Railway officers torchbearers of New Indias pace, capability and resolve: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 04: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed and congratulated the officer trainees of the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management, Lucknow, who are on the field visit to Jammu Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted their important role in shaping the future of the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) and expressed immense pleasure in interacting with the 69 officer trainees selected through the Civil Services Examination in 2022, 2023, and 2024 batch. You are the torchbearers of New Indias pace, capability, and resolve. The diversity of backgrounds among the trainees, spanning engineering, medicine, law, science, and the arts, and representing states/UTs across the country including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, and Chandigarh, reflects the soul of India. This diversity transforms into a shared national purpose during training, making the Institute a true laboratory of national unity, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the key role of Indian Railways in Indias transformation. He highlighted the progress achieved over the past 12 years under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Electrification at record levels, the expansion of the dedicated Freight Corridor, the realization of the dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the launch of world-class Vande Bharat trains, and modernization of stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are hallmarks of this new era. It must be noted by the officer trainees that Indian Railways is no longer just a passenger transport system but the driving force of economic development, logistics efficiency, and national unity, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged the officer trainees to embrace their responsibilities as tough administrators and also as nation-builders. He also stressed the importance of efficiency in freight and passenger transportation. Every minute saved reduces logistics costs, strengthens industry competitiveness, and enhances Indias global standing. Officers of IRMS, IRPFS, and Accounts must balance administrative discipline with human sensitivity, ensuring safety, financial prudence, and public service, he said. The Lieutenant Governor outlined three guiding principles for the trainees including continuous innovation through digital technology, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems, citizen-first service with respect, accessibility, and sensitivity for all passengers and freight customers and integrity and transparency as custodians of unprecedented national investments in Indian Railways. India is moving forward with confidence towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Your decisions, strategies, and leadership will directly shape the future of millions of Indians. I hope you will remain dedicated to the selfless service of Mother India, lighting the path to a bright and prosperous future, the Lieutenant Governor said. Rahul, Course Director and Professor (Traffic Planning & Costing), officials and faculty members of Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management were also present.
LG Manoj Sinha urges ICLS officer trainees to strengthen corporate governance, investor trust
Srinagar, Aug 04: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with the Officer Trainees of the Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) today at Lok Bhavan. The Lieutenant Governor in his address to the officer trainees, highlighted the pivotal role of the service in strengthening Indias corporate governance and economic credibility. In an era of globalisation, where economies are deeply interconnected through capital, technology, innovation, and trade, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies. However, true economic strength is not measured merely by production, investment, or trade, but by the robustness of institutions, respect for the rule of law, protection of investors interests, and adherence to transparency and accountability, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor underlined that the Indian Corporate Law Service is a strong administrative mechanism which forms a cornerstone of Indias corporate governance. He said the officers of the service, working under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, play a crucial role in implementing key legislations such as the Companies Act and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Their work ensures a balanced environment for industry, trade, and investment, fostering trust and credibility in Indias corporate sector. The identity of a developed economy also lies in institutional systems that encourage honest enterprises and effectively monitor irregularities. In this context, the ICLS works as the guardian of balance, ensuring that corporate growth contributes to inclusive national prosperity, the Lieutenant Governor noted. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the investors trust is Indias greatest asset as the nation has become a major global investment destination. This trust is reinforced when companies operate transparently, maintain financial discipline, and act swiftly against irregularities. The ICLS, through its responsibilities, continuously strengthens this trust, making it an essential guardian of Indias economic credibility. Rapid economic growth, responsible institutions, transparent governance, ethical business conduct and a strong legal framework are vital for inclusive development. The ICLS will be a critical link in achieving this goal by creating a bridge of trust between industry and governance, the Lieutenant Governor said. The ICLS Officer Trainees of 2023 and 2024 Batches, accompanied by Haamid Bukhari, Registrar of Companies, J&K, shared the experience and learning from their visit to Jammu Kashmir, as a part of Domestic Study Tour. They also briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the functioning of the offices of Registrar of Companies (ROCs) and the dual mandate of ICLS in maintaining the Regulation, developmental role as well as effective enforcement of multiple corporate laws. The Lieutenant Governor was also briefed about the recently filed winding up petition on the basis of which the Assets of one Not-for-Profit Company was taken over by the Office of ROC cum Official Liquidator, J&K. This was probably the first case in which the corporate laws were invoked in the matter of National Security. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that ICLS officers will continue to strengthen transparent corporate culture, investors confidence and strengthen Indias journey toward becoming a leading global economy.
Jammu Kashmir Achieves 100% Immunisation Coverage Under UIP: Centre
336 Tribal ASHAs deployed to vaccinate nomadic Gujjar, Bakarwal communities; over 2,400 zero-dose children covered under Mission Indradhanush
Jammu Kashmir Govt Promotes 12 Accounts Service Officers to Selection Grade
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has promoted 12 Senior Scale Officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Accounts Service to the Selection Grade, with the promotions taking effect from August 4, 2026. The Finance Department issued Government Order No. 252-F of 2026 on Tuesday, sanctioning the promotions to Selection Grade in Level-12 of the pay []
SRINAGAR: As many as 599 beneficiaries in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency have been assisted under the High-Density Plantation Programme, with 244.646 hectares covered between 2016-17 and 2025-26, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The programme recorded its highest annual coverage in 2025-26, when 58.036 hectares were brought under high-density plantations []
Jammu Kashmir Has Two State Cancer Institutes, Govt Says
Govt says 524 Day Care Cancer Centres functional nationwide; cancer screening being carried out through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Centre Scraps Jammu Kashmirs 20 MW PM-KUSUM Allocation Over No Progress
Rs 312.66 crore released under rooftop solar, PM-KUSUM schemes in five years; no Green Hydrogen or Bioenergy projects sanctioned in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 121.36 crore under the Krishonnati Yojana during 2025-26, up from Rs 112.87 crore released in 2024-25, while 19,791 farmers have been enrolled under the National Mission on Natural Farming, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The data showed that 160 natural farming clusters have been []
Leopard Injures Minor Girl In Shopian's Dragad Village
Shopian, Aug 4: A minor girl was injured after being attacked by a leopard in Dragad village of Shopian district on Tuesday. Officials told GNS that the girl, identified as Zanab, daughter of Aafiq Ahmad Thoker, resident of Dragad, was attacked by a wild leopard. She sustained injuries in the attack and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Her condition is stated to be stable. Following the incident, locals have urged the Wildlife Department to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the area.(GNS)
27 Livestock Entrepreneurship Projects Approved for Jammu Kashmir, Lok Sabha Told
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has received approval for 27 animal husbandry-based entrepreneurship projects under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), with a total project cost of Rs 12.23 crore and an approved subsidy of Rs 4.80 crore, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. According to data presented by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry []
Man Dies After Being Struck by Motorcycle in North Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A 55-year-old man died after being hit by a motorcycle in the Baniyari area of Hajin in north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Tuesday afternoon, officials said. Officials said that the accident occurred in the afternoon when Abdul Rehman Shunglu, 55, was struck by a motorcycle in Baniyari. They said the injured man was immediately []
3.40 Lakh Jammu Kashmir Farmers Enrolled Under PMFBY, Lok Sabha Told
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir saw 3.40 lakh farmer applications enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in 2025-26, while 0.96 lakh applications were paid claims, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The data showed that PMFBY enrolment in J&K has []
Jammu Kashmir Declared Fully Literate UT Under ULLAS Scheme, Records 99.09 Per Cent Success
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved the status of a fully literate Union Territory under the Government of Indias ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme, with a reported literacy success rate of 99.09 percent, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday. The achievement makes JK the largest population region in the country []
Traffic On Pahalgam-Anantnag Road Restored After Mudslides Cleared
Srinagar, Aug 4 : Traffic on the Pahalgam-Anantnag (KP) road was restored this afternoon after authorities cleared mudslides and stones that had blocked the highway. Officials told GNS that the road was hit by mudslides and falling stones on Monday evening following a cloudburst near Langnal Bridge. The debris had rendered the stretch impassable, disrupting movement of vehicles. Men and machinery were pressed into service and the road was cleared of the muck this afternoon, following which traffic was allowed, officials added.(GNS)
How Are Returns Generated in a ULIP Scheme?
Returns in a ULIP scheme are generated through the performance of the funds in which your premium is invested. That is the short explanation. The fuller explanation is more useful, because a ULIP has a specific internal working: premium allocation, units, fund value, NAV, charges, switching, and compounding over time. First, let us answer the simple question: what is ulip plan ? A ULIP, or Unit Linked Insurance Plan, is a life insurance policy where one part of the premium provides insurance cover and another part is invested in market-linked funds, after applicable charges. The funds may invest in equity, debt, liquid instruments, balanced portfolios, or specific themes based on the plans available options. Your investment is divided into units, and the value of those units changes with the funds Net Asset Value, usually called NAV. The premium does not become return immediately When you pay a premium, the entire amount does not simply become invested value on day one. Applicable charges may be deducted, and the remaining amount is allocated to the fund or funds you have selected. This is not unusual. It is just the way a ULIP scheme works. Knowing this helps you read the benefit illustration with more maturity. You pay the premium as per the chosen frequency. Applicable charges are adjusted as per policy terms. The investible portion is used to purchase units in selected funds. Each unit has a NAV, which changes with the value of the fund portfolio. Your fund value is calculated by multiplying the number of units by the current NAV. Fund value is the current worth of the units you hold. It can move based on fund performance, charges, additional premiums, or withdrawals, if any. NAV is the centre of the return calculation NAV stands for Net Asset Value. In a ULIP fund, NAV reflects the value of the funds assets after relevant expenses and liabilities, divided by the number of units. If the fund performs well, NAV may rise. If the underlying market moves lower, NAV may decline. Your return comes from the change in the NAV of the units you hold, along with any additions or benefits as applicable under the policy. Term Meaning in a ULIP scheme Unit A small share of the fund allotted to your policy. NAV The value of each unit on a given date. Fund value Number of units multiplied by current NAV. Switching Moving existing fund value from one available fund to another. Premium redirection Directing future premiums into different funds, if allowed. For example, suppose the investible part of your premium buys units when the NAV is Rs. 20. If the NAV later rises to Rs. 28, the value of those units increases. The number of units may also grow as you keep paying premiums, because fresh units are purchased. Over a long period, this creates room for compounding, subject to fund performance and policy terms. Fund choice influences the path of returns A ULIP scheme can offer different types of funds. Equity funds may offer higher long-term growth potential, while debt funds generally aim for more stability. Balanced funds try to combine both. Some plans may also offer managed portfolio strategies or lifecycle-based options. The returns generated in the policy depend significantly on the type of fund selected and the time you remain invested. Equity-oriented funds may suit long-term goals where you can give the market time. Debt-oriented funds may suit conservative allocation needs or goals moving closer. Balanced funds can help those who want both growth orientation and some stability. Switching features can help you adjust allocation when your goal, age, or comfort level changes. This is where the policyholders behaviour matters. The middle path is better: review periodically, but do not behave as if every market movement is an emergency. Charges affect the net return The return you finally experience is not only about fund performance. It is also about charges. A ULIP may include fund management charges, mortality charges, policy administration charges, premium allocation charges, and other charges as mentioned in the policy terms. These charges are part of the policy structure, and they should be understood before purchase. This does not mean you should look at charges with alarm. It means you should look at them with literacy. A benefit illustration can show how charges work under assumed return scenarios. Reading this document saves confusion later. A ULIP calculator helps you estimate possible outcomes A ULIP calculator can show indicative maturity values based on premium, tenure, and expected return assumptions. It cannot predict the future, but it can help you compare scenarios. You can see whether a higher premium, longer policy term, or different assumed rate changes the estimated outcome meaningfully. This is useful for goal planning because it brings the future amount into todays decision. Calculator input Why it matters Premium amount Decides how much is invested over time. Policy term Gives the investment time to grow. Expected return Helps estimate a possible maturity value. Goal amount Helps you check whether the plan is aligned. Long-term holding gives the mechanism time to work Returns in a ULIP scheme come from the funds NAV movement, the units accumulated over time, and the effect of staying invested through market cycles. The product is better suited to long-term planning because short periods may not give enough room for the fund strategy to play out. Long-term holding also allows regular premiums to accumulate into a more substantial fund value. A ULIP is therefore not difficult to understand once the pieces are separated. Premiums buy units. Units have NAV. NAV reflects fund performance. Charges affect the net value. Fund choices influence the return path. Time allows the structure to mature. When these parts are understood, the policy can be used with more confidence and less guesswork.
Kashmir must reclaim its place on Indias golf map: CM Omar
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir must reclaim its position as one of Indias premier golf destinations and shared a series of measures to revive the sector, including making the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament an annual event, establishing a golf academy and strengthening sports infrastructure across the []
Kashmir must reclaim its place on India's golf map: CM Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, Aug 04 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir must reclaim its position as one of India's premier golf destinations and shared a series of measures to revive the sector, including making the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament an annual event, establishing a golf academy and strengthening sports infrastructure across the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the J&K Open 2026 in Srinagar, CM Omar, per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said golf tourism is an integral part of the government's broader tourism promotion strategy. This includes the three major golf courses in Kashmir, Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg as well as the golf course at Sidra in Jammu. We are also planning to upgrade another golf course in the Jammu region, he said. The Chief Minister said the Valley has already begun witnessing the kind of tourism the government intends to promote. Even without actively promoting golf tourism, we have started seeing people flying into Srinagar for long weekends, arriving on Friday, playing through Saturday and Sunday and returning on Sunday evening or Monday morning. This tournament is an important milestone in putting Kashmir, particularly the Royal Springs Golf Course, back on India's golf map, he said. Omar said the tournament has attracted more than 100 professional golfers, including over 10 overseas participants, and expressed hope that it would become a permanent fixture. Our endeavour is that this should become an annual tournament and not a one-off. There has been a long gap since the previous such effort. This is only the beginning. We hope to scale up both the prize money and participation and ensure that it remains a regular feature of the national golf calendar for at least the next five years, he said. On being asked whether local golfers would benefit from such events, Omar said the government plans to establish a golf academy to nurture young talent. You won't see me playing golf beyond ceremonial tee-offs. But local golfers must be promoted. These tournaments help because Pro-Am events allow our amateur golfers to play alongside professional golfers from India and abroad. We also organise local tournaments and our endeavour is to establish a golf academy so that children can be groomed from a young age and eventually represent the country at the national level, he said. Replying to a question on golf tourism, Omar said Kashmir had been a major golf destination long before recent years. We organised such tournaments before 2014 as well and on a much larger scale. Before militancy began in the 1980s, some of the biggest golf tournaments in the country were organised in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir. During summers, no golfer considered the season complete without playing in Gulmarg, he said. Speaking on cricket, CM Omar said Jammu and Kashmir's recent Ranji Trophy performance has transformed perceptions about the Union Territory's sporting potential. The success of our cricketers in the Ranji Trophy laid the foundation for renewed interest. Thereafter, several of our players were picked up by IPL franchises. For the first time, there was genuine bidding for our players. They were not charity selections or recommendation cases; they earned their place through performance, he said. He also referred to the recent selection of a J&K player for India's team against Sri Lanka as another encouraging sign for sports in the Union Territory. CM Omar said the absence of international-standard cricket infrastructure remains a major hurdle. What is holding us back is the lack of international-quality cricket infrastructure. There is a proposal by the BCCI to build two international-standard stadiums, including one in the Valley, but unfortunately it has not moved forward for various reasons. We want these stadiums to be completed so that Jammu and Kashmir can host IPL matches as well as international cricket in the future, he said. Responding to a question on the recent killing of civilians in south Kashmir, CM Omar described the incident as deeply tragic. It should never have happened. No religion permits the killing of innocent people. No amount of condemnation is enough. Those responsible for maintaining security are expected to ensure that such attacks do not take place, the Chief Minister said(KNO)
Body of Missing Woman Recovered in Poonch's Mandi Area
Poonch, Aug 4 : The dead body of a woman was recovered on Tuesday from Mandi area of Poonch district, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Sarwara Begum, wife of Mukhtar Ahmad and a resident of Dana Gagdyan in Mandi area of Poonch district. Officials told GNS that the family had informed police on Monday that Sarwara Begum had left home but did not return. Following this, police along with locals launched a search operation. During the search, her body was recovered today from the area. Police have taken cognizance of the matter and lodged an FIR. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of death, officials added.(GNS)
Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday as Opposition members raised slogans, preventing the House from taking up the Question Hour. Soon after the House assembled, Speaker Om Birla urged members to allow the Question Hour to function and appealed for their cooperation. Opposition members continued raising slogans, including Home []
Washington DC , August 4 : US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) said that Iran has been given a last chance to reach an agreement, claiming that Washington paused a planned military strike after receiving requests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Iran to pursue diplomacy instead. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order establishing the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission, Trump asserted that the United States was prepared to launch a major military operation against Iran before diplomatic outreach prompted a pause. This is a last chance. This is not something that if it doesn't happen, this is a last chance for them to sign a good document, Trump said while discussing ongoing talks with Tehran. Claiming that negotiations were underway at Iran's request, Trump said, We are talking right now, we're talking and we're talking at the request of Iran, backed by Saudi Arabia, backed by UAE, and backed by Qatar in particular, but others also. Many countries called... they all wanted to give this a last chance. The US President alleged that Iran had previously denied engaging in discussions despite holding extensive meetings with American officials. It's an amazing thing... we have many talks... they'll sometimes deny it, even though they've spent hours and hours together talking. But the talks are going along, he said. Trump further claimed that the United States had been ready to carry out a large-scale strike against Iran before the diplomatic intervention. We were going to hit them very hard yesterday, very, very hard, harder than any attack... since World War II. We were set to go and they called and, in addition, Saudi Arabia called, UAE called, Qatar called. I got calls from numerous people, Trump said. Now, I don't want to use the word begging, but some were in particular. Iran did not want to be hit. And they said we want to talk... more importantly, from my standpoint, we want to talk about the de-nuclearization of Iran because that's what it's all about, he added. Reiterating that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remained Washington's primary objective, Trump said previous administrations and other countries had failed to resolve the issue over decades. It should have been done... for 50 years... nobody did it. And it was time, he said. Trump also referred to previous US military operations against Iran, claiming they had significantly degraded Tehran's nuclear capabilities. We hit them hard with the B2s more than a year ago now and that knocked out their capability... and we've done a great job, he said. Earlier on Monday, Trump intensified his criticism of Iran in a post on Truth Social, accusing the Iranian leadership of being unbelievably duplicitous by seeking talks with Washington while publicly denying negotiations were taking place. He also reiterated that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon and claimed the United States maintained complete control over access through the Strait of Hormuz until an agreement or otal surrender was achieved. Trump's remarks came after Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected reports of direct or indirect negotiations with the United States, maintaining that Tehran was not engaged in bilateral talks with Washington. Baghaei also clarified that an understanding between Iran and Oman regarding a new maritime traffic route through the Strait of Hormuz was only a technical arrangement for vessel safety and did not indicate the reopening of the strategic waterway. Separately, while signing an Executive Order establishing the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission, Trump said the initiative was aimed at strengthening support for military families. Thank you for all being here as we take a major new step to support our incredible military families... Today, I'm signing an Executive Order to establish the first-ever Presidential Military Spouse Commission, he said. (ANI)
Short: Chromium, Nickel, toxic metals contaminating Kashmirs farmlands
Short: J&K Single Window System clears 6.92 lakh applications
Three People, 13 Livestock Rescued By Poonch Police After Being Stranded In Betar Nallah
Poonch: Three people and 13 heads of livestock were rescued by Poonch Police late last night after they got stranded in Betar Nallah due to a sudden rise in water level caused by intense rainfall. Officials said that police teams rushed to the spot upon receiving information about people and livestock trapped in the nallah. []
Fresh Batch of 964 Amarnath Pilgrims Leaves Jammu for Baltal
SRINAGAR: A fresh batch of 964 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp early Tuesday under tight security arrangements, taking the total number of pilgrims who have departed from the Jammu base camp during the ongoing pilgrimage to 1,41,712. According to the Zonal Police Control Room, []
Jammu Kashmir Records 12,904 Tourism and Hospitality Trainees Under CBSP in Three Years: Centre
SRINAGAR: As many as 12,904 people in Jammu and Kashmir were trained and certified under the Ministry of Tourisms Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme during the three financial years from 2023-24 to 2025-26, accounting for nearly 11 per cent of the total beneficiaries covered nationally, official data tabled in the Lok Sabha showed []
Jammu Kashmir HC Grants Bail to POCSO Accused, Says DNA Evidence Rebuts Presumption of Guilt
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has granted bail to Nisar Ahmad Joo, an accused in a case involving the alleged sexual assault of a minor. The court held that major inconsistencies in the victims statements, coupled with scientific evidence that did not detect foreign DNA, weakened the prosecution case []
98 Per Cent of Smart City Projects in Jammu, Srinagar Completed; Centre Tells Rajya Sabha
SRINAGAR: The Centre has said 282 of the 288 projects sanctioned under the Smart Cities Mission for Jammu and Srinagar had been completed by March 31, 2026, putting the overall completion rate at 98 per cent, while stating that no inquiry has been initiated into allegations of financial irregularities or project mismanagement. Minister of State []
Jammu Kashmir HC Quashes FIR Against Bani Temple Manager
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed a criminal case registered against the manager-cum-pujari of Thakurdwara Narsingh Ji Maharaj Temple in Bani, Kathua, holding that allegations of misappropriation of temple property and income raised against him essentially involved a civil dispute and should have been taken before a civil court rather []
New talks last chance for Iran to forge deal, avoid escalation of US strikes: Trump
Trump, speaking at the Oval Office, said he expects negotiations will focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and create a pathway for Iran to address the United States' concerns about its nuclear programme.
Chromium, Nickel, toxic metals contaminating Kashmirs farmlands
Srinagar, Aug 03: A crucial scientific study has raised serious concerns over the health of Kashmir's agricultural soils, revealing widespread contamination by toxic metals and a parallel decline in essential micronutrients in one of the Valley's most productive farming regions. The findings that researchers say could have far-reaching implications for food safety, agricultural productivity, livestock health and public health. The study, published in the Scientific Reportsa peer-reviewed journal of the Nature Portfolioand led by Geological Survey of India scientist Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, analysed 200 topsoil samples collected from nearly 800 square kilometres of the Bandipora and Ganderbal districts, encompassing paddy fields, apple orchards, grazing lands and forest fringes. The findings paint a troubling picture. While the soils remain naturally rich in iron, researchers found alarmingly high concentrations of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V), with contamination levels exceeding internationally accepted thresholds across large parts of the study area. At the same time, several locations were found to be deficient in copper (Cu), nickel and zinc (Zn)micronutrients essential for crop growth, livestock development and human nutrition. 93 per cent of the samples exceeded the toxicity threshold for arsenic, 88 per cent for chromium, 81 per cent for vanadium and 17 per cent for nickel. Nearly one-third also recorded elevated cobalt concentrations, the study reads. Researchers say this combination of toxic contamination and nutrient depletion is particularly worrying because it not only reduces soil fertility and crop productivity but also increases the likelihood of harmful metals being absorbed by crops and entering the food chain. The analysis recorded average concentrations of iron at 44,759 mg/kg, chromium 120 mg/kg, vanadium 114 mg/kg, zinc 89 mg/kg, nickel 44 mg/kg, copper 33 mg/kg, lead 23 mg/kg, cobalt 19 mg/kg and arsenic 11 mg/kg. Although lead and zinc generally remained within permissible limits, the study found that around 8 per cent of samples were deficient in zinc, while copper and nickel deficiencies occurred in 3 per cent each. These micronutrients are indispensable for plant metabolism, disease resistance, grain formation and livestock health. The researchers observed that soils developed over carbonate rocks, particularly in parts of Ganderbal district, were naturally deficient in copper, nickel and zinc, making them less productive unless supplemented with appropriate nutrients. In contrast, basalt-derived soils contained higher concentrations of beneficial micronutrients but also exhibited elevated levels of toxic elements. The study identifies human activity as a key driver of soil contamination. Intensive use of arsenic-bearing pesticides and phosphate fertilisers in orchards and agricultural fields, emissions from vehicles and farm machinery, construction associated with hydropower projects, fossil fuel combustion and poor waste management have all contributed to rising concentrations of hazardous elements. Higher arsenic concentrations were detected in intensively cultivated agricultural areas where pesticides are extensively used, while elevated lead levels were recorded near the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project, pointing to possible construction-related pollution. Zinc enrichment was also linked to intensive farming practices involving fertilisers and pesticides. Using internationally recognised pollution assessment methods, the researchers identified arsenic as the most significant contaminant in the region. An integrated Toxic Risk Index showed that only about five per cent of the sampled sites posed no toxic risk. Nearly 63.5 per cent fell into the low-risk category, while 31.5 per cent were classified as posing a moderate toxic risk. The highest contamination levels were concentrated around agricultural fields, human settlements and hydropower project sites, whereas forests, grazing lands and wastelands generally recorded lower pollution levels. Bandipora emerged as more vulnerable than Ganderbal, particularly in its northern and western areas. The study warns that prolonged exposure to these toxic elements could have serious health consequences. Arsenic is a recognised human carcinogen linked to several forms of cancer and organ damage. Chromium exposure has been associated with neurological disorders and cancer, while excessive nickel can trigger allergies, respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disease. High concentrations of vanadium may impair plant growth and are associated with lung, neurological and cardiovascular disorders in humans, reads the research. Toxic elements accumulated in soils can be absorbed by crops, transferred into food and fodder and gradually bioaccumulate in humans and livestock, creating long-term public health risks. Equally alarming, the study highlights a growing micronutrient crisis. Copper deficiency weakens plant immunity and lowers crop productivity, zinc deficiency reduces crop quality and contributes to nutritional disorders, while nickelrequired only in trace quantitiesis essential for nitrogen metabolism and healthy grain development. The researchers note that micronutrient deficiencies already contribute to hidden hunger, a global public health challenge affecting more than two billion people. To reverse the trend, the study recommends reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals and promoting sustainable farming through organic manures, compost, biochar, micronutrient-enriched fertilisers, eggshell meal and bone meal. It also suggests applying finely crushed basalt rock as a natural source of essential minerals to replenish depleted soils.
1st IFFJK : Dir Info calls for meticulous planning
Srinagar, Aug 03: Director Information, ShreyaSinghal on Mondaychaired a review meeting at MediaComplexto take stock of preparations for the forthcoming 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir(IFFJK), directingall officers to ensure fool-proof arrangements and seamless coordination among stakeholders for the successful conduct of the prestigious event. The meeting was attended by Joint Director Information (Hqr) Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director Information Jammu Deepak Dubey, Deputy Directors, District Information Officers, Information Officers, and other officials of the department, either in person or through video conferencing. During the meeting, the Directorconducted a comprehensive review ofarrangements being put in place for the festival, including venue management, delegate facilitation, hospitality, media management, transportation, cultural programmes, technical support, logistics, and other allied arrangements. She stressed that all preparationsshouldbe completed well within stipulated timelines, leaving no scope for lapses. Emphasising that the inaugural edition marks a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's cultural and cinematic landscape, Shreya Singhal said the event will provide a global platform to showcase the region's rich heritage, scenic splendour, artistic excellence, and immense potential as a preferred destination for film production and creative collaborations. The Director Information directed all officers and committees to maintain close coordination and ensure effective synergy among departments and agencies associated with the festival. Meticulous planning, prompt execution, and continuous monitoring of preparations are essential for organizing the event in a smooth, professional, and befitting manner, she maintained. She alsolaid emphasis onrobust media and publicity arrangements to ensure extensive outreach and wider visibility at national and international levels. The 1st IFFJK is slated to be held from September 7 to September 10, 2026, guided by the theme 'Rang-e-Cinema'. The festival has received an overwhelming response, with more than 1,100 film entries received from around 50 countries under categories including International Competition, Short Film, Bharat Panorama, and J&K Select. The festival has also received a tremendous response from filmmakers of Jammu and Kashmir, providing budding filmmakers, artists, and others associated with the cinematic world a big platform to showcase their work and talent. The Directorreiterated the commitment of DIPRto host the festival to the highest professional standards, making it a landmark celebration of cinema that reflects the cultural vibrancy, creative aspirations, and growing global profile of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rs 322 cr lost to bank fraud in J&K in 3 yrs
Srinagar, Aug 03: A total of 868 bank fraudcaseswere reported in Jammu and Kashmir over the last three financialyears, involving Rs 322.31 crore, of whichonly Rs 12.8 crore, about 4 per cent, has been recovered so far, according to Reserve Bank of India data tabled by the Ministry of Finance in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The data was given in response to an unstarred question by MP G M Harish Balayogi on recovery and refund of defrauded amounts. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary gave the reply, citing fraud data reported by Scheduled CommercialBanks, excluding Regional Rural Banks,and All India Financial Institutions. Year-wise, J&K recorded 467 fraud cases involving Rs 47.55 crore in FY 2023-24, of which Rs 3.23 crore was recovered. In FY 2024-25, the number fell to 298 cases, though the amount involved rose to Rs 81.27 crore, with Rs 2.65 crore recovered. In FY 2025-26 so far, cases fell further to 103, but the amount involved jumped sharply to Rs 193.49 crore, with Rs 6.92 crore recovered. Fewer cases, bigger sums The data points to a clear trend in J&K: even as the number of fraud cases nearly halved between FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25, and halved again in FY 2025-26, the amount of money involved rose more than four-fold over the same period, from Rs 47.55 crore to Rs 193.49 crore. This suggests a shift towards fewer but significantly larger-value fraud cases. Recovery remains low Across all three years, the recovery rate in J&K stayed under 7 per cent, and worked out to under 4 per cent cumulatively, Rs 12.8 crore recovered against Rs 322.31 crore involved. The ministry noted that the RBI does not maintain separate category-wise data on amounts frozen and refunded to victims, only the amounts recovered by banks through their own recovery mechanisms. How recovery works The government said there are no fixed timelines forrecovery ofdefrauded amounts, given the complexity and multiplicity of agencies, tribunals and courts involved in individual cases. Banks pursue recovery through civil suits, Debt Recovery Tribunals, action under the SARFAESI Act, and insolvency proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal. For cyber-enabled financial fraud specifically, the ministry pointed to the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which operates the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and helpline 1930. Complaints filedtheirfeed into the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), which links State and UT police directly with banks to trace and freeze defrauded funds in real time, before routing recovered money back to victims through the Money Restoration Module (MRM). Other measures cited The government also cited the Central Fraud Registry set up by the RBI for early identification of fraud risk, the AI-based MuleHunter tool to detect money mule accounts, and the newly incorporated Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) to detect and analyse fraud in the digital payments ecosystem in real time using AI, machine learning and big data analytics. Revised RBI directions issued on June 24, 2026, were also cited as limiting customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions.
IGP Kmr calls for heightened vigilance
Srinagar, Aug 03: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi on Monday chaired a security review meeting here in view of forthcoming events to assess the prevailing security scenario and strengthen the overall security framework across the Valley. The meeting was attended by IG BSF Ftr. Hqrs, IG CRPF KOS, IG CRPF Srinagar, Additional Commissioner SB Srinagar, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG CID Kashmir, all range DIGs of Kashmir Zone, DIG Traffic Kashmir, DIG IR/Armed Kashmir, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir, DIGs of CRPF South/North Srinagar, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSPs of Kashmir Zone, SSPs of Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, CID SB (K), APCR Srinagar, CID CI (K), Security Kashmir, Asstt. Director SIB Srinagar, SP Cargo, GSO (I) 15 Corps, and other senior officers, a police spokesperson said in a statement issued here. At the outset, participating officers briefed the IGP Kashmir on the prevailing security situation in their respective jurisdictions. A detailed review of recent security developments, emerging challenges, and measures adopted to effectively counter them was carried out during the meeting. Emphasising the need for sustained preparedness, Birdi directed all officers to continuously review and strengthen existing security arrangements and devise robust counter-insurgency strategies. He stressed the importance of seamless coordination among all security agencies for maintaining a proactive and effective security grid. The IGP reviewed security measures in place for the protection of National Highways, railway tracks, and railway stations across the Valley. He directed officers to further strengthen security deployments and checkpoints by placing dynamic nakas and enhanced foot patrolling, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along inter-district boundaries. The Kashmir Police chief laid special emphasis on ensuring the safety and security of critical infrastructure and other vulnerable sections, directing officers to take all necessary preventive measures, intensify area domination, and maintain close surveillance in sensitive areas to thwart any attempt aimed at disturbing peace or targeting civilians. He instructed district heads to maintain strict vigilance against anti-national and anti-social elements, enhance intelligence-based operations, and closely monitor social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation, rumours, and malicious content that could adversely impact public peace, safety, and communal harmony. The meeting concluded with the resolve to ensure heightened vigilance, improved coordination, and effective implementation of security measures to maintain peace and safety across the Valley.
Yatra continues from Baltal; Pahalgam route closed
Srinagar, Aug 03: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra continued smoothly from the Baltal axis on Monday as thousands of pilgrims made their way towards the holy cave shrine amid tight security and elaborate arrangements by the administration and security agencies. Official sources said that more than 4.40 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage, reflecting the steady influx of devotees from across the country. However, the traditional Pahalgam axiscontinues to remainclosed as restoration and repair work on the damaged track is underway following recent weather-related disruptions. As a result, the yatra is presentlybeingconducted through the Baltal route, where authorities have ensured uninterrupted movement of pilgrims. According to official figures, 7,060 yatris crossed the Domail Access Control Gate up to 6:00 am on August 3. The pilgrims included 5,283 men, 1,322 women, 106 children, 31 sadhus, 13 sadhvis, five transgender pilgrims and 300 security personnel, all of whom proceeded towards the holy cave under regulated movement and strict security arrangements. Meanwhile, the pilgrimage also continued from the Jammu base camp. Officials said the 26th batch comprising 1,056 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas for the Baltal base camp in 46 escorted vehicles at around 2:50 am on Monday. The batch included 832 men, 205 women, two children, 15 sadhus and two sadhvis. The convoy was escorted under multi-layered security arrangements to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims towards Baltal. Authorities said all essential facilities, including medical assistance, sanitation, traffic management and emergency response systems, remain in place, while continuous monitoring of weather conditions and route safety isbeingcarried out to ensure the smooth conduct of the ongoing pilgrimage.
CM Omar to lead 80th Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium
Srinagar, Aug 03:Ahead of the 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir government has finalised arrangements for the celebrations, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah set to preside over the main function at Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium and take the salute. According to an official order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), J&K, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will lead the celebrations at the Jammu district headquarters. Minister for Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and SocialWelfare Minister,Sakeena Masood (Itoo) will preside over the function in Anantnag,whileJal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and TribalAffairs MinisterJaved Ahmed Rana will take the salute in Poonch. Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments Minister Javid Ahmad Dar will lead the celebratory function in Baramulla, whereas Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports and ARI & Trainings Minister Satish Sharmawill preside over the celebrations in Kathua. Chief Minister'sAdvisor Nasir Aslam Wani will take the salute at the district-level function in Kupwara. Meanwhile, the respective Deputy Commissioners will preside over Independence Day functions in the remaining district headquarters. At the sub-divisional level, the celebrations will be led by the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrates, while Tehsildars or the senior-most civil officers will preside over functions at tehsil, block and municipal headquarters as decided by the concerned Deputy Commissioners.
LG Sinha calls for nature-based climate solutions
Srinagar, Aug 03 : There is no dichotomy between development and conservation. Nature itself is infrastructure, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday, as he called for placing nature-based solutions at the centre of development planning to build climate resilience in the Himalayan region. Addressing the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) conference on Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayan Region through Nature-based Solutions, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the alarming pace of climate change in the Himalayas, saying that between January and August last year, the region witnessed a natural disaster almost every day. In Jammu and Kashmir alone, flash floods and cloudbursts have damaged public infrastructure, disrupting roads, water supply schemes, and power feeders. Constructing a watershed is also an effective flood-control system. It is infrastructure that also serves as a water purification system and forms the basis of an irrigation system, Sinha said. Similarly, a wetland is nature's vast reservoir because it absorbs excess water during the monsoon and then slowly gives life to surrounding areas during the dry months. A dense forested mountain slope is in fact like a strong wall that protects the entire mountain from collapsing onto the villages below. Therefore, I believe that when we destroy these natural systems, we are playing with the future. But when we conserve and restore these natural systems, we are investing in a bright future, he added. The Lieutenant Governor placed six major recommendations before policymakers, scientists, and engineers. First, he called for the use of modern technologies like remote sensing, geospatial mapping, and AI to track glacier retreat, spring flow, soil health, and forest cover, and to ensure this data informs every development project in the region. Second, he urged that Nature-based Solutions be embedded into project budgeting, appraisal, and monitoring. Third, he stressed that farmers, shepherds, orchard owners, and tribal communities must be made equal stakeholders, as their generational knowledge of rivers, mountains, and forests is invaluable. Fourth, he recommended that annual budget reviews should include whether forests and ecosystems have grown richer or weaker, ensuring accountability for environmental wealth. Fifth, he called for the establishment of platforms for long-term cooperation among scientists, policymakers, and communities. Sixth, he advised moving beyond concrete embankments to restore floodplains and wetlands, combining built structures with natural systems. LG Sinha urged universities to elevate Nature-based Solutions into a multidisciplinary subject, spanning ecology, hydrology, engineering, economics, disaster management, and traditional knowledge. He stressed that future professionals must understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems, economies, technologies, and societies. Recalling the Green Jammu Kashmir Drive launched in 2020, which raised forest cover to nearly 55 percent, Sinha reiterated the importance of sustainable living. He envisioned a Himalaya where watersheds are healthier, wetlands thrive, and rivers flow naturally, sustaining biodiversity and culture. By placing nature at the centre of development, integrating modern technology with traditional wisdom, and involving communities as equal partners, the Himalayan region can build resilience against climate change. We must remember that Himalayas are not merely a geographical entity but a living heritage that demands foresight, patience, and responsibility, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Block at the main campus, IUST's Larmoo Campus, and the Law School. He congratulated IUST for their initiatives and lauded the University's policy brief on the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign. The LG also released the special edition of IUST's monthly magazine 'Times Echo' on the 100-Day Anti-Drug campaign and the Policy Brief on Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, prepared by various experts of J&K. Certificates were also handed over to PMKVY trainees. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh; Prof Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST; Prof Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, IUST; Prof Javed Hussain Mir, Convener of the Conference; eminent scientists, experts, senior officials, faculty and students attended the conference.
Four back-to-back cloudbursts hit Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 03: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of its most turbulent weather days of the season on Monday as four cloudbursts struck different parts of Kashmir within hours, triggering flash floods, damaging infrastructure and prompting meteorological experts to issue a fresh warning of more isolated cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods in the coming days. The cloudbursts were reported from the Chachmarg area ofShopian district,Batkoot area of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, the Gorihajin area of Arin-Dardpora in Bandipora district and Warnow in the Lolab valley of Kupwara district, highlighting the widespread impact of the active monsoon system across the Valley. The first incident was reported from Chachmarg, an area of Shopian,whenflash floods triggered by the cloudburst created panic as water entered several villages, including orchards amid intense rainfall. The second incidentwas recorded fromBatkoot, where an intense spell of rainfallcausedWardbal Nallah and several adjoining streams to overflow within minutes. The sudden runoff led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Lidder River, raising concerns among residents and authorities. Soon after, the third cloudburst hit Gorihajin in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. Officials rushed revenue and disaster management teams to the area to assess losses and monitor vulnerable habitations. The fourth cloudburst struck Warnow in Lolab, Kupwara, where local streams swelled suddenly following intense rainfall. Officials said a woman was believed to have been swept away in the flash flood and is feared dead. Search and rescue teams continued operations till late evening to trace the missing woman. Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said rapid cloud development was observed over the Jammu plains during the afternoon before the weather system expanded towards several parts of J&K. Rain and thundershowers are expected across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Jammu region, over the next 12 hours. Localised high-intensity rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides and isolated cloudburst events in vulnerable areas, Arif said. Explaining the Batkoot cloudburst, Arif said the hydrological behaviour clearly indicated an intense, localised weather event. Wardbal Nallah and several nearby streams overflowed within a very short span of time following an intense spell of rainfall. As a result, the water level in the Lidder Nallah rose by several feet in just two hours. Interestingly, water levels in the Sheshnag Nallah and the Aru Valley remained largely under control. The sharp rise in the Lidder, despite its main upstream tributaries remaining near normal, confirms that an extremely intense, localised cloudburst occurred over the midway forested catchment near Batkoot, rapidly feeding runoff into the river, he said. Even as the cloudbursts struck, high-intensity rainfall triggered flash floods across several villages in Shopian district, where overflowing streams and nallahs inundated roads, residential areas and agricultural land. Water entered several houses in low-lying areas, while local authorities launched damage assessment exercises. No casualties were reported from the district till the filing of this report. Director Meteorological Centre Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, said the prevailing weather system over Jammu and Kashmir remains highly active due to abundant monsoon moisture interacting with the Himalayan terrain. The atmosphere is conducive for moderate to heavy rainfall at many places, with isolated spells of very heavy rain. Such intense spells can trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and, at isolated locations, cloudburst-like situations, particularly in vulnerable mountainous areas, Lotus told Rising Kashmir. He urged people living near rivers, streams, nallahs and landslide-prone slopes to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall. The impact of the active monsoon extended beyond Kashmir into Ladakh, where heavy rainfall triggered a major flash flood in Gund Nallah at Hardass village, causing extensive damage to private property, agricultural land, standing crops, fruit-bearing trees and local infrastructure. Officials said preliminary reports indicated no loss of human life in Hardass. Field surveys are underway and a detailed damage assessment will be prepared after inspections are completed. Another flash flood was also reported from Tumail village in the Sodh area of Ladakh, where officials are collecting information on the extent of damage. Residents in both villages have been advised to remain alert and avoid flood-prone areas until the weather stabilises. Strong winds also caused damage in the Bakura area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday evening. Officials said powerful gusts blew off the rooftop of a residential house and damaged an electric pole, disrupting power supply in the locality. No injuries were reported, while restoration work was taken up by the concerned departments. Meanwhile, the aftermath of recent floods continued to affect the Jammu region. The Deputy Commissioner's Office in Rajouri, which sustained damage during recent flash floods, has been declared structurally unsafe. Officials have shifted the office to a new location to ensure uninterrupted public services while restoration and safety assessments are carried out. The latest weather events come against the backdrop of an unusually active monsoon season in Jammu and Kashmir. After recording a 32 percent precipitation deficit till May 30, the Union Territory has witnessed a remarkable turnaround due to sustained monsoon activity and is now recording an overall rainfall surplus of 23 per cent. According to official figures, 30 cloudburst incidents have been reported across Jammu and Kashmir since June 1, with the latest three reported on Monday from Pahalgam, Bandipora and Kupwara. Most incidents have occurred in the Pir Panjal belt and parts of the Jammu region, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread damage to roads, bridges, houses, agricultural land and public infrastructure. Srinagar-Jammu highway closed A traffic official said that due to mudslides amid intense rainfall, the Jammu-Srinagar highway was closedfor the traffic on both sides while restoration work was going on.If weather improves, traffic may be restored on the highway on Tuesday, he said. SSG Road reopened within 50 minutes after landslide A landslide at Sarbal Nallah in the Sonamarg area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday briefly disrupted traffic on the SrinagarSonamargGumri (SSG) Road and the Sarbal Road, prompting authorities to suspend vehicular movement as a precaution. Officials said the landslide blocked both the SSG Road and the Sarbal Road, following which traffic was immediately halted at the Traffic Control Point (TCP) Sonamarg. The Beacon authorities were informed, and restoration work was launched without delay. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Traffic Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Beacon authorities, ITBP and other concerned agencies, debris was cleared swiftly, and the SSGRoad wasreopened for traffic movement within just 50 minutes. Officials confirmed that the SarbalSonamarg road has also been restored and traffic is now plying smoothly on the affected stretch. Authorities have advised commuters to drive cautiously while passing through landslide-prone areas, as weather conditions may trigger fresh slides in vulnerable locations. Traffic officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safe movement of vehicles. With inputs from Umar Raina
JKAS candidates urge Govt to restore 37-year age cap
Srinagar, Aug 03: Aspirants preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination, conducted for recruitment to the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service and allied services, have renewed their demand for the permanent restoration of the upper age limit for Open Merit candidates to 37 years. In a representation issued on Monday, the JKCCE (JKAS) Aspirants Community urged the J&K Government to revise the existing upper age limit of 32 years, calling it an administrative anomaly that places aspirants from the Union Territory at a disadvantage compared with candidates in several other states. The aspirants said J&K continues to face high unemployment and argued that increasing the age limit would provide deserving candidates with a fair chance to compete for government jobs. They also sought the removal of restrictions on the number of attempts, stating that it would bring the recruitment framework in line with many other states. The community pointed to irregular recruitment cycles, particularly the absence of examinations in 2019 and 2020, claiming that many eligible candidates lost opportunities through no fault of their own. They also noted that the upper age limit was reduced from 37 years to 32 years in 2018, while subsequent one time relaxations reflected the need for a permanent policy change. Appealing to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the J&K Administration, the aspirants urged the government to permanently restore the Open Merit upper age limit to at least 37 years, with corresponding relaxation for reserved categories. They said such a decision would ensure fairness, provide certainty to thousands of aspirants, and align J&K's recruitment policy with broader national practices.
J&K sees growth in KCC accounts amid nationwide fall
Srinagar, Aug 3: Jammu and Kashmir has registered a steady increase in the number of operative Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts over the past three years, even as the overall number of such accounts declined across the country, according to data tabled by the Union Government in the Lok Sabha. The figures, presented by the Ministry of Finance in response to an Unstarred Question raised by MP Mala Roy, show that Jammu and Kashmir had 11,17,490 operative KCC accounts in 2025-26, up from 10,66,887 in 2023-24. The number had risen to 11,13,136 in 2024-25 before increasing further in 2025-26. The data indicates that the Union Territory recorded an overall increase of 50,603 operative KCC accounts during the three-year period, reflecting continued expansion in institutional credit coverage for farmers. In contrast, Ladakh witnessed a marginal decline in operative KCC accounts. The number stood at 28,228 in 2023-24, fell slightly to 28,134 in 2024-25, and further dipped to 28,005 in 2025-26. At the national level, however, the total number of operative KCC accounts declined significantly. According to the figures compiled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), operative KCC accounts decreased from 7,75,04,234 in 2023-24 to 7,72,10,538 in 2024-25, and further to 7,28,27,884 in 2025-26, marking a decline of nearly 47 lakh accounts over the period. Replying to the question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said the Kisan Credit Card is a demand-driven scheme that provides timely and affordable credit through the banking system to all eligible farmers engaged in agriculture and allied activities. He said the credit limit under the scheme is determined on the basis of the scale of finance, area under cultivation, cropping pattern, and other related requirements. As reported by RBI and NABARD, the total number of operative KCC accounts as on March 31, 2026, was 7.28 crore, the minister informed the House.
Digital healthcare gains pace with JK SEHAT App
Srinagar, Aug 3: The JK SEHAT App, developed by the Health & Medical Education Department, government of Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a unified digital platform for providing citizen-centric healthcare services across the Union Territory. It has emerged as a One stop healthcare solution for J&K citizens. The App supports the vision of accessible, transparent and technology-enabled healthcare by bringing multiple health services together on a single platform. It also complements the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by integrating key digital health services for the benefit of citizens. The JK SEHAT App offers a comprehensive range of digital healthcare services through a single platform. The citizens can book online appointments in public hospitals, generate digital OPD tokens through the Scan & Share service, access tele-consultation and home healthcare services, place medicine orders through registered pharmacies and view their digital health records through ABDM-enabled services. The App also provides access to blood bank information, ambulance services (102 and 108), health helpline, AI chatbot, health insurance information, drug store services, immunization centres and de-addiction centres among other health care services. In addition, dedicated facilities for medical students, including course information, access to medical resources and references are available on the application making the JKSEHAT Appa comprehensive digital health platform for the citizens and healthcare stakeholders across Jammu and Kashmir. The people are availing health services across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with 15.60 lakh citizens registered on the platform. The ABDM-enabled Scan & Share service has facilitated more than 12.37 lakh digital-online OPD tokens being generated, indicating its increasing use by citizens for hassle-free OPD registration. A total of 3,077 healthcare professionals are registered in the App to provide Home Healthcare and Tele-Consultation services resulting in 4,805 services already delivered. The above-mentioned public centric services have exponentially improved due to sustained monitoring, periodic reviews and timely gap redressal under the guidance of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo. More than 4000 pharmacy orders raised in the App have been successfully delivered, highlighting the focus on the citizen centric health care delivery. The government of Jammu and Kashmir is taking sustained measures to enhance the adoption and utilization of the JK SEHAT App as a unified digital health platform for the citizens of the Union Territory. Under the guidance of the Health & Medical Education Department, coordinated efforts are being undertaken by the National Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) J&K, Directorate of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir, State Controller Drugs, J&K and other stakeholders to further enhance the user experience and expand the availability of these services. The Sehat App has been designed to guide and support citizens in accessing healthcare services, especially in remote areas and is aimed at strengthening collaboration between health care providers and citizens. It is a one stop digital solution designed to cater to healthcare needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating easy access to healthcare services.
Modernity Must Not Come at the Cost of Memory
Kashmir stands at a crossroads where the promise of development meets the responsibility of memory. Roads are widening, buildings are rising, and new plans are being drawn for a more connected and economically active future. Yet in this rush toward modernity, there is a danger that the very identity of the valley, shaped by centuries of art, architecture, language, craft, and tradition, may be gradually worn away. True development cannot mean replacing heritage. It must mean protecting it while making room for progress. Cultural heritage is not a decorative extra to be admired only on special occasions. It is the living record of who we are. From wooden mosques and shrines to historic neighbourhoods, from papier-mache, pashmina, and handwoven textiles to folk songs, cuisines, and oral traditions, Kashmirs heritage gives the region depth and distinction. It is also an economic asset. Across the world, places that preserve their cultural identity attract visitors, generate livelihoods, and build pride among their people. Kashmir, too, can turn preservation into prosperity if it adopts a thoughtful and inclusive development model. Unfortunately, too often development is pursued in a narrow sense: concrete over character, speed over sensitivity, and expansion over memory. Old buildings are demolished before they are documented. Traditional homes are altered beyond recognition. Craft traditions struggle because markets, artisans, and institutions have not been sufficiently supported. Even the younger generation is sometimes left disconnected from the stories and skills that once defined everyday life. This loss is not merely aesthetic. It weakens social continuity and creates a future that is less rooted and less humane. The solution lies not in resisting development but in directing it wisely. Heritage must be built into planning from the beginning, not treated as an afterthought. Conservation of historical structures should be accompanied by incentives for owners, expert restoration, and strict regulation against careless alteration. Urban development plans must respect old settlements and architectural identity. Local crafts need stronger support through training, marketing, and education so that traditional knowledge remains a viable livelihood, not just a memory. Schools and colleges also have a crucial role. Children should grow up learning that heritage is not limited to monuments; it includes language, customs, ecological wisdom, and community values. Public institutions and media must celebrate this inheritance with seriousness, not sentimentality. When people understand the worth of what they possess, they are more likely to protect it. Kashmir does not have to choose between the new and the old. The best model of progress is one that carries both forward together. Development should improve lives, but it should also preserve the soul of the place. If we lose our heritage, we may gain roads and buildings, but we will have paid too high a price. A confident society is one that can build for tomorrow without erasing yesterday.
Two die as multiple cloudbursts, flash floods wreak havoc across J&K
Dozens rescued from flood-hit Shopian; traffic suspended on NH-44; MeT warns of more heavy rain Srinagar: Two persons were killed as multiple cloudbursts and intense rainfall battered several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, triggering flash floods, damaging roads, bridges, houses and agricultural land. Meanwhile, the traffic on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was []
LG calls for nature-based solutions for building climate resilience in Himalayas
Urges integration of ecosystems, modern tech to combat rising disasters Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for an urgent need to integrate nature-based solutions into climate resilience strategies during a conference at the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST). The event focused on strengthening climate resilience and livelihoods in the Himalayan region []
CM to preside over main I-Day function at Bakshi stadium
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will preside over and take the salute at the main Independence Day function to be held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. According to a communiqu issued to divisional commissioners by the General Administration Department, the Chief Minister will lead the proceedings in the summer capital. As per details, Deputy Chief Minister []
No eligible girl will miss marriage assistance: Govt
Srinagar, Aug 3: Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Minister Sakina Masood Itoo on Monday said that eligible girls can avail marriage assistance even after their marriage if there is a delay in sanctioning the benefit due to non-availability of funds, assuring that deserving beneficiaries will not be deprived of the scheme. Speaking during an awareness camp organised by the Social Welfare Department in Baramulla, the minister said applicants are required to submit the necessary documents, including valid AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) or BPL (Below Poverty Line) cards, along with other mandatory documents to avail the marriage assistance. She said that while assistance is sanctioned as soon as the required documents are verified, delays may sometimes occur because of the non-availability of funds. However, she assured that eligible beneficiaries would receive the financial assistance even if it is sanctioned after the marriage. The minister said the awareness camp was organised to ensure that welfare schemes being implemented by the Social Welfare Department, including those of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Women Development Corporation (WDC), and the Scheduled Tribe/Scheduled Caste (ST/SC) Corporation, reach every eligible household. Our aim is to ensure that these schemes reach every home so that deserving people can benefit from them. We are committed to extending the benefits of these welfare programmes to every eligible person who needs them, she said. On the occasion, the minister also distributed appointment orders, tricycles and hearing aids provided through the Rehabilitation Council to beneficiaries, reiterating the departments commitment to ensuring that welfare initiatives reach those who need them the most.
IGP Kashmir chairs security review ahead of upcoming events
Srinagar: Inspector General of Police Kashmir (IGP), V.K. Birdi, IPS, chaired a comprehensive security review at PCR Kashmir here to assess the current security situation and strengthen arrangements ahead of forthcoming events in the Valley. The meeting was attended by senior officials including IG BSF Ftr. Hqrs, IG CRPF KOS, IG CRPF Srinagar, Addl. Commissioner []
Aqib Nabis Test Call-up and J&Ks Cricketing Moment
Jammu and Kashmir cricket has waited long for a moment like this. Aqib Nabis maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad, as replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah, is not merely a personnel change before the Sri Lanka series. It is a reminder that sustained performance, even from crickets less-celebrated corners, can still force its way into the highest corridors of the game. For years, the UT has produced talent in bursts, often admired locally, occasionally noticed nationally, but rarely carried with such continuity into the Test arena. Nabis rise stands out because it has come not through noise or hype, but through the old-fashioned grammar of selection: wickets, discipline and consistency. In domestic cricket, he has done what every aspiring fast bowler must do: bowl with purpose, stay relevant across conditions and keep taking wickets when the spotlight is elsewhere. That is why this call-up matters. It tells every young cricketer in Jammu and Kashmir that opportunity is not always denied; sometimes it arrives late, but it does arrive. Nabi now joins a small and proud list of cricketers from the region who have been trusted with a place in the Test conversation. In a place where sport has often had to compete with uncertainty, geography and limited exposure, such recognition carries a deeper civic value. It becomes a source of collective pride, not just a personal triumph. Indias decision also reflects the unforgiving realities of modern Test cricket. Bumrahs absence is a significant blow, but it has opened the door for a bowler whose selection is rooted in merit. That is how national teams stay fresh and competitive by rewarding form, not reputation alone. If Nabi gets a chance in the playing eleven from August 15, it will be a debut earned the hard way. Yet even before he bowls a single delivery in international cricket, Nabi has already delivered something meaningful to J&K. He has expanded the imagination of what is possible for the regions sportspersons. He has shown that the road from domestic cricket to the Test squad is not reserved for the usual centres of power. For Jammu and Kashmir, this is a moment to celebrate, but also to build on. Talent has never been in short supply here. What has been needed is patience, infrastructure and belief. Nabis selection offers all three in one inspiring frame.
Assembly committee cracks down on food adulteration
Chairman advocates safe, hygienic food for every household in J&K Srinagar: With public health at the core of its agenda, the Committee on Petitions of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly met on Monday at the Assembly Secretariat under the chairmanship of MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah. The Committee had a comprehensive review of the []
Dir Info reviews preparations for 1st International Film Festival of J&K
Directs fool-proof arrangements; seamless coordination among stakeholders Over 1100 film entries received from more than 50 countries for grand festival Srinagar: Director Information, Shreya Singhal chaired a review meeting at Media Complex here on Monday to take stock of the preparations for the forthcoming 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK). The meeting []
JK SEHAT App strengthens digital healthcare services across J&K
Srinagar: The JK SEHAT App, developed by the Health & Medical Education Department, government of Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a unified digital platform for providing citizen-centric healthcare services across the Union Territory. It has emerged as a One stop healthcare solution for J&K citizens. The App supports the vision of accessible, transparent and []
J&K sees sharp rise in bank fraud cases
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 103 financial fraud cases involving Rs 193.49 crore during the financial year 2025-26, with Rs 6.92 crore recovered, the Ministry of Finance informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. According to State/UT-wise data provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), J&K reported 467 fraud cases involving Rs 47.55 crore in []
Mitigating Man-Animal Conflict: A Shared Responsibility
Jammu and Kashmir has long lived at the crossroads of wilderness and human settlement. Its forests, orchards, wetlands and mountain pastures are home to species that are as much a part of the regions identity as its people. Yet, as villages expand, orchards spread, roads cut through forests and climate patterns shift, the space between humans and wildlife is shrinking fast. What we are witnessing today is not merely an increase in animal sightings, but a deepening conflict over space, food and survival. Mitigating man-animal conflict, therefore, is no longer an environmental slogan; it is a necessity for public safety, ecological balance and social peace. For too long, the response to wildlife encounters has been driven by panic and politics rather than planning. Every crop raid, livestock kill or human injury becomes a flashpoint, followed by anger, compensation demands and calls for immediate action against the animal. But such reactions, however understandable in moments of fear, do not solve the problem. They only treat the symptom while ignoring the cause. The real issue lies in the way we have altered landscapes without adequate safeguards, leaving both people and wildlife trapped in an increasingly hostile overlap. In the Kashmir region, the conflict takes many forms. In some areas, bears enter orchards and habitations in search of food. In others, leopards prey on livestock and, at times, threaten human life. Wild boars damage crops, while other species stray into villages as their natural habitats shrink or fragment. The result is a cycle of fear and retaliation. Farmers lose their crops, herders lose their animals, and communities lose patience. Meanwhile, wildlife also suffers through injury, displacement and sometimes illegal killing. A situation that begins as a land-use problem quickly becomes a human, economic and conservation crisis. The first step toward mitigation is honest recognition that this conflict is largely man-made. Deforestation, unplanned construction, garbage dumping near habitations and the abandonment of traditional land-use practices have all contributed to the problem. Waste attracts animals. Encroachment pushes them out of their habitats. Unfenced orchards and unsecured livestock make easy targets. When forests are degraded and wildlife corridors blocked, animals have little choice but to move closer to human settlements. In other words, coexistence cannot be expected when we continue to redesign the environment in ways that make conflict inevitable. That is why mitigation must begin with planning, not merely response. Land-use policies should be more sensitive to wildlife movement patterns. Development projects near forests and corridors must undergo stricter ecological scrutiny. Roads, tunnels and other infrastructure need proper mitigation measures, including underpasses, fencing and warning systems in high-risk zones. Human settlements must be better regulated in vulnerable areas, especially where repeated wildlife movement has already been documented. Without spatial discipline, every new road or colony becomes another invitation to conflict. Community participation is equally important. Local people are not passive victims in this challenge; they are the front line of coexistence. They must be equipped with knowledge, alerts and practical tools to reduce risk. Schools, panchayats and local bodies can play a crucial role in awareness campaigns that teach people how to store food safely, protect livestock, avoid provoking animals and respond calmly during encounters. Farmers can be encouraged to use unpalatable buffer crops, solar fencing and proper night enclosures for cattle. In many cases, simple preventive steps can significantly reduce losses. At the same time, wildlife protection agencies must strengthen their outreach and response systems. Too often, people feel abandoned after a conflict incident. Compensation is delayed, communication is poor and the official response is seen as slow or indifferent. This gap breeds mistrust. If communities are to cooperate with conservation efforts, they must feel that the state stands with them. Compensation should be timely, transparent and adequate. Emergency response teams should be well-trained and accessible. Conflict-prone areas need regular monitoring, not occasional intervention after tragedy has already struck. Technology too can help. Early-warning systems, camera traps, GPS-based tracking in sensitive landscapes and mobile alerts can allow authorities to act before conflict escalates. Mapping conflict hotspots can help identify patterns and guide preventive measures. But technology alone is not enough. It must be backed by field-level readiness and local trust. A sensor without a response system is only a machine; a warning without action is only noise. There is also a need to change public attitude. Wildlife is not an invading force from outside; it is part of the same ecological fabric we depend on for water, soil, climate and biodiversity. The goal is not to eliminate animals from human landscapes but to reduce dangerous overlap and learn disciplined coexistence. That requires restraint, respect and responsibility from both sides of the divide. It also requires us to move beyond the simplistic idea that every encounter is a battle to be won. In reality, sustainable coexistence is a long process of adjustment, prevention and compromise. Policymakers, forest officials, local representatives and civil society must work together on a common framework. Conflict mitigation should be integrated into development planning, disaster management and rural livelihoods policy. It should not remain confined to forest departments alone. When orchards are designed without protective measures, when garbage is unmanaged, when settlements expand unchecked and when compensation systems fail, the burden falls on ordinary people. A serious policy response must therefore be interdepartmental, data-driven and community-centred. The larger lesson is clear: man-animal conflict is not just about animals entering human spaces; it is about humans entering and reshaping animal spaces without sufficient caution. The solution lies neither in romanticising wildlife nor in demonising it. It lies in restoring balance through better planning, stronger institutions and a more responsible public ethic. Kashmirs natural heritage is too precious to be surrendered to fear, and its people deserve security without sacrificing ecological integrity. If coexistence is to mean anything, it must begin with the discipline to protect both human lives and the wild world we share. (The author is a lecturer in HED and a freelancer)
Peoples trust, workers selfless dedication NCs real strength: Sagar
Says party will continue to champion J&Ks democratic, constitutional rights SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar Monday said that the enduring trust of the people and the unwavering commitment of party workers constitute the National Conferences greatest strength, asserting that no force can deter the []
Teacher-Student Relationship and AI
The classroom has always been more than a place where lessons are delivered and memorised. It is a living space where young minds are shaped, confidence is built, curiosity is encouraged and values are passed on from one generation to the next. At the centre of this process stands the teacher-student relationship a relationship built on trust, patience, guidance and mutual respect. In recent years, however, a new force has entered the educational landscape with great speed and influence: artificial intelligence. AI has already begun changing the way students learn and teachers teach. It can answer questions in seconds, generate notes, translate texts, solve problems and even create personalised study plans. For many students, especially those struggling to keep pace in crowded classrooms, this can feel like a breakthrough. For teachers, too, AI promises relief from repetitive tasks and access to tools that can make lessons more interactive and efficient. There is no denying that technology has opened useful doors. But education is not merely about information. It is about transformation. A machine can deliver content, but it cannot understand the fear in a students eyes before an examination. It cannot sense a childs hesitation, detect emotional distress, or inspire moral courage through a word of encouragement. It cannot replace the warmth of a teacher who notices a silent student in the back row and gently brings that child into the conversation. That human touch is not a luxury in education; it is its soul. In the age of AI, this truth becomes even more important. If used carelessly, AI can weaken the teacher-student relationship by turning learning into a mechanical transaction. Students may begin to depend on quick answers rather than thoughtful inquiry. Teachers may feel pressure to compete with machines instead of guiding minds. The danger is not that AI will remove teachers altogether, but that it may slowly reduce them to supervisors of software rather than mentors of human beings. That would be a serious loss. A good teacher does much more than explain a topic. A good teacher observes, listens, corrects, encourages and inspires. He or she notices potential before it becomes visible to the world. The relationship between teacher and student is often the first meaningful relationship outside the family in which a child learns responsibility, discipline and confidence. AI may assist in this journey, but it cannot create this bond. That bond grows through presence, dialogue and trust. This does not mean we should fear AI or reject it outright. That would be unwise and unrealistic. AI, when used responsibly, can support teachers in meaningful ways. It can help identify learning gaps, suggest practice material, simplify administrative work and give students extra support outside classroom hours. In that sense, AI can become a powerful aid in making education more inclusive and responsive. But it must remain a tool, not a substitute. The real challenge before schools, colleges and education policymakers is to strike the right balance. We need classrooms where technology serves human purpose, not one where human purpose is overshadowed by technology. Teachers must be trained to use AI thoughtfully. Students must be taught not only how to use it, but also when not to rely on it. Above all, education must continue to value character, curiosity, empathy and communication qualities no algorithm can truly generate. In Kashmir, where education has long been seen as a path to hope and stability, this debate carries special significance. Our society needs teachers who can guide young people through uncertainty, encourage resilience and preserve values in a changing world. AI may bring efficiency, but it is teachers who bring meaning. AI may provide answers, but it is teachers who teach students how to ask the right questions. The future of education will likely be shaped by both human intelligence and artificial intelligence. But if we are wise, we will never confuse the two. Technology can sharpen the mind, but only a teacher can touch the heart. And in education, as in life, the heart still matters. (The author is a researcher and columnist)
The Urban Spiral in Kashmir Valley
Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir are caught in a troubling urban spiral. Roads are narrower than ever, houses are rising faster than regulation, and public spaces are shrinking under the weight of unplanned expansion. What should have been a story of orderly development has instead become one of congestion, strain, and neglect. The Valley is growing, but not in a way that looks sustainable, humane, or even sensible. For years, urban expansion in Kashmir has followed a familiar pattern: population pressure, rising land values, weak enforcement, and piecemeal construction. The result is visible everywhere. Wetlands have been encroached upon, drains blocked, traffic choked, and neighbourhoods turned into dense clusters of concrete with little regard for ventilation, sunlight, or open space. In the name of progress, we are building settlements that often resemble pressure cookers. The problem is not simply that more people are living in towns and cities. Urbanisation, by itself, is not a curse. It can create opportunities, improve access to services, and make life more efficient. The trouble begins when expansion happens without planning, and planning happens without enforcement. In Kashmir, both failures are evident. Master plans are announced, revised, debated, and then quietly ignored. Building permissions exist in theory, but violations often become the rule rather than the exception. The distance between policy and practice is far too wide. One of the most alarming consequences of this urban spiral is the loss of ecological balance. Kashmirs urban spaces are not ordinary city spaces; they exist in a fragile environment that requires extra care. Wetlands, streams, gardens, and agricultural land are not empty land banks waiting to be converted into plots and colonies. They are part of a living system that protects the Valley from flooding, supports biodiversity, and preserves its character. Yet these natural buffers continue to disappear under constructions that are often unauthorised, short-sighted, and irreversible. The flooding experience of the Valley should have been enough to force a radical rethink. But memory in Kashmir, like in many places, is often weak when profits are strong. The same areas that suffered waterlogging and inundation are again under pressure from concrete expansion. Drainage channels are blocked, natural flow paths disturbed, and low-lying areas filled in. This is not development. It is risk creation. Urban planning is also failing the common citizen in a more immediate way. Traffic congestion in Srinagar has become a daily ordeal. What should be short commutes often turn into long delays. Pedestrians have little room to walk safely, public transport remains inadequate, and parking has become a visible sign of policy failure. The city has expanded horizontally and vertically, but not functionally. More buildings have not meant better living. More roads have not meant smoother movement. More growth has not meant more order. The deeper issue is governance. Unplanned urbanisation does not happen in a vacuum. It is enabled by weak institutions, selective enforcement, and the absence of accountability. Rules are frequently bent for influence, convenience, or revenue. Illegal structures rise with remarkable confidence because people have learned that consequences are rare. When violations are normalised, the law becomes decorative. That is a dangerous position for any society, more so for one living in a sensitive geographical and political environment. There is also a social dimension to this spiral. Urban pressure is changing neighbourhood life. Traditional spaces that once allowed for interaction, privacy, and community are being replaced by crowded layouts where residents struggle for basic amenities. Water supply, sanitation, waste management, parking, and access to healthcare are all under stress. In many localities, civic infrastructure has not kept pace with the density of construction. People are not merely living in congested spaces; they are learning to tolerate decline. This is especially worrying in a region where climate vulnerability is already high. Kashmir faces harsh winters, heavy rainfall, and the growing unpredictability of weather patterns. In such a setting, urban planning cannot afford to be casual. Buildings need to be resilient, roads need proper drainage, and public infrastructure must anticipate future stress rather than respond after damage is done. Yet most of the Valleys urban growth appears reactive, not visionary. The question, then, is simple: who is responsible for stopping the spiral? The answer cannot be left to one department, one officer, or one civic body. It requires a serious political and administrative commitment. Authorities must restore the credibility of planning laws, demolish illegal structures where necessary, protect ecologically sensitive zones, and ensure that future development follows clear norms. Public interest cannot continue to be sacrificed at the altar of private convenience. At the same time, citizens must also reflect on their own role. Urban chaos is not created by officials alone. It is sustained by the collective willingness to cut corners, avoid rules, and treat common spaces as nobodys concern. A society that wants decent towns must first respect decent behaviour. That includes resisting encroachment, supporting planned growth, and demanding accountability from those in power. Kashmir does not need more haphazard concrete. It needs livable cities. It needs footpaths, drainage, green belts, proper zoning, and development that respects both people and place. The Valleys beauty has always been one of its greatest assets, but beauty alone cannot carry the burden of failed planning forever. If the urban spiral is allowed to continue, the cost will not just be aesthetic. It will be environmental, social, and economic. The warning signs are already all around us. The only question left is whether we still have the will to read them. (The author has a PhD in Public Administration and columnist)
The Grace of Dissent: Why Democracy Needs Patience More Than Noise
Democracy is often described as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Yet this celebrated definition acquires meaning only when citizens are free not merely to agree with those in power but also to question them. The right to dissent and express disagreement is not a concession bestowed by governments; it is a constitutional guarantee and one of the defining pillars of every healthy democracy. However, rights, however sacred they may be, are accompanied by responsibilities. Dissent strengthens democracy only when it is exercised with patience, civility, and a deep sense of responsibility. The modern age has transformed the nature of public discourse. Social media platforms have enabled every individual to become a publisher, commentator, and critic within seconds. While this democratization of expression is a remarkable achievement, it has also produced an environment where reactions often replace reflection, outrage substitutes reason, and noise overwhelms meaningful dialogue. In the race to express opinions instantly, patience has become one of the greatest casualties of our times. Disagreement is not a weakness of democracy; it is its greatest strength. Societies that silence dissent inevitably drift toward authoritarianism, while those that encourage thoughtful criticism become more accountable and resilient. Every significant democratic reform in history has been shaped by individuals who dared to question prevailing systems. Whether it was the struggle for civil rights, women's suffrage, freedom from colonial rule, or the protection of human dignity, progress has always begun with voices that challenged the status quo. Yet history also teaches another lesson. The most enduring movements for justice were guided not merely by passion but by discipline. They were sustained by patience, moral courage, and respect for institutions. Leaders who transformed societies understood that persuasion is more powerful than provocation and that lasting change is achieved through dialogue rather than destruction. In today's political climate, however, disagreement is increasingly interpreted as hostility. Ideological differences often degenerate into personal attacks. Public debates frequently descend into verbal aggression, while online discussions are dominated by abuse instead of arguments. Political loyalty is often mistaken for unquestioning obedience, and criticism is sometimes dismissed as disloyalty. Such attitudes impoverish democratic culture because democracy flourishes not through uniformity of opinion but through the coexistence of diverse viewpoints. The constitutional right to protest and express dissent is therefore inseparable from the constitutional duty to preserve public order and mutual respect. Freedom of expression does not grant the freedom to spread hatred, misinformation, or violence. Likewise, the exercise of authority does not entitle governments to suppress legitimate criticism. Democracy survives only when both citizens and institutions honour the boundaries of constitutional morality. Patience has become an underrated democratic virtue. It enables citizens to listen before reacting, to verify before believing, and to reason before judging. In an era driven by viral content and instant gratification, patience encourages deliberation over impulsiveness. It reminds us that truth often emerges through careful examination rather than emotional reaction. Civility, too, is not a sign of weakness. It reflects confidence in one's convictions. A person who can disagree respectfully demonstrates greater intellectual maturity than one who resorts to insults. Democratic debate loses its purpose when arguments are replaced by anger. Civil disagreement keeps the doors of dialogue open even when consensus remains elusive. Equally important is responsibility. Every citizen shares the responsibility of protecting democratic institutions. The media must report with integrity rather than sensationalism. Political leaders must inspire confidence rather than deepen divisions. Educational institutions must nurture critical thinking instead of ideological conformity. Above all, citizens must recognise that every word they speak, write, or share contributes either to strengthening or weakening the democratic fabric. Transparency remains the first condition of good governance. Governments that function openly, answer questions honestly, and remain accountable to the public earn legitimacy not merely through elections but through trust. Transparency is not simply about making information available; it is about fostering confidence that decisions are made fairly, ethically, and in the public interest. Citizens have every right to demand transparency, but such demands become most effective when articulated through informed debate rather than emotional confrontation. Likewise, governments must understand that criticism is not always an obstacle to governance; often it is an opportunity for improvement. A mature administration welcomes constructive criticism because it reveals gaps that might otherwise remain unnoticed. Democracies become stronger when governments treat dissent as feedback rather than as defiance. The balance between rights and restraint is the true hallmark of democratic maturity. Rights without responsibility can descend into disorder, while authority without accountability inevitably leads to oppression. Democracy thrives in the delicate space where freedom is tempered by self-restraint, and power is restrained by constitutional principles. The greatest danger facing modern democracies is not disagreement itself but the disappearance of respectful disagreement. When citizens stop listening to one another, when political opponents become enemies, and when every conversation turns into a battlefield, democracy begins to lose its soul. Institutions may continue to exist, elections may still be held, but the democratic spirit gradually erodes. Every generation inherits democracy not as a finished achievement but as an unfinished responsibility. It must be renewed continuously through informed participation, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship. The health of a democracy cannot be measured merely by voter turnout or electoral victories; it is equally reflected in the quality of public discourse, the dignity of disagreement, and the willingness of citizens to engage one another with respect. In the end, democracy is sustained not by the loudest voices but by the wisest ones. It does not ask its citizens to agree on everything; it asks them to disagree without hatred, to protest without violence, and to criticise without abandoning civility. The strength of a nation lies not in the absence of dissent but in its ability to transform dissent into dialogue and dialogue into progress. In these turbulent times, when polarisation threatens social harmony and instant reactions overshadow thoughtful reflection, the need is not for louder slogans but for deeper conversations. Democracy becomes truly meaningful only when rights are exercised with dignity, dissent is expressed with grace, and governance is guided by transparency. The balance between freedom and responsibility is not merely the foundation of constitutional orderit is the enduring promise of a civilised society. (The author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Yaseen seek macadamisation of roads before winters
Srinagar, Aug 3: Several public delegations from Khag, Khansahib, Beerwah and other areas of district Budgam on Monday met Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and apprised him of a wide range of civic issues affecting their respective areas. In a statement, the delegations urged him to take up their genuine demands with the administration to ensure their early redressal. The delegations expressed serious concern over the poor condition of roads, inner roads and link roads in several villages, particularly in the Khansahib constituency. They said that many road stretches are yet to be macadamised, causing inconvenience to commuters, students, patients and the general public. The representatives stressed that the remaining road works should be completed before the onset of winter to prevent hardships during the harsh weather. They also called for improved road connectivity in remote and rural areas of Budgam district. The issue of drinking water shortage also figured prominently during the interaction. The delegations informed Hakeem Yaseen that villages including Chakpora, Khanpora Khag, Labran Khag, Bamrada and several other upper-reach areas of Beerwah and Khansahib are facing an acute shortage of potable water. They said the scarcity has severely affected the daily lives of residents and urged the administration to improve water supply in the affected villages. They also demanded that all pending water supply schemes be completed on a priority basis so that people receive a regular and adequate supply of drinking water. The delegations further highlighted persistent electricity-related problems in several areas. They complained about erratic power supply and frequent outages, stating that residents continue to face difficulties due to inadequate electricity infrastructure. They also requested the government to announce a one-time amnesty for consumers with pending electricity dues, saying many families are unable to clear accumulated bills due to financial constraints. The delegations appealed for strengthening the power distribution system to ensure reliable electricity supply across the district. Responding to the issues raised by the delegations, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen assured them that he would take up all their genuine demands with the concerned authorities, particularly the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, for their early resolution. He said the district administration should ensure that pending road macadamisation works are completed before winter and that drinking water and electricity-related issues are addressed on priority.
Dr. Farooq, Omar felicitate Auqib, Owais
Srinagar, Aug 3: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have congratulated Auqib Nabi on becoming the first cricketer from J&K to earn a call-up for Indian Men's Test Cricket Team. The duo said Aqib's maiden Test call-up is a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir and a fitting reward for his dedication, discipline and perseverance. They said representing India in the longest format of the game is the ultimate honour for any cricketer and expressed confidence that Aqib would make the most of the opportunity, uphold the finest traditions of Indian cricket and inspire aspiring sportspersons across Jammu and Kashmir. They wished him great success as he dons the national colours. In a separate message, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah congratulated Owais Yaqoob on his sensational international MMA triumph. They said Owais' grit, relentless spirit and warrior's mindset have once again put Jammu and Kashmir on the global sporting map. They added that his achievement reflects the immense sporting talent of the region and serves as an inspiration for young athletes to pursue excellence with determination and hard work. The duo wished him continued success and many more victories in his sporting career.
Development of newly included areas a priority: Rather
Budgam, Aug 3: Speaker Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Charar-i-Sharief, Abdul Raheem Rather, on Monday held an exclusive public outreach camp at Banderpora Kremshore in Charar-i-Sharief Constituency. During the interaction, the residents from Banderpora and adjoining villages raised issues and demands related to road connectivity, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education and other essential civic amenities. The Speaker assured the people that all their genuine demands would be taken up on priority with the concerned departments for early redress. Addressing the gathering, the Speaker said that the areas of Banderpora and Kremshore, which were recently included in the Charar-i-Sharief Assembly Constituency following the delimitation process, require focused attention and accelerated development. He reiterated his commitment to ensure that these areas receive adequate infrastructure and public welfare projects. He said every effort is being made to bridge the developmental gaps and improve civic infrastructure in the newly included areas. I am working tirelessly to ensure that these areas receive the attention and development they deserve. The welfare of the people of my constituency remains my top priority, he said. The residents expressed hope that the issues raised during the camp would be addressed in a time-bound manner.
Altaf Bukhari calls for CentreJ&K dialogue
Jammu, Aug 3: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday called on the Centre to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to address their concerns and aspirations, while asking party leaders to intensify public outreach across the region. Bukhari made the remarks while chairing a high-level provincial meeting of the party in Jammu, attended by senior leaders and functionaries from across the region. According to a party statement, the meeting reviewed the prevailing political situation, governance issues, public grievances and organisational matters. Participants also discussed measures to strengthen the party's activities and took several organisational decisions. Addressing the meeting, Bukhari urged party leaders and workers to remain in close contact with the people and actively engage with them to understand their concerns. Reiterating the party's long-standing demand, he appealed to the Government of India to begin a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks about reducing the emotional distance between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, Bukhari said the present was an appropriate time to bridge the trust deficit through engagement. He also criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government, alleging that it had failed to address pressing public issues despite receiving a strong electoral mandate. The government has failed to live up to the expectations of the people by ignoring their day-to-day concerns and grievances, Bukhari said, adding that people had voted with the expectation that their problems and election promises would be addressed.
Won't end agitation before statehood: Advisor Wani
Srinagar, Aug 3: Chief Ministers Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday said the party would continue its struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, asserting that the promises made by the Centre are yet to be fulfilled. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Social Welfare Department awareness programme in Baramulla, Wani said the party recently held a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to remind the Centre of its commitment to restore statehood. We will continue to agitate unless we get the statehood back, he said. Wani said the entire party leadership had travelled to Jantar Mantar to remind the Centre of the assurances given to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The first step we took was to go to Jantar Mantar in Delhi with our entire leadership to remind Delhi of the promises made to us, but those promises have not been fulfilled, he said. Wani said the Centre had maintained that delimitation would be followed by Assembly elections and subsequently the restoration of statehood. We were told that first there would be delimitation, then elections, and then statehood. Delimitation has been completed and elections have been held, but the restoration of statehood is nowhere in sight. That is why we went to Delhi to remind them of their promises, he said. The advisor said the partys leadership would meet again to chalk out its future strategy for the statehood campaign. Our entire leadership will sit together again and decide the future course of action. This is not a one-day exercise, he added.
NC invites INDIA bloc to Aug 5 protest for J&K statehood
New Delhi, Aug 3: National Conference MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday invited leaders of the INDIA bloc to join a peaceful protest outside Parliament on August 5, seeking the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The invitation was extended during a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders held in the chamber of Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other alliance leaders attended the meeting to discuss key parliamentary issues and the bloc's strategy for the ongoing Monsoon Session. During the meeting, Ramzan urged the alliance partners to participate in the proposed protest at Makar Dwar and stand in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Centre had repeatedly assured Parliament that statehood would be restored to the Union Territory but the commitment was yet to be fulfilled. According to a statement, leaders of the INDIA bloc, including representatives of the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Trinamool Congress, CPI, AAP and other constituents, expressed support for the demand for restoration of full statehood and conveyed their willingness to participate in the August 5 protest. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding constitutional values and democratic rights while backing what they described as the legitimate demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Govt pushes saturation of welfare schemes in North Kashmir
Baramulla, Aug 3: The Social Welfare department on Monday organized a mega awareness camp at Baramulla for all the three districts of North Kashmir viz; Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora to promote awareness for saturation of more than 25 welfare schemes being implemented by the department. Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, was the chief guest during the camp, which was also attended by Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar besides Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani. The awareness programme featured speeches, cultural performances and skits highlighting various flagship welfare initiatives and schemes being implemented by the Social Welfare Department, including Integrated Social Security Schemes (ISSS), ICDS, Poshan and other beneficiary-oriented programmes. Speaking on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo appreciated the overwhelming participation of the Anganwari workers and helpers in the awareness programme and highlighted the importance of saturation of various welfare schemes to ensure comprehensive social protection. The Minister acknowledged the invaluable contribution of ICDS workers and helpers in reaching the most vulnerable sections of society. She said the government fully recognizes their role and is actively working towards addressing their concerns, including issues related to enhancement of the honorarium. Emphasizing the need for greater public outreach, the Minister urged the legislators to organize similar awareness programmes at the tehsil level in their respective constituencies to maximize awareness and ensure saturation of welfare schemes. Addressing the gathering, Javid Dar congratulated Sakeena Itoo and the Social Welfare department for introducing significant reforms in the social welfare sector. He underscored that the government has consistently prioritized public welfare and has taken several people-centric decisions, including enhancement of assistance under various welfare schemes. He urged the field functionaries to actively educate the people about the schemes available so that every eligible beneficiary can avail government support. Meanwhile, the Ministers and the MLAs, e-inaugurated the newly constructed CDPO offices at Wagoora in Baramulla and Sogam in Kupwara and three Anganwadi Centres in Singhpora and Rohama blocks of Baramulla district. On the occasion, Sakeena Itoo distributed appointment orders among the newly selected Anganwadi workers and helpers. Sanction letters under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), motorized tricycles and wheelchairs for persons with disabilities and baby kits were also distributed among the beneficiaries from the North Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora. Earlier during the awareness camp, Sakeena Itoo accompanied by dignitaries inspected the stalls set up by the Social Welfare Department, Mission Shakti, Poshan and ICDS providing awareness regarding various beneficiary schemes.
80 rescued as cloudbursts hit Bandipora
Bandipora, Aug 3: More than 80 people were rescued after cloudbursts and flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall affected several parts of Bandipora district on Monday, prompting a large-scale rescue and evacuation operation by the police. In a statement the police said, acting on the directions of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), police teams were rushed to the affected areas of Arin, Dardpora, Sumlar, Aragam and other vulnerable locations following reports of cloudbursts and rising water levels. Officials said over 80 stranded persons were rescued from Neelupati Sirender and shifted to safer locations. In Tota Mode, two families were evacuated after their houses were damaged in flash floods, while three residential houses sustained damage in Sathri. In Gori Hajin, Aragam, police personnel, assisted by JCB machines, evacuated several families trapped by floodwaters. Passengers stranded near the Tangwani-Garoora bridge were also rescued after a sudden rise in the water level. Despite damage to houses and infrastructure in several areas, no casualties were reported due to the timely response of the police and other emergency agencies. Police said personnel remain deployed in vulnerable areas to monitor the situation, assist affected residents and respond to emergencies. They also advised the public to avoid flood-prone areas and follow advisories issued by the district administration. Residents appreciated the rescue efforts, commending the police for their prompt response during the natural calamity.
Digital Payment Frauds Touch Rs 4,457 Cr In 11 Years, Govt Says
SRINAGAR: Digital payment frauds involving Rs 4,457.03 crore were reported in India over the 11 financial years from 2015-16 to 2025-26, with the banking system recording a cumulative 8,22,781 cases, according to data placed before the Lok Sabha on Monday. The data, furnished by the Ministry of Finance in response to a question on the []
50-year-old mauled by bear in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Aug 3: A 50-year-old woman from Kalaspati Rayil Gund in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district was seriously injured after being attacked by a wild bear in the Burzapati Behak area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday. The injured woman has been identified as Rashida Begum, wife of Ghulam Dawood Gakhad, a resident of Kalaspati Rayil Gund. According to officials the attack took place in the upper meadow area of Burzapati Behak, where the woman was reportedly present when the bear suddenly attacked her, leaving her with injuries. Soon after the incident, locals and Gund Police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured woman for medical assistance. She was later referred to SKIMS Soura in Srinagar through a 108 ambulance for specialised treatment. Police confirmed the incident and said that further details regarding the extent of her injuries and the circumstances surrounding the attack will be known after her medical examination and treatment. The incident has once again highlighted the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict particularly during the summer months when residents move to high-altitude meadows for grazing livestock and other activities. Authorities have advised people living in or visiting forest and pasture areas to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into isolated locations alone. Police have taken cognisance of the incident, while the woman's condition is being monitored at SKIMS Soura.
SRINAGAR: An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police died after collapsing while on duty in the Mawer area of Handwara in north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Monday. Officials said the ASI suddenly collapsed while performing his duties in Mawer and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead []
KU, Rashtriya Raksha University sign MoU to boost research, academic ties
Srinagar, Aug 3: The University of Kashmir (KU) and the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic collaboration and promote joint research in areas of mutual interest. The MoU was signed at the office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, by RRU Jammu and Kashmir Campus Director Dr Mahesh Tripathi and KU Registrar Prof (Dr) Naseer Iqbal. The signing ceremony was attended by KU Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Neelofar Khan, RRU Lifetime Professor Prof (Dr) Mehraj Ud Din Mir, Dean and Head of KU's School of Law Prof (Dr) Shahnaz, Special Secretary to the Vice Chancellor Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Zari, RRU Senior Law Faculty Dr Mudasir Bhat, and KU Senior Law Faculty Dr Mohammad Yaseen Wani. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation through joint research projects, student and faculty exchange programmes, internships, and credit transfer under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). The two institutions will also collaborate in teacher training, academic consultation and skill development in national security, behavioural and forensic sciences, law, police administration, criminology and other multidisciplinary fields. Officials said the partnership is expected to strengthen academic engagement between the two universities and create new opportunities for collaborative teaching, research and capacity building.
31 Killed in 35 Cloudbursts Across Jammu Kashmir This Year
Chenab Valley bears the brunt as experts seek stronger early warning systems, hazard mapping and stricter land-use regulations
Jammu Kashmir Govt Constitutes Technical Panel to Appraise SDC Compute Enhancement Project
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a six-member Technical Appraisal Committee (TAC) to examine and vet the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Expansion of SDC (Compute Enhancement) project. The committee was constituted under Government Order No. 1313-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department on August 3. The Chief Executive []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Forms High-Level Panel to Fast-Track National Centre of Excellence at Awantipora
Core group headed by Youth Services & Sports Commissioner-Secretary to oversee land transfer, clearances, infrastructure planning and inter-departmental coordination for the project
Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods Across Kashmir; Woman Dies in Kupwara, Hundreds Evacuated
SRINAGAR: A series of cloudbursts lashed several parts of Kashmir on Monday, triggering flash floods that claimed the life of a woman in Kupwara district, damaged infrastructure and forced authorities to evacuate hundreds of residents and tourists to safer locations. The deceased, identified as Naseema Begum (52), was swept away by a flash flood after []
Flash Flood Damage Forces Rajouri DC Office To Shift To New Premises
Old Deputy Commissioner's office declared unsafe; public advised to visit new location until further orders
ASI dies after collapsing on duty in Handwara
Kupwara, Aug 03 : An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest while on duty in the Mawer area of Handwara in north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Monday. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the ASI collapsed while performing his duties in Mawer. He said the policeman was shifted to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The official said the ASI is suspected to have suffered a cardiac arrest that led to his death. His identity is yet to be ascertained, while further investigation has been taken up.(KNO)
J-K: Paper leak allegations surface at GMC Doda; MLA seeks inquiry, college denies claims
Doda , August 3 : A controversy has erupted at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda after Doda MLA Mehraj Malik alleged an examination paper leak and sought an immediate inquiry, while the college administration categorically denied the allegations. In a letter addressed to the Principal of GMC Doda, Malik said he had received information from reliable sources regarding an alleged paper leak that reportedly took place on August 2. The MLA requested the preservation of CCTV footage recorded between 5 pm and 9 pm, covering the area from the main gate to the academic section through the Principal's office lobby, to ensure that no evidence is deleted or tampered with. He also called for a fair and impartial inquiry and urged the college administration to preserve all relevant records, including CCTV footage, examination material, attendance records and other related evidence. A copy of the letter was also forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner, Doda. Responding to the allegations, GMC Doda issued an official circular stating that reports of an examination paper leak being circulated on social media were false, baseless and misleading. The college clarified that no examination paper had been leaked at the institution and appealed to the public not to believe or circulate unverified information. As of now, the allegations remain unverified. While the MLA has sought an investigation into the matter, the college administration has denied any paper leak, and no official inquiry confirming the allegations has been announced. The allegations at GMC Doda come after the broader controversy over NEET paper leaks, which triggered protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and led to the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. (ANI)
Rajya Sabha Data Shows 12,915 Women-Owned Manufacturing MSMEs Registered in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 12,915 registrations of women-owned manufacturing MSMEs in 2025-26, while the number of such enterprises reported closed on the Udyam Registration Portal rose to 181, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The figures, provided by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in response to Unstarred []
Srinagar, August 03, 2026: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) conference on Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayan Region through Nature-based Solutions. He also inaugurated Civil and Mechanical Engineering Block at the main campus, IUSTs Larmoo Campus and the Law School. The Lieutenant Governor [] The post Lieutenant Governor Attends IUSTs Conference; Calls for Nature-Based Solutions for Building Climate Resilience in the Himalayas appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Road Safety and Driving Sense: A Test of Civic Responsibility
Road safety is not merely about traffic rules, speed limits, or signboards on a roadside. It is about a civic culture that values life, restraint, and responsibility. In a place where roads are often narrow, traffic density keeps rising, and road infrastructure remains uneven, driving sense becomes more than a personal virtue it becomes a public necessity. Every reckless overtake, every ignored signal, every act of impatience on the road carries the potential to turn an ordinary journey into a tragedy. The tragedy of road accidents is that most of them are preventable. They are not always the result of bad roads or mechanical failure. Very often, they happen because of human error, arrogance, and carelessness. A driver who speeds through a crowded stretch, a motorcyclist who refuses to wear a helmet, a passenger who stands on a moving vehicle, or a commuter who uses a mobile phone while driving all of them contribute to a culture where danger is normalized. The road does not forgive such behavior. It punishes it instantly and often irreversibly. Driving sense begins with the understanding that the road is shared space. It does not belong to the fastest vehicle, the loudest horn, or the most impatient commuter. It belongs equally to pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, two-wheeler riders, public transport operators, and private motorists. Unfortunately, this basic idea is often ignored. Many drivers treat traffic rules as optional suggestions rather than binding norms. Signals are crossed casually, lane discipline is dismissed, and speed is considered a mark of skill rather than a threat to life. This mindset is deeply flawed, and unless it changes, no amount of policing alone can make roads safer. There is also a troubling social tolerance for bad driving. People often laugh off dangerous shortcuts, admire rash overtaking as smartness, and excuse drunk or distracted driving as a minor lapse. This culture of indulgence is one of the biggest obstacles to road safety. A person who drives recklessly is not clever; he is irresponsible. A person who ignores a zebra crossing is not efficient; he is endangering someones life. A person who thinks traffic rules are for others only is not bold; he is a liability to society. In Kashmir, as in many other places, road safety has to be understood in the context of local realities. Busy towns, mixed traffic, pedestrians walking alongside vehicles, schoolchildren crossing roads, fruit-laden trucks, and narrow lanes create conditions that demand extra caution. In such an environment, driving sense is not a luxury. It is survival. A few seconds of impatience can cost hours of grief, and a small act of carelessness can leave behind lifelong sorrow for an entire family. The responsibility does not rest with drivers alone. Government agencies have a major role to play in improving road safety. Roads need proper maintenance, clear markings, functioning signals, pedestrian crossings, speed-calming measures, and traffic management systems that actually work. Public transport should be regulated with discipline, and commercial drivers should be trained not only in vehicle handling but also in road ethics. Law enforcement must be visible, consistent, and fair. Rules lose their meaning when violations are ignored and enforcement is selective. But infrastructure and enforcement can only go so far. The deeper solution lies in behavior. A society that wants safer roads must first develop safer habits. Children should be taught road discipline early. Schools should include road safety awareness as part of basic civic education. Families should stop glorifying reckless driving as bravery. Community leaders, religious figures, and local institutions can all help build a moral language around road responsibility. After all, protecting life is not just a legal duty; it is also an ethical one. Vehicle ownership too has changed the way people think. For many, owning a car or a bike has become a symbol of status, and with that status comes a mistaken sense of entitlement. The road is then seen as a stage for display, where one must drive aggressively to appear important. This attitude is dangerous. A vehicle is not an instrument of pride; it is a machine that must be handled with care. Real maturity on the road is shown not by how fast one can move, but by how safely one can arrive. The problem of road safety also has a human side that is often forgotten. Behind every accident is a story of loss a father who never returned home, a student whose future was cut short, a mother whose routine trip became a permanent tragedy. These are not statistics alone. They are broken households, emotional trauma, and economic distress. One careless driver can alter many lives in a matter of moments. That is why driving sense must be treated as a moral obligation, not just a legal formality. There is also a need to address the habits that make roads unsafe on a daily basis. Overcrowded vehicles, overloading, illegal parking, wrong-side driving, unnecessary honking, and driving without proper documents all contribute to chaos. Honking, in particular, reflects a wider lack of civility. It has become a substitute for patience. Yet a horn does not solve congestion; it only adds noise to disorder. True driving sense requires calmness, alertness, and respect for others. Technology can help, but it cannot replace responsibility. Speed cameras, surveillance systems, and traffic apps may improve monitoring, but no device can substitute for conscience. The most advanced road system will fail if users remain careless. On the other hand, even imperfect roads can be made safer if people drive with restraint and awareness. The final line of defense is always human judgment. What the roads need most is not merely stricter punishment, but a change in mindset. Driving should be seen as a privilege tied to responsibility. Every time one sits behind the wheel, one is holding not just a steering wheel but a moral trust. That trust extends to strangers, children, elders, pedestrians, and fellow travelers. To violate it is not just to break a rule; it is to betray a public confidence. If road safety is to improve, we must begin by respecting life in its most ordinary movement on the road. Driving sense is nothing less than daily discipline, civic decency, and human empathy put into action. Until we learn that lesson, the road will remain a place of risk. Once we do, it can become a place of safety, dignity, and shared responsibility. ( The author is an educationist and freelancer)
Rain Triggers Slush, Shut Jammu-Srinagar Highway
Srinagar , 03 August : Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was suspended on Monday evening after heavy rainfall triggered slush near Dawal Bridge in Udhampur district, making the road unsafe for vehicles. The highway has been restricted to a single carriageway at the Dawal slide point in the Samroli area due to muddy and slippery conditions. Officials said NHAI teams, machinery, and Traffic Police personnel have been deployed to clear the affected stretch and restore movement. Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on NH-44 until the road is declared safe and to rely only on official traffic updates.
MP: Congress retains Datia assembly seat; Ghanshyam Singh defeats BJPs Tiwari by 6,000 votes
DATIA: The Congress on Monday retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, with the party candidate Ghanshyam Singh defeating his nearest rival Ashutosh Tiwari of the BJP by 6,016 votes in the byelection marked by differences in the saffron camp over the choice of candidate. At the end of all 15 rounds of counting, []
Sakina Itoo Hails Owais Yaqoob's BRAVE CF Triumph, Auqib Nabi's India Test Selection
Srinagar, Aug. 3: Cabinet minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir Sakina Itoo has congratulated mixed martial artist Owais Yaqoob and cricketer Auqib Nabi for their outstanding achievements on the international and national sporting stage. In a post on X, the minister hailed Owais Yaqoob for his spectacular victory at BRAVE CF 107 in Bulgaria, where he defeated an unbeaten two-time IMMAF World Champion in an impressive display of skill, determination, and resilience. She also extended her congratulations to Auqib Nabi on his well-deserved selection to the Indian Test squad, describing it as a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir. Both of you have brought immense pride to Jammu & Kashmir and inspired a new generation of young athletes. Wishing you continued success and many more laurels for the nation, Itoo said in her message. The minister's congratulatory message has been widely appreciated, with both athletes being recognised for raising the profile of Jammu and Kashmir through their achievements in their respective sports.
MP: Congress retains Datia assembly seat; Ghanshyam Singh defeats BJP&K gets statehood: CMs Advisor
Baramulla: National Conference (NC) will continue its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood until the demand is fulfilled, said Chief Ministers Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, Wani, said the recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi was the first step toward reminding the Centre of []
Lieutenant Governor calls for nature-based solutions for building climate resilience in Himalayas
Srinagar, Aug 03: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) conference on Strengthening Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayan Region through Nature-based Solutions. He also inaugurated Civil and Mechanical Engineering Block at the main campus, IUSTs Larmoo Campus and the Law School. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the IUST for their initiatives and lauded the University's policy brief on the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the alarming pace of climate change in the Himalayan region. He noted that between January and August last year, the Himalayas witnessed a natural disaster almost every day. In Jammu Kashmir alone, flash floods and cloudbursts have damaged public infrastructure, disrupting roads, water supply schemes, and power feeders. The Lieutenant Governor observed that there is no dichotomy between development and conservation and the nature itself is infrastructure. For example, constructing a watershed is also an effective flood-control system. It is infrastructure that also serves as a water purification system and forms the basis of an irrigation system. Similarly, a wetland is natures vast reservoir because it absorbs excess water during the monsoon and then slowly gives life to surrounding areas during the dry months. A dense forested mountain slope is in fact like a strong wall that protects the entire mountain from collapsing onto the villages below. Therefore, I believe that when we destroy these natural systems, we are playing with the future. But when we conserve and restore these natural systems, we are investing in a bright future, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor urged the scientists and domain experts to bring Nature-based Solutions out of the margins of development planning and place them at its centre. He also placed six major recommendations before policymakers, scientists, and engineers. Use modern technologies like remote sensing, geospatial mapping, and AI to track glacier retreat, spring flow, soil health, and forest cover. This data should inform every development project in the region. Nature-based Solutions must be embedded into project budgeting, appraisal, and monitoring. Farmers, shepherds, orchard owners, and tribal communities must be equal stakeholders. Their generational knowledge of rivers, mountains, and forests is invaluable. Annual budget reviews should include whether forests and ecosystems have grown richer or weaker, ensuring accountability for environmental wealth. Establish platforms for long-term cooperation among scientists, policymakers, and communities. Move beyond concrete embankments to restore floodplains and wetlands, combining built structures with natural systems, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor urged universities to elevate Nature-based Solutions into a multidisciplinary subject, spanning ecology, hydrology, engineering, economics, disaster management, and traditional knowledge. He stressed that future professionals must understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems, economies, technologies, and societies. Recalling the Green Jammu Kashmir Drive launched in 2020, which raised forest cover to nearly 55 percent, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the importance of sustainable living. He envisioned a Himalaya where watersheds are healthier, wetlands thrive, and rivers flow naturally, sustaining biodiversity and culture. By placing nature at the centre of development, integrating modern technology with traditional wisdom, and involving communities as equal partners, the Himalayan region can build resilience against climate change. We must remember that Himalayas are not merely a geographical entity but a living heritage that demands foresight, patience, and responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released the special edition of IUST's monthly magazine 'Times Echo' on 100-Day Anti-Drug campaign and Policy Brief on Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, prepared by various experts of J&K. Certificates were also handed over to the PMKVY trainees. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh; Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST; Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, IUST; Prof. Javed Hussain Mir, Convener of the Conference; eminent scientists, experts, senior officials, faculty and students attended the conference.
Flash Floods Hit Shopian Villages, Homes Inundated; SDRF Deploys Rescue Teams
SRINAGAR: Intense rainfall triggered flash floods in Shopian district on Monday, inundating several houses in Badrhama village and causing panic among residents. Quoting officials news agency GNS reported that the sudden downpour led to an overflow of water into residential areas, damaging property. Fortunately, no loss of life or injuries have been reported so far. []
Power Losses Remain A Major Challenge For Jammu Kashmir As Distribution Losses Stay High: Centre
Govt says reforms under RDSS aimed at reducing losses and improving reliability of electricity supply
NC will continue its campaign until J&K gets statehood: CMs Advisor
Baramulla, Aug 03 : National Conference (NC) will continue its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood until the demand is fulfilled, said Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, Wani, per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said the recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi was the first step toward reminding the Centre of its commitment regarding statehood restoration. We went to Jantar Mantar to remind them that the promise made to us has not been fulfilled, Wani said. He said the sequence of events promised by the Centre included delimitation, elections, and restoration of statehood. While delimitation and Assembly elections have been completed, he said, statehood is still awaited. Wani said the entire party leadership, including legislators, participated in the protest and the matter would be discussed further by the leadership to decide the future course of action. This is not a matter of one day. Until we get our statehood back, we will continue our work and efforts, he said(KNO)
Textile Sector Employs Over 2.3 Lakh People In Jammu Kashmir, Exports Cross Rs 850 Crore In 2025-26
SRINAGAR: The textile and apparel sector in Jammu and Kashmir has provided employment to over 2.3 lakh people, while exports from the Union Territory crossed Rs 850 crore in the financial year 2025-26, the Ministry of Textiles informed the Rajya Sabha. In a written reply to an unstarred question by MP Gulam Ali, Minister of []
Over 1,000 pilgrims leave Jammu for Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir
JAMMU: The 26th batch of over 1,000 devotees left Jammu base camp on Monday for the annual Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir amid multi-tier security arrangements, officials said. Over 4.50 lakh pilgrims have visited the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir Himalayas since the commencement of the yatra on July 3. The []
Centre Reports Rs 193.49 Crore Financial Fraud in Jammu Kashmir in 202526
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 103 financial fraud cases involving Rs 193.49 crore in 2025-26, with banks reporting recovery of Rs 6.92 crore, according to data placed before the Lok Sabha on Monday. The figures, provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in response to Unstarred Question No. 2460, show that the number of []
Jammu Kashmir Records 5,908 Small Companies, 585 LLPs in Five Years: Centre
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded the registration of 5,908 small companies and 585 Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) over the last five financial years, while 1,231 startups were registered in the Union Territory between 2021 and 2025, according to data placed before the Lok Sabha on Monday. The figures were provided by Minister of State for []
