India Finishes Fourth with 85 Medals as Asian Games 2026 Conclude
SRINAGAR: The 2026 Asian Games concluded in Nagoya on Sunday, with India finishing fourth in the overall medal standings after securing 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. The continental multi-sport event, held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, featured competitions across 43 disciplines. The closing ceremony []
JKCA Announces 15-Member Squad for Vinoo Mankad Trophy
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has announced a 15-member squad for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-19 one-day tournament. Shiva Thakur has been named captain and wicketkeeper, while Mujtaba Mir is the other wicketkeeper in the squad. The squad comprises Rahil Younis, Akshay Sharma, Arjun Sharma, Manitvya Sharma, Shiva Thakur, Zaid Mufti, Mujtaba []
Srinagar-Jammu Highway: Authorities Issue Traffic Advisory for Commuters
SRINAGAR: Traffic Police have advised commuters to undertake travel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) during daytime hours and avoid night journeys between Ramban and Banihal due to the risk of landslides, shooting stones, movement of nomadic herds and ongoing construction work. The advisory, issued by Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, said slow traffic []
Dy CM Orders Probe into Quality of Two PMGSY Bridges in Samba
SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday ordered an inquiry into the quality of construction of two bridges being built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Nad and Sumb blocks of Samba district. During an inspection of the ongoing works, Choudhary reviewed the progress and construction quality of the two bridges []
BJP-Led Centre Degraded Historic Status of Jammu Kashmir: Ajay Sadhotra
SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Sunday accused the BJP-led Centre of degrading Jammu and Kashmirs status and depriving its people of political rights by not restoring full statehood. Addressing party workers near Nund Bub Colony, Lale Da Bagh, Lower Barnai, in Ward 67 of the Jammu North []
JKECC Seeks OPS Benefits for Employees Appointed Before 2010
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Employees Coordination Committee (JKECC) has urged the government to extend the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to employees appointed before 2010 but regularised after the New Pension Scheme came into effect. JKECC president Shah Fayaz, while speaking to the media, said several employees, including contractual teachers, Rehbar-e-Taleem (RET) []
JMC Launches Rs 66.52 Lakh Pond Restoration Project
SRINAGAR: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has launched a Rs 66.52 lakh project to restore a neglected pond in Sainik Colony, with the initiative aimed at improving water conservation and reviving a traditional water body in the city. Jammu South MLA Narinder Singh laid the foundation stone for the project at Sector-F, near the Railway []
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma Reviews Security Situation in South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Sunday visited a Rashtriya Rifles unit in south Kashmir and reviewed the prevailing security situation in the region. According to a post on the social media platform X, Sharma commended the troops for their professionalism and operational performance during the visit. The Army Commander stressed the []
NHAI Launches Clearance Operation on Jammu-Srinagar Highway
SRINAGAR:The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday launched clearance operations on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Kaw Morh in Udhampur after major landslides and mudslides disrupted traffic. The landslides blocked the up-tube lane towards Srinagar, halting vehicular movement on the affected stretch. To facilitate the movement of Srinagar-bound traffic during the restoration work, []
Teachers play key role in shaping future of society, nation: Sakeena Itoo
Srinagar, Oct 4 : Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Sunday said teachers are the cornerstone of the education system and play an indispensable role in shaping the future of society and the nation. She was addressing a one-day Mega Teachers Conference on Roles, Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKReTTF) at SCERT Bemina here. The conference was attended by a large number of teachers and senior officers of the School Education Department. Appreciating the contribution of teachers towards nation-building, Itoo particularly acknowledged the services of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers who have served in remote, far-flung and difficult areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She said the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme played an important role in extending education to areas where educational facilities were earlier inadequate or non-existent. The children educated in these schools have gone on to achieve their goals, and the credit for this transformation goes to our teachers, she said. Itoo said the government recognised the contribution of teachers and would continue to take steps to strengthen their dignity, professional standing and welfare. A teacher is not merely an employee of the Education Department; a teacher is the person who creates the future of our society, she said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir could not progress without respecting and empowering its teachers. The minister assured the teaching community that the genuine issues raised during the conference would be examined seriously and addressed within the applicable rules and procedures. Referring to the recent resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on issues concerning the teaching community, Itoo said it reflected the government's commitment towards teachers. She said she had personally taken up the matter after receiving representations from teachers and ensured that the issue was brought before the Assembly. The resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly was not an act of favour, it was an expression of our responsibility towards the teaching community, she said. On the demand for a comprehensive transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, Itoo said the draft policy was at an advanced stage. She said the draft had been placed in the public domain to invite suggestions from stakeholders and the suggestions received were being examined for incorporation wherever feasible. The minister also urged teachers and their representatives to ensure that all required service records and supporting documents were properly compiled and submitted to the concerned authorities to avoid delays in processing service-related cases. Itoo stressed that teachers' rights must go hand in hand with professional accountability and commitment towards students. Rights and responsibilities go together. While the Government remains committed to protecting the legitimate rights and dignity of teachers, I also expect every teacher to continue discharging his or her responsibility towards students with dedication, compassion and professionalism, she said. Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani also addressed the conference and appreciated the contribution of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers in strengthening the education system across Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the services of teachers working in challenging and far-flung areas and underscored their role in ensuring access to education for children in remote communities. On the occasion, the leadership of the Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum presented a memorandum to the minister highlighting various issues concerning the welfare and professional advancement of teachers. Representatives of the teaching community also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for the recent Assembly resolution concerning teachers' issues.(KNS) ,
NC govt diluting statehood mandate: Ruhullah Mehdi
SRINAGAR: (Oct 4) Estranged National Conference (NC) MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Sunday slammed his partys government in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly bringing the struggle for the peoples rights down to statehood, asserting that it was betrayal of the mandate. Speaking at the 5th Halla Bolle conclave here, Mehdi alleged that the []
2 labourers killed, another injured after tractor overturns in Baramulla
Baramulla, Oct 04 : Two labourers were killed while another sustained injuries after a tractor overturned during construction work in the Sangri Bypass area of Baramulla on Saturday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the trio was travelling on a tractor when it overturned near Sangri Bypass in Baramulla. He said that two labourers were killed in the incident while another sustained injuries. The deceased were identified as Mohd Raiq (32), son of Mohd Dawoud, a resident of Ramban Chandarkot, and Abbul Wahid (45), son of Mohd Mali Dohi, a resident of Jajar Kotli, Jammu. The official said that the injured labourer was identified as Imran Ahmad Dar a resident of Baramula, while further details are awaited and cognizance has been taken.(KNO)
Security Forces Conduct Searches in Rajouri, Udhampur
SRINAGAR: Security forces launched search operations in Rajouri and Udhampur districts on Sunday following reports of suspected militant movement, officials said. A search operation was underway in Chigli Keya village in Udhampur district, where security personnel were conducting searches following the reported movement, officials said. The operations are aimed at tracing the suspected militants and []
Jammu Railway Division Detects 6,617 Ticketing Violations, Recovers Rs 48.88 Lakh
SRINAGAR: Northern Railways Jammu Division detected 6,617 cases during an intensive ticket-checking drive in September 2026, generating Rs 48.88 lakh in railway revenue, according to a statement issued by Northern Railway. The checking drive was conducted across stations in the division, including Jammu Tawi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, to curb ticketless and irregular []
Pakistani Prisoner Dies By Suspected Suicide In Jammu Jail
Jammu, Oct 4: A 36-year-old Pakistani undertrial prisoner died of suspected suicide at the high-security Central Jail here on Sunday, officials said. Shahid Imran, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistans Punjab province, was arrested along the International Border in the Makwal sector of Jammu in October 2024 and lodged in Kot Bhalwal jail, they [] The post Pakistani Prisoner Dies By Suspected Suicide In Jammu Jail appeared first on Northlines .
Udhampur-Bariote Road: PMGSY Terminates Contract, Orders Rs 4.326 Crore Recovery
SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, PMGSY, Jammu, has terminated the contract of a joint venture for the Kainthgali Block boundary Udhampur-Bariote (Part-I) road after the contractors allegedly failed to undertake required construction and routine maintenance work despite repeated notices, and ordered recovery of Rs 4.326 crore. The action was taken against M/s B&L Project Construction Pvt. []
Netanyahu Invites PM Modi, Captain Smit Machchhar To Israel Independence Day Event
New Delhi, Oct 4: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to light the ceremonial flame at Israels upcoming Independence Day celebrations. During a telephone conversation with Captain Machchhar, Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot for his bravery in foiling a mid-air attack and described him [] The post Netanyahu Invites PM Modi, Captain Smit Machchhar To Israel Independence Day Event appeared first on Northlines .
EOW Kashmir Chargesheets Man In Job, Land Fraud Cases
Srinagar, Oct 4: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed two separate chargesheets against a Kupwara resident accused of cheating, impersonation, forgery and fraudulently collecting money from people by promising government jobs and land allotments. The chargesheets against Abdul Majeed Mir, son of Abdul Rahim Mir, resident of Kalaroos Lishtiyal, [] The post EOW Kashmir Chargesheets Man In Job, Land Fraud Cases appeared first on Northlines .
Jammu Kashmir Govt Working on Translator Facility for Kashmiri Language in Assembly: Speaker
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has said the government is working on a mechanism to facilitate the use of Kashmiri language in the House, admitting that the absence of translators is proving to be a hurdle for legislators wishing to speak in their mother tongue. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather made []
EWS certificate imbalance must be seriously looked into: Speaker
Sopore Oct 04 : Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Sunday said the alleged regional imbalance in the issuance of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates must be seriously examined to ensure that no section of society faces injustice. Speaking to reporters in Sopore as per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), Rather said he had directed the government to examine the issue and identify areas where there was scope for improvement. Yes, I have directed the government to examine the same wherever there is scope of improvement to avoid injustice to any section of society, Rather said He said the matter should be seriously looked into so that no section of society suffers any injustice. It is noteworthy that the issue was raised during the Autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, when Peoples Conference president and MLA Sajad Gani Lone moved a Calling Attention Motion on the alleged regional imbalance in the issuance of EWS certificates. Lone had drawn the attention of the House towards disparities in the issuance of EWS certificates across regions and sought corrective measures to ensure equitable access to the benefits available under the EWS category(KNO)
Army Personnel Held With Banned Drugs At Srinagar Airport
Srinagar, Oct 4: Security forces apprehended an Army personnel at the drop gate of Srinagar International Airport after banned substances, including 213 grams of poppy straw and 69 grams of a cannabis-like substance, were recovered from his baggage, officials said on Sunday. The Army personnel was apprehended by police and CRPF personnel on Saturday following [] The post Army Personnel Held With Banned Drugs At Srinagar Airport appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab Police Bust Arms Network, Recover AK-47, Two Grenades
Chandigarh, Oct 4: Punjab Police has dismantled an illegal arms and explosives supply network in Amritsar with the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle, two hand grenades, its magazine and live cartridges from an accused, a senior police officer said on Sunday. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the recovery was made by Amritsar [] The post Punjab Police Bust Arms Network, Recover AK-47, Two Grenades appeared first on Northlines .
Jammu Kashmir Collapse Against Rest of India, Lose Irani Cup by 167 Runs
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir were bowled out for 111 in their second innings as Rest of India secured a 167-run victory in the Irani Cup at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium on Sunday, ending the match in three-and-a-half days. Chasing 279, J&K collapsed after reaching 54 without loss, losing all 10 wickets for 57 runs. They lost []
Jammu Kashmir Sees 15.45 Lakh Domestic Tourist Arrivals, 16,020 Foreign Visitors
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Enforcement Department received 241 complaints from tourists between January 1 and October 1 this year, of which 140 have been disposed of while 101 remain pending. According to data, the department imposed fines amounting to Rs 16,95,700 on erring service providers during the period and facilitated refunds worth Rs []
AMU protests: Students block 4 entry gates, proctor says
ALIGARH (UP): (Oct 4) Tensions escalated at Aligarh Muslim University after protesting students blocked all four entry gates to the campus amid an agitation over holding students union elections, officials said. The situation had turned tense on Saturday evening after protesters allegedly tried to enter the proctors office following reports that police had []
Northern Army Commander Reviews Security Situation in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Saturday reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness in the Kashmir Valley. In a post on X, the Armys Northern Command said Lt Gen Sharma reiterated the need for enhanced inter-agency synergy, real-time intelligence sharing and integrated coordination to strengthen operational readiness, facilitate rapid response []
Army Personnel Arrested at Srinagar Airport With Suspected Contraband
SRINAGAR: Security forces arrested an Army personnel at the drop gate of Srinagar International Airport after suspected contraband was recovered from his baggage, media reports said on Sunday. The personnel was apprehended by police and CRPF personnel on Saturday during a checking operation, following the recovery of 213 grams of poppy straw and 69 grams []
3 women journalists allege sexual harassment by police, Crime Branch launches probe
NEW DELHI: (Oct 4) Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment by police personnel during a protest in Jantar Mantar on October 3, prompting the Delhi Police to transfer their complaints to the Crime Branch for an impartial enquiry, an officer said on Sunday. The complaints were received by the New Delhi district police []
EOW Kashmir Tightens Noose Around Habitual Offender, Files Two Chargesheets
EOW KASHMIR FILES TWO CHARGESHEETS AGAINST HABITUAL OFFENDER IN FRAUD AND FORGERY CASES The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed two chargesheets before the Honble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against Abdul Majeed Mir S/o Abdul Rahim Mir R/o Kalaroos Lishtiyal, Kupwara, in connection with separate cases involving []
Man falls to death from Gangroo-Ramsoo flyover amid traffic jam
Ramban, Oct 04 : A man died after falling through a gap in the Gangroo-Ramsoo flyover while attempting to cross to the other side amid a heavy traffic jam in the area late Saturday night, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the man got down from his vehicle and attempted to cross to the other side of the Gangroo-Ramsoo flyover when he fell through a gap in the middle of the structure and died on the spot. He said a heavy traffic jam had developed in the Gangroo and Hingni areas following a truck breakdown. The deceased was shifted to a hospital for medico-legal formalities, where he was later identified as Hatish Sharma, a resident of Udhampur. Meanwhile, a probe has been initiated and an investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death.(KNO)
GMC Srinagar Orders Four Surprise Night Inspections Every Month
SRINAGAR: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has directed its associated hospitals to conduct four surprise night inspections every month to assess emergency preparedness and identify deficiencies affecting patient care during evening and night hours. The inspections will be carried out between 8 pm and 7 am, with the exact timing kept confidential and varied to []
EOW Kashmir Chargesheets Man Over Alleged Cheating, Forgery in Job Fraud Cases
SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu Kashmir has filed two separate chargesheets against a Kupwara resident in cases involving alleged cheating, impersonation, forgery and fraudulent collection of money from people seeking government and other jobs. The chargesheets against Abdul Majeed Mir, son of Abdul Rahim Mir of Kalaroos Lishtiyal, Kupwara, []
by Shyma Rauf A scenic Budgam valley steeped in Habba Khatoons legend now battles a hydropower project and reckless off-roading, damaging its meadows Forty kilometres south-west of Srinagar lies the picturesque village of Brenwar. Located deep inside in district Budgam, the valley is surrounded by snow-capped Pir Panjal mountains, the sound of water streams fills []
ADDC Anantnag reviews road safety measures
Anantnag, Oct 3: Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Anantnag, Vikas Ahlawat, on Saturday chaired a meeting of District Road Safety Committee to review the status of road safety measures being implemented across the district and assess the progress made by various concerned agencies towards reducing road accidents. The meeting also reviewed the status of compensation and relief being provided to road accident victims and their families, besides deliberating upon preventive and engineering measures required to enhance road safety. The meeting was attended by the SE R&B (Member Secretary), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), ARTO, representatives of NHAI, NHIDCL, Beacon, DySP Traffic, Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Anantnag and other officers and representatives of departments and agencies associated with road safety planning and implementation. At the outset, SE R&B, Syed Ishfaq Ahmad gave a detailed presentation on the decisions taken during the previous meeting of the District Road Safety Committee and the progress achieved on various directions. The Committee was informed about the preventive measures undertaken by the concerned agencies, including identification of accident-prone black spots, implementation of remedial measures, regular maintenance and strengthening of vulnerable road stretches, improvement and standardisation of road signage and installation of reflectors. The meeting was also apprised of the technical inspection of vehicles being undertaken to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with prescribed safety standards. The Committee held detailed discussions on the black spots identified through the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) platform. The concerned agencies briefed the chair about the remedial measures already undertaken as well as those proposed at the identified black spots. The ADDC directed the constituted teams to conduct physical inspections of all identified hotspots, black spots and vulnerable locations and undertake a detailed assessment of the causes contributing to accidents at these places. He called for location-specific remedial measures, particularly engineering interventions, to minimise the risk of accidents and improve the safety of road users. The meeting was further informed that 24 PM RAHAT-designated hospitals are presently available in the district to provide timely medical care and emergency support to road accident victims. The Committee also reviewed the analysis of accident data available through the iRAD platform, identification of remaining black spots and the measures required for their rectification. Detailed deliberations were also held on ensuring effective implementation of the PM Sadak Suraksha (Setu/Sehat) financial assistance scheme in the district. Emphasising the need for timely assistance to accident victims and affected families, the ADDC directed the concerned departments to expedite the identification of eligible beneficiaries and ensure prompt processing and disbursement of claims under applicable relief and compensation schemes. He stressed the need to streamline documentation and verification procedures while maintaining transparency and efficiency. The ADDC further directed the concerned agencies to undertake a comprehensive analytical review of road accident data to identify recurring causes, vulnerable locations and areas requiring targeted engineering and enforcement interventions. He called for in-depth examination of each identified black spot and formulation of permanent engineering solutions aimed at preventing serious and fatal accidents. The Executive Officers of the Municipal Councils were directed to take effective measures for the removal of encroachments along roads and footpaths, ensuring safe and unobstructed movement of pedestrians and commuters. They were also asked to maintain cleanliness and usability of footpaths and take necessary measures to regulate roadside parking, particularly at busy and accident-prone locations. The ADDC stressed that road safety requires coordinated efforts among all concerned departments and agencies and called for regular monitoring of the measures being implemented, with a focus on timely corrective action and sustained improvement in road safety standards across the district.
GMC Srinagar pays tribute to Prof. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat
Srinagar, Oct 3: The Postgraduate Department of Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar organized a condolence meeting in Department Seminar Room to pay rich tributes to Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Yousuf Bhat former Professor and Head Department of Medicine GMC Srinagar. His demise has left a profound sense of loss among colleagues, students and the medical fraternity. Prof Bhat had a long association with GMC Srinagar, he joined GMC Srinagar in 1960 as undergraduate medical student and took retirement as Prof and Head of internal medicine. The meeting was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan, Principal/ Dean GMC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Ismail, Head of the Department of Medicine, Heads of Departments, senior faculty members, Senior Residents, postgraduate students and other staff of the Department of Medicine. Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan expressed deep sorrow over the passing of one of the institution's most respected academicians and clinicians. She said that Prof Bhats distinguished contributions to Medicine, unwavering commitment to teaching and patient care will remain an enduring part of the intuitional legacy at Government Medical College Srinagar. Speaking on the occasion, Head of the Department of Medicine, described Prof. Bhat as an astute physician, accomplished academician, dedicated teacher, and compassionate human being. He said that Prof. Bhat possessed a remarkable ability to simplify complex clinical concepts and inspire students to develop sound clinical reasoning and ethical medical practice. His disciplined and rational approach to patient care set a benchmark for generations of medical professionals. He further highlighted Prof. Bhat's invaluable contributions to the Department of Medicine and to medical education, particularly in the fields of Emergency Medicine and Hypertension, which will continue to inspire future generations of doctors. Heads of Departments and faculty members, including Prof. (Dr.) Iqbal Saleem, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Kumar Koul, Prof. (Dr.) Ishrat Hussain Dar, Prof. (Dr.) Omar Farooq, Prof. (Dr.) Muzaffar Maqbool Rather, Prof. (Dr.) Arshad Hussain, Prof. (Dr.) Asifa Nazir, Prof. (Dr.) Lateef Ahmad Wani, Prof. (Dr.) Mehnaaz Sultan Khuroo, Prof. (Dr.) Salma Bhat, Prof. (Dr.) Arsalan F. Rashid, Prof. (Dr.) Bashir Ahmad Shah, Dr. Irfan Ali, Dr. Sobia Nisar, Dr. Javaid Ahmad Chachoo, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Pala, Dr. Aadil Hassan Sidiquee, and other faculty members fondly recalled Prof. Bhat's exceptional clinical expertise, humility, integrity and unwavering dedication to his students and patients. They observed that his legacy would continue to live on through the countless doctors he mentored and the values he instilled during his distinguished career. The Department of Medicine expressed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. The Department also prayed for strength, patience and fortitude for the family to bear this irreparable loss.
KU DSW hosts series of programmes to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti
Srinagar, Oct 3: The Department of Students Welfare (DSW), University of Kashmir, organised a series of programmes to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti 2026, celebrating the life, ideals and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through art, creativity, dialogue and social responsibility. The programme was presided over by Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, as the Chief Guest, while Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal and Controller of Examinations Prof. Majid Zaman Baba were the Guests of Honour. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nilofer highlighted the continued relevance of Mahatma Gandhis philosophy in contemporary society. She said that Gandhis ideals of truth, non-violence, peace and service remain important for guiding young people towards responsible citizenship. The Vice Chancellor also connected Gandhian philosophy with the growing concern of drug addiction among young people, observing that when young lives are destroyed by addiction, it amounts to a form of violence against their own lives. She stressed the need for collective efforts to protect and guide the younger generation towards healthy, creative and productive pursuits. The VC appreciated the Department of Students Welfare for using creative and participatory activities to engage students with Gandhian thought. Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal said that Gandhis message of truth, simplicity, compassion and peaceful social change continues to offer valuable lessons for society. He emphasised that students, as future citizens and leaders, have an important role in translating these values into action in their daily lives. Controller of Examinations Prof. Majid Zaman Baba appreciated the participation of students and said that such programmes provide young people an opportunity to express their understanding of Gandhian philosophy through art, speech and creative expression. The programme featured a range of activities, including a Painting Competition on the theme Gandhian Values in Contemporary Society, a Poster Making Competition on Truth, Non-Violence and Peace, and a Caricature-making activity portraying Mahatma Gandhi. A Speech Competition was also organised on the topic Gandhian Philosophy and Its Relevance in the Contemporary World, providing students a platform to reflect on the continuing relevance of Gandhis ideas. Students from 22 institutions of vally participated in the competition. A special exhibition of artworks based on Gandhian philosophy was also organised, showcasing the creative expressions of students and young artists. Earlier, the Dean Students Welfare welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, officers and students and highlighted the objective of organising the celebrations through creative and socially relevant activities. The programme was coordinated and curated by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, University of Kashmir, who also presented the vote of thanks. A large number of students, faculty members and officers of the University attended the programme. The event was organised by the Department of Students Welfare in association with the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, University of Kashmir.
KMCH Sempora observes World Rabies Day
Srinagar, Oct 3: Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Saturday observed World Rabies Day with an awareness and academic programme organised by its Department of Community Medicine, highlighting the importance of timely prevention, vaccination and treatment of rabies. The programme was held under the supervision and guidance of Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, and Executive Director, Insha Qazi. Principal, KMC, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan, Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Mubashir, heads of various departments, faculty members, doctors and other healthcare professionals attended the event. Principal Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan emphasised that rabies is a preventable but fatal disease, stressing the need for greater public awareness, responsible animal management and prompt medical care following animal bites. Prof. Dr Shahnaz Nabi, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, involving the healthcare, veterinary and community sectors, to achieve rabies elimination. Dr Sheikh Mohd Saleem, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, said rabies leaves no second chance once symptoms appear, adding that every rabies-related death is preventable through timely intervention. He stressed that immediate wound washing, timely vaccination and appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis can save lives. The programme featured scientific presentations by Dr Muzamil Nazir, Associate Professor, and Dr Muzaffar Hussain, Assistant Professor, who discussed key aspects of rabies prevention and management. An interactive rabies quiz, conducted by Dr Saima Nazir, Assistant Professor, engaged participants in practical scenarios related to rabies prevention and treatment. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Syed Aadil, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, who acknowledged the contributions of the college administration, faculty members and participants in making the event meaningful. The programme concluded with a public health message: Dont wait after a bite. Wash the wound, seek medical care and complete vaccination. Rabies is preventable, and every life matters.
Rambagh-Natipora: Can a Wider Road Finally Give Srinagar Back Its Time?
by Shaista Amin Chronic congestion on the Rambagh-Natipora corridor highlights the need for widening that goes beyond asphalt, improving safety, emergency access, public transport, drainage and Srinagars future mobility. For many people in Srinagar, the Rambagh-Natipora road is just another busy stretch of the city. For me, it is a road I have grown up []
Justice Sanjeev Kumar visits Child Care Institutions Palaash and Pareesha at Nishat, Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 3: Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority on Saturday visited Palaash (Children Home for Boys) and Pareesha (Children Home for Girls) at Nishat, here to take stock of the facilities being provided to the children in these Homes. On his arrival at Pareesha, Justice Sanjeev Kumar was accorded warm welcome by the District Child Protection officer Srinagar, CWC Srinagar Chairperson, Superintendent, Pareesha and staff of the homes. Justice Sanjeev Kumar interacted with children staying there and enquired about their studies and other activities of interest. The DCPO, Superintendent Pareesha informed Justice Sanjeev Kumar about the various upgraded facilities provided at Pareesha like improved Computer room, open gym, and facility of evening Tutor. The Home for Boys Palash situated adjoining to Pareesha was also inspected where boys of different age groups were present. Similar facilities were available in the said Home. During an interaction with the children both at Palaash and Pareesha, Justice Sanjeev Kumar was informed that they are being provided with nutritious and satisfactory meals, educational and health facilities. They further informed that they are being provided with books as well as sports equipment. Justice Sanjeev Kumar gave some onspot directions to the DCPO, Superintendent of these Home to provide all required facilities to the children in Home and to involve IMHANS for mental health psycho social camps and for referrals in case of any severity. Thereafter, Justice Sanjeev Kumar visited Observation Home Harwan, Srinagar and inspected the facilities being provided to the inmates. While interacting with inmates of the Home, Justice Sanjeev Kumar issued necessary directions to the management for ensuring that the facilities are maintained and the needs of the inmates are duly attended to. Justice Sanjeev Kumar appreciated the efforts of the Social Welfare Department in ensuring satisfactory services and care for children, while maintaining cleanliness and the required standards of living in the child-care institutions. He directed the authorities to organize district and UT-level programmes on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with the active involvement of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), District Social Welfare Offices, Department of Education and relevant stakeholders. Justice Sanjeev Kumar further emphasized leveraging the technical expertise and long-standing collaboration of UNICEF with the J&K Legal Services Authority (JKLSA) to strengthen awareness, prevention, child-friendly responses, and effective implementation of the POCSO framework across the Union Territory. This visit underscored the commitment of the J&K Legal Services Authority to the welfare of children in institutional care, ensuring they receive the necessary support and opportunities for their development.
SRINAGAR: Nearly two-thirds of patients newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were found to have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with the condition affecting women more frequently than men, according to a study by a team of doctors from Kashmir. The study found MASLD in 64 per cent of 272 patients examined, []
Global experts to discuss AI, robotics in agri at SKUAST-K
Srinagar, Oct 3: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) will host the 60th Annual Diamond Jubilee Convention of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), alongside an international symposium on Smart Farming and Gen-Z Agriculture, from October 5 to 7, 2026, at its Shalimar campus. Jointly organised by SKUAST-K and ISAE, New Delhi, the three-day international event will focus on the convention theme, Women-Led Engineering Innovations in Smart Farming, and the symposium theme, AI & Robotics for Gen-Z Farming. It will bring together scientists, innovators, policymakers and technocrats from India and abroad to deliberate on emerging technologies and innovations in agricultural engineering. The selection of SKUAST-K as the venue highlights the universitys growing focus on digital and precision agriculture. Ranked the third-best State Agricultural University in India, SKUAST-K has introduced several technology-driven initiatives, including Indias first dedicated Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Agriculture, the countrys first BTech programme in AI in Agriculture in collaboration with IIT Mandi, a state-of-the-art FabLab, a 20,000-square-foot Design and Manufacturing Centre, and a 95-hectare IoT-based automated fertigation network. Speaking ahead of the convention, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, underscored the role of emerging technologies in transforming agriculture. The integration of frontier technologies, from artificial intelligence and autonomous robotics to high-throughput phenotyping, is no longer a theoretical exercise; it is an urgent imperative for climate-resilient and sustainable food production, Prof. Ganai said. Hosting the Diamond Jubilee Convention of ISAE at SKUAST-K is a testament to our universitys transformation into an epicentre of digital and precision farming. Our objective is to bridge global technological breakthroughs with grassroots farming realities, demonstrating how empowered youth and women can lead this change to build a sustainable, technology-driven bio-economy for Jammu and Kashmir and the country, he added. Highlighting the technical scope and collaborative objectives of the event, Prof. Rohitashw Kumar, Associate Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (CoAET), SKUAST-K, and Event Convener, said the convention would provide a platform for meaningful exchange between researchers, industry representatives and students. By bringing together over six decades of ISAEs legacy with cutting-edge domains like drone swarms, digital twins, and sensor-based quality evaluation, we are fostering direct dialogue between global researchers, industry leaders, and our students, he said. Dr Mudasir Ali, Head, Division of Renewable Energy Engineering, SKUAST-K, and Organising Secretary, said the event would help develop practical approaches to emerging challenges in agriculture. We are fully prepared to deliver an intellectually rigorous convention that outlines actionable roadmaps for Gen-Z agriculture, he said. The event is being organised under the guidance of a national and international advisory panel comprising experts from India, the United States, Canada and Australia. The programme will include keynote lectures, technical sessions, industry exhibitions, academic presentations and visits showcasing the agro-ecological diversity of the Kashmir Valley.
Magisterial Inquiry Ordered into Samba Road Accident Death
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the road accident that claimed the life of Chetan Tatial, son of Anchal Dass, at Diani in Samba district on September 29. Tatial, a resident of Jatwal village in Ghagwal tehsil, died in the road traffic accident at around 6:30 pm, according to []
CS, MHA review centrally sponsored schemes in J
Call for outcome-oriented approach, timely delivery, optimal resource use SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Union Ministry of Home Affairs Additional Secretary Nitesh Vyas on Saturday jointly chaired a high-level meeting at SKICC to review Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and ongoing development projects across Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Secretary Dulloo called for a focused, outcome-oriented []
SKUAST-K gears up for global agriculture convention
SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) will host the 60th Annual Diamond Jubilee Convention of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), alongside an international symposium on Smart Farming and Gen-Z Agriculture, from October 5 to 7, 2026, at its Shalimar campus. Jointly organised by SKUAST-K and ISAE, New Delhi, []
NIT Sgr hosts expert talk on advanced fibre-reinforced polymer composites
Director calls for greater exposure to emerging technologies, research SRINAGAR: The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, in association with Dhaatu MitraThe Metallurgy Club, organised an expert talk on Advanced Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Structural Applications. The session was delivered by Dr. R. T. Durai Prabhakaran, Professor and []
Satish Sharma undertakes extensive development tour of Chhamb
Inaugurates, lays foundation stones for major works worth more than 3 cr CHHAMB: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma on Saturday undertook an extensive tour of the Chhamb Assembly Constituency, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for a series of []
ADDC Anantnag directs agencies to take remedial action at accident-prone spots
ANANTNAG: Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Anantnag, Vikas Ahlawat, on Saturday chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee to review the status of road safety measures being implemented across the district and assess the progress made by various concerned agencies towards reducing road accidents. The meeting also reviewed the status of compensation and []
Protests in Delhi, Mumbai demanding CEC
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: It was a day of protests on Gandhi Jayanti demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as opposition parties and student organisations took to the streets in Delhi while hundreds of people gathered at Mumbais Shivaji Park at the call of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) with more than 700 protesters []
Flydubai pilot Machchhar tells PM Modi how he opened cockpit door during attack
NEW DELHI: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he managed to open the cockpit door despite being seriously injured, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Machchhar, who is undergoing treatment at a []
2029 Lok Sabha polls will be a different story: Salman Khurshid
Mamata Banerjee sidesteps Rahul Gandhi PM face poser NEW DELHI: The burgeoning protests against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar seem to have put a spring in the step of the national Opposition. The INDIA bloc is coming together in a remarkable manner following Wednesdays meeting in New Delhi and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls will []
Jammu Kashmir Police Warns Tourists Against Fraudulent Travel Offers
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police has urged tourists to exercise caution while making travel bookings, warning them against fraudulent offers, suspicious links and unverified individuals. In its travel safety advisory, the police advised tourists to make bookings only through official websites and trusted sources and to verify offers before making payments. Tourists have also been []
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Touches Jay Shah's Feet After Winning Asiad Gold, Moment Wins Internet. Watch
15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi paid respect to ICC chairman Jay Shah after India's victory over Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final.
Megastar Chiranjeevi has reacted to the AI-morphed video featuring Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor from their popular song 'Chuttamalle' from Devara: Part 1. The actor expressed disappointment over the misuse of artificial intelligence, saying he...
BJP leader Pravin Darekar calls Citizens for Justice and Peace protest in Mumbai a failure
The News Mill
Jay Clayton to lead Trump's 'Super Intelligence Force' on AI risks
Jay Clayton to lead Trump's 'Super Intelligence Force' on AI risks
Annual Report 2025-26 Part 2 : J&K Bank sets Rs 5 lakh crore business target by FY 2029-30
Srinagar, Oct 03: Jammu & Kashmir Bank has set an ambitious long-term roadmap to build a stronger, more resilient and future-ready institution, targeting a Rs 5 lakh crore business milestone and net profit of more than Rs 5,000 crore by financial year 2029-30. The targets form the centrepiece of the banks business strategy outlined in its Integrated Annual Report 2025-26, which was released during the Annual General Meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited on September 22. The bank has also set an objective of taking business per employee to Rs 40 crore by FY 2029-30, up from Rs 23.64 crore in FY 2025-26, signalling a sharp focus on productivity, operational efficiency and technology-driven banking. Articulating its long-term vision, the bank said it was aiming to create an institution capable of navigating changing economic conditions while sustaining growth and delivering enduring value to its stakeholders. Our vision for FY 2029-30 is to build a stronger, more resilient and future-ready institution, the bank said in its annual report, stressing that the roadmap would be driven by sustainable growth, disciplined execution, customer-centric innovation and technology-led transformation. The strategy comes as the bank seeks to strengthen its core franchise while expanding into new growth opportunities and reinforcing operational resilience. According to the report, the business strategy is anchored around four broad pillarssustainable growth, prudent risk management, superior customer experience and technology-led transformation. The bank plans to pursue a balanced growth model by strengthening its liability franchise, accelerating the expansion of quality credit and improving operational efficiency. At the same time, the lender has reiterated its developmental role in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, positioning financial inclusion and economic development alongside commercial growth. The Rs 5 lakh crore business target represents a significant scale-up ambition for the bank, with the strategy seeking to combine growth in deposits and advances with tighter risk controls and improved productivity. The annual report also places considerable emphasis on technology as a key enabler of the banks future growth. Customer-centric innovation and digital transformation are expected to support improved service delivery, operational efficiency and the banks ability to compete in an increasingly technology-driven financial sector. The bank said its approach would remain focused on disciplined execution rather than growth at any cost, with prudent risk management forming a central component of the strategy. The Rs 5,000 crore-plus net profit target by FY 2029-30 also reflects the banks ambition to translate expansion in its business franchise into stronger earnings and greater value for shareholders. The productivity target of Rs 40 crore business per employee, compared with Rs 23.64 crore in FY 2025-26, further underlines the emphasis on efficiency. The objective will require the bank to leverage technology, streamline processes and improve employee productivity as its business expands. The annual report said the overall strategy was designed not only to strengthen the banks financial position but also to create long-term value for stakeholders while supporting inclusive economic development in the markets it serves. With Jammu & Kashmir Bank occupying a distinctive position in the regional economy, the FY 2029-30 roadmap places the institution at a critical juncturebalancing its traditional franchise and developmental responsibilities with the need to modernise, scale up and build greater resilience. The bank said it remained committed to strengthening its core business, pursuing quality growth and building capabilities that would allow it to remain future-ready in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
Gujarat CM sanctions Rs 99.5 lakh for Sabarkantha tribal village road
The News Mill
Wildlife Week 2026 : Dont post exact locations of migratory birds on social media
Srinagar, Oct 03: Ahead of the seasonal arrival of migratory birds in Valleys wetlands, the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department has advised birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and visitors against sharing exact locations, GPS coordinates or other identifiable details of bird congregations on social media. The advisory was issued by the Office of the Range Officer, Lakes Range Hokersar, Wetlands Division, Srinagar, in view of the expected arrival of large numbers of migratory birds in the regions wetlands. The department said responsible wildlife photography and social-media posts can play an important role in creating awareness about Kashmirs rich avian diversity and highlighting the ecological significance of its wetlands. However, it cautioned that disclosure of precise locations of bird congregations and sensitive habitats could expose them to poachers, hunters and others engaged in illegal wildlife activities. Kashmirs network of wetlands provides vital feeding and resting grounds for migratory birds during their seasonal movements. Large congregations of birds are expected in the wetlands during the coming season. The department urged wildlife enthusiasts and visitors to exercise caution while documenting sightings and sharing photographs online. It particularly advised against posting photographs or accompanying information that could reveal the precise location of large bird gatherings or other sensitive habitats. The advisory comes during Wildlife Week, observed from October 2 to 8, which seeks to promote awareness about wildlife conservation and the protection of natural habitats, including Kashmirs wetlands and their seasonal migratory bird populations.
Britain scraps heavily criticised plans to curb jury trials after backlash
Britain will scrap plans to remove the historic right to trial by jury for defendants in less serious criminal cases, the government announced on Sunday, in response to sustained criticism of the proposals by many lawyers and politicians. The decision by Andy Burnham, who became prime minister
Ministers drop plans to cut jury trials in England and Wales after outcry
BJP hits back at Kharge over 'illegal' remark
Centre plans new hydropower projects in J&K
Srinagar, Oct 03: The Government of India (GoI) is planning to take up new hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, with discussions currently underway on the proposed Sawalkote project, Secretary, Union Ministry of Power, Pankaj Agarwal, said on Saturday. Talking to reporters here, Agarwal said the work was already progressing on major hydropower projects in J&K, including Rattle, Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar, while the Centre was also looking at taking up additional projects in the Union Territory. At present, discussions are underway regarding Sawalkote. Surely, we intend to take up work on this project soon as well, he said. Replying to a query on new projects to end power paucity, Agarwal said the Centre was developing several projects on the Chenab in J&K through various arrangements, including the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited, and was receiving full cooperation from the UT administration. He said the hydropower projects being developed in J&K would not only cater to local electricity demand but also contribute towards meeting the power requirements of other parts of the country. The Power Secretary was in Srinagar to review developments in the power sector in J&K, including projects being implemented under the Centre's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. On the rooftop solar scheme, Agarwal said J&K had achieved its first milestone of 100 MW under PM Surya Ghar and hoped that the programme would gain momentum in the Union Territory. Initially, it takes some time to build momentum. Once the momentum builds up, it will take off, he said, adding that around 50 lakh people across the country had so far joined the scheme. He said the subsidy disbursement under the scheme was portal-driven and had been streamlined, with the Central subsidy flowing directly to beneficiaries. He added that the possibility of streamlining the UT's top-up subsidy would also be discussed with the Chief Secretary.
Valley sees 28% drop in road accidents, 35% decline in fatalities
Srinagar, Oct 03: Kashmir Valley has recorded a sharp decline in both road accidents and fatalities in 2026, with mishaps falling by 27.7 per cent and deaths by 35.26 per cent till September 30 compared to the same period last year. According to official details available with Rising Kashmir, the Valley recorded 1,495 accidents till September 30, 2026, compared to 2,067 in the corresponding period of 2025. In 2025, of the total 2,067 accidents, 312 people lost their lives, while 482 people sustained injuries during the same period. In 2026, the figures show a decline of 35.26 per cent in fatalities, with 202 people losing their lives, while injuries also witnessed a decline of 32 per cent, with a total of 328 injuries reported till September 30. According to these figures, a total of 514 people have lost their lives in 3,562 accidents from January 2025 till September 2026. According to the data, Traffic Police Kashmir has stated that overspeeding is one of the major causes of fatal accidents. Other reasons include rash and negligent driving (sudden manoeuvres and violation of traffic rules), dangerous overtaking (especially on curves, narrow roads and hill stretches), poor road engineering (black spots, sharp curves, inadequate signage and road protection) and drunk/impaired driving (reduced judgement, reaction time and vehicle control). Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic, Kashmir, Haseeb-ur-Rehman, told Rising Kashmir that the number of road accidents, especially along the highways, has declined as a number of measures have been taken to ensure there is no norm violation. I have personally taken up the matter of erecting sign boards of speed limits with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), following which the NHAI erected speed-limit boards from Qazigund to all the highways across Kashmir, he said. He appealed to people to follow the speed limit signboards. The people should remain cautious, and anyone found violating the sign board directions will face hefty fines, he said.
Kashmir gets first machine-sown direct-seeded rice crop
First Time in Kashmir: SKUAST-K Demonstrates Mechanised Direct-Seeded Rice at Khudwani Khudwani (Kulgam), Oct 03: For the first time in the Valley, rice has been sown by machine straight into the main field, skipping the nursery, the puddling and the transplanting that have defined paddy cultivation in Kashmir for generations. At the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), SKUAST-Kashmir, in Khudwani, scientists this season demonstrated mechanised Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) over one hectare, with half the plot under DSR and the other half under conventional puddled transplanted rice, grown side by side under identical conditions for direct comparison. Dr Tasneem Mubarak, the project's Principal Investigator, said the demonstration marked a historic first for the Valley, where direct-seeded rice, known locally as Votur, was sown through a machine for the first time. The technique is not entirely new to Kashmir, Dr Mubarak told Rising Kashmir. Before the Green Revolution, farmers in the Valley practised a form of direct sowing they called 'Vothur', broadcasting pre-germinated seed by hand across the field. But the method came with serious drawbacks. The biggest problem farmers faced was weeds, he said, explaining that without proper tilling and a lack of novel herbicides, weeds overran the fields. Since sowing was done by hand rather than with any precision method, the crop grew patchy in some places and too dense in others, with birds also damaging the broadcast seed. There was no suitable herbicide at the time that could control every category of weed, which meant farmers had to weed the fields repeatedly through the season by hand, in addition to thinning the crop where it grew too dense, Dr Mubarak said, describing it as a laborious form of farming that consumed large amounts of human labour. By the 1960s, as the Green Revolution reached Kashmir, farmers shifted almost entirely to transplanted rice, which allowed better control over plant population and made it easier to manage weeds through proper tillage, standing water and herbicide application. Direct seeding fell out of use, Dr Mubarak said, ot because it was a flawed idea, but because the tools needed to make it work well simply did not exist at the time. He said farmers lacked a suitable variety with the right potential, and precision sowing methods were not available either, adding that weed management and, more recently, shrinking water resources, remained the other major gaps. The machine used at Khudwani sows seed at an exact, adjustable spacing, anywhere from 10 centimetres to 25 centimetres apart depending on the variety and the field, while placing fertiliser directly beneath the seed in the same pass. The spacing can be modified in the machine according to the situation, the variety and the location, which is why the method is called precision sowing, Dr Mubarak said. Because the method eliminates nursery-raising, puddling and transplanting entirelyoperations that each consume significant water, time and manual labourthe savings compound quickly. Thirty-five to forty per cent of water is saved through the technique in general, Dr Mubarak said, adding that this season, thanks to evenly distributed rainfall, the demonstration plot saved as much as 50 per cent of the water a conventional transplanted crop would have needed. He said eliminating the nursery raising, puddling and transplanting alone cuts labour requirements by roughly 40 to 45 per cent, and once the crop is harvested and threshed mechanically as well, total labour savings cross 50 per cent compared to the traditional method. After sowing, the field gets one irrigation immediately, then none for the next 10 to 15 days while the seedlings emerge, followed by intermittent irrigation monitored through water-level tubes installed below the surface. Novel herbicides now available can control a much wider range of weed species than what farmers had access to decades ago, cutting down the weeding labour that once made direct seeding so demanding, Dr Mubarak said. The technology also has an environmental payoff. Standing water in conventional transplanted rice drives significant methane emissions, averaging around 200 kg per hectare, Dr Mubarak said. Under DSR, with less standing water through the season, that figure drops to around 60 kg per hectare, a reduction of 60 to 80 per cent. The research behind the technology has been published in journals including Scientific Reports (Nature group), BMC Plant Biology, Advances in Weed Science, and Sustainability. Dr Mubarak, along with Prof Ashaq Hussain and Dr Intikhab Aalam, who worked on the project, were conferred the Achiever of the Year award by SKUAST-Kashmir in January 2026 in recognition of the work. Dr Mubarak said the Khudwani demonstration, carried out under an ICAR-IIRR project, is meant to be the first step toward testing how the technology fits into Kashmir's existing cropping systems. Since DSR sowing has to be done in May, the team is now studying which rice varieties and cropping sequences will work best around that timeline.
Urban Expansion Cost : Srinagars green cover shrinks, temperature rises 4C
Srinagar, Oct 03: Srinagars rapid urban expansion over the past two decades has been accompanied by rising surface temperatures, declining vegetation cover and deteriorating air quality, highlighting the growing environmental cost of the citys transformation, a new study published in GeoJournal has found. The study, Quantifying the environmental impacts of urban expansion in Srinagar City, Jammu & Kashmir, India through remote sensing and geostatistical analysis, examines environmental changes in Srinagar between 2001 and 2021 using satellite-based observations and geostatistical techniques. Researchers Amjed Ali, Kheraj and Arshad Ahmed of the Department of Geography,Central University Haryana found that land surface temperature (LST) increased by up to 4C during the period, while vegetation cover showed a significant decline. PM2.5 concentrations also increased by up to 3.9 micrograms per cubic metre, with the changes particularly pronounced in central and south-western parts of the city, reads the study, accessed by Rising Kashmir. The researchers used satellite-derived LST, vegetation cover derived from the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and PM2.5 estimates from AOD-GEOS-Chem datasets. They combined these indicators through a grid-based analytical framework and applied Mann-Kendall trend analysis and multiple linear regression to examine their spatial and temporal relationships. The study found a significant relationship between vegetation loss, PM2.5 and surface warming. Its regression analysis indicated that vegetation loss and PM2.5 significantly contributed to surface temperature variation, with the model recording an R value of 0.46. However, the researchers also caution that PM2.5 variability cannot be explained solely by surface temperature and vegetation cover, pointing to the influence of additional factors on Srinagars air-quality conditions. The Environmental Quality Index developed as part of the study paints a broader picture of the citys environmental health. More than half of Srinagar was found to fall within moderate-to-poor environmental quality categories. The researchers attribute the changing environmental conditions to the rapid expansion of built-up areas and the replacement of natural land surfaces with impervious urban materials. Such changes alter surface energy processes and can intensify urban heating, while the loss of vegetation reduces the natural cooling and pollution-filtering functions of green spaces, the study reads. Vegetation plays a key role in regulating urban temperatures through evapotranspiration and can also help improve air quality by filtering pollutants. Its decline therefore has implications beyond the loss of green cover alone, the study notes. The spatial analysis showed that central and south-western areas of Srinagar experienced particularly notable changes, with increases in surface temperature and PM2.5 occurring alongside declining vegetation cover. The researchers argue that these trends demonstrate the need to view Srinagars urban growth and environmental management as interconnected challenges. They call for integrated urban planning, greater emphasis on green infrastructure and stronger pollution-control strategies. The study also places Srinagars experience within the wider environmental challenges faced by rapidly urbanising cities, where the pace of development can exceed the capacity of infrastructure and environmental management systems. Rather than examining temperature, vegetation and air pollution separately, the research brings the three indicators together to quantify the cumulative environmental changes associated with Srinagars urban expansion. Managing the citys future growth will require greater attention to environmental sustainability, including the protection and development of green infrastructure and measures to address pollution, in line with the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities, the study states.
Northeast Frontier Railway recreates Sukna station to preserve Darjeeling Toy Train heritage
The News Mill
SagardighiMLA Bayron Biswas sustains burn injuries after fire erupts at West Bengal residence
Several politicians, including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari call for his speedy recovery
The Attention Crisis: Are we Losing the Ability to Think Deeply?
We live in an age of extraordinary access to information. A question that once required a visit to a library can now be answered within seconds. A book can be downloaded instantly, a lecture can be watched from anywhere, and a news story can reach millions of people within minutes. Yet, despite having more information than any previous generation, we appear to be facing a curious problem: we are finding it increasingly difficult to give our complete attention to anything. The modern person is surrounded by notifications, messages, short videos, emails, advertisements, headlines and endless streams of content. We move from one piece of information to another almost instinctively. A few seconds of waiting can feel uncomfortable. A long article can seem demanding. Even a conversation can be interrupted by the simple vibration of a phone. This may be one of the quiet challenges of our time: we are becoming better at consuming information but not necessarily better at understanding it. Attention is not merely the ability to look at something. It is the ability to stay with something long enough to understand it. Deep reading, thoughtful conversation, serious study and meaningful reflection all require sustained attention. Without it, information may enter our minds without becoming knowledge. The difference between information and knowledge is important. Information tells us what happened. Knowledge helps us understand why it happened, what it means and how it connects with something else. Developing such understanding requires time. The digital world, however, rewards speed. Social media platforms are designed around rapid consumption. One piece of content is quickly replaced by another. Short videos provide entertainment within seconds. Headlines compete for attention. Notifications constantly remind us that something new is waiting. There is nothing inherently wrong with these technologies. They have transformed communication, education and access to knowledge. The problem begins when convenience turns into dependence and when our ability to concentrate becomes weaker because we rarely practise it. Consider the simple act of reading a book. A person may begin reading with genuine interest. After a few pages, however, the phone lights up. There is a message to check. Then comes another notification. A few minutes later, the reader returns to the book but has lost the thread of the argument. The process is repeated again and again. Eventually, the difficulty may not be the book. It may be our increasingly fragmented attention. This matters particularly for students. Education is not simply about collecting facts. It involves concentration, questioning, connecting ideas and developing the ability to think independently. A student who can memorise information but cannot concentrate on a difficult problem for an extended period may struggle when confronted with complex subjects. Competitive examinations provide another example. Preparation often requires sitting with a subject for hours, revising the same material repeatedly and patiently working through difficult questions. There are no shortcuts to developing genuine understanding. The ability to concentrate, therefore, may become one of the most valuable skills in the future. Ironically, at a time when artificial intelligence can summarise documents, answer questions and produce information within seconds, human beings may need to become even better at thinking deeply. AI can help us find information, organise ideas and accelerate many tasks. But it cannot remove the need for human judgment. If anything, the easier information becomes to obtain, the more important it becomes to know what information deserves our attention. This is where libraries have a continuing role. For some, the library may appear to belong to another era: shelves filled with books, quiet reading rooms and people sitting silently with newspapers or textbooks. But the fundamental purpose of a library has never been limited to storing books. A good library creates an environment where attention is protected. It provides a space away from many of the interruptions of everyday life. It allows a student to sit with a difficult subject, a researcher to examine evidence, or an ordinary reader to spend an hour with a book without being required to respond to every notification. Modern libraries are evolving. They provide access to digital databases, electronic books, online journals, educational platforms and research tools. The library of today can be both physical and digital. But technology should not eliminate the culture of reading. It should strengthen it. Perhaps we need to rethink what we mean by digital literacy. Being able to operate a smartphone or search the internet is only one part of digital literacy. A truly digitally literate person should also be able to distinguish reliable information from unreliable information, recognise misleading content, understand context, protect personal information and resist the temptation to believe something simply because it appears repeatedly online. Most importantly, digital literacy should include the ability to control ones attention. This does not mean rejecting technology. That would neither be practical nor desirable. Smartphones, computers and artificial intelligence have enormous educational and professional value. The goal should instead be to use technology deliberately rather than allowing technology to determine where our attention goes. There is a simple distinction between using a device and being controlled by it. When we deliberately open an educational video, read an article or use an AI tool to understand a difficult concept, technology is serving us. When we repeatedly open an application without any clear purpose simply because we are bored, technology may be controlling our attention. The solution does not necessarily require dramatic changes. Small habits can make a significant difference. We can dedicate a portion of each day to uninterrupted reading. We can keep phones away while studying. We can read longer articles instead of consuming only headlines. We can occasionally sit in silence without immediately reaching for a screen. We can have conversations in which neither person checks a phone. Parents can encourage children to develop reading habits without treating books merely as examination material. Schools and colleges can create spaces where students are encouraged to read beyond their prescribed syllabus. Libraries can promote reading clubs, discussion groups, digital-literacy programmes and quiet study environments. The objective should not be to create a generation that reads constantly. It should be to create a generation capable of concentrating when concentration matters. There is also a deeper social dimension to this issue. A distracted society can become an impatient society. We may become less willing to listen to opinions that take time to explain. We may prefer simple answers to complicated questions. We may react before understanding. We may judge people based on a headline, a photograph or a short video rather than the complete context. Deep attention teaches patience. When we read a thoughtful book, we learn that ideas can develop gradually. When we listen carefully to another person, we discover that people often have reasons behind their views. When we study history, science or literature, we learn that reality is rarely as simple as a social-media post suggests. In this sense, attention is not merely an academic skill. It is also a human virtue. Perhaps the greatest challenge is that attention has become a commodity. Many digital services compete for it because attention has economic value. Every minute spent watching, scrolling or clicking can have commercial significance. This makes personal control over attention increasingly important. We cannot control every piece of information that reaches us, but we can become more selective about what we allow to occupy our minds. The question, therefore, is not whether technology is good or bad. The more important question is: What kind of relationship do we want to have with technology? We should be able to use the internet without becoming dependent on constant stimulation. We should be able to enjoy short-form entertainment without losing the ability to read long-form material. We should be able to use artificial intelligence without surrendering our capacity to think independently. The future may belong not simply to those who have access to the most information, but to those who can decide which information deserves their attention. In an increasingly noisy world, the ability to concentrate may become a form of quiet strength. Perhaps the next time we feel the urge to check our phones while reading a book, attending a lecture or speaking with someone, we should pause for a moment. The notification can wait. The message can wait. The next video can wait. But our ability to think deeply is something we cannot afford to lose. (The author works at a premier Medical college in J&K. Email: waniishfaq0001@gmail.com )
Panchayat elections in Rajasthan to be held in four phases from October 23
Elections would be held for members of 41 Zila Parishads, 457 Panchayat Samitis and 14,403 village panchayats following delimitation and reorganisation of Panchayati Raj institutions
Sophie Cunningham Breaks Silence On Aja Wilson-Fan Clash And WNBA Double Standard Controversy
Sophie Cunningham addresses the Aja Wilson-fan clash, questions the WNBAs handling of the incident and shares her thoughts on criticism in womens sports.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Criticizes Congress for Disrespecting Democratic Mandate
Shivraj Singh Chouhan accuses Congress of undermining democratic institutions and the electoral mandate in recent remarks. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Criticizes Congress for Disrespecting Democratic Mandate
SP changes candidates on two MLC seats, field BJP rebels
Elections to five graduates and six teachers constituencies of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council will be held on October 23, with counting on October 27
Lavish Marriages: When Celebration Becomes a Social Burden
A marriage is meant to unite two families, mark the beginning of a new chapter and create memories that endure. Yet, in Kashmir, weddings are increasingly becoming occasions of competitive display. What should be a dignified social ceremony is often turned into an expensive spectacle, measured by the number of guests, the scale of the feast, the decoration of the venue, the value of the clothes and jewellery, and the size of the dowry. The problem is not celebration itself. Families have every right to rejoice. The concern is the growing pressure to spend beyond ones means simply to satisfy social expectations. In many cases, a wedding is no longer judged by the character of the bride and groom, or by the strength of the families involved, but by the grandeur of the arrangements. A modest ceremony is treated as a sign of weakness, while extravagance is mistaken for prestige. This culture places an unfair burden on families, particularly those with limited incomes. Parents often spend years saving for a wedding, sell land or jewellery, borrow money and take loans that take years to repay. Some families begin planning for a daughters marriage from the moment she is born. Instead of investing in her education, health and independence, they are forced to think about the cost of catering, clothing, gifts and dowry. The situation becomes even more painful when families try to imitate those with greater financial means. A wealthy household may spend lavishly without facing immediate hardship. But when the same standards are imposed on a middle-class or poor family, the consequences can be severe. The family may enter marriage under a mountain of debt, with its financial insecurity hidden behind a few hours of celebration. The social pressure is often subtle but powerful. Relatives compare menus, guests compare clothes and neighbours discuss the arrangements. A family that chooses simplicity may be questioned, mocked or accused of lacking status. Such attitudes reveal a troubling distortion of social values. We have allowed public opinion to become more important than personal wellbeing. The wedding industry also feeds this competition. Elaborate decorations, multiple functions, costly photography, designer outfits, lavish invitations and enormous feasts are marketed as necessary elements of a successful marriage. Social media has intensified the problem. Every ceremony is presented as a carefully produced display, encouraging others to match or exceed it. Weddings are no longer private family occasions; they are increasingly treated as public exhibitions. This has consequences beyond household finances. Lavish weddings generate food waste at a time when many families struggle to meet basic needs. Excessive use of disposable material adds to environmental pollution. Traffic congestion, noise and the uncontrolled use of public spaces create inconvenience for entire neighbourhoods. The social cost of extravagance is therefore paid not only by the host family but by the wider community. The most damaging aspect is the manner in which lavish marriages reinforce inequality. They create a hierarchy in which people are judged according to what they can display. Those who cannot afford expensive ceremonies are made to feel inferior. Young men and women may also be pressured into unsuitable marriages because families fear the cost of arranging alternatives. In some cases, parents delay marriages or reject suitable proposals because they cannot meet unrealistic demands. Dowry remains one of the darkest expressions of this problem. It is often defended as tradition, but no tradition that humiliates families or turns daughters into financial liabilities deserves protection. Demands for expensive vehicles, furniture, electronics, gold and cash place immense pressure on the brides family. These demands can continue even after marriage, creating resentment and insecurity within the household. Religious and cultural values offer no justification for such excess. The essence of marriage is simplicity, responsibility and mutual respect. A ceremony may be beautiful without being wasteful. Hospitality does not require endless dishes. Dignity does not depend on expensive clothing. Happiness cannot be measured by the size of a banquet hall. The answer lies in collective action. One family alone may find it difficult to resist social pressure, but communities can change their expectations together. Religious scholars, civil society groups, educational institutions and local leaders should openly promote simple marriages. They should discourage dowry, publicise responsible ceremonies and challenge the belief that extravagance is a measure of honour. Families must also understand that a wedding is only one day, while its financial consequences may last for years. Money spent on unnecessary display could instead support the couples education, housing, healthcare or livelihood. A secure beginning is a far greater gift than an impressive ceremony. There is a need for public awareness, but also for moral courage. People must learn to celebrate without competing, host without humiliating and give without demanding. A marriage should bring families closer, not force them into debt. It should offer hope, not anxiety. Kashmir has a rich tradition of community, restraint and dignity. That tradition should not be buried beneath imported extravagance and social rivalry. The true beauty of a marriage lies not in its decorations or menu but in the values that sustain it afterwards. A simple wedding may not attract as much attention as a lavish one. But it can preserve savings, protect family dignity and give the newly married couple a healthier beginning. At a time when economic uncertainty is affecting almost every household, the choice is not merely between a grand ceremony and a modest one. It is a choice between appearance and responsibility. Society must choose wisely. Celebrations should reflect happiness, not insecurity. Marriages should unite people, not burden them. And no family should have to sacrifice its future merely to prove that it can afford one extravagant day. ( The author is a PhD in sociology and a columnist)
Jimmy Carters Georgia farm solar project once supplied 60% of Plains power
BJP Youth Wings Service Journey Focuses on Community, Not Elections, Says Rohit Mishra
Rohit Mishra clarifies that the BJP Youth Wings service journey aims solely at community service, not political campaigning. BJP Youth Wings Service Journey Focuses on Community, Not Elections, Says Rohit Mishra
AIP seeks filling of 18,601 education vacancies
Srinagar, Oct 3: The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to fill 18,601 vacant teaching and academic posts, saying prolonged vacancies could affect the quality of education. AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the vacancies included 10,268 Teacher, 5,278 Master, 2,154 Lecturer, 633 Headmaster and 268 Principal posts, according to figures placed by the government before the Legislative Assembly. He said the vacancies should be treated as an educational priority and called for an assessment of schools and subjects facing the highest shortages, followed by recruitment and deployment based on requirements. Inam also highlighted 5,367 General Line Teacher posts identified by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir for de-freezing and urged the government to complete the process without delay. He sought clear timelines for de-freezing, referral, advertisement, selection, appointment and posting, saying recruitment should ultimately be measured by teachers reaching classrooms. The AIP spokesperson also called for school-wise and subject-wise vacancy data to ensure new appointments are directed towards institutions facing the greatest shortages. This is bigger than a jobs issue. We are talking about classrooms, children, learning and the human capital of tomorrow, he said.
The Mountains I Still Carry And the Altitudes that Bind Me to Kashmir
Long after I left Kashmir, the mountains refused to leave me. Some remained in memory. Others, in my blood. I was born in Srinagar and spent many years in the foothills around Gulmarg, at elevations approaching 7,000 feet. Mountains were not something we travelled to see. They were simply therebeyond the orchards, above the houses, sometimes sharply drawn against a clear sky and sometimes disappearing into clouds. In winter, snow redrew them overnight. On certain mornings, the higher ridges caught the first light while the valley below was still waiting for the day. As a child, I rarely thought about any of this. Children do not usually admire the permanence surrounding them. A mountain is no more remarkable than the sky when both have always been there. We learned distance differently because of them. Roads bent because mountains required them to bend; weather could alter a journey, and snow could decide whether one went somewhere at all. The landscape imposed its own terms, and because we knew no other arrangement, we accepted them. Perhaps that is one of the quiet ways a place enters a person. Long before we have words such as patience, endurance or limitation, the physical world has begun teaching us when to pause, when to wait, when to slow our steps, when to gather ourselves for the journey aheadand when it is time to leave. So I left. Like most people who leave home, I knew I would carry certain parts of it with me. Language came along almost unnoticed, as did habits, memories, family expressions and ways of looking at the world whose origins I could no longer identify. A smell could return me to a kitchen; a particular quality of winter light could open a room that had disappeared decades earlier. Sometimes a Kashmiri word spoken thousands of miles away could briefly abolish the distance between two continents. I did not expect geography itself to follow me. Years later, life brought me to Virginia, where I settled among the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are very different from the mountains of Kashmir. They do not rise with the same authority; their slopes are gentler, their outlines softer, their great age somehow visible in the long, worn contours of their ridges. In autumn, they turn red, gold and rust, and entire hillsides seem to change character within weeks. For years, I simply enjoyed them. Then, somewhere along those Blue Ridge trails, it began to seem less accidental that a man who had crossed an ocean and built a life on another continent had once again made his home within sight of mountains. We like to believe we choose our homes through practical calculationswork, family, opportunity, circumstanceand perhaps we do. But human beings may also carry private maps whose boundaries were drawn much earlier. Perhaps the Blue Ridge felt familiar before I knew why. For a long time, I assumed whatever I carried from the mountains was entirely emotional. Medicine eventually showed me something more literal. The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere remains essentially the same at altitude, but atmospheric pressure falls as elevation increases, reducing the partial pressure of oxygen available to the lungs. The kidneys respond by increasing erythropoietin, stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells and increasing the blood's capacity to carry oxygen. The physiology is elegant, but when I lived inside it, I knew nothing about it. For years, my body had accommodated itself to elevations around 7,000 feet. Later, in Virginia, I was living just around 600 feet above sea level, and the body did what it has done throughout human existence: it adjusted to where it found itself. Physicians spend a surprising portion of their lives looking at numbershemoglobin, glucose, creatinine, sodium, cholesterolvalues that appear on a screen and usually disappear from thought almost as quickly. But one number made me pause. My hemoglobin, which at the higher elevation had often been around sixteen or seventeen grams per deciliter, eventually settled closer to thirteen or fourteen. There was nothing mysterious about the change and nothing requiring treatment. The major physiological adjustment after descent occurs over weeks to months as the stimulus for maintaining a higher red-cell mass diminishes. It was ordinary physiology. Yet I remember looking at those numbers longer than their clinical significance required. Medicine explained why they had changed. Kashmir explained why I noticed. Somewhere between the Himalayas and Virginia, my body had renegotiated its relationship with the air. The mountains were thousands of miles behind me, yet for a time their altitude remained legible in something as intimate as my blood. My old laboratory reports were still medical records, but now they seemed to contain something else as well. Geography had translated itself into biology. Perhaps we underestimate how thoroughly landscape enters us. We speak readily about culture, language, family and history shaping identity, while the physical world works more quietly. Climate determines what we wear and grow. Seasons alter appetite and activity. Altitude changes breathing; terrain changes movement. The body spends a lifetime negotiating with place, usually without asking us to notice. Mountain life carries its own negotiations. A mountain does not care how urgently you wish to reach the other side or become flatter because you are late. You accommodate yourself to it: roads curve, steps shorten, breathing changes, sometimes you stop. There is an education in that, though I hesitate to make too much of it. Mountains do not automatically make people wiser, and hardship is not inherently ennobling. Difficulty can strengthen, but it can also simply hurt. Still, there is something about resistance. Modern life has become extraordinarily skilled at removing it. We shorten distances, accelerate communication and design technologies so fewer activities require waiting, climbing, carrying or enduring. Much of this is genuine progress, and I would not exchange modern medicine, transportation or communication for some romanticised version of difficulty. Yet the body itself remains strangely attached to effort. I am reminded of this when I hike. VO Perhaps this is part of why I continueto seek the Blue Ridge trails. Exercise is certainly one reason, and with age Ipay attention to cardiovascular fitness differently than I once did. Butnumbers cannot explain why an uphill trail feels familiar. There is a point ina climb when conversation becomes less convenient, and breathing occupies moreof one; s=\ attention.=\ the=\ world=\ contracts=\ briefly=\ to=\ next=\ bend,=\ few=\ steps,=\ rhythm=\ between=\ effort=\ and=\ air.=\ then,=\ sometimes,=\ trail=\ levels=\ landscape=\ suddenly=\ opens. I have experienced that on mountains in different parts of the world. The view is never the same, but something else sometimes is. I do not know whether the mountains of childhood actually teach us patience or whether we return years later and place our accumulated meanings upon them. Memory is capable of both preservation and invention. The Kashmir I carry now cannot be identical to the Kashmir in which I grew up. No remembered place ever is. Perhaps that is why certain images remain more trustworthy than explanations: a ridge whitening after snowfall, morning light reaching the higher peaks before the land below, a road disappearing around a mountain. The physician in me can explain altitude, oxygen pressure, erythropoietin and hemoglobin. But those explanations belong to a language I learned much later. The mountains came first. Even now, when I hike the Blue Ridge, there are moments when the trail steepens, and conversation gives way to breathing. Virginia is beneath my feet. The landscape before me belongs to another continent, another climate, another chapter of my life. I keep climbing. The heart works harder, my breathing deepens, and the trail rises through trees that bear little resemblance to the mountains of my childhood. Sometimes it turns sharply and disappears upward, leaving only the next few steps visible. I follow it. There are moments when the body seems to recognise something before memory has found a name for it. I stop where the trees open and the Blue Ridge stretches into the distance. Nothing before me resembles the snow-covered peaks that once defined the edge of my childhood world. And then, on this unfamiliar terrain in America, my mind asks whether I have been here before. My blood knows it. (The author is a physician, poet and clinical researcher from Kashmir, based in Virginia, United States. His writings explore the intersections of science, philosophy, memory, literature and the human condition. He can be reached at mansbal@yahoo.com )
Villagers Panic As Stray Jumbo Ambles Across Roads In Gudalur
The mere sight of the wild jumbo on the road made motorists stop their vehicles and look for safety, while the villagers were told to be careful while venturing out.
Bhola Nath Defends Indias Orange Jersey After Asian Games Gold Success
Bhola Nath Singh defends the Indian hockey teams orange jersey after their gold medal wins at the 2026 Asian Games. Bhola Nath Defends Indias Orange Jersey After Asian Games Gold Success
Rahul Gandhi accuses Delhi Police of misconduct with female journalist
The News Mill
The statement assumes significance in the backdrop of Pakistans objections raised on the construction of Sawalkote dam project in July last year and February this year with India and had sought consultation
Assam Jatiya Parishad condemns detention of peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar
The News Mill
Coffee, Smoke, and Castles in the Air: The 'Sokhan Doos' of Srinagar
A Sokhan Doos is a master of the imaginary world. He is a person who creates grand castles in the air, thrives on effortless banter, and practices the fine art of non-action with remarkable charm. He spends his days daydreaming, gossiping, and celebrating hypothetical victoriesall without doing a single stroke of physical work. While the rest of the world hustles to make a living, the Sokhan Doos lives happily in a world built entirely out of words. The Sacred Shrine of Idle Talk If you grew up in Srinagar during the golden decades, you know that the true headquarters of the Sokhan Doos was none other than the iconic India Coffee House at Regal Chowk. Inside its dimly lit hall, filled with thick clouds of Charminar cigarette smoke and the rich aroma of roasted coffee, time stood completely still. Waiters in white uniforms and starched turbans glided between tables, serving cups of black coffee that acted as all-day entry tickets to a grand theater of ideas. Here, under the haze of smoke and coffee vapors, empires were built, tested, and dismantledall before lunchtime. The Legends of the Coffee Table The Coffee House was a melting pot of colorful regulars: poets, politicians, journalists, painters, and professional idlers. Among them, a few classic Sokhan Doos archetypes always held court: The Coffee-House Prime Minister: Armed with a folded morning newspaper and a single cigarette stretched to its absolute limit, he knew precisely how the UN should handle international crises and how the local government should form its cabinet. He had solved every global crisis on a paper napkin, though he hadn't worked a steady job in twenty years. The Unwritten Genius: A poet who was perpetually on the verge of publishing a groundbreaking masterpiece. He would recite two brilliant opening lines to anyone pulling up a chair, bask in their applause, and happily live off that admiration for weeks without ever picking up a pen to write the rest. The Blueprint Millionaire: A man with a dozen foolproof business ventures detailed in his headfrom grand tourist resorts to international export houses. He would spend hours explaining his multi-lakh schemes with infectious passion, completely satisfied with the illusion of success. The Tragic Genius of the Corner Table Yet, among the lighthearted daydreamers were tragic intellects who surrendered their entire lives to the Coffee House. I distinctly recall one such figurea gentleman of extraordinary eloquence. He possessed a breathtaking command of the English language, along with fluency in several other tongues. He didn't just spend hours there; he spent months and years submerged in that aromatic hall. His breakfast arrived the moment he stepped through the doors, followed by an endless stream of coffee, snacks, and heated debates that lasted until closing time. A politician without an office, his mind was brilliant, but his existence was fueled entirely by caffeine and heavy tobacco. Tragically, at the young age of forty-eight, he suffered a fatal heart attack. The attending doctors revealed that years of relentless chain-smoking and endless cups of coffee had quietly ruined his vital organs. He left behind no political legacy or written volumes, only the lingering echo of a sharp, brilliant intellect in a room that had slowly consumed him. The Art of the Free Refill For most others, however, the Coffee House was a lighter affair, governed by the Coffee Economy. A skilled Sokhan Doos rarely paid for his second or third cup. Through sheer charm, a well-timed joke, or a juicy piece of fresh gossip dangling like bait, he would seamlessly coax a newly arrived acquaintance into settling the bill. For the price of a few annas, a Sokhan Doos didn't just buy a beverage; he purchased an audience. Innocent Joy in a Hurried World Today, as life accelerates and screens replace conversation, the traditional Sokhan Doos is becoming a rare species. Yet, looking back at those golden afternoons in the Coffee House, one can't help but feel a warm, nostalgic fondness for them. They brought humour, warmth, and harmless drama to our lives. They reminded us that sometimes, sitting back, sipping coffee, and building castles in the sky with good friends is a joy all its owneven if those castles were made entirely of smoke. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service and RK Columnist. Feedback Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
Satish Sharma launches Rs 3-cr works in Chhamb
Chhamb, Oct 3: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, IT, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology Satish Sharma on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development works worth more than Rs 3 crore in the Chhamb Assembly constituency. The works, spread across several villages and habitations, include roads, culverts, drainage and protection works, community infrastructure and educational facilities. At Kodewala Camp, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a park and inaugurated newly constructed drains. He also laid the foundation stone for a link road from Kharah to Thanda Choa. At Kalah, Sharma inaugurated protection works at two locations, while at Jawan he laid the foundation stone for a culvert and inaugurated a Community Hall. He also inaugurated protection works on the Mageri-Rajani Road at Mohalla Thakur Dass. Emphasising the importance of educational infrastructure, Satish Sharma said that investment in facilities for students is an investment in the future of the region. He stressed that the proposed examination hall would provide students with improved infrastructure and a more conducive academic environment. Speaking during the tour, Satish Sharma said that development must be visible on the ground and directly benefit the people. He directed the concerned agencies to maintain strict quality standards, ensure timely execution and undertake regular monitoring of ongoing works. He said that public money must translate into durable and useful assets and that developmental projects should not face avoidable delays. The Minister emphasised that road connectivity, drainage, protection infrastructure and community facilities constitute the basic framework of development, particularly in rural and peripheral areas, and assured that such requirements would continue to receive focused attention. He said that the Government is committed to taking development to the grassroots and addressing infrastructure gaps in a systematic manner. During the visit, Satish Sharma also interacted with local residents and listened to their concerns and development-related issues. He assured the people that their genuine demands would be examined with the concerned departments and that necessary interventions would be pursued for their timely resolution. The Minister maintained that people's participation and continuous feedback are essential for ensuring that development planning remains aligned with ground realities. He called upon the executing agencies and field functionaries to remain responsive to public concerns and maintain close coordination while implementing development works.
Jeff Bezos To Run For President? Lauren Sanchez Eyes Melania Trumps First Lady Role
Jeff Bezos could one day make a run for president, according to a new report claiming wife Lauren Sanchez loves the idea of President Bezos. The report says Sanchez can reportedly see herself as First Lady and has encouraged Bezos to consider a political future. The speculation comes after the couples appearance at Donald Trumps White House state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaker reviews Urs arrangements in Charar-i-Sharief
Budgam, Sep 3: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker and Charar-i-Sharief MLA Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday reviewed arrangements for the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), scheduled to begin on October 7. Chairing a meeting, Rather directed departments to ensure adequate civic facilities and a smooth and safe experience for devotees expected to visit the shrine. He called for uninterrupted water and power supply, adequate medical teams, ambulances and essential medicines, besides emergency water tankers and proper illumination of the shrine and adjoining areas. Regarding power supply and illumination, the Speaker directed the concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the Urs period and proper illumination of the shrine and adjoining areas. On health and medical facilities, the Speaker called for deployment of adequate medical teams, availability of ambulances and sufficient stocks of essential medicines to deal with any medical emergency during the celebrations. The Speaker also directed the concerned authorities to make arrangements for distribution of ration to the residents of Charar-i-Sharief, keeping in view the anticipated increase in the number of visitors and the requirements of the local population during the Urs. Emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and sanitation, the Speaker directed for adequate deployment of sanitation staff, installation of sufficient toilets and dustbins at strategic locations and regular lifting and scientific disposal of waste to maintain cleanliness in and around the shrine and town. He further directed the concerned departments to conduct regular inspections of shops and food establishments to ensure compliance with prescribed standards of food hygiene and sanitation. He also called for strict monitoring of prices, weights and measures to safeguard the interests of devotees and the general public. Reviewing the transport and traffic management arrangements, the Speaker stressed the need for adequate public transport facilities, designated parking areas and a well-coordinated traffic management plan, including proper diversions and regulation of vehicular movement, to ensure smooth traffic flow during the Urs. On security arrangements, the Speaker called for adequate deployment of security personnel for effective crowd management and maintenance of law and order. He stressed the need for strict vigil in and around the shrine and other sensitive areas. He also directed for positioning of adequate fire-fighting and emergency response vehicles at strategic locations to deal with any eventuality. The Speaker stressed upon all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure effective inter-departmental convergence for making comprehensive arrangements well in advance. He called for regular monitoring of all arrangements and prompt resolution of any gaps or bottlenecks so that the Urs celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, safe and seamless manner. The Speaker directed for establishment of a 24x7 control room during the Urs period to facilitate prompt redressal of issues and grievances of devotees and the general public. He called for deployment of designated officers and officials from all concerned departments at the control room on a rotational basis, so that necessary assistance and coordination are available round the clock and any issue arising during the Urs is addressed promptly. He reiterated that all necessary arrangements must be put in place well ahead of commencement of the Urs to facilitate devotees and ensure their safety, comfort and convenience.
Man Kills Four Family Members in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh; Four Others Injured
A man in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, has been arrested for killing four relatives and injuring four others in a violent attack. Man Kills Four Family Members in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh; Four Others Injured
INDIA bloc parties to hold Save Democracy march
Jammu, Oct 3: Congress, National Conference (NC), PDP and NPPI leaders on Saturday announced a joint Save Democracy march in Jammu on October 7 as part of the INDIA blocs nationwide campaign. The announcement was made at a joint press conference at PCC headquarters in Jammu following a meeting of senior leaders of the alliance parties to finalise the schedule of protests. The parties said similar marches would be held in different districts between October 4 and 8 as part of their Vote BachaoDesh Bachao campaign. The leaders accused the BJP of manipulating the electoral system and demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They also called for reforms to ensure what they described as an independent and impartial electoral process. The parties cited allegations concerning voter deletions and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, with the claims forming part of the oppositions campaign. The leaders also announced that opposition MPs would march to the Election Commission office in Delhi on October 6 and seek an appointment with the President. They reiterated their demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Govt committed to welfare, empowerment: Sakeena
Anantnag, Oct 03: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Nanil in Anantnag and inaugurated four newly constructed buildings of the Social Welfare Department dedicated to an Old Age Home and PLASH and PAREESH facilities. On the occasion, Director Social Welfare Mohammad Akbar Khan briefed the Minister about the infrastructure created at the site. He informed that the four buildings have been constructed at an estimated cost of 11.27 crore. He further informed that an additional 1.10 crore has been kept available for development of allied infrastructure, including roads, parks and other essential facilities for PLASH and Old Age Home. Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo said that the government is committed to the welfare and empowerment of people, particularly those facing social and economic vulnerabilities. She emphasised the need to strengthen the basic infrastructure and welfare services at the grassroots level so that the benefits of government initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries. The Minister highlighted various developmental and welfare works undertaken for the benefit of the people of Anantnag district. She said that the newly inaugurated facilities are aimed at providing care, shelter and support to vulnerable sections of society. Explaining the purpose of the facilities, Sakeena Itoo said that PLASH is intended to provide care and support to orphaned children who have lost their parents and have no adequate source of livelihood while the Old Age Home is meant for destitute elderly persons who do not have a home or family support. She said that the Social Welfare Department has an important role in extending support and protection to the people facing social insecurity, physical disabilities and other vulnerabilities. She stressed that such institutions should provide not only shelter but also a safe, dignified and supportive environment for their residents. The Minister assured the children at PLASH that their requirements would be taken up on priority. She said that demands including establishment of a gymnasium, recreational park, improved road connectivity and an ambulance facility would be addressed at the earliest. Earlier, MLA Anantnag East Reyaz Ahmad Khan highlighted the developmental scenario of the constituency and projected various demands before the Minister. These included upgradation of the Nursing College at Aukura, widening of the AukuraAung road, establishment of a science laboratory at HSS Nanil, provision of smart classrooms, and strengthening of infrastructure and deployment of adequate medical and paramedical staff at the Nanil hospital building. The Minister assured that the issues concerning the respective departments would be examined for appropriate action.
