Jammu & kashmir

One Killed, Five Injured In Car Crash On Srinagar-Jammu Highway

One Killed, Five Injured In Car Crash On Srinagar-Jammu Highway

Harwan: An Introduction

by Asrar Syeed Near Dachigam, Harwan Garden blends ancient Buddhist ruins, Mughal-era history, and centuries-old Chinars into a tranquil public park. Harwan Garden is located almost 15 kilometres from the heart of Kashmirs capital, Srinagar city, in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, close to Dachigam National Park. Inside the park, the serene mountain []

Does Donald Trump Have Any Winning Option Left Against Iran?

by Greg Barton Irans leverage over the Strait of Hormuz has exposed the limits of US military power, raising fears of wider escalation, economic disruption and prolonged regional instability. In a moment of brazen hubris in the Oval Office last year, US President Donald Trumprailed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He accused Zelensky of not []

Sonam Wangchuk Stable but Needs Continuous Monitoring, Say Doctors; Wife Moves HC Seeking Transfer to Private Hospital

Wife says Safdarjung refused discharge despite family's request; alleges illegal detention, hospital maintains sustained medical supervision is essential

Iran no longer bound by 14-point MoU after US military action, says FM spokesperson

Tehran [Iran], July 19: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that Tehran no longer considers itself committed to implementing the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US, signed last month, after the United States violated its obligations under the agreement by escalating its military strike on the Islamic Republic. According to a statement carried by Iranian state media, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Baghaei said that the MoU was based on reciprocal commitments and that Washington's actions had altered Iran's position on the agreement. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was based on a commitment for a commitment, and with the US's action to violate its commitments, Iran no longer considers itself committed to implementing it, Baghaei said. The Iranian spokesperson further stated that Tehran's retaliatory military actions were limited to self-defence and targeted only US military assets. We have only defended ourselves and have not attacked any targets other than US military bases and military equipment, he said. Baghaei further stated that the US and Israel's strikes targeting civilian areas during their operations amounted to war crimes. The US and the Zionist regime have mainly targeted civilian centres and ordinary people in their attacks, which is a clear example of a war crime, he added. His remarks come as tensions between Iran and the United States escalated after the collapse of the 14-point MoU, signed last month, aimed at ending the hostilities between the two sides and opening the pathway for further negotiations, particularly on Iran's nuclear programme. Its collapse renewed the conflict in West Asia, with the US striking Iranian military and civilian assets, and the Islamic Republic also targeting American bases across the Gulf in retaliatory strikes. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that two US service members were killed and another remains missing in Jordan following Iranian retaliatory strikes on the US military assetsat the Al-Azraq Air Base. (ANI)

LG reviews flood situation in Rajouri, Poonch; Orders immediate relief

Srinagar, July 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch districts following incessant rain and flash floods, directing officials to ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected families. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said he spoke to senior officials and assessed the situation in the affected areas. He said rescue teams comprising the civil administration, police, Army, SDRF and local volunteers were actively engaged in rescue and relief operations in Rajouri. Sinha said the affected families had already been shifted to safer places and that all departments had been placed on high alert, with priority being given to immediate relief measures and restoration work. He also appealed to the people to remain calm and follow official advisories. Expressing grief over the loss of lives in Rajouri and in the Haveli and Surankote areas of Poonch district, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He said the heavy rainfall had also caused damage to several houses in Rajouri and Poonch and directed the officials to provide immediate assistance to all affected families in both districts. Sinha added that emergency response teams had been instructed to remain fully prepared to deal with any emerging situation.

Kupwara Administration Issues Weather Advisory For July 19 To 23

SRINAGAR: The Kupwara district administration has issued a weather advisory in view of the inclement weather forecast by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar for the period from July 19 to July 23, 2026. According to the advisory, residents of Keran, Karnah, Machil, Budnamal, Jumugund, Nowgam and Kumkadi, as well as those living near nallahs, rivers and []

Casualties, Injuries Reported As Flash Floods, House Collapses Hit Poonch, Rajouri

Poonch/Rajouri):Casualties and injuries have been reported in Poonch and Rajouri districts on Sunday after heavy rainfall triggered house collapses and flash floods. In Poonch, a kaccha house collapsed in Noonabandi area of Haveli Tehsil. A woman died in the incident. Officials said that three other members of the same family were injured and shifted to []

CM Omar to return to Jammu to monitor flood situation; Farooq to lead statehood protest in Delhi

Jammu, July 19 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said he would return to Jammu from Delhi to personally monitor the flood situation triggered by heavy rains in parts of the Jammu division, while the National Conference's planned protest for restoration of statehood in the national capital would go ahead under the leadership of party president Farooq Abdullah. In a post on X, the chief minister said the decision to return was prompted by the weather warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of the Jammu region. In light of the weather warning put out by the Meteorological Department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground, Abdullah said. He said the National Conference's protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, would proceed as scheduled. The statehood protest will go ahead under the leadership of JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah as planned, the chief minister added. The announcement came as heavy overnight rainfall triggered flash floods in Rajouri district and affected several parts of the Jammu region, prompting rescue and relief operations and weather alerts from the authorities.(KNS)

Omar to Fly to Jammu as Weather Worsens; Dr Farooq to Lead NCs Delhi Statehood Protest

Chief Minister to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor situation; Farooq Abdullah to lead statehood protest

Two US service members killed, one missing in Jordan after Iranian strikes, says CENTCOM

Washington DC [US], July 19 : US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday (local time) said that two US service members were killed and another remains missing in Jordan following Iranian strikes on the US military assets at the Al-Azraq Air Base. In a statement on X, CENTCOM stated that the incident occurred while American and partner forces were defending against the Iranian allistic missiles and drones assault. According to CENTCOM, the service members were killed on July 17 while performing their duties during the coordinated defence against the Iranian strikes. On July 17, two U.S. service members were killed in Jordan while performing their duties, during the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces' defense against attacks launched by Iran using ballistic missiles and drones. In addition, one service member remains among the missing, the statement said. CENTCOM further said that four US service members who sustained injuries during the attacks were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan. All four have since been discharged, while other personnel who received treatment for minor injuries have returned to duty. Four U.S. service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals, and they later left the hospitals. Other service members who had undergone medical evaluation following minor injuries have returned to duty, the statement added. The command said it would not release the identities of the deceased personnel until at least 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, citing respect for the families' privacy. Out of respect for the families' privacy, U.S. Central Command will not disclose any additional information, including the identities of the service members who were killed, until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, CENTCOM said. Following the CENTCOM announcement, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth acknowledged the death of the service members, stating, Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve, in a post on X. On Friday, the Iranian Army said it had targeted fuel storage facilities at Jordan's Al-Azraq Air Base as part of the 14th phase of Operation Lightning, launching drone strikes against multiple US military installations in Jordan and Kuwait. According to the statement by the Iranian Army's Public Relations, the country's armed forces also targeted an ammunition depot at Al-Udairi Camp, headquarters buildings and ammunition depots at Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as several communication bridges. Iran's strikes come as a retaliatory attack after US forces launched another round of military strikes against Iran, marking the seventh consecutive night of operations. (ANI)

Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Floods in Rajouri; CM Omar Assures Relief

Rajouri, July 19: Flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rainfall caused widespread damage across Rajouri town on Sunday, inundating residential and commercial areas,damaging public infrastructure and forcing the evacuation of residents from vulnerable locations, officials said. The heavy rain led to a sharp rise in the water level of rivers and streams across the district, with the Darhali River, which flows through Rajouri town, crossing the danger mark in the early hours of the day. Floodwaters entered several localities, disrupting normal life and damaging roads, public utilities and private property. Officials said the newly established bus stand at Bela was among the worst-hit areas. Several parked vehicles were washed away by strong currents, while parts of the bus stand complex and adjoining municipal infrastructure suffered significant damage. Residential houses and shops in different parts of the town also reported losses. As a precautionary measure, the district administration shifted dozens of families from low-lying areas to safer locations. Rescue and relief teams were deployed to affected areas to assist residents, monitor the situation and carry out emergency operations. Authorities have issued a high alert across the district as weather conditions remain unpredictable. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had been closely monitoring the situation since Sunday morning and was in constant touch with local legislators and the district administration. In a post on X, he said saving lives remained the administration's top priority and assured all possible government assistance to families affected by the flash floods as damage assessment continues.

Heavy Rain Halts Shiv Khori Pilgrimage

Pilgrims advised to defer travel as Shrine Board monitors weather conditions following IMD's heavy rain forecast

DYSS launches 9 Sports Academies of Excellence at Khel Gaon under Elite Coaching Framework

Jammu, Jul 18: In a landmark move destined to redefine the sporting landscape of J&K, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) has officially operationalized nine premier 'Academies of Excellence' at the state-of-the-art Sports arena, Khel Gaon, in Nagrota here. The transformative initiative has been set into motion through a comprehensive deployment order issued by the Director General of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Anuradha Gupta. This marks the spectacular first phase of a visionary, UT-wide blueprint by the Directorate, which has established specialized sports clusters across J&K to provide structured, elite-level training to the UTs promising youth. Highlighting the deep-rooted vision behind these specialized hubs, DG YSS stated that the establishment of these Academies of Excellence is a clear example of the department's commitment to nurturing raw talent and building a world-class sporting ecosystem in J&K. She emphasized that by setting up specialized sports clusters across the UT, the Directorate aims to bridge the gap between passion and professional training, adding that these academies will serve as launching pads for the youth to excel at national and international arenas. To ensure the highest standard of mentorship, the Directorate has handpicked accomplished Physical Educators from the DYSS with proven, discipline-specific expertise to lead the initial nine disciplines. Under this order, Atul Pangotra has been deployed for Taekwondo from the DYSS Office Jammu, Harvinder Singh for Athletics from GHS Bhagwati Nagar, Jagjit Singh for Hockey from GMS Akalpur, Rohit Kumar Gupta for Football from LHS Bain Bajalta, Sanjeet Kumar for Kabaddi from MS Rehari, Naresh Kumar for Volleyball who is already stationed at Khel Gaon Nagrota, Sanjay Khajuria for Badminton from GMS Railway Colony, Dheeraj Kumar for Wrestling from GMS Kachi Chawni, and Ujjwal Gupta for Fencing from GMS Bhadrore. In a major boon for the youth, DG YSS announced that elite-level training at these academies will be provided entirely free of cost, with the gates of these academies wide open to passionate, talented players hailing from all districts of the UT. While the talent hunt is universal, selected players coming from outside Jammu will temporarily need to manage their own boarding and lodging. The Director General maintained that admission will be strictly merit-based, relying on rigorous physical fitness tests and sport-specific selection criteria, while the training schedules will be dynamically tailored and approved by the Directorate based on the expert recommendations of the respective coaches. Moving away from traditional recreation, the academies will incorporate modern, scientific training methodologies where coaches are mandated to design advanced, long term training regimes incorporating micro, meso, and macro planning cycles. To bring transparency and modern technology into the mix, all enrolled athletes will be registered on the official DYSS portal, facilitating digital performance tracking to monitor every athlete's growth graph. The Directorate has also instituted an absolute accountability mechanism, creating a high-powered monitoring committee headed by the Director General herself with the Joint Director Jammu, DYSSO Jammu, and Deputy Director Activities as members to conduct weekly reviews of the academies. Under this strict framework, both the infrastructure upkeep and the performance of the coaches will be continuously evaluated, and coaches failing to deliver the expected developmental results will be replaced swiftly. Injecting global experience into the grassroots level, the Director General revealed that the Football Academy will function under the direct mentorship of Arun Malhotra, the legendary former Indian International Football Player and former Technical Committee Member of the All India Football Federation, who has generously agreed to steer the academy as its Technical Advisor on a completely honorary basis. DG YSS added that efforts shall be made by the Directorate to actively involve local athletes of national and international repute across all nine disciplines to mentor the trainees. The Directorate will separately issue the detailed schedule for the upcoming selection trials in the coming days, and all newly deployed coaches and officials have been strictly directed to report for duty at the Sports Complex, Khel Gaon Nagrota, Jammu, on July 20 without fail to kickstart operations.

Over 50 research scholars take part in Young Thinkers meet in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jul 18: The Himalayan Policy and Research Foundation (HPRF) organised a day-long Young Thinkers Meet at the Government College of Education, Srinagar, bringing together more than 50 research scholars from across the region. The concluding session was graced by Shri Ramdas Athawale, Honble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The event provided a platform for young scholars to present research on governance, disaster management, peace education, the rural economy, the Himalayan ecosystem, culture and heritage, and contemporary geopolitical and geoeconomic issues. It was among the first initiatives of its kind to engage Kashmir-based scholars on such a scale in policy-oriented academic deliberations. The inaugural session began with an address by Irshad Ahmad, Member of the Editorial Board, HPRF, who emphasised the importance of nurturing young research talent and encouraging policy-relevant scholarship rooted in the regions social, economic, cultural and environmental realities. Prof. Mohammad Mubin, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Srinagar, chaired the inaugural session as Chief Guest. He called for sustained efforts to protect the Himalayan ecosystem, particularly its lakes, water bodies, forests and natural resources. Prof. Seema Naz, Principal, Government College of Education, Srinagar, attended as Guest of Honour, while Dr Tawseef, Dr Wajahat and Fasil Ali Dar, Director, HPRF, also guided the participating scholars. The second session commenced with a presentation by Dr Zahid Sultan on evidence-based policymaking, rigorous research analysis and the development of reliable databases. Shortlisted scholars subsequently presented their papers before an expert jury. The session was chaired by Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, who highlighted the significance of the themes discussed for the broader ecological, intellectual and civilisational framework of the Himalayan region. Er Anand Tiwari and Professor Naseer, Guests of Honour, appreciated the initiative and expressed support for promoting young scholars across the country. Three research papers were selected for recognition based on their originality, academic merit and analytical depth. The concluding session was graced by Ramdas Athawale as Chief Guest. Ashok Choudhary, Director, HPRF, welcomed the dignitaries and underlined the need to channel young scholars ideas into meaningful public policy and social development. A MoU was signed between HPRF, represented by Peer Gulzar and Fasil Ali Dar, and ARNI University, represented by Vivek Sawhney, to promote academic cooperation, research, knowledge exchange and capacity building. The HPRF brochure was also released. Speaking on the occasion, Surinder Ambardar, Founder Director of HPRF, emphasised the need to build an indigenous think tank of young scholars, writers and researchers to strengthen the transcendental knowledge ecosystem of the Himalayan region. He noted that HPRF is keen to produce thousands of young leaders, inspired by the Prime Ministers vision of producing one lakh fresh leaders across the country, and stressed the importance of establishing a Transcendental Knowledge Centre in Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, Ramdas Athawale appreciated the initiative and assured his full support to HPRF in connecting its young scholars with flagship programmes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. He also assured that he would facilitate coordination with other ministries to help advance the Foundations academic and policy initiatives. During the valedictory session, the Minister felicitated the presenters of the three best research papers. Introducing the award-winning scholars, Dr Peerzada Muneer, Editor, Himalayan Policy and Research Foundation Media Management, stated that nurturing young researchers would help create a new generation capable of replacing fictional and unsubstantiated narratives with evidence, scholarship and grounded realities. Peer Gulzar, Convenor of the event, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the National Anthem.

SCERT concludes 3-day CBP on experiential learning

Srinagar, Jul 18: Reinforcing its commitment to competency-based and learner-centric education, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), J&K, Divisional Office Kashmir on Saturday concluded a 3-day Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on Experiential Learning in Mathematics. The programme was organized by the Department of Education in Science and Mathematics, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, under the leadership of Syed Shabir Ahmad, Joint Director, SCERT, Divisional Office Kashmir. The programme was designed in the cascading mode of professional development, wherein Master Resource Persons (MRPs) from various District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and Schools of Kashmir Division were trained to further conduct similar capacity-building programmes for Mathematics teachers in their respective districts. This multiplier approach is expected to ensure wider dissemination of innovative pedagogical practices and strengthen classroom teaching across the Union Territory in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Speaking on the occasion, Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, appreciated the efforts of the Department of Education in Science and Mathematics for organizing the programme and reaffirmed SCERT's commitment to continuous professional development of teachers. He expressed confidence that the cascading approach would significantly enhance the reach and impact of experiential pedagogy, ultimately contributing to improved learning outcomes in Mathematics across schools of Jammu & Kashmir. The training programme was coordinated by Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Senior Academic Officer, SCERT J&K, who emphasized that experiential learning is central to developing conceptual understanding, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities among learners. He highlighted that the cascading model adopted by SCERT would enable the knowledge, skills and innovative teaching practices acquired during the programme to reach thousands of Mathematics teachers through district-level training initiatives. The first technical session focused on Experiential Learning in Mathematics, introducing participants to the principles of activity-based, inquiry-driven and competency-oriented teaching. The session highlighted practical classroom strategies for connecting mathematical concepts with real-life situations, thereby making learning engaging, meaningful and learner-centred. The second session was conducted by Dr. Khalid, Lecturer in Mathematics, who demonstrated the pedagogical applications of Origami in Mathematics. Through interactive paper-folding activities, participants explored innovative approaches to teaching geometry, symmetry, fractions, measurement and spatial reasoning using simple, low-cost teaching-learning materials. On the second day, Sheikh Bashir conducted an intensive hands-on session, providing participants with practical exposure to experiential classroom strategies. Through collaborative activities and classroom simulations, the participants learned to design engaging Mathematics lessons that promote exploration, logical reasoning and conceptual understanding. Abdul Rashid Malla, demonstrated a wide range of innovative Mathematics activities and low-cost teaching-learning materials. Participants actively developed and practiced classroom-ready activities that can be effectively replicated in schools to foster joyful and meaningful learning experiences. The third day commenced with an engaging session by Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal on Brain Teasing Mathematics, where participants explored mathematical puzzles, games and logical challenges aimed at enhancing analytical thinking, creativity and higher-order problem-solving skills among students. The valedictory technical session was conducted by Tariq Ahmad Deca, who showcased a variety of innovative Mathematics activities and demonstrated practical classroom techniques for simplifying abstract mathematical concepts through experiential and participatory approaches. The session further reinforced the importance of using locally available resources to make Mathematics interactive, inclusive and enjoyable. Throughout the three-day programme, participants actively engaged in discussions, peer learning, reflective exercises, group work and practical demonstrations. The emphasis remained on equipping the Master Resource Persons with the knowledge and confidence required to effectively implement and subsequently replicate the training in their respective districts under the cascading model. During the valedictory session, Javaid Ahmad Banday, Assistant Professor, SCERT-JK, Central underscored the importance of embracing experiential learning across all disciplines, with particular emphasis on Mathematics, in consonance with the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He stressed that experiential pedagogy fosters conceptual understanding, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, and urged the participants to serve as catalysts in implementing these learner-centric approaches in their classrooms through the cascading mode of teacher training. The programme concluded with a collective commitment by the participants to carry forward the objectives of the training by conducting district-level programmes and promoting experiential, competency-based and activity-oriented Mathematics education in classrooms throughout the Kashmir Division.

Govt. Polytechnic for Women Sgr signs MoU with J&K Hoteliers Club

Srinagar, Jul 18: Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar on Saturday formalised a strategic industryacademia partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony took place on campus and was attended by heads of departments, teaching and nonteaching staff, and students of the Department of Travel & Tourism. The MoU was signed in the presence of a distinguished delegation from the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club. The delegation included Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya (President, J&K Hoteliers Club), who also graced the occasion as the Chief Guest; Tariq Rashid Ghani (Junior Vice President); Naseer Khan (Treasurer); and Murad Kapra (Joint Treasurer). Both parties underlined the mutual importance of close collaboration between academia and industry to boost the employability, professional competence, and practical exposure of students in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Management. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation that will enable experiential learning, internships, industry visits, guest lectures, faculty exchange, joint workshops, and other skilloriented initiatives designed to bridge classroom learning with realworld hotel and tourism operations. Principal, Government Polytechnic for Women, Er. Imtiaz Ahmad, welcomed the partnership and highlighted the colleges commitment to preparing students for industry demands by integrating handson training and sectoral exposure into the curriculum. Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya lauded the institutes efforts in womens technical education and expressed the Clubs readiness to support capacity building, mentorship, and employment pathways for students. While speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, President, J&K Hoteliers Club, said, This partnership is a significant step towards empowering young women with the practical skills and industry exposure required to excel in the hospitality and tourism sector. The Hoteliers Club is committed to providing mentorship, internships, and realworld training opportunities that will bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. The event was addressed by other key members of the J&K Hoteliers Club as well. During her address on the occasion, Rukhsana Bashir, Head of Department, Department of Travel & Tourism, Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, said, We warmly welcome this collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club. This MoU opens valuable avenues for our students to gain handson experience, industry mentorship, and meaningful internships that complement their classroom studies. The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening institutional ties with the regions hospitality industry and enhancing career prospects for diploma holders of the Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar.

DC Ganderbal reviews implementation of HADP, JKCIP

Ganderbal, Jul 18: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore on Saturday chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC) to review the implementation and progress of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture & Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) in the district. During the meeting, the DC conducted a comprehensive department-wise review of progress under HADP and JKCIP schemes. He reviewed the performance of all Agriculture and Allied Departments and directed the concerned departments to expedite the establishment of units against the allotted targets for the year 202627. He further instructed the departments to ensure that all completed units are promptly updated and marked as established on the JKCIP Portal. The meeting also reviewed the department-wise progress of Output Tracking of established units under JKCIP. Stressing the importance of timely monitoring and evaluation, the DC directed the Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Horticulture Planning & Marketing (HP&M) to complete the tracking of all remaining units on priority. Reviewing the progress under the Daksh Kisan Portal, the DC directed all departments to intensify farmer registration, ensure timely enrolment of eligible beneficiaries and facilitate the completion of online training courses by registered farmers to strengthen capacity building and improve outreach under the programme. The DC further took stock of the progress achieved under Kisan Khidmat Ghar (KKG) registrations, including L2 and L3 targets, and instructed all departments to accelerate registrations and improve overall performance to achieve the assigned targets within the stipulated timeframe. He also reviewed the status of credit application cases under HADP and JKCIP and directed all concerned banks to expedite the disposal of pending cases on priority so that the benefits reach eligible applicants without delay. Similarly, the progress under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was reviewed, and banks were instructed to clear all pending KCC applications at the earliest. During the meeting, the District Level Committee (DLC) approved 162 cases under HADP and JKCIP. The DC emphasized close coordination among all stakeholder departments and financial institutions for effective implementation of HADP and JKCIP. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring, timely execution of targets and prompt disposal of pending cases to ensure that the benefits of these flagship programmes reach eligible farmers and allied sector beneficiaries in a transparent and time-bound manner. The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Assistant Director Fisheries, Cluster Head J&K Bank, Lead District Manager, Nodal Officer HADP/JKCIP, representatives of the concerned banks and officers of various Agriculture and Allied Departments.

CUK participates in national event Empowering India 2026

Panaji, Jul 18: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) is participating in the three-day national event Empowering India 2026, being held at Goa from 18th to 20th July, 2026. Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool and Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir are representing CUKashmir in this mega event. Speaking during the inaugural session held today, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean, Academic Affairs emphasized the significance of multidisciplinary education, research, and knowledge sharing in preparing future-ready graduates. He observed that such national platforms encourage collaboration, inspire innovation, and strengthen the collective efforts of educational institutions towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. In his address, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar, highlighted that the event empowering India 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for higher educational institutions to showcase their academic strengths, research achievements, innovation, and best practices while fostering meaningful partnerships with academia, industry, and government. He reaffirmed CUKashmir's commitment to impart quality education, research excellence, innovation, and nation-building. CUKashmir stall attracted significant interest from visitors, who appreciated the varsitys academic programmes, research initiatives, innovation ecosystem, and student-centric initiatives. The event has brought together leading educational institutions, research organizations, government departments, industry representatives, innovators, and policymakers from across the country to promote collaboration, innovation, and excellence in higher education. It has also witnessed participation from several National Institutes of Technology (NITs), NCERT, Government Departments of Goa, agricultural universities and institutions, and numerous higher educational institutions from across the country. The participating institutions are showcasing their academic programmes, research and innovation, technological advancements, skill development initiatives, and outreach activities through interactive exhibitions and demonstrations.

CS directs creation of integrated data ecosystem for seamless citizen services

Srinagar, Jul 18: In a significant step towards advancing digital governance and ensuring hassle-free delivery of public services, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a high-level meeting to review the proposed 'Data Management Strategy and Action Plan' aimed at creating a secure, interoperable and citizen-centric data ecosystem across Government departments in Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed initiative seeks to establish an integrated framework for secure sharing and harmonization of government data, enabling departments to access authenticated information through authorized digital platforms instead of repeatedly seeking the same documents from citizens. The initiative is expected to improve inter-departmental coordination substantially, eliminate duplication of records, enhance transparency and ensure faster, more efficient delivery of welfare benefits and public services. The meeting was attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries including Commissioner Secretary, PD&MD; MD, J&K Bank; DG, E&S; SIO, NIC; Director, Planning and HoDs from other concerned Departments. Reviewing the proposed framework, the Chief Secretary underscored that effective governance in the digital era rests on the availability of authentic, standardized and secure data. He observed that while Government departments generate large volumes of valuable data, its true potential can only be realised when such information is managed under a common governance framework and shared securely across departments for improving public service delivery. The Chief Secretary further stressed that the Government endeavors to ensure that citizens are not required to submit the same information repeatedly for availing benefits under different schemes. He reiterated that the objective is to build an integrated digital governance ecosystem where authenticated data, once available with the Government, can be securely utilised by authorized departments for delivery of eligible services, while fully safeguarding privacy, confidentiality and data security, he added. The Chief Secretary directed all Administrative Departments to extend full cooperation in implementation of the strategy and ensure standardization of departmental datasets in accordance with the prescribed data governance framework. Atal Dulloo also called for adoption of uniform metadata standards, robust quality assurance mechanisms and secure interoperability protocols to facilitate seamless exchange of information across departments. During the meeting, a detailed presentation was made by the Planning Department on the five strategic pillars of the proposed Data Management Strategy comprising Data Governance & Standards, Base Registries & Unique Identifiers, Interoperability & Harmonization, Data Security & Privacy and Institutional Capacity & Coordination. The strategy aims to establish a Single Source of Truth by preserving original departmental datasets while enabling secure, API-based exchange of information among authorized users, thereby supporting evidence-based governance, efficient planning and better monitoring of developmental programmes. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the proposed initiative involving integration of the Civil Registration System (CRS) with J&K Bank for automatic initiation of insurance claims under PMJJBY and PMSBY immediately after issuance of a death certificate. Once operational, the mechanism will enable eligible claim settlements without requiring bereaved families to submit separate applications, thereby reducing procedural delays and ensuring timely financial assistance. The meeting also discussed integration of the Civil Registration System with the Health, Social Welfare and School Education Departments to enable automatic activation of welfare interventions from birth onwards. Under this mechanism, registration of every birth would trigger enrolment for nutrition support, immunization and other eligible welfare schemes, while subsequent integration with APAAR ID would facilitate seamless linkage with school admissions, scholarships and other educational entitlements. The Chief Secretary further reviewed the proposal for creation of an integrated institutional database of schools, hospitals, Anganwadi centres and other public institutions through adoption of common geographical identifiers to facilitate better planning, infrastructure mapping and resource allocation. The Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to prepare a time-bound implementation roadmap with clearly defined milestones for phased rollout of the strategy and emphasized strict adherence to data privacy, cyber security and governance standards at every stage. He expressed confidence that the proposed initiative would mark a significant step towards building a modern, integrated and citizen-centric governance ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the initiative would strengthen evidence-based planning, improve inter-departmental coordination and ensure seamless delivery of Government services and welfare benefits by enabling secure and efficient sharing of authenticated data across departments.

Flash Floods Inundate Rajouri, Hundreds Evacuated as Rivers Overflow

SRINAGAR: Flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rain wreaked havoc across Rajouri town on Sunday, inundating several low-lying areas, sweeping away vehicles and forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer locations as rivers overflowed following heavy rainfall. Officials said continuous rain since Saturday evening caused the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola rivers to swell []

J&Ks mountains heating up; nights warm faster than days

Srinagar, Jul 18: Jammu and Kashmir's mountains are warming, but not in the way many would expect. A new study has found that night-time temperatures across large parts of the Himalayan region are rising far more rapidly than daytime temperatures, signalling a profound shift in the climate of one of the world's most fragile mountain ecosystems. The research published in a prestigious journal 'Scientific Reports', based on 45 years of observations between 1980 and 2024, paints a picture of a warming J&K marked by sharp geographical contrasts, seasonal variations and an emerging pattern of elevation-dependent warming. Scientists analysed temperature records from the India Meteorological Department's network of surface observatories across Jammu and Kashmir and combined them with global reanalysis datasets to examine long-term changes in annual and seasonal temperatures across the Union Territory. The findings reveal that while warming is evident across much of the region, the increase is far from uniform. Mid-elevation stations recorded the most pronounced warming trends, with Bhaderwah emerging as one of the fastest-warming locations, registering an increase in average annual temperatures of nearly 0.3C per decade, the research reads. In contrast, lower-elevation stations such as Jammu recorded weak or statistically insignificant warming trends, with annual mean temperatures showing changes of around minus 0.1C per decade over the study period. The most striking finding, however, was the rapid rise in minimum temperatures the temperatures recorded during the night and early morning hours. Researchers found that minimum temperatures increased by between 0.1C and 0.5C per decade across several mid- and high-altitude regions of Jammu and Kashmir. By comparison, daytime maximum temperatures rose much more slowly, increasing by only 0 to 0.2C per decade at most stations, the research reads. During the pre-monsoon season, warming became even more pronounced, with some mountain stations recording night-time temperature increases of up to 0.6C per decade. Scientists say this pattern is a strong indicator of elevation-dependent warming, a phenomenon increasingly being observed across mountain regions worldwide where higher altitudes warm faster than neighbouring lowlands. The study suggests that changing cloud cover, snow-albedo feedbacks, atmospheric moisture and shifts in land-atmosphere interactions may be contributing to the accelerated warming observed in the Himalayas. Climate experts warn that warmer nights could have consequences that extend far beyond rising temperatures. Night-time warming reduces the duration and intensity of freezing conditions essential for maintaining snow cover and glacier health. As a result, snow accumulates later in winter and melts earlier in spring, shortening the snow season and altering river flow patterns. For Jammu and Kashmir, where rivers such as the Jhelum, Chenab and Indus rely heavily on snow and glacier-fed water, these changes carry major implications for agriculture, hydropower generation and drinking water supplies, the study adds. The findings add to a growing body of evidence pointing towards rapid climatic changes in the western Himalayas. Previous studies led by noted earth scientist Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo have documented substantial glacier retreat across Kashmir over recent decades. Research on the Kolahoi Glacier, often referred to as the Valley's water tower, found an average mass loss of 0.91 0.42 metres of water equivalent annually between 2013 and 2018. Similarly, studies on the Hoksar Glacier reported annual losses of nearly 0.95 0.39 metres of water equivalent, while satellite observations indicate that Kashmir's snow-covered area has declined by nearly 23 per cent over the past five years. Meteorologists believe rising temperatures may also contribute to increasingly erratic weather patterns already being witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir, including intense rainfall events, cloudbursts and flash floods. The Union Territory has experienced an increasing number of extreme weather incidents in recent years, particularly across mountainous districts in the Jammu region. Researchers based their findings on daily temperature observations collected from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2024 through the India Meteorological Department's network of manual surface observatories. The data underwent multiple levels of quality checks and verification before being archived at the National Data Centre in Pune. To ensure the reliability of long-term trends, scientists tested temperature records for possible discontinuities arising from station relocation, changes in instrumentation or alterations in observation methods. The analysis found that almost all stations maintained statistically homogeneous records over the 45-year period, strengthening confidence in the observed warming patterns. Researchers employed internationally recognised techniques including the Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen's slope estimator to quantify temperature trends and assess their statistical significance. The study concludes that Jammu and Kashmir's warming is not merely a story of rising temperatures but of changing mountains, shrinking winters and increasingly vulnerable water systems. For a Himalayan region already witnessing glacier retreat, declining snowfall and growing climate extremes, the message is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The mountains of Jammu and Kashmir are warming and the nights are warming fastest of all.

True success of book festival lies in ideas, not sales: LG Sinha

Urges youth to read one book beyond textbooks every month Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday attended the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar, describing it as more than just an event but a movement to build a vibrant community of readers, writers, and thinkers. He urged youth to read at []

Sheikh Junaid Mehmood posted as CEO of JK Cyber Crime Coordination Centre

Govt orders transfers, postings of police officers Srinagar: The Government of Jammu and Kashmirs Home Department has issued a formal order regarding transfers and postings of police officers, with immediate effect. Under Government Order No. 372-ISA, dated 17th July 2026, several police officials have been reassigned to new positions within the department. Sheikh Junaid Mehmood, []

Srinagar records seasons hottest day at 35.9C

MeT forecasts widespread rainfall from today Srinagar: Srinagar on Saturday recorded the hottest day of the season as the mercury climbed to 35.9 degrees Celsius, nearly six degrees above normal, even as the Meteorological Department forecast a significant shift in weather with widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and the possibility of heavy to very heavy showers across []

Secular, patriotic forces must unite: Dr Farooq

Our peaceful struggle for restoration of J&Ks special rights will continue Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Saturday voiced deep concern over what he described as the growing climate of hatred, communalism, religious intolerance and social polarization in the country. Calling for collective action, he appealed to all secular, democratic []

AIP supports NCs protest but says statehood alone not enough

Er Rashid to observe hunger strike, walk barefoot to Parl on Jul 21 Srinagar: Jailed MP Baramulla Er. Rashid, through his legal team, has reiterated his firm commitment to fight for the legitimate rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and assured them that he would be the last person to compromise his conscience. []

Apni Party supports statehood demand but wont join NC protest

We believe in dialogue, reconciliation, not protests, confrontations: Bukhari Srinagar: Apni Party on Saturday announced its support for the ruling National Conferences demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. However, the party decided not to participate in the National Conferences proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. []

LG congratulates Team Skyroot on successful Vikram-1 orbital launch

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday extended his heartiest congratulations to Team Skyroot Aerospace following the successful maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1. In his congratulatory message, the Lieutenant Governor said: Heartiest congratulations to Team Skyroot Aerospace on the successful maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1. This historic achievement is a proud moment for the nation []

Amarnath Yatra temporarily suspended due to inclement weather

Srinagar: In view of inclement weather forecast issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from 19.07.2026 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, the government said on Saturday. In view of the forecast of []

Education At The Crossroads Of Change Why Conventional Models Are Failing In The 21st Century

One of the greatest weaknesses of contemporary education lies in its continued dependence on a model that places excessive emphasis on examinations, grades, and certificates. For decades, success has largely been measured by academic scores rather than by the ability to apply knowledge in practical situations. Employers are no longer searching merely for graduates with []

ICCs revamped ODI World Cup format comes under intense criticism from Associates, WCA

DUBAI: The ICCs decision to revamp the format of next years ODI World Cup has come under intense criticism from the Associate nations, with the World Cricketers Association (WCA) saying it fundamentally changes the opportunity originally presented. While the ICC retained the number of participating teams at 14 for next years ODI World Cup []

Mirwaiz condemns relocation of liquor shops to residential Pantha Chowk

Questions selective respect for religious sentiments; says people will not accept promotion of alcohol in Kashmir SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, while addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, strongly condemned the reported move to relocate liquor shops from the National Highway to residential areas in and around Pantha Chowk []

Court allows MP Er Rashid to attend entire Parliament session: AIP

SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Friday welcomed the order of the Patiala House Court, New Delhi, permitting MP Baramulla Engineer Rashid to attend the entire Monsoon Session of Parliament while remaining in judicial custody. AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, in a statement issued here, said the order is a victory for democratic principles []

Bukhari calls for reform in health, education sectors for remote areas

SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said there is an immediate need to reform the health and education sectors to benefit people living in remote areas across Jammu and Kashmir. These areas lack even basic infrastructure and adequate professional manpower in the health and education sectors, resulting in immense hardship for []

Hundreds attend Ijtema Fateha Khawani of Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal

Rich tributes paid at condolence meet SRINAGAR: Hundreds of people from different walks of life participated in the collective Fateha Khawani (prayer meeting) held on Friday at the grave of the late Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal at Gupkar Road adjacent to Kashmir Nursing Home. The gathering was attended by senior National Conference leaders from all []

Police attach properties worth crores in crackdown on drug trafficking

KULGAM/SHOPIAN: Continuing its relentless crackdown against drug trafficking under the ongoing 100 Days Nasha Mukt Campaign, Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached multiple properties linked to illegal narcotics activities across the region. In Kulgam, police, in coordination with the Revenue Department, attached a two-storeyed residential house worth approximately 1.63 crore belonging to Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, []

JKTPO showcases Jammu & Kashmirs textile heritage at Bharat Tex 2026

New Zealand Minister visits J&K pavilion NEW DELHI: The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), under the aegis of the Industries & Commerce Department, government of Jammu and Kashmir, successfully showcased the regions rich handloom, handicraft and textile heritage at Bharat Tex 2026, held from 1417 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The []

Kashmir on a Hotter Planet

For generations, Kashmir has been celebrated as paradise on earth a valley of snow-laden peaks, gushing rivers, orchards and wetlands held in a fragile Himalayan embrace. Today, that paradise is on the frontline of global warming. What the world still debates in conferences and climate summits is already reshaping daily life in the Valley. Kashmir is warming faster than the global average. Winters are shorter and erratic; snow arrives late, melts early and is interrupted by unseasonal warm spells. The Jhelum, once following fairly predictable rhythms, now veers between distressingly low summer flows and sudden, dangerous peaks during intense rainfall. Apple and saffron growers, who lived by stable seasons, now find themselves second-guessing the weather and paying a steep price for every wrong calculation. Scientists have long cautioned that the Himalayas are among the worlds most climate-vulnerable regions. Glaciers that quietly fed our rivers are retreating and thinning. At higher altitudes, snow is more often replaced by rain. This alters a finely balanced system built on gradual melt and steady release of water. The result is a new normal: brief spells of very heavy precipitation, a greater risk of floods like those of 2014, and, paradoxically, the threat of water scarcity later in the year. This is not an abstract environmental story. It is a livelihood story. Agriculture and horticulture remain the backbone of rural Kashmir. Apple, walnut, almond and cherry production depends on adequate winter chill and predictable flowering. Warmer winters disturb these cycles and encourage pests and diseases. Saffron, already squeezed by urbanisation and groundwater stress, cannot survive without specific temperature and moisture conditions. For small and marginal farmers, a single bad season can trigger debt; repeated shocks can destroy the fragile ladder out of poverty. Climate stress is aggravated by how we are reshaping the Valley ourselves. In and around Srinagar, wetlands that once acted as natural sponges for floodwaters have been encroached upon, filled and built over. Dal and Wular, icons of Kashmirs landscape, have shrunk and degraded. Concrete continues to push into floodplains and onto riverbanks. As temperatures rise, dense urban pockets trap heat, making life particularly harsh for the elderly, children and those in cramped housing. Global warming exposes the cracks in our planning; our own choices widen them. It is tempting, and comforting, to see Kashmir only as an innocent victim of emissions elsewhere. Indeed, the Valleys contribution to global greenhouse gases is tiny compared to industrialised regions. Yet local actions still matter. Unregulated construction, deforestation, burning of waste, sand mining and the neglect of traditional water bodies erode our resilience. We are at once vulnerable to global decisions and responsible for the stewardship of our own home. If we accept this dual reality, our response must go far beyond symbolic plantation drives and occasional seminars. Climate has to become a central lens of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, not an add-on paragraph in policy documents. First, wetlands and floodplains must be treated as critical infrastructure. Protecting and restoring them is not a favour to nature; it is insurance for our lives and property. Land-use rules around rivers, lakes and marshes must be enforced even when they inconvenience influential interests. Building on floodplains is not development it is gambling with public safety. Second, urban planning needs a course correction. Master plans must integrate drainage, ventilation corridors and green spaces to reduce both flooding and heat stress. The expansion of Srinagar and other towns cannot continue as a series of ad hoc permissions. Every new colony built on a lakefront or wetland is a future headline in a flood or pollution story. Third, agriculture and horticulture need a deliberate transition strategy for a warmer, more volatile climate. Farmers should not be left alone to experiment at their own risk. Research institutions and extension agencies have to work with them on climate-resilient practices diversified cropping, soil-moisture conservation, smarter irrigation, and, where essential, gradual shifts to varieties that can withstand changing conditions. Credit, insurance and market support must align with this agenda, not pull in the opposite direction. Finally, there is the question of public consciousness. In much of our everyday discourse, climate events are still dismissed as natural calamities or explained purely in spiritual terms. Faith and culture are integral to Kashmiri life, but they should not be used to avoid hard questions about human responsibility. Schools, universities, mosques, shrines and media all have a role in nurturing a civic ethic that treats the Valleys ecology as a shared trust. At its core, global warming vis--vis Kashmir is an issue of justice. Those who have contributed least to the problem hill communities, small farmers, labourers, the urban poor are among those most exposed. This injustice should sharpen our resolve. Kashmir alone cannot bend the global emissions curve, but it can demand a fair voice in national climate debates and insist that development here respects ecological limits. The choice before us is stark. We can continue reading each flood, drought or failed crop as an isolated misfortune, or we can recognise them as connected warnings from a valley under unprecedented stress. To keep calling Kashmir paradise on earth without changing how we treat it is to hollow out the phrase. A truly meaningful tribute to this land is not nostalgia, but action urgent, informed and collective to secure climate resilience and ecological dignity for generations to come. ( The Author is a research scholar and teacher by profession)

The Final Sanctuary: How the Living House the Dead across Earth, Sky, and Sea

The 16th of July marked the 34th death anniversary of my dear father. In this connection, I attended the Fatiha prayer at his grave, and standing there, I was deeply reminded of how much our loved ones matter to us, even long after they have departed. The relationship between the living and the dead is one of the oldest stories of human civilization. It is written not just in our hearts, but in the very soil, air, and water of the places we call home. As the world grows more crowded and our environments change, the ways we say our final goodbyes are evolvingreflecting a delicate balance between sacred tradition and modern necessity. The Close Neighbors of Mallaratta: Kashmirs Intimate Lands In the historic quarters of Srinagar, death has never been segregated from daily life. To this day, my ancestral home, Yarkand House in Mallaratta, stands tall and firm after 115 years of construction. Just twenty feet away lies our family graveyard, Maqbara Sadat Andrabis, where my parents, grandmother, and paternal uncles rest in peace. Purchased by my great-grandfather in mid-1916 from his pious Andrabi father-in-law for the princely sum of rupees eighteen, this plot remains beautifully maintained by the family. In those good old days, keeping graveyards close to residential houses was a comforting philosophya daily, grounding reminder of mortality, love, and continuity. On a grander scale, the historic Malkha graveyard was established centuries ago as a central repository of memory for the Muslims of Srinagar. Originally a vast grape orchard spanning a thousand kanals, it was centrally located. Tragically, modern urbanization and political short-sightedness have reduced it to less than two hundred kanals. Encroachmentsranging from schools and mosques to slum colonies, stadium spaces, a gondola take-off stand, and the Rainwari Hospitalhave slowly fractured this collective heritage. Yet, Kashmirs land laws historically accommodated this sacred geography. In rural areas, freshly converted communities utilized abundant state or grazing lands, recorded in revenue registers as Kachari, Shamilat, or Abadi Deh. These final resting places were legally protected under designations like Maqbooza Qabristan or Ahli-Islam. Similarly, the Kashmiri Pandit community utilized designated lands for their last rites, formally recorded as Maqbooza Ahli-Hinoo, Shamshan Ghat, or Awarin. Whether through burial or fire, the departed remained rooted in the land. The Birdless Skies: The Changing Rituals of the Parsis While Kashmir looks to the earth, the Parsi community traditionally looked to the sky. Holding the elements of nature in absolute veneration, Zoroastrian tradition dictates that burying a body desecrates the earth, and burning it pollutes sacred fire. Thus, they constructed Dakhmas, or Towers of Silence, where the dead were left open to the elements and to vulturesa system designed as the ultimate eco-friendly act of giving back to nature. However, these ancient towers are losing their sheen. The vulture population across India has dwindled catastrophically due to inadvertent poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac. With the skies suddenly empty, the community has had to adapt. Today, many Parsis are shifting their attitudes toward modern technology, turning to electric crematoriumsparticularly in Mumbai and parts of Gujaratmarrying ancient prayers with contemporary realities. The Automated Vaults of Japan Farther east, in the hyper-dense urban centers of Japan, the challenge is sheer space. The Japanese have innovated an incredibly advanced, scientific approach to handling the dead. In modern, multi-story indoor cemeteries, they utilize deep, rounded well-like pits designed with state-of-the-art engineering. Each family possesses their own automated vault box. When a body is placed inside, specific, highly regulated chemical compounds are introduced to accelerate decomposition safely and rapidly. Within a remarkably short period, the physical remains are reduced to clean ashes. The vault is then thoroughly cleansed and prepared, efficiently making room for the next family member. It is a striking blend of profound ancestral respect and futuristic spatial efficiency. Rest in the Deep: The Ancient Law of Sea Burials For those who spent their lives moving across the vast expanse of the oceans, the final resting place is neither earth nor sky, but the deep blue. Sea burial is a time-honored tradition, particularly for sailors, explorers, or travelers who pass away at sea. Steeped in maritime protocol, the body is carefully prepared, weighted, sewn into a canvas shroud, and lowered into the ocean depths. Out of sight of land, the body gently descends to the seabed, where marine life naturally consumes the physical form, returning the traveler to the great cradle of the worlds waters. Sky Burials of Ladakh and Tibet: The Frozen Horizons In contrast to the warm oceans, the high-altitude, freezing ecosystems of places like Ladakh and Tibet offer unique challenges. In these arid, rocky, and timber-scarce environments, digging a grave into frozen earth is nearly impossible, and there is little wood available for large funeral pyres. Here, the ancient practice of Sky Burial (Jhator) takes a different form than that of the Parsis. On designated sacred mountaintops, specialized practitioners gently prepare the body, which is then offered to Himalayan vultures. In the Buddhist philosophy of these regions, the body is seen as an empty vessel once the soul leaves. Offering the physical remains to the birds is considered a final, supreme act of generosity and compassion toward other living creatures, ensuring that the lifecycle continues even on the barren, cold roofs of the world. Conclusion: A Shared Journey Home From the rose-rimmed walls of Yarkand House in Mallaratta to the automated towers of Tokyo, and from the deep ocean trenches to the windswept peaks of Ladakh, humanitys diverse funeral customs reveal a beautiful truth. We may use earth, fire, air, or water to return our loved ones to the universe, but the underlying intent remains identical: to honor our past, to respect our environment, and to ensure that those who shaped our lives are never truly forgotten. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service.Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )

Wear light, breathable clothes to beat heat: GMC advisory

Srinagar, July 18: With Jammu and Kashmir witnessing an intense heat wave and temperatures rising well above the seasonal average, health experts on Saturday advised people to wear appropriate summer clothing to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn, and skin infections. An advisory prepared by Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, highlights the importance of choosing breathable, light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes during the summer months to help the body stay cool and comfortable. The advisory notes that while Kashmir's typical summer temperatures range between 18C and 34C, occasional heatwaves can push temperatures significantly higher, increasing health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses. According to the advisory, cotton remains the best fabric for summer due to its breathability, sweat-absorbing properties and affordability. Linen, cotton-linen blends and bamboo fabrics are also recommended as they promote airflow, dry quickly and help regulate body temperature. For people engaged in outdoor work or exercise, moisture-wicking sports fabrics can help keep the body dry, while lightweight merino wool may be suitable in certain conditions because of its temperature-regulating properties. The advisory discourages wearing polyester, nylon, thick denim jeans, velvet and heavy woollen garments during hot weather, as these materials trap heat, restrict airflow and increase sweating, discomfort and the risk of skin irritation. Dark or black-coloured clothing is also discouraged during peak sunshine because it absorbs more heat. It recommended wearing light-coloured cotton shirts, cotton kurtas, cotton salwar suits, chinos and cotton T-shirts during summer. Full-sleeved cotton clothing is encouraged to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, while hats or caps can provide additional protection from direct sunlight. The advisory also lists white, cream, beige, light blue, mint green, light grey and other pastel shades as the most suitable colours for summer, as they reflect sunlight and absorb less heat compared to darker colours. Besides clothing, the public has been advised to wear loose-fitting garments, cover the head with a hat, cap or cotton scarf while outdoors, change sweaty clothes promptly to reduce the risk of fungal infections, drink plenty of water and avoid prolonged exposure to the midday sun. The advisory emphasises that proper clothing is not merely a matter of comfort but an important public health measure. Wearing light, breathable fabrics can help maintain normal body temperature, reduce excessive sweating and minimise the risk of heat rash, dehydration and heat exhaustion. As Jammu and Kashmir continues to experience unusually high temperatures, health experts have urged residents to make informed clothing choices alongside staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Simple changes such as wearing breathable fabrics, choosing light colours and protecting the head from direct sunlight can go a long way in preventing heat-related illnesses during the ongoing heatwave, the advisory states.

The Food Came With Them; Why Didn't the Waste Go Back?

Every day, thousands of visitors arrive in Jammu and Kashmir carrying bags filled with bottled water, soft drinks, chips, biscuits, disposable plates, packaged snacks, fruits, and picnic meals. They have no difficulty carrying these items into the Valley's meadows, forests, lakesides, gardens, and mountain viewpoints. Yet, once the food is consumed, many somehow find it too inconvenient to carry back the empty bottles, plastic wrappers, disposable plates, cups, cans, tissues, and other waste they have generated. Instead, they leave it scattered across some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, expecting someone elseor nature itselfto deal with the mess. This simple act of carelessness has become one of the greatest environmental threats facing Jammu and Kashmir. The issue is not that tourists bring food to enjoy during their visit; the issue is that too many fail to carry back the waste they create until they reach a proper dustbin. A plastic bottle that was easy to carry when full should be even easier to carry when empty. A chips packet that weighs only a few grams should never be abandoned on a meadow or thrown into a stream. Yet this basic civic responsibility is ignored every day, slowly turning the Paradise on Earth into a dumping ground for non-biodegradable waste. Tourism is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy. It supports hotels, houseboats, transport operators, pony owners, guides, artisans, shopkeepers, and thousands of families whose livelihoods depend upon visitors. The record-breaking tourist arrivals of recent years have revived businesses and brought renewed economic optimism to the region. Tourism is, without doubt, a blessing for Jammu and Kashmir. However, tourism that pollutes cannot be called progress. Economic prosperity loses its meaning if it comes at the cost of polluted lakes, littered forests, damaged meadows, and degraded ecosystems. The very landscapes that attract millions of visitors every year are now under unprecedented environmental pressure because of irresponsible behaviour that is entirely avoidable. Across Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Aharbal, Verinag, Kokernag, Bangus Valley, Gurez, Sinthan Top, and countless lesser-known destinations, the signs of environmental neglect are impossible to ignore. Plastic bottles lie scattered across alpine grasslands, disposable food containers are left beneath towering pine trees, snack wrappers blow through pristine valleys, and picnic sites often resemble temporary garbage dumps after visitors leave. This is not merely littering. It is environmental vandalism. Nature took thousands of years to create these magnificent landscapes, but it takes only a few careless visitors to scar them within hours. The Himalayan ecosystem is among the most fragile in the world. Plastic waste discarded in these mountains does not disappear. It remains trapped beneath snow, lodged between rocks, carried into rivers, or buried beneath soil where it slowly breaks down into microplastics that contaminate freshwater, agricultural land, and eventually the food chain. Wildlife often mistakes plastic for food, resulting in injury, starvation, and death. Every discarded wrapper or bottle becomes part of a much larger ecological crisis. Dal Lake, the iconic jewel of Srinagar, provides perhaps the clearest example of this growing tragedy. While untreated sewage, encroachments, and excessive weed growth continue to threaten the lake, tourism-generated waste has become another visible scar. Floating plastic bottles, disposable cups, food packaging, and litter along its banks tarnish one of India's most celebrated natural landmarks. Similar scenes are increasingly witnessed around Nigeen Lake, the Jhelum River, Lidder River, Sindh Stream, and numerous springs that sustain local communities. The Valley's forests and alpine meadows are suffering equally. Visitors frequently stray from designated trails, trample delicate vegetation, carve names into trees, leave behind plastic waste, and light campfires in ecologically sensitive areas. Unlike urban parks, these fragile ecosystems cannot recover quickly. Damage caused during a single tourist season may take decades to heal. Adventure tourism has further intensified the problem. Trekking routes and camping sites are increasingly dotted with abandoned tents, broken bottles, fuel canisters, plastic packaging, and food waste. At high altitudes, where decomposition is extremely slow, this waste remains visible for years, silently disfiguring landscapes that were once untouched by human activity. Wildlife is paying an invisible but devastating price. Animals attracted by leftover food gradually lose their natural feeding habits and venture closer to tourist areas, increasing the risk of conflict. Plastic ingestion, excessive vehicle movement, loud music, overcrowding, and habitat disturbance continue to place enormous pressure on biodiversity across the region. Air pollution has also become an unintended consequence of mass tourism. During peak tourist seasons, endless convoys of private vehicles, taxis, buses, and motorcycles clog the roads leading to popular destinations. Traffic congestion results in higher fuel consumption, increased emissions, deteriorating air quality, and constant noise in places once renowned for their peace and serenity. Single-use plastics remain the greatest contributor to this crisis. Disposable water bottles, plastic cups, spoons, straws, carry bags, and food containers are designed for convenience lasting only a few minutes, yet they remain in the environment for centuries. No cleanliness drive, however large, can succeed unless visitors themselves stop treating nature as a dustbin. Religious tourism deserves special attention. Sacred places such as Hazratbal Shrine, Charar-e-Sharief, Kheer Bhawani, Mata Vaishno Devi, and numerous other revered shrines attract lakhs of devotees every year. These places inspire reverence, discipline, and humility. Respect for these sacred spaces must extend beyond prayer to preserving their cleanliness and dignity. Leaving litter behind at or around a place of worship is inconsistent with the values that every religion teaches. While irresponsible visitors deserve criticism, authorities must also acknowledge that waste-management systems have struggled to keep pace with the unprecedented growth in tourism. Overflowing dustbins, irregular waste collection, inadequate recycling facilities, insufficient public toilets, and weak enforcement of anti-littering laws have compounded the problem. Jammu and Kashmir urgently needs a comprehensive strategy for sustainable tourism. Strict enforcement of environmental laws, heavy penalties for littering, a complete ban on single-use plastics in ecologically sensitive areas, scientifically determined carrying-capacity limits, eco-friendly transport systems, modern waste-segregation facilities, and continuous environmental monitoring should become integral to tourism management rather than seasonal initiatives. At the same time, no law can replace individual responsibility. Every visitor should follow one simple principle: If you can carry it in, you can carry it out. Carry reusable water bottles whenever possible. Avoid single-use plastics. Keep empty bottles, wrappers, cups, and food containers in a small waste bag until a proper dustbin is available. Never throw waste into lakes, rivers, forests, gardens, or meadows. Teach children that protecting nature is as important as enjoying it. A few extra minutes of responsibility can protect landscapes that have existed for centuries. Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a tourist destination. It is one of India's greatest natural treasures, a sanctuary of biodiversity, a source of livelihood for millions, and a priceless inheritance that belongs equally to future generations. History will not judge us by the number of tourists who visited Kashmir. It will judge us by whether we had the wisdom and courage to protect this extraordinary land from becoming a victim of our own negligence. The message could not be simpler. Bring your food. Enjoy your picnic. Create beautiful memories. But when your meal is over, take every empty bottle, every wrapper, every disposable plate, every tissue, and every piece of waste back with you until you find a proper dustbin. The bag that was heavy enough to carry food into Kashmir should never be too heavy to carry empty waste out. If every visitor follows this simple principle, Jammu and Kashmir will continue to deserve its timeless title as the Paradise on Earth. If not, future generations may inherit not the paradise we admired, but the pollution we left behind. (The author is an educationist and columnist)

Vikram-1: The Launch That Signals India's Space Renaissance

The successful launch of Vikram-1 by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is much more than another rocket lifting off from Indian soil. It marks the arrival of a new era in India's space journeyone where government agencies and private enterprises work together to transform the nation into a global space power. For decades, India's achievements in space were almost synonymous with ISRO. Today, Vikram-1 demonstrates that the Indian space ecosystem has matured beyond a single institution and has evolved into a vibrant innovation economy. This mission deserves to be celebrated not merely because it is India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, but because it validates a vision that policymakers, scientists and entrepreneurs have collectively pursued over the past few years. The launch is perhaps the strongest evidence yet that India's space sector reforms are beginning to bear fruit. An orbital launch vehicle occupies a unique position in the space economy. Unlike suborbital rockets that briefly touch the edge of space, orbital launch vehicles place satellites into stable Earth orbits where they can provide communication, navigation, weather forecasting, Earth observation and scientific services for years. Vikram-1, capable of carrying 350 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), enters this highly competitive global market at a time when demand for small satellite launches is increasing rapidly. The rocket itself is an impressive demonstration of indigenous engineering. Built using an all-carbon composite structure, equipped with reliable solid-fuel boosters and powered by a sophisticated 3D-printed liquid engine, Vikram-1 represents the convergence of advanced materials, digital manufacturing and aerospace innovation. These technologies not only reduce production costs but also enable faster manufacturing cyclesan essential requirement for the emerging commercial space industry. Mission Aagaman, the maiden flight of Vikram-1, carries significance far beyond its payload capacity. The mission deploys multiple customer satellites into a 450-kilometre orbit, demonstrating India's readiness to serve global commercial clients. Payloads from Skyroot, DCUBED, Grahaa Space and Cosmoserve Space illustrate how Indian launch vehicles are becoming platforms for international collaboration. Fig.The payloads include scientific instruments such as a robotic arm for removing space debris Particularly noteworthy is Cosmoserve Space's robotic arm, designed to capture orbital debris. Space sustainability is becoming one of the defining challenges of modern space exploration. With thousands of satellites expected to be launched in the coming decade, orbital debris poses serious risks to future missions. Carrying such a payload reflects India's growing awareness that commercial success must be accompanied by responsible stewardship of space. Equally inspiring are the symbolic payloads aboard the mission. Cosmic Bloom, a floral artwork of lab-grown diamond from Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds, and an 18-karat gold micro-rocket carrying microscopic sculptures of Nobel Laureate C. V. Raman, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam celebrate India's scientific heritage. They remind us that every technological leap stands on the shoulders of visionaries who imagined a future long before the technology existed. In a symbolic gesture, a handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi bearing the words Vande Mataram was also sent to space, along with messages from Skyroot team members, investors, policymakers and well-wishers across the globe. The story of Vikram-1, however, began much earlier than the launch pad. It began with a policy decision India's space reforms fundamentally altered the relationship between ISRO and private industry. Instead of being the sole operator, ISRO increasingly became an enabler, mentor and technology partner. The establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) provided the institutional framework necessary for private participation. Supported by the Indian Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe functions as an autonomous single-window agency that authorises and promotes both government and non-government space activities. More importantly, it offers a stable and predictable regulatory frameworksomething investors and entrepreneurs consider indispensable before committing resources to high-risk sectors like aerospace. The numbers already indicate the scale of transformation. By June 2026, IN-SPACe had registered more than 4,500 organisations, issued 133 authorisations and signed 106 Memoranda of Understanding. It facilitated access to ISRO facilities, technologies and technical expertise, allowing startups to leverage decades of national investment in space infrastructure rather than beginning from scratch. Its contribution extends well beyond regulation. During 2025 alone, IN-SPACe facilitated nearly USD 150 million in investments into Indian space startups. The country's top ten space startups collectively secured confirmed order books worth another USD 150 million. By mid-2026, more than 118 technology transfer agreements and 189 partnership agreements had accelerated commercialisation and collaboration between research institutions and industry. These figures reveal an important truth: successful space ecosystems are built not merely through rockets, but through policies, partnerships and investor confidence. Globally, the commercial space economy is expected to exceed one trillion dollars over the next two decades. Satellite broadband, Earth observation, precision agriculture, disaster management, autonomous transportation, defence technologies and climate monitoring will all depend heavily on affordable access to space. India possesses several natural advantages in this market. It offers cost-effective engineering talent, proven launch capabilities, a robust academic ecosystem and decades of ISRO's technical expertise. Until recently, however, these strengths remained largely confined within government institutions. The emergence of companies such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Bellatrix Aerospace and Dhruva Space demonstrates that India's entrepreneurial ecosystem is finally unlocking this latent potential. For ISRO itself, this evolution is equally beneficial. As private companies assume responsibility for routine commercial launches, ISRO can devote greater resources to ambitious scientific missions, planetary exploration, human spaceflight, reusable launch systems, lunar research and deep-space astronomy. The relationship is therefore complementary rather than competitive. There is another dimension that deserves attention. Vikram-1 has the potential to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. Young students no longer have to dream only of joining ISRO; they can now aspire to build the next aerospace startup, develop advanced propulsion systems, design satellites or create space-based services. This diversification of career opportunities is essential if India wishes to become a global knowledge economy. Yet, celebration must also be accompanied by realism. Building a globally competitive commercial launch industry requires consistent reliability, repeated successful launches, international certifications, strong supply chains and sustained investments in research and development. Space remains an unforgiving domain where even minor technical failures can have significant consequences. The true measure of success will therefore be Vikram-1's ability to establish a dependable launch record over multiple missions. India must also continue strengthening regulations governing space safety, debris mitigation, insurance, intellectual property and international collaboration. As the number of private players increases, governance frameworks must evolve with equal speed. The success of Vikram-1 ultimately represents something larger than a technological milestone. It reflects a shift in national thinkingfrom government-led capability creation to innovation-driven economic growth. It demonstrates how visionary public policy, institutional support and entrepreneurial ambition can together create globally competitive industries. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai once said that India must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society. More than five decades later, Vikram-1 embodies that philosophy in a new context. It carries not only satellites but also the aspirations of a nation determined to become a leading player in the global space economy. If this momentum is sustained through continued innovation, supportive policy and strategic investment, historians may well remember Vikram-1 not simply as India's first privately developed orbital rocket, but as the launch that ignited India's commercial space revolution. (The Author is the Dean-Academic Affairs, Garden City University, Bengaluru and an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, E-mail: bijudharmapalan@gmail.com )

Observing World Refugee Day & the Displaced Kashmiri Pandits

One month ago, the whole world observed the International Refugee Day. In India also, many programmes were held in this regard by various organisations and the advocacy groups championing the cause of refugees. It includes those refugees also who haven't crossed borders and are called the internally displaced persons. In fact they form a very typical category of refugees and could be called 'refugees living in their own country'. The horror stories of Kashmir against the indigenous population began with the deceitful change of rule in the 14th century when the reins of power went into the hands of Sultans. They initiated persecution and killings of the Hindu community of Kashmir and forced them to get converted to Islam. The rulers were supported by clerics and other preachers from far-away lands who were hands in glove with the rulers in their agenda of persecution and conversion. For the Hindus of Kashmir, politics would always take a back seat in their life. Yet they were economically squeezed, politically marginalized and socially excluded in their own native land. The forces which made them reach such a situation were none other than those, whom the community trusted, favoured and believed in 1947, when accession and transition of power took place. The community made a conscious effort to erase the past bad memories of persecution and relied more on the promises made to them in 1947. It needs to be emphasized here that in the changed scenario, the Pandits wilfully ignored the fact of historical intent to ethnically cleanse the Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir. They even sidelined the fact that in 1947, they had faced the worst that could have happened to them. Hundreds of them were left homeless and thousands of them were forced to take recourse to exodus. The Kashmiri Pandits looked to the future with hope. They were given to believe that the people's representatives would take care of the governance and the constitution would be the ultimate law; and secularism and democracy would be the guiding principles, and that the minorities would be protected by the government's instrumentalities and the constitutional provisions. They believed and reposed trust in leaders like Sheikh Abdullah and Pt. J.L.Nehru and the state government supported by the government of India and the overwhelming Muslim majority community, which was believed to be behind the decision of the National Conference in 1947. What happened thereafter is history. The Pandits faced apartheid at the hands of those who had promised them democracy and the rule of law, and to the shocking surprise of the community, the Muslim majority community, instead of providing them protection, showed them the road of exodus to drive them out of Kashmir when there was an upsurge against the Kashmiri Pandit community in 1989-90. Even thegovernments failed in their constitutional duties to protect them. The Pandits had no choice to make because no organ of the society and the State had the willingnessand capacity to protect them in their land of origin.

Speaker visits fire affected families at Pakherpora

Budgam, July 18: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Saturday visited Pakherpora in Budgam district to meet the families affected by the unfortunate fire incident that caused extensive damage to the residential houses and property. Expressing profound grief over the incident, the Speaker interacted with the affected families, enquired about their well-being and assured them of all possible support during this difficult time. During his visit, the Speaker directed the district administration to undertake an immediate and comprehensive assessment of the damage to residential houses, household belongings and other property so that the extent of the losses is accurately determined. Taking note of the immediate hardships being faced by the affected families, whose houses have been rendered uninhabitable, the Speaker instructed the administration to make prompt arrangements for temporary accommodation by providing tents and ensuring the supply of free ration and other essential relief material without delay. The Speaker further emphasized that the damage assessment process should be completed on a priority basis to facilitate the timely disbursement of admissible relief and compensation to the affected families. He directed the concerned officers to ensure that no affected household is deprived of the assistance to which it is entitled. Reiterating the commitment to the welfare of the affected families, the Speaker directed the District Administration to extend immediate relief and all possible assistance, besides taking every necessary measure for their rehabilitation and restoring normalcy at the earliest. SDM Chadoora, Executive Engineer R&B Charar-i-Sharief and BDO Phakerpora accompanied the Speaker during the visit. The Speaker also visited the family of police personnel who lost his life in an accident at Bailey Bridge Chadoora to express his deepest condolences and sympathy with the bereaved family. He prayed for the strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

Two US Soldiers Killed, One Missing in Iranian Attack

SRINAGAR: Two United States service members were killed, one remains missing and four others were wounded while defending against an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan on Friday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday. CENTCOM Statement on Recently Fallen, Missing U.S. Service Members TAMPA, Fla. On July 17, two U.S. []

Er Rashid backs statehood protest, announces hunger strike

Srinagar, July 18: Jailed Baramulla MP Er Rashid on Saturday extended support to the National Conference's proposed July 20 protest for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood but asserted that the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) would continue to seek restoration of all constitutional and political rights of the people. A message from Er Rashid, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, was read out by AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi during a press conference in Srinagar, attended by senior party leaders. In his message, Rashid accused the National Conference of restricting its political agenda to statehood while abandoning broader issues such as Article 370, Article 35A and other constitutional rights. He alleged that the party had failed to fulfil the promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections and criticised regional parties for not doing enough to safeguard the rights of the people. Despite the criticism, Rashid said the restoration of statehood remained a legitimate demand and deserved support in the larger public interest. He said the Centre should have restored statehood immediately after the 2024 Assembly elections and claimed the National Conference should have insisted on it before forming the government. Announcing AIP's solidarity with the July 20 protest, Rashid said he would observe a day-long hunger strike and undertake a barefoot march to Parliament on July 21 to press for a meaningful, time-bound dialogue between the Centre and the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir. He, however, clarified that AIP's support for the protest should not be construed as an endorsement of the National Conference's political stand on other issues. Addressing the press conference, Inam Un Nabi said AIP has consistently advocated restoration of statehood along with Articles 370 and 35A, release of political prisoners, revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), an end to the use of the Public Safety Act (PSA), and restoration of democratic rights. He termed the National Conference's decision to protest for statehood as oo little, too late, alleging that limiting the struggle to statehood alone ignored the broader aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Apni Party backs statehood demand, skips NC's Jantar Mantar protest

Srinagar, July 18: Apni Party on Saturday extended support to the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir but announced that it would not participate in the National Conference's proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. The decision was taken at a meeting of the party's senior leadership at its Srinagar headquarters and announced by party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari at a press conference. Bukhari said the demand for statehood reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has been one of the party's core agendas since its formation in March 2020. We fully support the demand for restoration of statehood, but we have decided not to be part of the proposed protest, he said. He maintained that the restoration of statehood and other constitutional rights could be achieved through meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement with the Centre rather than protests and confrontation. History has shown that confrontation has only resulted in the loss of rights. Dialogue remains the most practical and effective way to secure the aspirations of the people, Bukhari said. Taking a swipe at the National Conference, he said the ruling party had taken six years to raise the issue of statehood and had announced the protest without consulting other political stakeholders. Had there been broader consultations, a more effective strategy could have emerged, he said, adding that important issues such as statehood, constitutional safeguards for land and jobs, and the release of detainees require a united political approach. Bukhari also said the National Conference, being an elected government, should utilise constitutional and political channels to pursue the issue with the Centre instead of resorting to street protests. Responding to questions, he said the Apni Party would continue to hold the National Conference accountable for what he termed its failure to deliver on governance despite receiving a strong public mandate. He also urged the Centre to fulfil its commitment to bridge the Dilli aur Dil ki Douriyan and initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while reiterating the party's demand for restoration of constitutional rights. Senior party leaders, including Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Ashraf Mir and Abdul Majeed Padder, were present at the press conference.

Dr. Farooq acknowledges condolence messages

Srinagar, July 18: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who extended condolences and support following the demise of his younger brother, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal. In a statement, Dr. Farooq thanked people from across Jammu and Kashmir and the country for standing by his family during their bereavement. He expressed appreciation to those who attended the funeral, Namaz-e-Janazah , condolence meetings and prayer gatherings, and offered prayers for the departed soul. He also thanked political leaders from across the country for conveying their condolences through telephone calls, messages and other expressions of solidarity. Dr. Farooq acknowledged the support of religious scholars, political and social organisations, shrine custodians, civil society members, the media fraternity, Members of Parliament, ministers, legislators, National Conference leaders and workers, relatives, friends and well-wishers. He said the overwhelming outpouring of love, compassion and prayers had provided strength and solace to the bereaved family during the difficult time. Praying for the well-being of all those who stood by the family, Dr. Farooq said he hoped Almighty Allah would reward them for their kindness and accept their prayers and goodwill.

NC committed to restoring J&K's constitutional rights: Dr. Farooq

Srinagar, July 18: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that his party would continue its peaceful, democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status and the constitutional rights of its people. Dr. Farooq Abdullah voiced deep concern over what he described as the growing climate of hatred, communalism, religious intolerance and social polarization in the country. In a statement, the NC chief, while calling for collective action, appealed to all secular, democratic and patriotic forces to unite against attempts to undermine India's unity, integrity, composite culture and constitutional secular character through divisive politics. Addressing a gathering of senior party leaders, office-bearers and a large number of party workers, Dr. Farooq said India's freedom was not won by any single community or religion but was secured through the collective sacrifices of people belonging to every faith, region and background. He observed that the Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the fundamental rights to equality, religious freedom, freedom of expression and justice, adding that these constitutional and democratic values continue to constitute the bedrock of the nation's unity, strength and progress. Referring to Jammu & Kashmir's constitutional relationship with the Union of India, Dr. Farooq said the accession of the erstwhile State was accompanied by specific constitutional assurances under which it enjoyed a distinct constitutional position. He expressed regret that these constitutional guarantees were diluted over the decades, ultimately culminating in the abrogation of the region's special constitutional status. Reaffirming the party's longstanding position, he said the National Conference would continue its peaceful, democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir's special constitutional status and the constitutional rights of its people.

KU announces JKSET/LASET-2026 schedule

Srinagar, July 18: The University of Kashmir, the nodal agency for the Jammu and Kashmir State Eligibility Test (JKSET) and Ladakh State Eligibility Test (LASET), has announced that the JKSET/LASET-2026 will be conducted on October 25, 2026 (Sunday) across Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh. According to the JKSET Agency, the examination determines the eligibility of candidates for appointment as Assistant Professor in universities and colleges of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Candidates qualifying the test will also be eligible for admission to Ph.D. programmes in accordance with the applicable regulations. The examination will be conducted in 41 subjects. The test will be held at multiple centres across the region. In the Kashmir Division, examination centres will be located in Srinagar, Anantnag and Baramulla. In the Jammu Division, the examination will be conducted in Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, Udhampur and Bhadarwah, while candidates in Ladakh can appear at centres in Leh and Kargil. The online application process will commence on July 24, 2026, and continue until August 20, 2026. Candidates who miss the regular deadline will be allowed to submit their applications with a late fee up to August 25, 2026. Admit cards will be available for download from September 8, 2026. The University has also outlined special provisions for candidates with disabilities. Visually impaired (VI) candidates will be granted compensatory time as per the prescribed guidelines, with an additional 20 minutes for Paper-I and 40 minutes for Paper-II. As Braille question booklets will not be available, visually impaired candidates will be permitted to use the services of a scribe. The scribe must possess educational qualifications not exceeding those prescribed under the applicable government guidelines and must not be a candidate appearing in the JKSET/LASET examination. Candidates with benchmark disabilities who, due to physical limitations affecting writing, are unable to write independently may also avail themselves of the facility of a scribe and compensatory time. Such candidates are required to submit a written request along with the prescribed disability certificate and supporting documents to the Member Secretary, JKSET/LASET, University of Kashmir, or the Coordinator, JKSET/LASET, University of Jammu/Ladakh, as applicable, at least one week before the examination. The University clarified that the grant of compensatory time and the facility of a scribe will be governed by the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the guidelines issued by the Government of India and the respective Union Territory administrations from time to time. It further emphasized that no candidate will be entitled to the facility of a scribe or compensatory time unless found eligible under the applicable rules and guidelines.

Illegal structures of drug peddlers demolished in Budgam

Budgam, July 18: The District Administration Budgam, in coordination with Budgam Police, has intensified its drive against drug peddlers by demolishing several illegally constructed properties allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking, as part of its ongoing campaign to curb the drug menace in the district. Officials said that the joint teams carried out a demolition drive in the Magam Sub-Division, targeting illegal structures in the Chairu and Mazhama areas. The operation was conducted in the presence of revenue and police officials. During the drive, authorities demolished three illegally constructed shops, removed unauthorized fencing, and cleared encroachments over five marlas of land allegedly occupied by individuals involved in drug peddling. Officials said the action is part of the administration's sustained efforts to identify and dismantle illegally acquired assets belonging to those engaged in narcotics-related activities, while reinforcing its commitment to eliminating the drug trade from the district. Earlier, the District Administration and Budgam Police conducted a similar demolition drive in the Khansahib Sub-Division, where four illegally constructed shops, a cowshed, and a tile factory were razed in the Parnewa and Arigam areas. The operation was also carried out in the presence of revenue and police officials. The administration reiterated its resolve to continue strict action against drug peddlers and warned that all illegally acquired properties linked to narcotics trafficking would be identified and demolished in accordance with the law. It also appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and police by sharing credible information about drug-related activities, emphasizing that community participation remains essential in the fight against the growing drug menace.

CM Omar Seeking Statehood for Abdullah Familys Royal Lifestyle, Not People: LoP Sharma

SRINAGAR: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is demanding restoration of statehood not for JK people but to restore the Abdullah familys royal lifestyle. Speaking to reporters here, Sharma said, The issue of statehood had []

Manasbal Lake hosts youth water sports festival to boost tourism

Ganderbal, July 18: The Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) on Saturday organised a day-long Water Sports Festival at the scenic Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal district, bringing together around 150 students from different schools to promote water sports, eco-tourism and outdoor recreational activities among the youth. The festival featured a range of competitions and demonstrations, including canoeing, kayaking, open water races and other water-based sporting events. Students from various educational institutions participated enthusiastically, making the event a vibrant celebration of adventure sports and environmental awareness. The programme was organised in collaboration with an NGO working in the field of youth development and community engagement. Speaking to reporters, WMDA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahsan-ul-Haq Chishti said the event was aimed at creating awareness and generating interest in water sports among school children. He said participants from different schools were given an opportunity to experience and compete in multiple water sports disciplines in a safe and organised environment. He said Manasbal Lake, known as the deepest freshwater lake in Kashmir, offers immense potential for water-based recreational and adventure tourism. He added that WMDA has been organising eco-friendly activities from time to time to promote the lake as a sustainable tourism destination while encouraging local youth to take part in adventure sports. Dr. Chishti said nearly 150 students participated in the day-long festival, competing in canoeing, kayaking, open races and several other events. He said the authority plans to organise such programmes on a regular basis to identify and nurture young talent in water sports. He further said WMDA intends to develop structured training programmes for children so that they can acquire skills in different water sports disciplines. Our objective is not only to promote tourism but also to encourage children to make the best use of the beautiful natural resources available at Manasbal Lake through organised and eco-friendly recreational activities, he said. The festival concluded with appreciation for the participants, as officials expressed hope that regular water sports initiatives would help establish Manasbal Lake as a major centre for adventure tourism and youth engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.

Traffic curbs on Gulmarg route today

Budgam, July 18: The Traffic Police Rural Kashmir have issued a traffic advisory for motorists travelling to Gulmarg and other areas of the Beerwah subdivision in view of the 2nd Safar procession scheduled to be held in Magam on July 19. According to an official advisory issued by Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic Rural Kashmir), Liaqat Ali, vehicular movement through Magam town will remain affected from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on account of the religious procession. Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through the town during the specified period. The advisory said that Magam town will remain a complete no-ply zone during the procession, and traffic will be diverted through alternate routes. As per the traffic plan, Srinagar-bound heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) from Gulmarg will be diverted from Mangloora via Lalpora, Mamoosa, Shirpora, Zangam and Narbal to Srinagar. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) travelling to Srinagar from Gulmarg will be diverted from Chichiloora via Lalpora, Mamoosa, Shirpora, Zangam and Narbal. Similarly, Gulmarg-bound HMVs from Srinagar will be diverted from Kanihama-Batapora via Hanjibugh, Makhama, Badran Stop, Aripanthan, Kandhama, Bamrada, Aboora and Wusan before reaching Tangmarg and Gulmarg. LMVs heading towards Gulmarg will be routed from Kanihama-Batapora via Hanjibugh, Makhama, Badran Stop, Goigam, Chichiloora, Tangmarg and onwards to Gulmarg. Traffic travelling towards Srinagar from Beerwah will be diverted from Badran Stop via Makhama, Hanjibugh, SK Pora, Wadwan, Soibugh, Hajibagh Sharifabad and Parimpora near Toyota Ansari Motors before proceeding to Srinagar. The Traffic Police have urged commuters to cooperate with the traffic management plan and follow the directions of traffic personnel to ensure smooth movement and avoid inconvenience during the procession.

Women Empowerment : 2.5 lakh women in J&K emerge as Lakhpati Didis under NRLM

Srinagar, July 18: Amid a massive for women empowerment, the Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a major feat under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, with 2.50 lakh women achieving annual household incomes of at least Rs one lakh through sustainable livelihood activities under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM. According to details accessed by Rising Kashmir on Digital Aajeevika Register (DAR) Analytics Dashboard, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, J&K has 96,700 Self Help Groups (SHGs) comprising 8.14 lakh women members as on March 31, 2026. Against a target of 2.33 lakh Lakhpati Didis, J&K has identified 2.75 lakh potential beneficiaries, while 2.50 lakh women have already achieved the status, registering an achievement rate of 107.43 per cent. The details reveal that of the total, 2.33 lakh Lakhpati Didis earn between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh annually. Around 15,000 women have annual incomes between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh, while 1,900 earn between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh. Nearly 396 women fall in the Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh category, 190 earn between Rs 5 lakh and 50 women have crossed the Rs 10 lakh annual income mark. Crop-based farming remains the largest livelihood activity with 64,300 beneficiaries, followed by animal husbandry (17,400), trading (43,400), wages (39,500), services (31,500) and manufacturing (21,500). Smaller segments include regular income sources (11,000), Non-Timber Forest Produce (5,200) and aquaculture (5,100). The dashboard also indicates that 1.37 lakh women depend on a single livelihood activity, while 89,100 have diversified into two income-generating activities, 20,300 into three activities and 4,600 into more than three. According to the details, General category women account for the highest share at 1.50 lakh, followed by OBC (46,500), SC (31,500) and ST (22,600). The programme has also benefited 2,400 Divyangjan and 10 transgender beneficiaries. Among educational groups, matriculates form the largest segment with 94,800 beneficiaries, followed by those with no formal education (51,900), Class XII pass (46,900), up to Class V (33,300) and graduates and above (15,000). District-wise analysis places Kupwara at the top in terms of Lakhpati Didis with the official details figuring a total of 23,900 women in the list, who have achieved the status followed by Jammu with 19,600. Jammu district has been figured at the top in terms of SHG membership, followed by Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, Rajouri, Kathua, Udhampur, Budgam, Poonch and Doda, reflecting widespread participation in the rural women's livelihood programme across Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir Exports Premium Cherries, Plums to Singapore for First Time

SRINAGAR: In another significant milestone for Jammu Kashmirs horticulture sector, premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from the orchards of Shopian and Pulwama have made their debut in Singapore, marking the first-ever commercial shipment of these premium fruits to the Southeast Asian market. The export, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development []

NC Leaders Head to Delhi for Statehood Protest

SRINAGAR: Ahead of its proposed programme in New Delhi over the demand for statehood, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, NC president Farooq Abdullah, and several legislators left for New Delhi on Saturday to participate in the event. Omar Abdullah and his father left Srinagar in the afternoon and reached the national capital to take part in []

Woman Killed in Ganderbal Road Accident

SRINAGAR: A woman died after succumbing to injuries sustained in a road accident involving an Eco vehicle and a scooty in the Dobipora area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Saturday, officials said. According to officials, the accident occurred when an Eco vehicle bearing registration number JK16C-2286 collided with a scooty bearing registration number JK01BB-9213, []

Bear Attack Leaves Three Injured in South Kashmir Village

SRINAGAR: Three people, including a woman, were injured after a wild bear attacked them in the Reshipora area of Hermain in south Kashmirs Shopian district on Saturday. Officials said one of the injured was shifted to District Hospital Kulgam, while two others were taken to District Hospital Anantnag. The woman, who sustained minor injuries, is []

Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended Temporarily Following IMD Weather Advisory

SRINAGAR: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure following an inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), authorities said. The suspension has been ordered to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims in view of the forecast of adverse weather conditions in the region. Authorities []

From Setback to Success: The Story Behind Gufrans NEET Triumph

SRINAGAR: The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the NEET-UG 2026 results on July 16, with Jammu and Kashmir registering one of its strongest performances as students from across the Union Territory secured impressive ranks in one of the countrys most competitive examinations. Among the successful candidates is Gufran, a resident of Illahi Bagh in Srinagar, []

Govt extends summer vacation by three days; schools to remain closed till July 22

Srinagar, July 18: In view of the prevailing heatwave and adverse weather forecast, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced a three-day extension of the ongoing summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools across the Kashmir Division and Winter Zone of Jammu Division. As per the decision, schools, which were earlier scheduled to reopen on July 20, will now remain closed till July 22, with classes set to resume on July 23, subject to any further government orders. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure following the continuing spell of extreme heat and weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department. Authorities said the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and school staff remain the governments top priority. The extension comes amid soaring temperatures across the Valley over the past several days, while the IMD has also forecast a possibility of heavy rainfall and localised flash floods in parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. The School Education Department has advised parents, students, and school managements to follow official advisories and await further instructions regarding the reopening of educational institutions. Further orders, if required due to changing weather conditions, will be issued by the competent authority.

Jammu Kashmir Govt Extends Summer Vacation for Schools Across Kashmir, Winter Zone of Jammu

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has extended the ongoing summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools across the Kashmir Division and the winter zone of the Jammu Division till July 22 in view of the prevailing heatwave and adverse weather forecast. The announcement was made by Education Minister Sakina Itoo in a []

CBSE Declares Class 10 Second Board Examination 2026 Results

SRINAGAR: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has declared the results of the Class 10 Second Board Examination 2026, enabling students to access their scorecards online through the DigiLocker Results Portal. CBSE announced the declaration of the results on its official X account, directing students to check their results at the DigiLocker Results Portal. []

Adverse weather forecast: Amarnath Yatra to remain suspended from July 19

Srinagar, July 18: In view of the inclement weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amarnath Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from 19.07.2026 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. In view of the forecast of inclement weather over the next few days and considering the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from 19.07.2026. Accordingly, no onward movement of pilgrims will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/ Chandanwari base camp from 19.07.2026. Updates regarding the resumption of Yatra shall be issued in due course of time after ensuring route safety and comprehensive assessment of the weather conditions, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said. So far, over 3.7 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

Div Com Kashmir reviews preparations for Independence Day Celebrations

Srinagar, Jul 18: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of various departments for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing the need for advance planning, inter-departmental coordination, and timely mobilization of resources to ensure the smooth conduct of the national event. The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, and Heads of Departments (HoDs) of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Roads & Buildings (R&B), Power Development Department (PDD), Education, Culture, Jal Shakti, Health, Information, Hospitality & Protocol, Traffic Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Doordarshan, SKICC, and other concerned departments. The Divisional Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements relating to security, logistics, protocol, medical and emergency services, venue management, full-dress rehearsal, event execution, and post-event coordination. To ensure seamless arrangements, Garg directed the Chief Engineer, R&B, to make comprehensive arrangements for tentage, seating, stage and dais, besides installing LED screens at the venue. The Chief Engineer, PDD, was instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply with adequate generator backup and illumination of important government buildings. The Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti, was directed to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water and installation of RO units at the venue. The Floriculture Department was tasked with decorating the dais and making floral arrangements at the Balidan Stambh, while the Police Department was instructed to facilitate the showering of flower petals through drones during the celebrations. The Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, was directed to ensure proper sanitation, adequate toilet facilities, and effective dewatering arrangements in the event of rainfall. The Police Department was instructed to put in place foolproof security arrangements to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Independence Day function. The Information Department was directed to install a synchronized public address system in coordination with the R&B Department and Police to ensure uninterrupted proceedings besides installation of hoardings. The Divisional Commissioner further directed the Departments of Culture, Youth Services & Sports, and the J&K Sports Council to prepare cultural programmes and performances. He also instructed the concerned departments to organize contingents comprising personnel from the Police, other security agencies, NCC, schools, and colleges. In addition, schools, colleges, and the Information Department were asked to organize quiz and singing competitions as part of the celebrations. The Fire & Emergency Services Department was directed to deploy fire tenders and ensure emergency preparedness, while the Hospitality & Protocol Department was instructed to make appropriate arrangements for refreshments and other protocol-related requirements. The Deputy Commissioners were directed to make similar comprehensive preparations in their respective districts to ensure that Independence Day is celebrated with patriotic fervour, enthusiasm, and dignity across Kashmir. Speaking during the meeting, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi stressed strict adherence to the prescribed protocol for flag-hoisting ceremonies at all venues. He also called upon officers to deploy nodal officers and sensitize participants and dignitaries about the laid-down protocols to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of the celebrations.

Amarnath Yatra suspended from both routes from tomorrow amid weather alert

Srinagar: The Shri Amarnathji Yatra will remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes from Sunday, July 19, following an adverse weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), authorities said on Saturday. According to a statement , the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and []

Major Wet Spell to Impact J&K from July 19 to 23: MeT

Srinagar, July 18: A major extended wet spell is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas from July 19 to the forenoon of July 23, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said in a weather advisory issued on Saturday. The advisory said widespread moderate rain and thundershowers are expected across Jammu and Kashmir during the period, with isolated heavy rainfall likely in the Kashmir division from July 21 to 23. It added that scattered heavy to very heavy rain and thundershowers, including isolated extremely heavy rainfall, are expected over Reasi and Udhampur districts from July 20 to 23. According to the advisory, the weather system may trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable locations, particularly along the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu division and the higher reaches of Kashmir, including Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, the Sonamarg-Zoji La axis, Bandipora-Razdan Pass and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass. The MeT also warned of possible disruptions to surface transport, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other major roads in the middle and higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. A significant rise in water levels in major rivers, sub-basins and streams, along with waterlogging and minor flooding in low-lying areas, is also possible. Travellers and tourists have been advised to plan accordingly, while people in higher reaches have been asked to avoid venturing into sloppy and landslide-prone areas. Farmers have also been advised to withhold fertiliser application and chemical spraying during the period. The advisory further warned of a significant fall in daytime temperatures.

Govt Plans Integrated Data Ecosystem to Streamline Public Services, Welfare Delivery

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is preparing to implement an integrated Data Management Strategy and Action Plan to enable secure data sharing across departments, reduce paperwork for citizens and improve the delivery of public services and welfare benefits. The proposed strategy was reviewed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo during a high-level meeting on Saturday. []

LG Manoj Sinha Attends Chinar Book Festival

Srinagar, 18th July 2026: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the third edition of Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar today. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the National Book Trust and the organizers for their commendable work. This festival is more than just an event. It is a movement to build a vibrant community of readers, [] The post LG Manoj Sinha Attends Chinar Book Festival appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

JKNC Expels Senior Leader for Six Years Over Anti-Party Activities

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Saturday expelled Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, from the partys primary membership for six years, citing anti-party activities and indiscipline. The decision was announced by the party in a post on its official X handle, []

Paras Health Srinagar Launches Employee Recognition Programme PARAS RATNA

SRINAGAR: Paras Health Srinagar has launched PARAS RATNA, its flagship employee rewards and recognition programme, aimed at honouring staff members who demonstrate excellence, innovation, teamwork, leadership and commitment to compassionate patient care. According to the hospital, the initiative seeks to recognise employees whose contributions strengthen the organisations culture and support its mission of delivering quality []

Govt Polytechnic for Women Srinagar signs strategic MoU with J&K Hoteliers Club to boost travel, tourism and hospitality training

Srinagar, Jul 18: Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, today formalised a strategic industryacademia partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony took place on campus and was attended by heads of departments, teaching and non teaching staff, and students of the Department of Travel & Tourism. The MoU was signed in the presence of a distinguished delegation from the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club. The delegation included Jinab Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya (President, J&K Hoteliers Club), who also graced the occasion as the Chief Guest; Mr. Tariq Rashid Ghani (Junior Vice President); Mr. Naseer Khan (Treasurer); and Mr. Murad Kapra (Joint Treasurer). Both parties underlined the mutual importance of close collaboration between academia and industry to boost the employability, professional competence, and practical exposure of students in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Management. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation that will enable experiential learning, internships, industry visits, guest lectures, faculty exchange, joint workshops, and other skill oriented initiatives designed to bridge classroom learning with real world hotel and tourism operations. Principal, Government Polytechnic for Women, Er. Imtiaz Ahmad, welcomed the partnership and highlighted the colleges commitment to preparing students for industry demands by integrating hands on training and sectoral exposure into the curriculum. Jinab Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya lauded the institutes efforts in womens technical education and expressed the Clubs readiness to support capacity building, mentorship, and employment pathways for students. While speaking on the occasion, Jinab Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, President J&K Hoteliers Club, said, This partnership is a significant step towards empowering young women with the practical skills and industry exposure required to excel in the hospitality and tourism sector. The Hoteliers Club is committed to providing mentorship, internships, and real world training opportunities that will bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Together with Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, we will work to create sustainable career pathways and strengthen the local tourism ecosystem. The event was addressed by other key members of the J&K Hoteliers Club as well. During her address on the occasion, Mrs. Rukhsana Bashir, Head of Department, Department of Travel & Tourism, Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar, said, We warmly welcome this collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club. This MoU opens valuable avenues for our students to gain hands on experience, industry mentorship, and meaningful internships that complement their classroom studies. The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening institutional ties with the regions hospitality industry and enhancing career prospects for diploma holders of the Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar.

Body of Missing 10-Year-Old Boy Recovered After 12-Day Search in North Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The body of a 10-year-old boy, who went missing after being swept away by the strong currents of the Kishanganga River in Gurez Valley of north Kashmirs Bandipora district, was recovered on Saturday, ending a 12-day search operation. The deceased has been identified as Babar Bashir, a resident of the Tulail area of Bandipora []

Delhi Court Grants Bail to Kashmiri Activist, Journalist

SRINAGAR:The Patiala House Sessions Court in Delhi on Saturday granted bail to Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj in a case registered against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The order paves the way for Parvezs release in the second UAPA case against him. The Delhi High Court had []

Body of missing 10 year old boy recovered from Kishenganga after 12 days

Bandipora: The body of a 10-year-old boy, who had drowned in the Kishenganga River in Gurez earlier this month, was recovered on Saturday after remaining missing for nearly 12 days, officials said. An official said that the body of the missing boy was spotted near the dam site in the Kanzalwan area on Saturday afternoon. []

Defining moment in India's space journey: PM Modi congratulates Skyroot Aerospace on Vikram-1s successful launch

New Delhi, July 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Skyroot Aerospace on the successful launch of Vikram-1, describing it as a defining moment in India's space journey and saying the growing participation of the private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation. In a post on X, PM Modi said he spoke to the Skyroot Aerospace team and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1. Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1. This is a defining moment in India's space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation. This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly, PM Modi wrote on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also hailed the launch, calling it a major milestone for India's space ambitions. India's space ambition reaches new horizon. Heartiest congratulations to @SkyrootA Aerospace on the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle. A firm step towards realizing Modi Ji's vision of making space more accessible, this innovation will further strengthen India's space sector elevating its stature as a global leader, he wrote on X. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has successfully reached orbit, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. The rocket completed its final burn and injected its payloads into a nearly 450-km orbit, making India the third country in the world with private orbital launch capability. The mission, named Mission Aagaman, was executed from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The 24-metre carbon-composite rocket completed all planned flight stages, including stage separations and the firing of its Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM). The Orbital Adjustment Module fired its 3D-printed liquid engine for the final push to orbit. The module is designed to start, stop and restart in space. During the flight--Kalam-1200, the solid first stage carried the rocket through the thickest part of the atmosphere before separating cleanly. The payload fairing was then separated, exposing the satellites to space for the first time. The second stage, Kalam-250, completed its burn and separated, followed by the ignition of Kalam-100, the smallest and highest-flying solid stage of Vikram-1. The solid-propulsion phase concluded with the separation of Stage 3, paving the way for the Orbital Adjustment Module to complete the mission. The Vikram-1 rocket, powered by three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module, is designed to deploy payloads up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The maiden flight carried multiple payloads, including the Diamond Lotus, a lab-grown diamond from Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds. Among the payloads on Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 is something truly special--a handwritten postcard from PM Modi with the words, Vande Mataram. It travels to space alongside handwritten messages from the Skyroot team, investors, policymakers, and well-wishers across the globe, making Mission Aagaman a celebration carried by many hands and shared by millions. (ANI)

'Our goal is to transform J-K into a national hub for knowledge, culture & creativity': LG Sinha at Chinar Book Festival

Srinagar, July 18: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended the third edition of Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar today. The LG congratulated the National Book Trust and the organizers for their commendable work. This festival is more than just an event. It is a movement to build a vibrant community of readers, writers, and thinkers. Our goal is to transform Jammu Kashmir into a national hub for knowledge, culture, and creativity. I hope this book festival will inspire the youth to read every day, protect endangered languages, and use literature as a way to value and respect diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that books are like living conversations and they force us to think deeply, ask questions, challenge what we believe, and inspire us to grow. Nothing matches the power of writing. Combined with a strong imagination, it becomes a lasting strength. A vibrant book festival creates such environment and a welcoming space where literature becomes accessible, inspiring, and meaningful for everyone, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also stated that in a very short span of time, the Chinar Book Festival has become a unique celebration of ideas, transforming into a vibrant intellectual movement across Jammu Kashmir. I believe writers and thinkers are like glowing lamps and blooming roses. In many ways, they mirror the majestic Chinar tree. In Kashmir, the Chinar is a living symbol of patience, beauty, and endurance. Writers and their books share this same lasting spirit, guiding human civilization through the ages. Together, we share the responsibility to restore Jammu Kashmir as a leading hub for education, literature, and youth empowerment, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Chinar Book Festival has become a strong national platform of ideas, debates and knowledge exchange. Its identity is no longer confined to stalls and book launches; it has become a means to generate new ideas, encourage dialogue and empower youth. He said in past editions, workshops, panel discussions and literary conversations have given new energy to Jammu Kashmirs rich literary tradition. During this festival we have also witnessed an inspiring effort to revive our cultural heritages priceless treasure, the Sharada script. We have seen the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat take shape through initiatives such as TamilKashmiri dialogues, and today this festival has become a strong bridge linking regions, languages and generations, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that the success of a book festival should not be measured by sales figures. I believe the true success of any book festival lies in the ideas and conversations it generates. If a discussion that begins at this festival reaches a college or university, then our goal is successful. If a dialogue held here and the ideas that emerged during the festival become the basis for future collaborations, then I will consider the festival and its objectives successful. If a young person finds a book at this festival that changes the course of their life, that will be the greatest achievement of the Chinar Book Festival, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor urged youth to read at least one book beyond their textbooks every month, and he asked every young writer to resolve to write at least one page daily. Through the Chinar Book Festival we are ensuring that our children have roots to their identity as well as wings for future flight. I want to see this as a platform where local libraries and small-town book clubs also connect with the spirit of this festival, so that this celebration of knowledge reaches the public throughout the year and fosters exchanges among literary, musical and visual art forms, where words become voice, poetry takes color and stories become our shared experiences, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor visited various book stalls and interacted with the exhibitors. He released several publications in different languages. He also asked organisers to plan a similar book festival in Jammu Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust; Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, School and Higher Education; Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust; Dr Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival; Dr. Md. Shams Equbal, Director, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language; eminent literary personalities, book lovers, youth and students in large number were present. Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; heads of various educational institutions and senior officials also attended the Chinar Book Festival.

Chinar Book Festival a movement to build community of readers, writers and thinkers: LG Sinha

Lieutenant Governor congratulated the National Book Trust and the organizers for their commendable work Srinagar, 18th July 2026: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the third edition of Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar today. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the National Book Trust and the organizers for their commendable work. This festival is more than just an event. It is a movement to build a vibrant community of readers, writers, and thinkers. Our goal is to transform Jammu Kashmir into a national hub for knowledge, culture, and creativity. I hope this book festival will inspire the youth to read every day, protect endangered languages, and use literature as a way to value and respect diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that books are like living conversations and they force us to think deeply, ask questions, challenge what we believe, and inspire us to grow. Nothing matches the power of writing. Combined with a strong imagination, it becomes a lasting strength. A vibrant book festival creates such environment and a welcoming space where literature becomes accessible, inspiring, and meaningful for everyone, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also stated that in a very short span of time, the Chinar Book Festival has become a unique celebration of ideas, transforming into a vibrant intellectual movement across Jammu Kashmir. I believe writers and thinkers are like glowing lamps and blooming roses. In many ways, they mirror the majestic Chinar tree. In Kashmir, the Chinar is a living symbol of patience, beauty, and endurance. Writers and their books share this same lasting spirit, guiding human civilization through the ages. Together, we share the responsibility to restore Jammu Kashmir as a leading hub for education, literature, and youth empowerment, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Chinar Book Festival has become a strong national platform of ideas, debates and knowledge exchange. Its identity is no longer confined to stalls and book launches; it has become a means to generate new ideas, encourage dialogue and empower youth. He said in past editions, workshops, panel discussions and literary conversations have given new energy to Jammu Kashmirs rich literary tradition. During this festival we have also witnessed an inspiring effort to revive our cultural heritages priceless treasure, the Sharada script. We have seen the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat take shape through initiatives such as TamilKashmiri dialogues, and today this festival has become a strong bridge linking regions, languages and generations, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that the success of a book festival should not be measured by sales figures. I believe the true success of any book festival lies in the ideas and conversations it generates. If a discussion that begins at this festival reaches a college or university, then our goal is successful. If a dialogue held here and the ideas that emerged during the festival become the basis for future collaborations, then I will consider the festival and its objectives successful. If a young person finds a book at this festival that changes the course of their life, that will be the greatest achievement of the Chinar Book Festival, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor urged youth to read at least one book beyond their textbooks every month, and he asked every young writer to resolve to write at least one page daily. Through the Chinar Book Festival we are ensuring that our children have roots to their identity as well as wings for future flight. I want to see this as a platform where local libraries and small-town book clubs also connect with the spirit of this festival, so that this celebration of knowledge reaches the public throughout the year and fosters exchanges among literary, musical and visual art forms, where words become voice, poetry takes color and stories become our shared experiences, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor visited various book stalls and interacted with the exhibitors. He released several publications in different languages. He also asked organisers to plan a similar book festival in Jammu Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust; Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, School and Higher Education; Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust; Dr Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival; Dr. Md. Shams Equbal, Director, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language; eminent literary personalities, book lovers, youth and students in large number were present. Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; heads of various educational institutions and senior officials also attended the Chinar Book Festival.

Ladakh Bans Chemical Fertilisers to Become Indias Largest Organic Farming Region

SRINAGAR: The Union Territory of Ladakh has imposed a complete ban on the procurement, distribution, sale and use of chemical and synthetic fertilisers, setting the stage for its transformation into Indias largest certified organic farming region. The order, issued by the Ladakh Administration on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, came into force []

NCB Seizes Five Packets of Suspected Narcotics in Jammu Kashmir, One Held

SRINAGAR: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday recovered five packets of suspected narcotics during a search operation in Kosalyain village near the border fence in Haveli tehsil of Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district. Officials said the NCB team intercepted and apprehended a man identified as Maneer Hussain, son of Sain and a resident of []

Govt to decide on summer vacation extension tomorrow: Minister Itoo

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government will take a final decision on Sunday on whether to extend summer vacations in schools after reviewing the prevailing weather conditions, Education Minister Sakina Itoo said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, the Minister,said the government is closely monitoring the weather and will take an appropriate decision before the scheduled []

Summer Vacation Extension to be Decided After Due Consideration: Sakina Itoo

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday said the government will take a decision soon on extending the summer vacation for schools in the valley in view of the ongoing heatwave conditions. The government is monitoring the situation closely. Schools are closed till Sunday, and we will take an appropriate decision regarding []

Chinar Book Festival now a movement for youth empowerment, knowledge culture in J&K: LG Sinha

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the Chinar Book Festival has evolved into a movement aimed at fostering a culture of reading, knowledge and youth empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the initiative is helping transform the Union Territory into the countrys crown jewel of education, literature and creativity. Addressing the Chinar []

Skyroots Vikram-1 lifts-off from Sriharikota, Indias private space era officially begins

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), July 18: India's space sector has officially entered a new epoch. Today, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully executed Mission Aagaman, marking the maiden flight of Vikram-1--the nation's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. This isn't just another launch; it represents a tectonic shift in India's space narrative. Historically the domain of government-led programs, orbital access is now open for private enterprise. The 24-metre, carbon-composite rocket stands as a testament to indigenous engineering, powered by a sophisticated configuration of three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital adjustment module. The mission, designed to deploy payloads up to 350 kg into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO), signals a future of rapid, on-demand launch services. Among the maiden cargo is the Diamond Lotus, a lab-grown diamond from Bengaluru-based Cosmos Diamonds, proving that this new infrastructure is ready for high-value commercial application. Among the payloads on Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 is something truly special--a handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words, Vande Mataram. It travels to space alongside handwritten messages from the Skyroot team, investors, policymakers, and well-wishers across the globe, making Mission Aagaman a celebration carried by many hands and shared by millions. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle, describing it as a historic new frontier in the country's space journey and a reflection of the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of India's youth. In a post on X the PM Modi sid, A historic new frontier for India's space journey! Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle. This four-stage rocket is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services. This mission highlights the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of our youth. It also shows how our space-sector reforms are unlocking new opportunities for innovation and enterprise. My best wishes to the entire Skyroot Aerospace team for a successful launch. May Vikram-1 soar high, create history and inspire a generation of innovators. I urge all Indians, especially my young friends, to follow this historic mission and join in wishing Team Skyroot success using #IndiaWithVikram1. (ANI)

Driver killed after tractor overturns in Budgam

Budgam, Jul 18: A man was killed after a tractor turned turtle in the Batapora area of Wathora in Chadoora tehsil of central Kashmirs Budgam district on Saturday. Officials said that the tractor overturned while the man was driving it, leaving him critically injured. He was immediately shifted to Sub-District Hospital Chadoora, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Ishfaq Ahmad, son of Mohammad Rafiq, a resident of Hanjigund, Chadoora. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further proceedings.(KNO)

Countrys first pvt rocket to place tech payloads, postcard from PM into orbit

SRIHARIKOTA :Indias first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace Vikram-1 will on Saturday soar into a low earth orbit (LEO) to place multiple technology demonstration payloadsboth domestic and foreign. Besides, it will also deploy a micro-art payload and a handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi bearing the message Vande Mataram, along with postcards from []

Amarnath Yatra:LG directs depts to operate in mission mode for pilgrims welfare

Says 3.50 lakh pilgrims had darshan in 15 days Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday visited the Nunwan base camp and inspected the facilities in place for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims. At the Base Camp, he chaired a meeting with senior officials and reviewed the arrangements being made for essential services provided []

Kashmir sizzles as Srinagar logs third-hottest July day in a decade

Day temp rises nearly five degrees above normal; weather office forecasts widespread rainfall, flood risks from Jul 19 Srinagar: Srinagar on Friday recorded its hottest day of the season so far as the mercury touched 35 degrees Celsius, while the Meteorological Department predicted a major shift in weather pattern from July 19, warning of heavy []