dignified work. (The author is Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. Courtesy: PIB)
How our inflated sense of self is shrinking our world SYED TAQDEES In our conversations, our politics, our homes, even in our prayers, one quiet force keeps working from behind the curtain: ego. It does not shout, it rarely introduces itself, but it is there offended when we are not praised, restless when we are not obeyed, bitter when we are not recognised. We often blame circumstances, systems, or other people for the unease in our lives, but seldom do we pause to ask: how much of my suffering is simply the noise of my own ego? Ego is not confidence. It is not self-respect. It is the fragile mask we build to convince ourselves and others that we are more important, more correct, more deserving than we really are. Confidence can listen; ego cannot. Self-respect can apologise; ego will rather break a relationship than bend a little. In our society today politically polarised, socially anxious, and digitally addicted, the ego finds perfect soil to grow. Nowhere is this more visible than in public discourse. Our debates, whether on television screens or social media timelines, are rarely about ideas. They are about identities. We do not ask, Is this argument sound? We ask, Is this my side? Once ego ties itself to a tribepolitical, religious, regionalit becomes blind. Facts lose their value. Nuance becomes betrayal. The aim is no longer to understand but to win, to humiliate the other side, to score a point that can be screenshotted and shared. Ego thrives on comparison. It is never content with simply being; it must always be better than someone else. This is why social media, with its curated lives and endless highlight reels, acts as a laboratory for ego. A simple photograph becomes a performance: whose life looks happier, whose career seems more successful, whose opinions gather more likes? We are not just living; we are constantly measuring our worth against others. In this silent competition, peace is the first casualty. At home, ego quietly poisons relationships. How many families have been torn apart not by great betrayals but by small, accumulated stubbornness? A father who cannot say I was wrong, a son who cannot say I am sorry, siblings who will not call first after an argument because why should I? The distance grows, then hardens. Years later, people forget the original issue, but the ego still stands guard at the door, refusing reconciliation. In workplaces too, ego manifests as the need to dominate rather than to collaborate. A colleagues success feels like a personal threat. A juniors new idea becomes a challenge, not an opportunity. Leaders who are prisoners of ego surround themselves with flatterers, not truth-tellers. They fear honest feedback because it scratches the image they have built of themselves. Institutions led by such egos may appear strong from the outside, but from within they are brittle. Spiritual life is not spared either. In fact, religious spaces can sometimes become the most fertile ground for ego. Piety itself becomes a performance. Instead of humility, we cultivate a subtle arrogance of being more righteous, more devout, closer to the truth than others. We forget that almost every spiritual tradition warns us that pride is the beginning of downfall, and that true faith softens the heart rather than hardens it. Yet, ego is not an enemy we can destroy once and for all. It is part of being human. The danger begins when the ego starts driving while our conscience is pushed to the back seat. The answer is not to hate ourselves, but to see ourselves clearly. To recognise that we are not the centre of the universe, that our perspective is not the only one, that our worth is not measured by applause. The first step towards taming the ego is learning to pause. Before reacting to criticism, before replying to an insulting message, before insisting on being rightpause. Ask: Is this about truth, or just about my pride? Often, the fire begins to cool in that small space between stimulus and response. Listening is another antidote. To truly listen is to accept that someone elses words matter as much as our own. It is an act of humility in a noisy world. We also need the courage to apologise without attaching conditions. An apology that begins with If you felt hurt is just ego in polite clothing. Real apology does not negotiate terms; it admits fault and seeks healing. In our homes, workplaces, and public life, we would see a remarkable change if more people chose to be kind rather than merely correct. Ultimately, the question is simple: do we want to be larger or smaller human beings? Ego promises bigness but delivers only isolation. It builds walls and calls them dignity. True dignity, however, is spacious enough to make room for others feelings, others truths, others successes. In todays world, where history has already drawn enough lines between people, the last thing we need are more invisible walls built by ego. Our future, personal and collective depends on our ability to step beyond the narrow prison of I and rediscover the wider, gentler world of we. (The author is a research scholar and freelancer)
DG Libraries & Research visits border villages of Trikanjan, Chotali
BARAMULLA: Director, Libraries & Research, J&K, Mohammad Rafi, who is also the designated visiting officer for the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Phase-II, on Wednesday visited the border villages of Trikanjan and Chotali in Uri Sub-Division to review the progress of developmental initiatives being implemented under the programme. During the visit, he interacted with local residents, []
Medicines Are Not Mere Merchandise: Why India Needs a Modern E-Pharmacy Law
India's pharmaceutical future may well be digital. The responsibility of policymakers is to ensure that it is also safe, transparent, and worthy of public trust K.V. CHANDRAMOULI India's pharmaceutical laws were designed for an era of neighbourhood chemists and paper prescriptions. As online medicine sales expand rapidly, the challenge is to harness digital convenience without compromising patient safety, professional accountability, and public health . A Growing Controversy in Digital Healthcare On 20 May 2026, the Chemists and Druggists Association of Goa joined a nationwide protest involving nearly 12 lakh wholesale and retail pharmaceutical outlets. Their grievance was not merely commercial competition from online pharmacies, but the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the sale of medicines through digital platforms. The protest has revived an important public policy question: Should medicines be treated like any other commodity sold through e-commerce platforms, or do they require a distinct regulatory architecture because of their direct impact on human health and life? The answer has far-reaching implications for healthcare, technology, consumer protection, and public safety. The Promise of E-Pharmacies India's e-pharmacy sector, estimated to be worth more than 1,200 crore and growing rapidly, offers undeniable advantages. Elderly patients, persons with disabilities, and residents of remote areas can access medicines without travelling long distances. Digital platforms provide price transparency, doorstep delivery, and integration with telemedicine services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, online pharmacies demonstrated their utility in maintaining continuity of treatment when physical movement was restricted. Why Medicines Are Different from Other Commodities Yet medicines are fundamentally different from books, garments, or groceries. They are potent therapeutic substances whose misuse can result in addiction, antimicrobial resistance, serious adverse effects, and even death. Consequently, the central issue is not whether e-pharmacies should exist, but whether they can be allowed to operate without adequate safeguards. India already faces a significant burden of self-medication. The Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership estimated that nearly 20 per cent of antibiotics sold in Delhi were dispensed without valid prescriptions. Such practices contribute directly to antimicrobial resistance, which the World Health Organisation has identified as one of the gravest global public health threats of the twenty-first century. Unregulated online access could further aggravate this problem by facilitating easy acquisition of prescription medicines without meaningful medical supervision. Public Health Risks in the Digital Marketplace The concerns are not hypothetical. Prescription forgery, repeated use of the same prescription, online procurement of habit-forming drugs, sale of counterfeit medicines, and improper storage during transportation are all recognised risks. Unlike ordinary consumer goods, many medicines require controlled storage conditions throughout the supply chain. Vaccines, insulin preparations, biological products, and certain injectable drugs may lose efficacy if exposed to temperatures outside prescribed limits. A defective shirt may inconvenience a consumer; a defective medicine can cost a life. The Problem of Outdated Laws These concerns expose a deeper problem: India's regulatory framework was designed for a pre-digital era. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, enacted during British rule, remains the principal legislation governing the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs in India. The Act was framed at a time when pharmaceutical transactions occurred exclusively through physical establishments. Unsurprisingly, it contains no reference to internet-based sales, digital prescriptions, online platforms, electronic records, or interstate e-commerce transactions. The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 Similarly, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, were designed around conventional retail pharmacies. They prescribe requirements relating to licensed premises, physical inspections, maintenance of records, pharmacist supervision, and storage conditions. While these provisions remain relevant, they are difficult to apply in an environment where medicines may be ordered through a mobile application, stored in a warehouse hundreds of kilometres away, and delivered through third-party logistics providers. The Pharmacy Act, 1948 The Pharmacy Act, 1948, presents another challenge. The Act rightly recognises that medicines should be dispensed under the supervision of qualified pharmacists capable of identifying prescription errors, advising patients, detecting dangerous drug interactions, and ensuring proper usage. However, the law does not clearly address remote dispensing, digital pharmacist consultations, or professional accountability in online transactions. Thus, India is attempting to regulate twenty-first-century technology through legal instruments drafted more than seventy-five years ago. Judicial Intervention and International Experience This regulatory gap has repeatedly attracted judicial attention. In 2018, the Delhi High Court directed that medicines should not be sold online without adherence to statutory requirements and highlighted the absence of a clear regulatory framework. The litigation underscored a reality that policymakers can no longer ignore: digital pharmaceutical commerce has outgrown the legal architecture designed to govern it. International experience offers useful lessons. South Korea prohibits the online sale of medicines. Several European countries permit e-pharmacies but subject them to stringent licensing and verification requirements. The United States enacted the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act following the death of a teenager who obtained controlled substances online without adequate medical oversight. The legislation mandates valid prescriptions, registration requirements, and severe penalties for violations. India does not need to replicate any foreign model wholesale, but it cannot continue operating in a regulatory vacuum. The Case for a Dedicated E-Pharmacy Law The way forward lies neither in banning e-pharmacies nor in allowing unrestricted online sales. Instead, India requires a comprehensive E-Pharmacy Regulation Act specifically tailored to contemporary realities. Such legislation should begin by clearly defining e-pharmacies and establishing a national licensing framework under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Every online pharmacy should be required to verify prescriptions through secure digital authentication systems. Prescriptions should carry unique identification numbers and digitally verifiable signatures from registered medical practitioners. Strengthening Professional Oversight Mandatory pharmacist oversight must remain non-negotiable. Technology should complement professional judgment rather than replace it. Video consultations, telephonic counselling, and documented pharmacist approvals can ensure that patients continue to receive expert guidance before medicines are dispensed. Ensuring Traceability and Enforcement The law must also establish end-to-end traceability of medicines through digital tracking systems capable of monitoring products from manufacturer to consumer. Such systems would significantly reduce the circulation of counterfeit and spurious medicines, a problem that has long plagued India's pharmaceutical sector. Equally important is strengthening enforcement capacity. State drug-control departments frequently face shortages of inspectors and technological resources. A modern regulatory system should utilise artificial intelligence, real-time transaction monitoring, and inter-state data sharing to identify suspicious purchasing patterns, forged prescriptions, and unlawful sales of controlled substances. A Risk-Based Regulatory Approach A risk-based regulatory framework is also desirable. Over-the-counter medicines may be subject to lighter controls, whereas Schedule H, H1, and X drugs should require progressively stricter levels of scrutiny and verification. Balancing Innovation with Safety The future of healthcare is undeniably digital. Telemedicine, electronic health records, wearable health technologies, and online pharmaceutical services are becoming integral components of modern healthcare delivery. Attempting to resist this transformation would be both impractical and counterproductive. However, technological innovation cannot be allowed to outpace patient safety. Medicines occupy a unique position at the intersection of commerce and healthcare. Conclusion: Building Trust in Digital Healthcare The debate over e-pharmacies should therefore move beyond the narrow conflict between traditional chemists and online businesses. The real challenge is to create a regulatory framework that preserves the convenience and efficiency of digital platforms while upholding the standards of safety, accountability, and professional oversight that healthcare demands. India's pharmaceutical future may well be digital. The responsibility of policymakers is to ensure that it is also safe, transparent, and worthy of public trust. (The Author is BE (Mech), BOE, ASME, Deputy Director of Boilers (Retd.), Mysuru)
Omar govt accelerating dev across J&K: Sagar
Interacts with public, individual delegations at Nawa-e-Subha SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar Wednesday said that the Omar Abdullah-led government has significantly accelerated the pace of development across Jammu and Kashmir with special emphasis on strengthening basic infrastructure, improving public services and ensuring the welfare []
Respect, dignity of senior citizens their rightful entitlement, not favour: Itoo
JAMMU: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday remarked that respect for senior citizens is their rightful entitlement and not a favour as they have contributed immensely for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister made these remarks while felicitating senior citizens of Day Care Centre Roop Nagar []
Dr. Farooq expresses grief over Pahalgamroad accident
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Wednesday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic road accident in the Aru area of Pahalgam in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of at least two persons and left six others injured. In his condolence message, Dr. Farooq []
Div Com Kmr reviews preparations for Intl Yoga Day celebrations
SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess and finalize arrangements for the observance of International Yoga Day across the Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director AYUSH, Director SKICC, and senior officers from various departments, including Health, School Education, []
Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan: ANTF Crime Branch J&K commences two-day capacity building prog for IOs
JAMMU: As part of the 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan launched on 11th April 2026, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Crime Branch J&K on Wednesday commenced a two-day specialised training programme for Investigating Officers at the Police Auditorium, Gulshan Ground, Jammu. The programme was inaugurated by Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, []
Awareness campaign, boat rally, cleanliness drive held in Srinagar SRINAGAR: As part of the ongoing Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026, the Agriculture Department, Kashmir organized a one-day awareness programme in Srinagar to promote the conservation of agricultural land and raise public awareness about the importance of protecting valuable farming resources for future generations. The programme was []
MLA Mir Saifullah chairs meeting of Committee on Public Undertakings
SRINAGAR: A meeting of the Committee on Public Undertakings was held on Wednesday at the Legislative Assembly under the chairmanship of MLA Mir Saifullah. Legislators Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Shafi Ahmad Wani, Rajiv Jasrotia, Mehar Ali, Reyaz Ahamad Khan, Arjun Singh Raju, Rafiq Ahmad Naik besides Chairman Bureau of Public Enterprises Talat Parvaiz, []
NC MPs will not support NDA govt at Centre: CM Omar Abdullah
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said National Conference Parliament members will not support the NDA government at the Centre. Responding to a question about factions of Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena backing the government at the Centre, Abdullah said he could not comment on their reasons for doing so. Neither []
CM unveils 100 crore dev package for Bandipora
Bandipora: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday gave Bandipora district a massive developmental boost by inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 18 major projects worth approximately 100 crore. These multisectoral projects span higher education, roads, bridges, clean drinking water, urban development, and agriculture infrastructure, aiming to directly address the key needs of the local []
Rain, thunderstorms lash Kashmir parts; temps drop
MeT warns of hailstorms, flash floods at isolated places Srinagar: Several parts of Kashmir witnessed rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds on Wednesday, bringing down temperatures across the Valley, while the Meteorological Department warned of brief intense showers, hailstorms and flash floods at isolated places. Officials said that a spell of rain and thundershowers affected many []
Amarnath Yatra: MHA team to visit J&K on June 20, 21
High-level meetings to be held in in Jammu, Kashmir to review security arrangements Srinagar: A high-level team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir regions for two-days on June 20 and 21 to assess preparedness especially security arrangements for forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, []
CM, LG express grief over Pahalgam road accident
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident in Pahalgam that claimed two lives and left six others injured. The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. He also prayed for strength []
