J&K: SOG, security forces intensify vigil along NH-44 in Udhampur ahead of Independence day
Trump insists blockade gives US control of Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday insisted that the blockade gives US control of Strait of Hormuz. Claiming the US has total control of the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said Wednesday: I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Trumps social media post referred to the US blockade of Irans ports. A vital route []
Russian President Vladimir Putin said India is among countries showing growing interest in cooperating with Moscow on the Northern Sea Route, while warning of rising tensions in the Arctic. He also cautioned European nations against confiscating Russian merchant ships, saying Moscow would respond in kind to any such action.
CJP co-convenor alleges Puducherry Police intimidated family on Centre
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Sending world into a tizzy, Chairman N Chandrasekaran had routine day
The unexpected announcement of N Chandrasekaran's exit from Tata Sons has left many in the business sector taken aback. Prior to making this known internally, he notified his family. Reassuring employees, Chandrasekaran emphasized the resilience and future ambitions of the organization. His upcoming focus will be on spearheading initiatives at Tata Digital and Air India. This departure signals a pivotal transformation for the conglomerate.
36 years on, SIA raids multiple locations in probe into killing of Kashmiri Pandit, his son
Srinagar, Aug 12:More than 36 years after Kashmiri Pandit poet, writer, and social worker Sarwanand Koul Premi and his son Virender Koul were abducted and killed in 1990, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday conducted searches at nine locations across Jammu and Kashmir as part of a renewed investigation into the double murder. The searches were carried out in connection with the case originally registered at Police Station Dooru in Anantnag and subsequently taken over by the SIA. Officials said the operation was aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the killings and identifying those allegedly involved in the crime and its wider conspiracy. The searches covered multiple locations in the Jammu region and Kashmir. Officials did not disclose the identities of the persons whose premises were searched or details of any material or documents recovered during the operation. Premi and his son were abducted from their home in Soaf Shali village of Kokernag in 1990, during the height of violence in the Valley. They were subsequently tortured and killed. The murders became one of the most prominent cases involving the targeted killing of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community during the early years of the insurgency. The SIA action assumes significance as several terror-era cases involving Kashmiri Pandit victims have recently returned to the focus of investigating agencies after remaining unresolved for decades. Officials familiar with Wednesdays searches said the agency was examining the larger circumstances of the crime, including the alleged role of individuals who may have assisted the perpetrators. The latest operation is part of efforts to pursue cases that had remained pending for years amid difficulties in identifying and locating suspects. Recently, the SIA recently intensified its investigation into the killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse SarlaBhat, who was abducted and murdered in April 1990. The agencys investigation into that case has focused on the alleged role of those involved in the abduction and killing.
Tricolour is soul of our nation: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 12:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said tricolour is the soul of the nation and VandeMataram is the immortal voice of that soul. Participating in the 'TirangaYatra' and leading a celebration of national pride in Srinagar, LG Sinha said, Tiranga is the living embodiment of Indias consciousness and pride. The event marked the confluence of two celebrations, the mass movement of HarGharTiranga and the 150th anniversary of the national song VandeMataram. Following the yatra, the LG addressed the people, reaffirming the immortal spirit of Indias unity and the indomitable courage of its people. He emphasised that the TirangaYatra in Kashmir sends a clear message that India must never stop and always move forward. In 2022, when the HarGharTiranga campaign was launched under AzadiKaAmritMahotsav, its purpose was to rekindle in every Indians heart a sense of closeness, respect, and emotional connection toward the tricolour. When the Tiranga flutters simultaneously on millions of homes, 140 crore Indians hearts beat as one in a single sentiment, a single faith, a single resolve. Today, TirangaYatra has evolved into a festival of peoples consciousness, a tradition of patriotism, and a cultural value binding every citizen to the motherland, LG Sinha said. He congratulated the people of Jammu Kashmir for their remarkable participation in the HarGharTiranga and VandeMataram campaigns. The LG said that their enthusiasm had become a source of inspiration for the entire nation. He urged people to reflect on their contribution to building the India envisioned by the nations forefathers. While martyrs defended the nation with their blood, todays generation must defend it with character, honesty, hard work, unity, and service, LG Sinha said. He said that the confluence of 'HarGharTiranga' and 'VandeMataram' was not merely the meeting of two campaigns but the announcement of a new era. This is the symbol of a Jammu Kashmir filled with self-confidence and marching firmly toward the future where 'VijayiVishwaTirangaPyara' is a lifes resolve in every citizens heart, where every home is a centre of patriotism and where every heart beats in rhythm with the pulse of national unity, the LG said. He called upon the people to take collective and personal responsibility for shaping Jammu Kashmir's and Indias future. LG Sinha urged the people to ensure that the tricolour would not only fly high at every home but also in our thoughts, our character, and our actions. Let us resolve that the sacred spirit of VandeMataram will reflect in every action, every decision, and the discharge of every responsibility. We should take a pledge to repay the debt of our immortal heroes sacrifices by building a nation that is prosperous, secure, just, and opens doors of equal opportunity for every citizen. We should work together to realise the vision of a Jammu and Kashmir where the three colours of the Tiranga are visible in the values of life. We should build a Jammu Kashmir that is economically strong and takes unbroken pride in Indian culture, civilization, and spiritual values. The future is ours. This century belongs to India. This is the era of Indias self-confidence, its courage, and its immortal national consciousness, he said. The LG also honoured 'Veer Naris' and 'War Heroes'. He also inaugurated the 'HarGharTiranga Exhibition' and felicitated the nodal officers of the 'VandeMataram' campaign. The celebrations also featured the screening of a special documentary by the Department of Culture, followed by tricolour concert where artists paid a musical tribute to the nations bravehearts. Justice Rahul Bharti; Deputy Chief Minister, SmSurinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana; Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir AslamWani; Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, DarakhshanAndrabi; Chief Secretary, AtalDulloo; DGP, NalinPrabhat; Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, ShaleenKabra; Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, people from all walks of life, senior officials of civil administration, Police and paramilitary forces joined the 'TirangaYatra'.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said that action will be taken against the ones who did it as politics of colour is not part of BJPs agenda.
New Delhi, Aug 12: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday launched JK Karigari, the official marketplace for authentic products from Jammu and Kashmir, during the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav which commenced here in Delhi. The move is a major step towards connecting the region's centuries-old handcrafted heritage directly with national and global buyers. Launched as an initiative of the Housing & Urban Development Department under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), JK Karigari has been designed to empower urban women Self-Help Groups, preserve traditional crafts, and create sustainable livelihoods across the Union Territory. Present on the occasion were MPs Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzaan, Sajjad Kichloo, and Gurvinder Singh Oberoi; Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur and her entire team, including Vikas Sharma (MD NUDM), Shabir Hussain Bhat (VC Srinagar Development Authority), Kapil Sharma (Director Urban Local Bodies Jammu), Mridhu Salathia (MD NULM), Ankush Kapoor (Chief Information Security Officer, HUDD, JK), SHG women, and other officers of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA). The platform will showcase 100 percent authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, including Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls, papier-mch, walnut wood carving, crewel embroidery, carpets, and organic local produce, as well as Jammu handicrafts including Chabri, Macrame Home & Devotional Decor, traditional food products, and wooden craftall made by skilled artisans and SHGs. Every product listed on JK Karigari will carry a QR code with artisan details, district, and GI tag to ensure secure and transparent shopping, with payments going directly to the artisan groups and no middlemen involved. The Commissioner Secretary termed the launch a game changer for urban women artisans and stated that the initiative will provide them with a dedicated, government-backed platform to reach customers beyond local markets. She informed that the department currently has 4,000 SHGs with about 50,000 women members associated with DAY-NULM across J&K. She said the government is actively exploring ways to encourage more interstate collaborations to further boost the business of SHGs and give their products a wider national footprint. She described JK Karigari as a revolutionary concept of the government that brings together heritage, technology, and inclusive growth. She added that the main motive behind this government-backed marketplace is to ensure that artisans receive a genuine price for their products while consumers get authentic quality products directly from the makers. By integrating QR-based traceability, pre-approval of SHGs by DAY-NULM City Mission, and secure digital transactions, the government is ensuring both authenticity for buyers and sustainable income for artisans. The Commissioner Secretary said that with continuous government support and better market linkages, these women artisans are now confidently stepping into larger markets with products that reflect both tradition and innovation. Nodal Officers of the event, Kapil Sharma and Vikas Sharma, along with Chief Executive Officer Urban Development Authority Kashmir Tazayun Mukhtar and MD DAY-NULM Mridhu Salathia, also addressed the gathering on the occasion. They made a fervent appeal to the public and institutional buyers to visit the JK Karigari stall and experience the exquisite collection of traditionally blended, handmade products of Jammu and Kashmir. They emphasised that the platform not only showcases the artistic brilliance of local artisans but also serves as a bridge between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary markets. They informed that SHG members associated with the mission have been provided with extensive skill upgradation training under various capacity-building programmes. They said these interventions have played a pivotal role in enhancing their craftsmanship, product quality, and market readiness, enabling them to emerge as the choicest sellers of authentic J&K products. The launch also builds on J&K's growing interstate collaborations for market access. An agreement signed on 9 November 2024 between the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Uttar Pradesh Handicrafts Development & Marketing Corporation Limited, Department of MSME and Export Promotion, GoUP, aims to enhance market linkages and promote SHG products and handicrafts from Jammu and Kashmir in Uttar Pradesh and vice versa. The pact focuses on supporting SHG members and artisans in expanding their market reach, increasing income, improving economic self-sufficiency, and encouraging cross-learning and sharing of best practices between SHGs of both regions, with facilitation support from Akanksha Samiti, UP. On the occasion, the SHG beneficiaries also shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the government, especially the Housing & Urban Development Department, for providing them with such a large marketing platform, which they said had remained their biggest challenge for a long time.
J&K poised to script new cinematic chapter with maiden International Film Festival
Srinagar, Aug 12: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a meeting of senior officers of the Civil Administration and Police Department to review and give detailed shape to the arrangements for the successful conduct of the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK-2026), scheduled to be held from 7 to 10 September 2026. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Information; Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture; Secretary, Transport; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir; SSP Srinagar as representative of DGP J&K; Director, Information; Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages; Director, Hospitality & Protocol; Joint Director, Information (Headquarters); Joint Director, Information (Kashmir Division); and other senior officers from the concerned departments and agencies. The Chief Secretary observed that IFFJK-2026 is the first festival of its kind in Jammu & Kashmir and, therefore, its inaugural edition should set a benchmark for future editions. He emphasised that the event is envisaged as an annual affair from this year onwards, requiring meticulous planning and execution so that every edition becomes more professionally curated and memorable. He directed all concerned departments to walk through the entire festival process in advanceright from the arrival of guests and participants to the conclusion of the eventto identify gaps, streamline procedures, and ensure seamless coordination. He maintained that the smooth conduct of every component is what ultimately makes an event memorable, professionally accomplished, and worthy of appreciation. The Chief Secretary laid particular emphasis on providing befitting reception and hospitality to all invited dignitaries, filmmakers, artists, and other participants. He directed that designated nodal officers be put in place by the General Administration Department at major boarding airports, including Mumbai and Delhi, besides ensuring seamless reception and facilitation at the airports in Jammu and Srinagar. He underlined that IFFJK provides a significant opportunity to showcase Jammu & Kashmir's immense potential as both a film destination and a premier tourist destination. He called upon Tourism, Handicrafts, Floriculture, Culture, and other concerned departments to make comprehensive arrangements to showcase the region's rich heritage, crafts, culture, landscapes, and artistic traditions through curated tours, craft safaris, heritage experiences, and other activities for visiting guests. The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for timely invitations to dignitaries from the Government of India, UT administration, and other distinguished guests to ensure their participation. He reviewed in detail the arrangements concerning their accommodation, transportation, hospitality, and visits to important tourist and heritage destinations in and around Jammu and Srinagar, aimed at providing them firsthand experience of the region. Giving special thrust to publicity, the Chief Secretary directed that a comprehensive and sustained publicity campaign be undertaken through local and national media, social media platforms, and outdoor publicity, including hoardings and other visibility mechanisms across Jammu and Srinagar. He called for creating wide awareness about the festival and projecting J&K's capabilities, creative ecosystem, and tourism potential to audiences across the country and beyond. He further directed the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages to organise live cultural performances by local artists at suitable locations identified by the Divisional Administrations. These performances, he said, would provide a vibrant cultural ambience for the visiting guests and complement the film festival experience. The Chief Secretary stressed adequate security arrangements and directed the Home Department to ensure coordination with all security agencies. The Chief Secretary also impressed upon the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to undertake a micro-level review of every arrangement and activity, ensuring that all concerned departments, agencies, and stakeholders remain fully coordinated for the successful conduct of the first edition of IFFJK. Earlier, Commissioner Secretary, Information Department, R. Alice Vaz, gave an overview of the preparations being undertaken for the festival. She apprised the meeting of the series of coordination meetings held with various departments and agencies and outlined the responsibilities assigned to different stakeholders for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. On this occasion, Director, Information & Public Relations, Shreya Singhal, subsequently made a detailed presentation on the vision, objectives, and proposed format of IFFJK-2026, covering the festival schedule, film entries, screening venues, programmes, logistics, hospitality, publicity, and other arrangements. She apprised the meeting that around 1,100 film entries from nearly 80 countries have been received for the maiden edition of IFFJK-2026. The entries are currently being scrutinised by the Preview Committee for selection of films to be screened across seven screens over four days of the festival. She added that the film screenings are proposed to be held at SKICC and INOX Cinemas in Srinagar, Waves Cinema in Jammu, besides select festival sessions at Gulmarg. The Inaugural, Closing, and Award Ceremonies are proposed to be held at SKICC, Srinagar, with arrangements for live broadcasting to ensure wider reach and visibility. Besides film screenings, the festival will feature a range of Masterclasses, Workshops, and Roundtable discussions, providing opportunities for interaction among filmmakers, industry professionals, artists, students, and other stakeholders, including students of Mass Communication. The meeting was also apprised of the day-wise schedule of programmes and screenings planned across different venues, including dedicated arrangements for jury members and festival participants separately. It was further informed that various committees have already been constituted with clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToRs) to ensure clarity of responsibilities, accountability, and effective coordination among stakeholders. A dedicated IFFJK application has also been developed by the Department of Information & Public Relations to facilitate registrations and provide real-time updates about the festival. The meeting also discussed in detail the publicity strategy, invitations, transportation, traffic management, security, hospitality, protocol, and other logistical arrangements, with concerned departments including Tourism, Home, Traffic, Transport, Hospitality & Protocol, and GAD being sensitised about their respective roles. The Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to maintain close coordination and ensure that every arrangement is completed well in advance, reiterating that the maiden IFFJK should emerge as a landmark annual cultural event that showcases Jammu & Kashmir's cinematic potential, artistic talent, cultural richness, and unparalleled tourism appeal to the national and international audience.
1 in 26 J&K fruit & veg samples fail pesticide safety test
Srinagar, Aug 12: Fifty-eight of the 1,489 fruit and vegetable samples tested in Jammu and Kashmir between 2023 and 2026were found to containpesticide residues above the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Centre told the Lok Sabha. The figures were presented by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in response to a starred question by Dr Bhola Singh onthe excessive and indiscriminate use of pesticides in fruit and vegetable cultivation. The testingwas carried outunder the Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level (MPRNL) project, which the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare hasbeen runningsince 2005-06. At 3.9 per cent, J&Ks rate of samples exceeding MRLs was higher than the national average of 3.1 per cent, calculated from 2,223 non-compliant samples out of 70,652 tested across 23 states and Union Territories over the same three-year period. Among the 23 states and UTs tested, Telangana recorded the highest violation rate at 5.9 per cent (486 of 8,198 samples), followed by Haryana at 6.4 per cent (152 of 2,371). Several states, including Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, recorded zero non-compliant samples. What MRL means Under FSSAI regulations, an MRL is not a safety threshold in the everyday sense; it is the maximum level of pesticide residue legally permitted in a food item when the pesticide has been applied correctly, in line with Good Agricultural Practices and data provided by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC). Under Section 3(zz)(xii) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, food is deemed unsafe only when pesticide residues exceed the quantities specified in FSSAI regulations. A sample crossing the MRL does not mean the entire produce category is unsafe; it flags a specific instance where that legal threshold was breached. How monitoring works Samples under MPRNL are collected from retail and wholesale markets, cooperatives, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets, farm gates and organic outlets, and analysed by 40 participating laboratories. GPS coordinates of each collection point are recorded to aid traceability, and farm-gate samples can be traced back to their growing areas. The government's reply, however, does not specify what pesticides were detected in the 58 J&K samples, which crops were involved, by how much the MRL was exceeded, or what enforcement action, if any, followed. Awareness & training measures The ministry said MPRNL results are shared with state and UT agriculture departments to train farmers on the safe and judicious use of pesticides approved by the Registration Committee, as per label directions. Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, 1,353 Farmer Field School programmes benefited 46,969 farmers, 680 two-day Human Resource Development programmes reached 37,664 farmers, 2,384 awareness campaigns on safe pesticide use reached 76,702 farmers, and 2,548 seed treatment campaigns benefited 81,048 farmers nationally. The government also cited the National Pest Surveillance System, an AI and machine learning-based platform that promotes bio-control agents and bio-pesticides, recommending chemical pesticides only when necessary and at prescribed doses. The reply added that 21 states have constituted committees to monitor pesticide residues and promote Good Agricultural Practices, and that the MPRNL project has been approved for continuationtill2028-29. Growers' association flags testing gaps Bashir Ahmad Bashir, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, said around 90 per cent of pesticides available in the local market are fake or sold without adequate qualitytesting, and that fruitgrowers have been demanding more pesticide-testing laboratories in Kashmir for the past three to four years. He saidpesticides should not be allowed into the market without proper approval and quality checks by authorities, including the Agriculture Department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST).
El Nio, weak monsoon put 5 J&K districts on farm watch
Srinagar, Aug 12: Five districts of Jammu and Kashmir have been identified as vulnerable to below-normal rainfall conditions amid the possible impact of El Nio, putting the administration on alert to strengthen preparedness for the ongoing Kharif season. According to official details accessed by Rising Kashmir, Kupwara, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampurhave been includedamong 262 vulnerable districts identified across 15 States and UTs for focused monitoring and preparedness. The districtshave been identified on the basis of the probability of rainfall, irrigation coverage and cropped area, with the exercise aimed at preparingfor possible stress on agriculture if rainfall remains below normal. The identification comes as the authorities monitor the evolving monsoon situation and its possible impact on agriculture due to El Nio conditions. However,no assessment of crop or farm-income losses has been made so far,as sowing for the 2026-27 Kharif season is still underway and the first advance estimates of major Kharif crops are yet to be released. For the vulnerable areas, the preparedness strategy includes crop diversification, short-duration and drought-tolerant varieties, water conservation, micro-irrigation, mulching and inter-cropping to reduce the impact of weather-related stress on crops. The authorities have also advised advance planning for the optimum use of available water and greater adoption of efficient irrigation practices. Assistance under the Per Drop More Crop component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is available for improving water-use efficiency at the farm level. The official assessmentsaysDistrict Agriculture Contingency Plans have been updated for districts likely to receive below-normal rainfall. These plans are prepared at the district level in consultation with State authorities and ICAR's Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture. In the identified vulnerable districts, authorities are also undertaking awareness and enrolment drives under crop insurance schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme, which provide financial support against crop losses caused by adverse weather and natural calamities. For J&K, the five districts on the list cut across north Kashmir and the Jammu region, covering Kupwara in the north and Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampur in the Jammu division. The government is continuing to review rainfall, water availability, crop sowing and other indicators through regular monitoring mechanisms as part of its monsoon preparedness. The classification is not an assessment of actual crop damage in the five districts. Rather, it places them on a watch list for closer monitoring and advance preparedness as the Kharif season progresses.
Over 1.56 lakh people treated for drug addiction in J&K since 2021
Year-wise drug addiction treatment cases in J&K Financial year Persons treated 2021-22 5,382 2022-23 27,843 2023-24 36,588 2024-25 40,546 2025-26 46,491 Total 1,56,850 Source: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as tabled in the Rajya Sabha. Srinagar, Aug 12: More people in Jammu and Kashmir are coming forward for drug addiction treatment, with the number of persons treated at government-supported centres rising from 5,382 in 2021-22 to 46,491 in 2025-26, the Centre told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The figures were shared by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in response to an unstarred question by MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo on the assessment and prevention of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the ministry's data, 27,843 persons were treated in 2022-23, followed by 36,588 in 2023-24 and 40,546 in 2024-25. The number reached 46,491 in 2025-26. Since 2021-22, government-supported centres have reported 1,56,850 treatment cases across the Union Territory. Jammu reported the highest number of treatment cases during the period, followed by Srinagar, Kulgam, Bandipora and Rajouri. The ministry also referred to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, in 2018. The survey had estimated opioid use in J&K at 4.91 per cent among people aged 10 to 75, followed by alcohol at 3.50 per cent. The government said treatment and rehabilitation services in J&K are being supported under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). At present, the department supports one Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts, three Outreach and Drop-In Centres, two Community-based Peer Led Intervention programmes, six District De-Addiction Centres and 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has also been implementing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan across the Union Territory. According to the ministry, 8,565 Nasha Mukti Mitra volunteers have joined the campaign in J&K. The campaign has so far reached more than 1.20 crore people in J&K, including over 69 lakh youth and 51 lakh women, the ministry said. The increase in treatment numbers indicates a rise in the number of people accessing government-supported treatment services, but the figures do not by themselves establish an eight-fold increase in the prevalence of drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir. Year-wise drug addiction treatment cases in J&K
Paris Saint-Germain beats Aston Villa 2-1 to win UEFA Super Cup for a second straight season
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Monsoon steals Kashmirs sunny days as 35% rain surplus holds grip
Srinagar, Aug 12: Kashmir's iconic summer sunshine has become a rare sight this season as an unusually active monsoon continues to hold the Valley in its grip, bringing frequent spells of rain, persistent cloud cover and a rainfall surplus of around 35 per cent. The prolonged wet weather, experts say, is not only rewriting the Valley's climate narrative but also emerging as a public health concern, with doctors warning of a likely rise in Vitamin D deficiency due to reduced exposure to sunlight. For weeks, Kashmir has remained wrapped in grey skies, with only brief intervals of sunshine between repeated rain showers. The weather has brought relief from scorching temperatures witnessed earlier this summer but has simultaneously deprived residents of the bright, clear days traditionally associated with the Valley's peak tourist season. According to meteorological data, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded nearly 35 per cent excess rainfall so far during the ongoing monsoon season. The continuous influx of moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, aided by favourable atmospheric conditions, has resulted in repeated rainfall episodes, increased humidity and significantly fewer sunshine hours. Director, Meteorological Centre Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, said Kashmir is witnessing one of the strongest monsoon influences in recent years. The monsoon has remained unusually active over Jammu and Kashmir this season. Moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, coupled with favourable upper-air circulations, has resulted in repeated spells of rainfall and extensive cloud cover across the Valley. Consequently, the number of bright sunny days has reduced considerably compared to a normal summer, Lotus said. While the rains have replenished streams, revived orchards and lowered daytime temperatures, health experts are expressing concern over their unintended impact on people's wellbeing. Medical studies conducted in Kashmir have consistently shown that 70 to 90 per cent of the population suffers from Vitamin D deficiency, despite the region receiving adequate sunshine during normal summers. Vitamin D is primarily produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight, and experts fear that prolonged cloudy conditions could further aggravate the deficiency, particularly among children, women, the elderly and people with indoor lifestyles. Climate expert Dr Touseef Ahmad Bhat said the changing weather pattern reflects a larger climatic transformation unfolding across the western Himalayas. Kashmir historically remained outside the core monsoon belt. However, climate change is altering atmospheric circulation and enabling monsoon systems to travel deeper into the Himalayan region. The increasing frequency of prolonged cloudy spells and rainfall indicates that our summers are gradually changing. These shifts have implications not only for weather and agriculture but also for public health, water resources and disaster management, he said. Dr Bhat said reduced sunshine affects the body's natural production of Vitamin D and could also influence mental health, crop cycles and tourism. Afreen Khurshid, PhD researcher at the Department of Environmental Studies, University of Kashmir, said the prolonged absence of sunshine is another visible indicator of climate change in Kashmir. We are witnessing a gradual transformation in Kashmir's seasonal behaviour. Summers are becoming wetter, cloudier and more unpredictable. Such prolonged reduction in sunshine can aggravate Vitamin D deficiency while also affecting ecosystems, horticulture and biodiversity. Climate adaptation strategies must now include public health planning because changing weather is increasingly influencing people's daily lives, she said. Residents across the Valley say this year's summer feels unusually different. Many complain that despite being in August, clear blue skies have remained elusive, with cloudy mornings and intermittent rainfall becoming almost routine. Experts believe the current weather pattern serves as another reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality for the Himalayan region. They stress that Kashmir must prepare for a future where prolonged monsoon activity, erratic rainfall and fewer sunny days may become increasingly common.
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J&K Legislative Assembly session from Sep 21
Srinagar, Aug 12: The political temperature in Jammu and Kashmir is set to rise with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha formally summoning the Legislative Assembly to convene from September 21, paving the way for what is expected to be a high-voltage session marked by sharp exchanges between the ruling National Conference-led government and the Opposition. The formal summons follows the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, which had urged the Lieutenant Governor to convene the Assembly from September 21. Acting on the Cabinet's advice, the LG issued the order summoning the House. In preparation for the session, the Legislative Assembly Secretariat has suspended all House Committee meetings with immediate effect, allowing legislators and officials to focus on legislative business and arrangements for the forthcoming session. The September 21 sitting is expected to witness heated debates on a range of issues, including unemployment, reservation, development, power shortages, governance, public welfare, law and order, and the demand for restoration of statehood. Several important government bills and policy matters are also likely to come up for discussion. Reacting to the announcement, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said the Opposition would aggressively raise issues affecting the people and seek accountability from the government. The BJP is fully prepared for the Assembly session. We will raise every issue concerning the people, including unemployment, development, public grievances and the government's failures. The government will have to answer the people through the House, Randhawa said. National Conference MLA Salman Sagar said the ruling alliance welcomed the session and was prepared to respond to every issue raised by the Opposition. We are ready to face the Opposition. Debate and discussion are the essence of democracy, and we will answer every genuine issue raised in the House. The government is confident about its work and remains committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people, Sagar said. Political observers believe the session could emerge as one of the most significant sittings of the Assembly since the formation of the elected government, with both the treasury and Opposition benches preparing for a spirited contest over governance, development, and public policy. With the House set to reconvene after weeks of political activity outside the legislature, all eyes will now be on the September 21 session, which is expected to shape the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir in the months ahead.
Vijay Wants Status Quo To Be Maintained
The resolution made it clear that the proposed delimitation would severely affect Tamil Nadu and other States that had effectively controlled population growth
21st century belongs to Bharat: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 12: The future is ours. This century belongs to India. This is the era of India's self-confidence, its courage, and its immortal national consciousness, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday as he led a Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar, declaring that the 21st century belongs to Bharat. Addressing citizens after the Yatra, the Lieutenant Governor said the Tiranga is the living embodiment of India's consciousness and pride, emphasising that the Tiranga Yatra in the Kashmir Valley sends a clear message that India must never stop and always move forward. On this sacred soil, the Tricolour is flying high as India's living conscience and Vande Mataram echoes as its immortal voice. It embodies our shared strength, unity, and unwavering patriotism, he said. Reflecting on the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign launched in 2022 under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the LG said its purpose was to rekindle in every Indian's heart a sense of closeness, respect, and emotional connection toward the tricolour. When the Tiranga flutters simultaneously on millions of homes, 140 crore Indians' hearts beat as one in a single sentiment, a single faith, a single resolve. Today, Tiranga Yatra has evolved into a festival of people's consciousness, a tradition of patriotism, and a cultural value binding every citizen to the motherland, he said. Sinha congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their remarkable participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram campaigns, noting that their enthusiasm has become a source of inspiration for the entire nation. He said the Tiranga is the soul of our nation and 'Vande Mataram' is the immortal voice of that soul. The Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to reflect on their contribution to building the India envisioned by the nation's forefathers. He emphasised that while martyrs defended the nation with their blood, today's generation must defend it with character, honesty, hard work, unity, and service. He said the confluence of Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram is not merely the meeting of two campaigns but the announcement of a new era. This is the symbol of a Jammu Kashmir filled with self-confidence and marching firmly toward the future where 'Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara' is a life's resolve in every citizen's heart, where every home is a centre of patriotism and where every heart beats in rhythm with the pulse of national unity, he said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon the people to take collective and personal responsibility for shaping Jammu and Kashmir's and India's future, urging them to ensure that the Tiranga will not only fly high at every home but also in their thoughts, character, and actions. Let us resolve that the sacred spirit of 'Vande Mataram' will reflect in every action, every decision, and the discharge of every responsibility. We should take a pledge to repay the debt of our immortal heroes' sacrifices by building a nation that is prosperous, secure, just, and opens doors of equal opportunity for every citizen, he said. He called for building a Jammu Kashmir where the three colours of the Tiranga are visible in the values of lifeeconomically strong and taking unbroken pride in Indian culture, civilisation, and spiritual values. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor honoured Veer Naris and War Heroes. He also inaugurated the Har Ghar Tiranga Exhibition and felicitated the nodal officers of the Vande Mataram campaign. The celebrations featured the screening of a special documentary by the Department of Culture, followed by a Tiranga concert where artists paid a musical tribute to the nation's bravehearts. Justice Rahul Bharti; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani; Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Dr Darakhshan Andrabi; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; senior officials of Civil Administration, Police and Security forces, and youth in large numbers joined the Tiranga Yatra.
In 1893, Rudolf Diesel published his design for a compression-ignition engine that aimed to improve engine efficiency and reduce dependence on existing steam and gasoline systems. His work later became the basis of diesel engines used in ships, trains, trucks, generators and industrial machines. Diesel also explored vegetable oils as fuel. His career later faced financial problems before his disappearance at sea in 1913.
German nonprofit files criminal complaint over Meta smart glasses privacy
Worrying about Google Glassholes almost feels quaint in comparison.
Raju Das Criticizes CEO Appointment at Ram Temple, Calls for Genuine Service
Mumbai, August 13: Mahant Raju Das, the head priest of Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya, has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing discussions regarding the appointment of a CEO for the Ram Temple. He emphasized that a temple should not be treated as a commercial center. Positions related to the management and service of sacred sites like ... Read more Raju Das Criticizes CEO Appointment at Ram Temple, Calls for Genuine Service
Military transformation, intellectual leadership
Indias military reform must be driven by deeper intellectual engagement
A federal grand jury has indicted a marriage-fraud ring that set up more than 1,000 fake ceremonies to get phony immigration credentials for foreigners, mostly from Red China. ... The post 11 Indicted in International Marriage-fraud Scheme. Trump Hits Birth Tourism, but No Sanctuary Officials Arrested. appeared first on The New American .
Green and Neglected Grass Economy of Rural Kashmir
Kashmir's agricultural identity has been built around a handful of familiar images: the paddy fields of Pulwama and Anantnag turning gold before harvest, the apple orchards of Shopian, Sopore and Baramulla that anchor the Valley's cash economy, and the saffron fields of Pampore that lend it a distinct global identity. Horticulture today makes up a significant share of Jammu and Kashmir's economic output, and a very large proportion of rural households depend, directly or indirectly, on orchards, paddy and allied farming for their livelihood. This is the Kashmir agriculture that gets discussed in policy circles, covered in newspapers, and celebrated in government schemes. But beneath this visible economy runs a quieter one grass. It does not appear in horticulture department press releases, it has no mandi, no minimum support price, and no season of celebration. Yet from the alpine meadows of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam to the modest grazing patches along village roads, grass sustains a rural economy that is every bit as real as an apple orchard, just far less visible. An Economy Hiding in Plain Sight Call it hidden, because that is exactly what it is. Every village household that keeps a cow tied behind the house, every family that sends a few sheep up to the marg above the settlement each summer, every horse used to ferry tourists across a meadow all of this rests on grass, yet none of it shows up in the way Kashmir's economy is usually described. Milk, ghee, wool, meat and manure move through informal local markets every day of the year, and the entire chain begins with a resource nobody thinks to count. The clearest example of this hidden economy is the Gujjar and Bakarwal community, whose way of life is built entirely around the seasonal rhythm of pasture. Each summer, these pastoralist families walk their flocks from the plains of Jammu up into the high meadows of Kashmir a migration that can take over a month on foot, timed to the melting of snow and the opening up of grass at higher altitudes. Once they reach these high pastures, herds graze on the lush grasses of the Himalayan ridges at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,500 metres, close to the snowline. For a very large tribal population in Jammu and Kashmir, this is not a supplementary activity it is the entire economic base of the household, hidden from view for much of the year in remote dhoks and bahaks that most of the Valley never sees. And the output is substantial, even if uncounted. Gujjar families rearing cattle sell milk and dairy products such as ghee and cheese as their primary source of income, alongside wool and mutton. Multiply that across thousands of households scattered through forests and meadows across the Valley, and what emerges is a genuine rural industry one that has simply never been mapped, registered or valued the way an apple orchard is. Why It Stays Hidden Part of why this economy remains hidden is structural, not accidental. Unlike an orchard or a paddy field, the land grass grows on is rarely owned outright by the people who depend on it. Meadows, forest floor, roadside verges and riverbanks are commons used, but not possessed by any one household. And land that belongs to no one in particular tends to be improved by no one in particular either. Encroachment, unplanned tourism infrastructure, and the slow conversion of grazing land to other uses eat steadily into pasture area, with no single stakeholder positioned to stop it. There is also a record-keeping problem that keeps this economy hidden even from those meant to plan for it. Land records across Jammu and Kashmir, as in most of India, track cultivated area, orchard area and forest cover not pasture condition or fodder productivity. A decline that never shows up in an official number is very difficult to argue exists at all. So fodder scarcity does not announce itself as a headline statistic; it shows up quietly, as thinner cattle, falling milk yields, and herders selling off animals they can no longer feed. Climate change is now pulling this hidden crisis into the open, whether policy is ready or not. Pastoralist families have reported that natural resources, their only source of income, appear to be shrinking, with flocks having to make do with less grass each day. Erratic snowfall, early heatwaves and unpredictable rainfall are disrupting the very timing that transhumant pastoralism depends on. Researchers studying Gujjar and Bakarwal communities note that their climate-dependent lifestyle faces unprecedented challenges from shifting temperature and precipitation patterns, and argue that adaptive strategies are urgently needed to protect this way of life. When the grass fails, there is no crop insurance to fall back on; only a family with fewer animals than it had the year before. What Staying Hidden Costs The consequences of this invisibility are not abstract. Herding families across the Valley increasingly report reduced cattle numbers and declining fodder quality, forcing hard trade-offs between feeding animals and meeting other household needs. In some areas, traditional barter arrangements around grazing herders exchanging wool and ghee for access to land have already begun shifting toward cash payments, a sign that even this informal economy is being monetised, often to the disadvantage of those with the least bargaining power. There is an ecological cost hidden in here too. Healthy alpine meadows are not just fodder banks; they anchor soil on steep Himalayan slopes, regulate the water that eventually irrigates paddy fields downstream, and sustain the biodiversity that draws tourists to Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam in the first place. Degrade the grass, and the apple orchards, paddy fields and tourism economy downstream eventually feel it too. Kashmir's agricultural economy is far more interconnected than the neat line drawn between farmland and grazing land in official records suggests. Bringing It into the Light None of this calls for reinventing the wheel, only for noticing what has been there all along. Protecting common grazing land from encroachment, investing in improved and drought-tolerant fodder grass varieties, developing silvipasture models that combine trees and grass on degraded slopes, and most fundamentally, actually counting pasture area and condition in land-use surveys would go a long way toward bringing this hidden economy into policy view. So would extending to the dairy and wool economy the same institutional attention horticulture already receives: cooperatives, market linkages, veterinary support. Kashmir's rural economy has always run on more than what is harvested from a field. The grass on the hillside above a village is not empty land waiting for something else to happen to it; for a great many families, it already is the economy. It has simply been hidden from the story Kashmir tells about itself. (The author is Assistant Professor, University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab)
DIG NKR reviews I Day preparations, security arrangements in Handwara
HANDWARA (KUPWARA): In a series of high-level inspections and strategic meetings, the DIG North Kashmir Range, Vinod Kumar IPS, assessed the security arrangements in Handwara district ahead of the Independence Day-2026 celebrations. The reviews aimed to ensure a peaceful, safe, and incident-free national holiday for residents and visitors. During his visit to Police District Handwara, []
DIG SKR reviews security preparedness at DPO Anantnag
ANANTNAG: DIG South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo, chaired a comprehensive security review meeting at District Police Office Anantnag to assess the prevailing security scenario and review preparedness ahead of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, CAPFs and Police, including SSPs of all districts of South []
Sakeena Itoo inaugurates CT Scan Machine at SMGS Hospital
Inaugurates New Academic Complex at Chest Diseases Hospital Jammu JAMMU: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday visited the SMGS Hospital, Shalamar and Chest Diseases Hospital, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu were she inaugurated key healthcare and academic infrastructure projects aimed at further strengthening medical services and facilities for the []
Mirwaiz pays tributes to Anwar Ashai
SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Wednesday visited the house of the bereaved Ashai family to offer condolences on the sad demise of Anwar Ashai. Mirwaiz said that he was saddened by his passing away, as he had met Ashai Sahib on many occasions and found him to be a concerned and committed []
CM approves Rs 5.15 Cr project for Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved a 5.15 crore project for the comprehensive development of the historic Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib at Bakhta in Kathua district. The project envisages the construction of a new Langar Hall and Prayer Hall, besides provision of modern civic amenities for devotees visiting the revered shrine. The initiative marks []
Women artisans sensitised about branding, aesthetic packaging of handmade products
SRINAGAR: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar on Wednesday organised a one-day capacity building programme for artisans and weavers under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme. As many as 100 artisans participated in the workshop, which focused on branding and aesthetic packaging []
JKEDI Pulwama organizes entrepreneurship dev progs
PULWAMA: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir National Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKNRLM), organised two six-day Entrepreneurship Development Programmes at Abhama, Pulwama, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme. The programmes were designed to equip rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills in business []
Four injured as speeding bus hits divider, plunges into ditch in Amethi
Easing the Burden on Government Hospitals in the Valley
Government hospitals in the Valley remain the first and often only point of care for thousands of families, especially those with limited means. They are expected to absorb everything from routine consultations to complex emergencies, from seasonal spikes in patients to chronic shortages in staff, space and equipment. The result is predictable: overcrowded outpatient departments, long waiting lines, exhausted doctors, frustrated attendants and a system that is stretched far beyond its capacity. The burden on these hospitals is not just a matter of numbers. It reflects deeper structural weaknesses in healthcare delivery. Too many patients who could be managed at the primary or secondary level end up at tertiary institutions because local facilities lack doctors, diagnostics, medicines or confidence. In many areas, people bypass nearby health centres altogether and head straight to district or referral hospitals, convinced that anything less will only delay treatment. That instinct may be understandable, but it is also a sign of a system failing at the front end. If the pressure on government hospitals has to ease, the first priority must be to strengthen the base of the health pyramid. Health centres and sub-district hospitals should be equipped to handle common ailments, basic maternity care, minor emergencies and follow-up treatment. This requires not only buildings and machines, but regular staffing, dependable supply chains and strict supervision. A hospital is not built by inaugurations alone; it functions through continuity. At the same time, referral systems must be made more disciplined. Patients should move upward in the system only when genuinely necessary. This is not about denying care, but about ensuring that specialised hospitals are reserved for specialised needs. Clear referral protocols, digital record-sharing and better triage can reduce unnecessary crowding and save precious time for serious cases. There is also a need to review working conditions inside government hospitals. Doctors, nurses and paramedics are often forced to manage a load that would overwhelm any institution. More support staff, better patient flow, improved sanitation and adequate security for medical workers are not luxuries; they are basic requirements for service delivery. When the workplace collapses under pressure, patient care inevitably suffers. Public trust too must be rebuilt. Citizens will continue to flock to government hospitals unless they see visible improvement in local services. That means shorter waiting times, more medicines at the facility level, responsive grievance redressal and humane treatment. For too long, patients in distress have had to navigate the system as though they were seeking favours rather than rights. The burden on government hospitals in the Valley can be eased, but only if reform is treated as a long-term commitment rather than a seasonal promise. Health is too important to be managed reactively. What Kashmir needs is not merely more hospital beds, but a stronger, fairer and more evenly distributed public health system.
In a region where unemployment has become one of the most pressing concerns, skill-based entrepreneurship offers a practical and hopeful path forward. The conversation around jobs in Kashmir has for long revolved around government recruitment, limited vacancies and mounting frustration among educated youth. While employment generation remains the responsibility of the state, it is equally true that waiting endlessly for jobs cannot be a sustainable strategy. The future will belong to those who are equipped not merely with degrees, but with usable skills, the confidence to innovate and the courage to build something of their own. Skill-based entrepreneurship is not a slogan. It is a necessity. It means preparing young people to identify local needs, learn practical trades, use digital tools and convert ideas into income-generating ventures. From tourism and handicrafts to agriculture, food processing, repair services, e-commerce and local manufacturing, the possibilities are wide open. What Kashmir needs is not just more educated youth, but more employable and entrepreneurial youth. One of the biggest challenges is the mismatch between education and market demand. Many young people graduate with academic qualifications but little exposure to real-world skills. They know theories, but not business basics. They can write exams, but cannot write a business plan. This gap must be urgently addressed through a stronger focus on vocational training, industry linkages, incubation centres and hands-on learning in schools, colleges and technical institutes. Entrepreneurship also needs an ecosystem. Youth with ideas cannot succeed on motivation alone. They need access to credit, mentorship, market support, digital connectivity and a policy environment that encourages small enterprises. The government, financial institutions, universities and private sector must work together to make entrepreneurship easier, not harder. Red tape, delays and poor handholding often kill promising ideas before they can take off. At the same time, society must change its mindset. In many families, only a government job is seen as respectable. This mindset limits ambition and discourages risk-taking. A skilled electrician, a successful florist, a software freelancer, a food entrepreneur or a mobile repair technician can create value, employment and dignity. Respect must be extended to all honest work. Kashmir has talented youth, rich resources and a strong tradition of craftsmanship. What it needs now is direction. If skill development is linked with entrepreneurship, the region can turn its unemployment crisis into an opportunity for renewal. Instead of chasing scarce jobs, young people can become job creators, local innovators and contributors to economic growth. This is not merely an economic agenda. It is a social necessity. Skill-based entrepreneurship can restore confidence, reduce dependency and build a more self-reliant future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Reclaiming Readers: Bringing Books Back to Living Rooms
Indias education discourse has, for long, centred on access access to schools, to textbooks, to digital infrastructure. These are critical, but as we stand at the threshold of a new phase in Indian education, an equally urgent question that confronts us is: Are we raising a generation that reads? It is this question - deceptively simple, consequential in its implications - that gave birth to the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya (ReP) or the National Digital Library. The platform was conceived not merely as a digital archive, but as a living effort to enrich Indias reading culture from within the home, the school and the community. Today, ReP hosts over 7,000+ carefully curated books across 23 languages, developed in partnership with hundreds of publishers and aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. But its purpose was never simply to grow into an ever-expanding repository. The approach is deliberate: to maintain a curated, relevant, and dynamic collection one that is continuously refreshed, introducing titles that resonate while retiring those that do not. Scale matters. But relevance, quality, and sustained engagement matter more. Removing Barriers, Not Replacing Habits For many children across India particularly in rural, semi-urban, and underserved regions - access to books beyond the prescribed textbook remains a genuine constraint. The nearest bookshop may be many kilometres away. The school library may be stocked with titles that are dated or it is not available beyond school hours. For these children, the imagination is willing but the material is not there. Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya addresses this gap: a child, regardless of geography or income, can now reach into a library of thousands through the device already in their home. For anytime, anywhere reading. It also gives an opportunity to access books in languages beyond Hindi & English. But it is equally important to be clear about what this initiative is not. It is not an attempt to push young children toward greater screen time. It is an invitation to families to use the devices they already own, more meaningfully to transform what might otherwise be a passive, isolating hour or an hour spent on harmful scrolling or watching inappropriate content, into something shared and enriching. A parent reading aloud to a young child. An older sibling sharing a story. A family setting aside time to read together In a time when screens so often draw individuals inward and away from one another, books accessed through those same devices have the power to bring people back together. Reading as Family Time, Not Screen Time The deeper intent of Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya lies in something more intimate than platform metrics: it lies in bringing reading back into the living room. Reading is not only an academic activity. It is a social and emotional one. When families or friends read together, they create space for conversation, empathy, and reflection a quality of shared attention that is increasingly rare in lives fragmented by notifications and demands. The research is consistent on this point: children who are read to, and who see adults around them reading, develop not just stronger literacy but richer inner lives. There is also a quiet intergenerational possibility that ReP opens up. Young readers can read to grandparents. Teenagers can discover the stories of their elders liked, through shared texts. In doing so, reading ceases to be a solitary, obligatory act and becomes something else entirely what one might call 'me time' that is also 'we time.' Reading ceases to be a solitary act and becomes something else entirely 'me time' that is also 'we time. As a society, we must ask ourselves a simple but searching question: can we reclaim a fraction of passive screen consumption and return it to productive reading? The answer, we believe, is yes if we make the books available, make them inviting, and make reading feel like a choice rather than a chore. Working with Educators: The Next Phase As Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya enters its next phase, the centrality of educators cannot be overstated Teachers, librarians, and school leaders are not simply facilitators of learning -- they are culture builders. The reading habits a child forms in school often persist for life. The books a librarian recommends can change the direction of a young person's thinking Meaningful integration of ReP into school life will require deliberate effort across several dimensions: Revitalising library classes as active learning spaces, not supervised study halls Encouraging guided reading and storytelling sessions where teachers share their own favourite books Creating peer-led book discussions and reading circles that give students ownership of the habit Embedding reading into the daily rhythm of school life, so that it feels as natural as morning assembly Improving writing skills by understanding various methods of writing. A Living, Evolving Library Unlike the traditional library fixed in its shelves and constrained by its physical dimensions Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya is designed to be dynamic. It is a treasure of books in your hands. It also gives the readers to express what other books should be added. The available books are also about rich heritage & culture of Bharat, which the young generation should know about. Its multilingual foundation is equally essential. A child reads best, and most naturally, in the language she thinks in. By offering books across 23 languages and with ambitions to expand further ReP honours India's linguistic plurality, not as a logistical challenge to be managed, but as a creative strength to be celebrated. Every language on the platform is a doorway through which a child can walk into a new world. For young children upto 8 years, the platform encourages the parents & educators to read aloud the stories. A Collective Responsibility Ultimately, the success of Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya will not be determined by the number of downloads or registered users, important as those signals are. It will be determined by whether reading becomes a habit once again in homes, in schools, in the quiet corners of Bharats extraordinary diversity of communities. Its when a child in a remote area has eyes twinkling when she reads a book she has only heard about. A National Call to Read The platform also keeps hosting activities like the current Rashtriya Kavya Utsav and a call for citizens to contribute to storytelling. A lot more fun & engaging activities will be a continuous part of the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. India has always been a civilisation of stories. From the oral traditions that preceded the written word to the great literary canons of Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi and a dozen other tongues. This land has never been short of narrative. What is at risk today is not the stories themselves, but the habit of seeking them out the willingness to sit still, to follow a sentence, to give a book the time it asks for. When Citizens read, the country leads. Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi (Ms. Archana Sharma Awasthi is Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India. Mr. Yuvraj Malik is Director. National Book Trust. India. Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya is available free at https://ndl.education.gov.in/home, on Android and iOS. Courtesy:PIB)
Rookie woman driver steers car into Kestopur pond, dies
The government has initiated 950 enforcement actions against pharmaceutical companies since December 2022. These actions aim to improve the quality of locally made medicines and prevent spurious drug sales. More than 1,100 cough syrup manufacturers are facing intense audits due to quality concerns. Drug manufacturing premises are inspected periodically to verify compliance with good manufacturing practices. Risk-based inspections are now prioritized based on a company's risk profile.
SP Group's Tata stake plan faces fresh uncertainty with N Chandrasekaran's exit
N Chandrasekaran's unexpected resignation adds uncertainty to Shapoorji Pallonji Group's stake. Discussions on monetizing the Mistry family's stake remain unresolved due to valuation differences. The Mistry family may push for a Tata Sons public listing to unlock value. Tata Trusts will play a key role in the upcoming leadership transition. This change could delay any settlement with Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
Sir Ratan Tata Trust faces a restraint order from the charity commissioner. This order prevents its participation in crucial Tata Trusts meetings. The trust seeks relief from the Bombay High Court for immediate intervention. Allegations of governance violations and a 1989 share transfer are under scrutiny. These developments could affect Tata Sons' upcoming board and AGM meetings.
Former international kabaddi player Toot dies at 45
Tata Group shares slide up to 4% as Chandrasekaran opts out of reappointment
Tata Group company shares declined significantly on Wednesday after the chairman's decision. Several group stocks experienced drops of up to four percent following the announcement. Analysts suggest businesses remain fundamentally strong despite the leadership transition. Most of the twenty-six listed Tata Group companies saw their stock prices fall. Market sentiment reacted negatively, though some recovery is anticipated in coming days.
7 firms show interest in Kamarajar Ports cargo berth project
Upgradation of General Cargo Berth-1 receives environmental clearance. It will be executed at 221 cr. under the public-private partnership mode
Organ Donation : The seven common questions !
The World Organ Donation day is celebrated every year on the 13 th August to sensitise people the need to donate organs and save lives . As per the statistics , in our country threepeople die of road accidents every 10 minutes ; besides their are several thousands of deathsdue to medical causes in young patients. On the other hand, it's an irony that there is an humongous list of potential organ transplant patients for Liver , kidney , heart, pancreas , intestine , heart valves , eyes etc. . India has the dubious distinction of the worlds highest road traffic accident rates and yet having the lowest organ donation rate. One of the primary reasons is the lack of awareness among the common man about the process of organ donation and the prevalence of numerous myths. Unless these are adequately addressed the organ donation rate in our country will not improve. Here I discuss the 7 common questions regarding Organ Donation: Does my religion permit me donate my organs? This issue has been discussed with priests from all religions in several seminars and all have unanimously concluded that no religion bars organ donation either during the lifetime or after brain death . Can organs be harvested after death of a person? Once a person dies and the heart stops the organs become useless. The organs can only be removed after brain death i.e. when the brain functions are gone but the heart is still beating which usually happens in Intensive care units. The only organ that can be harvested after death is cornea and that too within 6 hours. All other organs have to be taken once the donor is brain dead but the heart is still beating. Hence it is important to pledge your organs while you are alive so that they can be quickly removed in the unfortunate event of brain death. Does the body get disfigured and mutilated During the process of removal of organs after brain death, the process of removal of organs is carried out by experts in an operation theatre, and the surgical incision that is given is neatly stitched back, and there is no mutilation of the body. Can I buy an organ (liver/kidney) for my family member? The process of organ donation in our country is regulated by the Human Organ Transplantation Act, which prohibits the sale and purchase of organs. As per the Act, only near relatives of the patients can donate organs to them. Thus, the sale and purchase of organs is prohibited and is a punishable offence. Will I become handicapped/weak if I donate my kidney? Research has shown that most living donors remain just as healthy after donation as people who have not donated. Kidney donors are not more likely to get disease after donating, provided all the pre-transplant screening tests are clear. For most donors, the remaining kidney compensates for the other one and works fine for the rest of their lives. Few kidney donors might get high blood pressure or protein leakage in the future. If I donate my organ, I will be unable to start my family A woman and man who donate a kidney can still have children. It is advised that a woman wait one year after donation before getting pregnant so that her body is recovered completely. My parents/ relatives are more than 60 years of age and too old to donate organs The health of the donor and his organs is more important than the chronological age of the donor. If all the pre-transplant screening tests are fine, then the person can donate his /her kidney. The oldest donor in my experience has been 73 years. For more information, please see my YouTube channel, Dr Sanjeev Gulati Kidney Clinic. (The Author is Chairman, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Fortis Hospital vasnat kunj And Past President, Indian Society of Nephrology)
Reclaiming the Historical Narrative of Kashmir
History is the systematic study of the human past. It seeks to reconstruct what happened, when it happened and, importantly, why it happened through the critical examination of evidence. Yet the way different civilizations have traditionally understood the past has not always been identical. The dominant modern Western approach to history developed around chronology, documentation, identifiable events, political transformations and source criticism. Indian civilisation evolved an additional and distinctive conception through Itihasa and Purana, in which history, genealogy, sacred geography, philosophy, cosmology and dharma were often interwoven. Time was not understood merely as a straight line progressing from an ancient past towards a modern future, but also through vast cycles of Yugas and Kalpas. This difference is important when interpreting ancient India, and particularly Kashmir. It would be a mistake, however, to caricature Western historical scholarship as inherently false or Bharatiya tradition as automatically infallible. Both require critical examination. The real problem arises when one methodology is selectively applied to discredit indigenous traditions while fragmentary archaeological or literary evidence is treated as conclusive. This is precisely the concern surrounding some contemporary attempts to reinterpret the early history of Kashmir. A number of writers and commentators, often presented on digital platforms as authorities on Kashmir's ancient past, have sought to challenge what they describe as the raditional narrative of Brahmanical antiquity in the Valley. Their arguments frequently employ technical archaeological, linguistic or historical terminology. But terminology alone does not establish historical truth. The history of Kashmir cannot be rewritten through confident assertions on social media, selective quotations from historians or the convenient dismissal of inconvenient traditions. It has to be reconstructed through the cumulative examination of archaeology, textual traditions, epigraphy, linguistics, numismatics, anthropology, genetics and comparative historical research. Was there really no Brahmanical presence before Buddhism? One of the strongest claims advanced is that there is no evidence of Brahmins in Kashmir before the advent of Buddhism. That conclusion goes considerably beyond what the evidence can establish. The absence of a surviving inscription explicitly naming a Brahmin community at a particular early archaeological site is not equivalent to proof that Brahmins did not exist there. For much of early Indian history, direct documentary evidence is sparse. Historical reconstruction necessarily involves the comparison of archaeological remains with literary traditions, linguistic evidence, cultural practices and later textual memories. The Nilamata Purana is particularly important in this context. Although its present textual form is considerably later than the period it describes, it preserves a complex account of Kashmir's sacred geography, religious practices, Nagas, rituals, festivals and Brahmanical traditions. Its precise chronology and historical layers remain subjects of scholarly debate. But treating the entire text as historically worthless simply because it was compiled later would be methodologically unsound. Later compilation does not automatically mean absence of older traditions. The proper question is not whether every narrative of the Nilamata Purana should be accepted literally. The proper question is which elements preserve memories of earlier social, religious and cultural formations, and how can those memories be tested against independent evidence? Another recurring argument is that early Kashmir was inhabited by Nagas, Picas, Yakshas, Khasas and other communities and that therefore the claim of an early Brahmanical presence must be rejected. This creates a false either-or proposition. Ancient Indian society was characterised by interaction, migration, assimilation and cultural synthesis. Indigenous communities and Brahmanical traditions were not necessarily mutually exclusive categories. Religious and social identities evolved through prolonged interaction. Indeed, the Kashmir tradition itself preserves precisely such a process of cultural integration. Naga traditions remained deeply embedded in Kashmir's sacred geography even as Brahmanical practices developed and later Shaivism became one of the Valley's defining intellectual traditions. Therefore, identifying pre-Brahmanical or non-Brahmanical communities does not establish the absence of Brahmins. Ashoka marks secure chronologynot the beginning of Kashmir Aurel Stein and other scholars rightly treated Ashoka as the earliest ruler of Kashmir whose historical position could be placed with comparatively greater confidence. But there is an enormous difference between saying Ashoka is the earliest securely datable ruler and saying Kashmir begins with Ashoka. The archaeological record itself demonstrates human occupation of Kashmir thousands of years before the Mauryan period. Sites such as Burzahom and Gufkral establish a substantial prehistoric cultural history.The question is therefore not whether Kashmir existed before Ashoka. It unquestionably did. The more difficult question is how prehistoric populations, later communities, religious traditions and cultural formations were connected across the intervening centuries. That question requires scholarship rather than ideological certainty. Archaeology cannot be made to say more than it actually says Burial practices discovered at prehistoric Kashmiri sites are sometimes presented as evidence against an early Brahmanical presence. That inference is too simplistic. Burial and cremation practices have coexisted in different societies and periods. Archaeological mortuary practices can reveal much about ancient communities, but they do not automatically provide a complete religious or ethnic identity card. A burial does not prove that the deceased belonged to a particular religion. Archaeology must therefore be interpreted in conjunction with other evidence. The same principle applies to the remarkable discoveries at Burzahom. Interpretations of its engraved stone objectsincluding proposals that some motifs may encode astronomical observationsare potentially significant because they point towards sophisticated cognitive and observational practices among prehistoric Kashmiris. Such interpretations should, however, be subjected to rigorous comparative and archaeological testing rather than immediately converted into ideological certainties. What is beyond dispute is that Neolithic Kashmir was not a culturally primitive vacuum. Its inhabitants possessed organised settlements, specialised tools, distinctive artistic expressions and complex relationships with their environment. Kalhana cannot simply be dismissedor selectively quoted The Rajatarangini of Kalhana occupies a unique position in Kashmir's historical tradition. Kalhana himself distinguishes between earlier traditional material and periods for which historical evidence was stronger. His account of the earliest kings contains genealogy, legend and tradition alongside historical memory. Modern historians therefore have every right to critically evaluate different layers of his narrative. But critical evaluation is not the same as wholesale rejection. Nor is it intellectually legitimate to quote Kalhana when a particular passage appears convenient and disregard the larger historical tradition when it becomes inconvenient. The proper approach is to test his claims against independent evidence wherever possible. Kashmir's intellectual tradition also matters. One of the most remarkable characteristics of Kashmir's civilisational history is its intellectual engagement with astronomy, mathematics, philosophy, linguistics and metaphysics. The survival of traditional calendrical knowledge among Kashmiri Hindus is one expression of this wider intellectual heritage. The Saptarishi or Laukika era, alongside traditional Panchang practices, represents an important component of Kashmir's inherited timekeeping traditions. Such continuity should not be casually dismissed. Civilisations transmit knowledge through ritual, language, calendars, sacred geography and social institutions, and these continuities deserve serious historical investigation. Genetics adds another dimensionbut not a simplistic one Modern ancient-DNA research has opened an entirely new avenue for understanding the population history of the Indian subcontinent. Research involving prehistoric populations of the northwestern subcontinent, including ancient remains from Kashmir, can contribute to understanding patterns of population continuity, migration and interaction. Maternal lineages such as U2 and related branches are particularly interesting in studying deep population histories. But genetics must be used carefully. DNA cannot by itself establish that a prehistoric individual was a Brahmin, Hindu, Buddhist or member of a modern community. Modern social identities cannot simply be projected backwards onto prehistoric genomes. What genetics can do is test sweeping claims of total population replacement, large-scale migration or complete demographic discontinuity. When archaeological, genetic and cultural evidence point towards substantial local continuity alongside interaction and migration, simplistic replacement narratives become increasingly difficult to sustain. The real issue is selective history The central issue, therefore, is not whether every traditional account of Kashmir should be accepted uncritically. It should not. Nor should every modern archaeological interpretation be accepted simply because it uses scientific terminology. The real issue is methodological consistency. If later textual compilation is considered sufficient reason to dismiss an indigenous tradition, then the same principle must be applied consistently across historical traditions. If absence of inscriptions is treated as proof of absence, the same standard must be applied universally. If archaeological evidence is considered decisive, its limitations and alternative interpretations must also be acknowledged. And if Western historians such as Aurel Stein, H.H. Wilson or R.C. Majumdar are invoked, their broader scholarshipnot isolated sentences convenient to a particular argumentmust be considered. Kashmir's ancient history is far more complex than any single ideological narrative. It was a land of prehistoric communities, indigenous traditions, Naga worship, evolving Brahmanical practices, Buddhism and, eventually, extraordinary Shaiva and other philosophical traditions. These traditions interacted, competed, absorbed and transformed one another over centuries. That is not a weakness of Kashmir's history.It is its civilisational strength. The Kashmiri Brahmanical tradition does not deny the existence of Nagas, Khasas or other ancient communities in order to establish its own antiquity. Equally, acknowledging prehistoric and indigenous communities does not require erasing Brahmanical traditions from Kashmir's historical landscape. The objective should not be to manufacture a pre-Brahmanical Kashmir in order to delegitimise the Valley's later Hindu civilisation. What Kashmir needs today is a history confident enough to accommodate complexity. The answer to selective historical narratives is not censorship, outrage or counter-propaganda. It is better scholarshipmore excavation, more scientific dating, more epigraphy, more textual criticism, more ancient-DNA research, more linguistic analysis and greater comparative study. Most importantly, Kashmir's history must be studied on its own evidentiary terms rather than forced into a predetermined ideological framework. For generations, Kashmiri civilization produced scholars, philosophers, poets, astronomers, jurists and historians. Its intellectual heritage did not begin with a medieval chronicle, nor did it disappear when political power changed hands. The Valley's history is a story of continuity and transformation, interaction and assimilation, memory and historical evidence. To understand that history honestly, we must neither romanticise the past nor erase it. Kashmir deserves neither a manufactured history nor a borrowed one. It deserves its history in its full complexityand that history must ultimately be settled by evidence, scholarship and intellectual honesty. (The author is a former Member of the Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir and spokesperson of BJP JK-UT
Biker enters incomplete flyover in Gurgaon, crashes into cement block, dies
Monsoon likely to intensify in Haryana from Aug 13 night
Govt recovers Rs 700 crore paddy dues, intensifies mill raids
Prashant Kishor Transforms Official Residence into Public Office for Constituents
Patna, August 13: Following his victory in the Bankipur assembly by-election, Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraj and newly elected MLA, has decided not to use his allocated government residence as a private home. Instead, he plans to convert the two-story duplex at MLA Housing Complex in Patna into a public office for the ... Read more Prashant Kishor Transforms Official Residence into Public Office for Constituents
Monkey Whisperers At Badminton Worlds? PV Sindhu Reacts On Viral Buzz
The World Badminton Championships returns to India after 17 long years. The marquee competition will start from August 17 in New Delhi
UK national gets interim anticipatory bail in Maha Freedom of Religion Act case
People who genuinely enjoy spending time alone are not necessarily introverts, psychologists say. Research suggests that a preference for solitude may instead be linked to a strong sense of autonomy, where people feel comfortable making their own choices, following their interests and spending time without needing constant social approval. For some, alone time can also help them process emotions, think clearly and recover from overstimulation. The key difference is that chosen solitude can feel peaceful and fulfilling, while loneliness is usually linked to wanting connection but not having it.
VMC imposes 3.63L fine on food units for not maintaining hygiene
Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a are getting some upgrades, including deeper Gemini integration
Google didn't have any new headphones this year, but some new features are coming to the Pixel Buds.
Boy drowns after falling into pit dug for water pipelines near Kanchi
Fake Compassionate Appointment Racket Busted In Kadapa, 2 Held
Kadapa police arrested two government employees for allegedly collecting up to 2 crore from job seekers and issuing forged appointment orders, causing an estimated 3.80 crore loss to the government.
GMC staff to strike from Aug 18 over delay in recruitment rules
Srinagar, Aug 12:- The Jammu and Kashmir Governments prolonged delay in framing recruitment rules for non-gazetted staff of five new Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) has hampered the recruitment process and prompted employees to call for an indefinite strike from August 18. The non-gazetted employees of GMCs Baramulla, Anantnag, Rajouri, Doda and Kathua have announced the strike, demanding an end to the delay in framing recruitment rules, which they said has continued for nearly six years. The employees said the prolonged uncertainty has left them demoralised and deprived them of opportunities for promotions and career progression. They, however, maintained that the issue extends beyond their service conditions and has implications for the functioning of the healthcare system. GMC Baramulla, for instance, has expanded significantly since its establishment. Its MBBS intake has increased from the original 100 seats to 150, while the hospitals bed capacity has also grown. Several new departments and sections have been established and sophisticated medical equipment added. However, nearly half of the sanctioned posts are reportedly lying vacant in the five new GMCs, with employees saying the shortage is increasingly affecting patient care even as the institutions continue to expand their infrastructure and academic intake. At GMC Baramulla, 541 posts are sanctioned, of which nearly 50 per cent are reportedly vacant. Employees said the shortage is being felt directly on the hospital floor, where existing staff are often required to shoulder the workload of multiple posts. Where there should be three employees in a section, sometimes only one is managing the entire workload. It ultimately affects patient care. Patients have to wait, services can be delayed and the quality of attention that a patient should receive becomes difficult to maintain, an employee of GMC Baramulla said. Employees argued that expansion of a medical college cannot be limited to buildings, beds and machines. Every new service requires trained manpower to operate it. Without adequate staffing, even newly established sections and newly installed equipment cannot achieve their full potential, they said. In 2025, non-gazetted employees of GMC Baramulla staged protests over the delay, raising concerns about their career progression and the absence of a defined recruitment and promotion mechanism. Similar concerns were subsequently raised by employees of the other four new GMCs. In May 2026, employees of the five institutions also went on an indefinite strike over the issue. However, they said a permanent solution has yet to emerge. This is not merely a problem of non-gazetted employees. It is a problem concerning the entire healthcare system and unemployed youth, the employee said. The proposed strike from August 18 comes at a critical juncture, with employees demanding clarity over their service conditions while the government faces the larger challenge of ensuring adequate manpower in expanding medical institutions. Employees said that in August last year, the Health and Medical Education Department had placed draft recruitment rules for the new GMCs in the public domain, but no further progress was made towards their finalisation. According to the employees, more than 3,000 posts for the five new GMCs were created through a Cabinet decision and subsequently sanctioned vide Order No. 575-HME of 2017 dated October 23, 2017. They said an executive order for one-time recruitment was later issued by the J&K Health and Medical Education Department for referring these posts to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) vide Order No. 133-JKHME-2018 dated February 19, 2018. The employees have urged the government to adopt recruitment rules on the pattern of GMC Srinagar and GMC Jammu to ensure career progression and promotional opportunities for staff working in the five new medical colleges.
Most forest rights claims rejected in J&K, data shows
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has received 46,090 claims under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, but only 6,020 titles had been distributed as of June 30, 2026, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Responding to a question raised by Anurag Sharma, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey informed the House that the total claims received in Jammu and Kashmir comprised 33,233 individual claims and 12,857 community claims. Of the total claims, 6,020 titles have been distributed so far. These include 429 individual titles and 5,591 community titles. The data further showed that 39,924 claims had been rejected, while 146 claims remained pending as of June 30, 2026. According to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Forest Rights Act provides for the recognition of forest rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. Under the Act and the rules framed thereunder, State Governments and Union Territory administrations are responsible for implementing its provisions. The Ministry said it compiles Monthly Progress Reports received from States and Union Territories to monitor implementation of the Act. The Forest Rights Act is currently being implemented in 20 States, including Himachal Pradesh, and one Union Territory.
Kashmir leaves Argentine travellers unforgettable memories
Srinagar: For Argentine travellers Florencia Bernal and Maximiliano Gattari, a long-awaited journey to Kashmir has turned into an experience that has challenged their earlier perceptions and left them impressed by the regions natural beauty, culture and, above all, the warmth of its people. Bernal, a 37-year-old COBOL developer from Buenos Aires, and Gattari, a 41-year-old restaurant owner from the same city, said they travelled to Kashmir driven by their love for mountain destinations, diverse cultures and meaningful interactions with local communities. Kashmir, they said, had been a place they had dreamed of visiting for a long time. The couple said they specifically chose Kashmir over other destinations in India because of its spectacular landscapes and rich cultural traditions. They also wanted to experience the region themselves and move beyond the negative perceptions often created by media coverage. Before coming, we mostly heard about the political situation and security concerns. But after visiting, we discovered another side of Kashmir: incredibly kind people, breathtaking nature, and a culture that deserves to be known beyond the headlines, they said. Their first impression of Kashmir was dominated by its landscapes, with the visitors describing the mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys as even more impressive than they had expected. During their trip, Bernal and Gattari visited Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Aru Valley, Wular Lake and Jammu. While they found something special in each destination, Aru Valley left the strongest impression on them. According to the visitors, the peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty of Aru Valley made it particularly memorable. However, they said that their most cherished experiences were not limited to sightseeing and instead came from their interactions with local people. They described Kashmiri hospitality as exceptional, saying people they met were curious, welcoming and genuinely eager to share their culture and assist visitors. One thing we truly love is that many people invited us to their homes to meet their families, they said, describing such personal interactions as among the most meaningful aspects of their journey. The Argentine travellers said their trip had otherwise gone smoothly and that they felt safe during their stay. they said Kashmir stood out compared with several other destinations they had travelled to around the world because of the combination of extraordinary natural beauty and the generosity of its people. The visitors also praised Kashmiri cuisine and local traditions, saying that sharing tea and conversations with local families had become a highlight of their visit. Wazwan, they added, was particularly impressive. Asked to describe Kashmir in three words, they chose Hospitality, Genuine, Unforgettable. The travellers also had a message for people in Argentina considering a visit to Kashmir. They urged potential visitors to arrive with an open mind and to go beyond the regions famous landscapes. Don't only come for the landscapes. Take the time to meet local people, learn about their culture, and experience their hospitality. That's what makes Kashmir truly special, they said. They strongly recommended Kashmir as a tourist destination, citing its natural beauty, fascinating culture and warm hospitality. The couple also expressed a desire to return to the region, saying they still wanted to explore its valleys, trekking routes and remote villages once restrictions on access are eased. Reflecting on their overall experience, Bernal and Gattari said their biggest takeaway was that Kashmir should not be judged solely through news coverage. We would tell people not to judge Kashmir only by what they see in the news. The true spirit of Kashmir is found in its people, its culture, and its incredible landscapes, they said.
BJP wont tolerate indiscipline, anti-party activities: Sethi
Srinagar, Aug 12: J&K BJP Chief Spokesperson and Chairman of the partys Disciplinary Committee, Advocate Sunil Sethi, on Thursday said the BJP has taken prompt action against those found indulging in indiscipline, completing the disciplinary process within a week. Sethi said the action was taken on the directions of J&K BJP president and MP Sat Sharma, asserting that the party has zero tolerance towards indiscipline, anti-party activities and actions against public interests. The BJP is a cadre-based and ideology-driven political organisation where discipline is the cornerstone of its strength. Every party worker, irrespective of his or her position, is accountable to the organisation, Sethi said. He said the action reflected the leaderships commitment to maintaining organisational discipline and accountability, adding that no individual would be allowed to weaken the organisation or erode public confidence in the party. Sethi said political parties have a responsibility to maintain internal discipline, and urged other parties to take firm and impartial action against those involved in indiscipline or anti-party activities instead of shielding them for political considerations. He reiterated that the BJP would continue to enforce discipline without fear or favour and remain committed to its ideology, public welfare and standards of public life.
Ramzan seeks early sanction of critical care block at GMC Handwara
New Delhi, Aug 12: Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan has urged Union Health Minister J P Nadda to expedite approval for a 75-bed Critical Care Block (CCB) and District Integrated Public Health Laboratory (DIPHL) at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). During a meeting with Nadda, Ramzan said the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department had already submitted a proposal on July 2 seeking approval for the facilities. He highlighted the healthcare challenges faced by residents of remote and underserved areas of Kupwara district, saying the absence of a dedicated critical care facility often forces critically ill patients to be referred to hospitals farther away. Ramzan sought early sanction of the project along with the required equipment, saying the facilities would strengthen critical care and diagnostic services and help patients access treatment closer to home. The Union Health Minister assured Ramzan that the matter would be given due priority and necessary action would be taken at the appropriate level.
Bukhari urges support for youth entrepreneurship amid unemployment
Srinagar, Aug 12: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday called for greater support to young entrepreneurs, saying entrepreneurship can help address unemployment and create livelihood opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. Bukhari made the remarks while inaugurating Java House Bistro & Caf at Gole Market, Karan Nagar, Srinagar. He congratulated the owners on starting the venture and said such initiatives could generate employment for young people. He said Jammu and Kashmir was facing a growing unemployment challenge amid limited job opportunities and stressed the need to encourage youth to explore entrepreneurship and start their own businesses. Such ventures can provide sustainable livelihoods for themselves as well as create employment opportunities for others, he said. Bukhari also urged the government and financial institutions to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary facilities, guidance and financial support to establish and successfully run their businesses. He wished the owners of Java House Bistro & Caf success in their new venture. Party leaders Mohammad Saleem Lone, Shabir Ahmad Reshi, Jibran Dar, Mudasir Ahmed Bhat and Sameer Iqbal, among others, were present on the occasion.
Fever cases rise after rains; health dept intensifies surveillance across TN
NC youth wing urges govt to address youth concerns
Srinagar, Aug 12: The Youth National Conference (YNC) on Thursday urged the Lieutenant Governors administration not to push Kashmiri youth to the wall by summoning people, particularly youngsters, to police stations ahead of August 15. The issue was raised during a function organised by the YNC at the National Conference headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah Complex, to mark International Youth Day. The event was presided over by Provincial Youth President Mushtaq Mir, while NC provincial president Showkat Mir attended as the chief guest. During the programme, newly constituted YNC district committees across Kashmir province were felicitated. Members of the provincial and zonal committees also shared their views on issues confronting young people. Addressing the gathering, Showkat Mir said empowering youth, creating better opportunities and bringing positive change in their lives had remained an important part of the National Conferences political struggle. He said the partys history included initiatives aimed at public welfare, social justice and improving the lives of ordinary people, citing free education under previous NC governments as an example. Mir urged youth to play a constructive role in safeguarding democratic values, secular traditions, social justice and peoples rights. He said unemployment, drug abuse, lack of skills and limited employment opportunities required collective efforts by the government and society. Mushtaq Mir appreciated the governments self-employment initiatives for youth, saying opportunities in skill development and entrepreneurship were needed alongside government jobs. He also described the ongoing recruitment process for 25,000 government jobs during the current year as an important step. He said the YNC would continue to raise issues concerning young people and work to channel their energy and talent towards constructive activities. The programme was organised by YNC Joint Secretary Bilal Ganaie and attended by party functionaries, district presidents and members of zonal and district committees.
WC Foundation to upgrade Kashmir kindergarten spaces
Kupwara, Aug 12: The Education Department has appreciated the WC Foundation Trust for launching an initiative to strengthen kindergarten infrastructure and improve early childhood learning facilities in government schools across Kashmir. The initiative was launched at Government Middle School, Kashirah, Kupwara, under the Child Welfare Programme of WC Foundation Trust. The department expressed appreciation to Chitvan Wazir, Chairperson of the trust, and Nutan Shrikant Suse, motivational speaker and academician, for their contribution towards education and child development. The initiative aims to create safe, child friendly and stimulating learning environments for young students. It includes age appropriate classroom furniture, play based learning materials, teaching learning resources, storybooks, floor mats, interactive learning corners and outdoor play equipment. Minor renovation and refurbishment of existing kindergarten spaces will also be undertaken wherever required. The department said such measures can help improve classroom aesthetics and provide children with developmentally appropriate spaces for learning and interaction. Officials said the initiative is in line with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, which places Early Childhood Care and Education at the foundation of lifelong learning. The focus on joyful and experiential learning is also aimed at improving school readiness among young learners. The department also appreciated Suses recent participation in a Career Counselling Programme at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Tarathpora. Her interaction with students and guidance on career choices was appreciated by students, staff and members of civil society. The department placed on record its appreciation for the District Education Planning Officer, holding additional charge as Dy. CEO, for identifying students and coordinating with the team. It also thanked the Zonal Education Officers of Kupwara and Handwara, the Principal of Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Tarathpora, and noted educationist and motivational speaker Mr Rayees Masroor for their cooperation. Official said continued collaboration between educational institutions, teachers, civil society organisations and committed individuals can contribute to the educational and holistic development of children.
49,810 ration cards deleted in J&K over five years: Centre
Srinagar : As many as 49,810 ration cards were deleted in Jammu and Kashmir between 2021 and 2025, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution informed the Lok Sabha. The figures were disclosed by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, in a written reply to a question raised by Dr Shivaji Bandappa Kalge. According to the ministry, Jammu and Kashmir recorded the deletion of 33,677 ration cards in 2021, followed by 2,927 in 2022, 5,403 in 2023, 4,767 in 2024, and 3,036 in 2025. The cumulative figure for the five-year period stood at 49,810. In the Union Territory of Ladakh, a total of 2,081 ration cards were deleted during the same period. Of these, 614 were deleted in 2021, 30 in 2022, 58 in 2023, 615 in 2024 and 764 in 2025. The ministry said that at the national level 2,24,09,085 ration cards were deleted across India between 2021 and 2025. The highest number of deletions during the five-year period was recorded in 2022, when 63,80,274 ration cards were deleted. The year-wise figures were 29,02,794 in 2021, 63,80,274 in 2022, 41,99,373 in 2023, 48,85,259 in 2024 and 41,41,385 in 2025. The minister also outlined measures being implemented under the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure that genuine beneficiaries are not denied their entitled foodgrains because of authentication or connectivity-related problems. The department has provided multiple authentication modes, including single-finger authentication, fusion-finger authentication, iris authentication and Aadhaar-based OTP authentication, the minister said. In cases where authentication by one household member fails, other eligible family members linked to the ration card are allowed to authenticate and collect foodgrains. A nominee facility has also been provided in exceptional cases, enabling beneficiaries to authorise another person to lift ration on their behalf. The ministry further said that e-PoS devices used under the PDS have an offline functionality, allowing transactions to be carried out in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. The devices are required to periodically reconnect to the network to synchronise offline transaction data with the online PDS system. The minister said all States and Union Territories have been advised that no genuine beneficiary or household should be denied its entitled quota of subsidised foodgrains due to failure of biometric or Aadhaar authentication arising from network or connectivity issues, Aadhaar-linking problems, technical reasons or poor biometric quality. These measures ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not denied or delayed their entitlements, the minister said. The ministry also informed the Lok Sabha that, to strengthen monitoring of the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and generate regular, detailed and empirical evidence on its implementation, the Department of Food and Public Distribution conducted a concurrent evaluation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) during 202526.
Govt to upgrade healthcare infrastructure in J&K: Sakeena
Jammu, Aug 12:- Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday visited the SMGS Hospital, Shalamar and Chest Diseases Hospital, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu were she inaugurated key healthcare and academic infrastructure projects aimed at further strengthening medical services and facilities for the people. At SMGS Hospital Shalamar, Health Minister inaugurated a newly installed 160-Multi Slice CT Scan machine, which is expected to significantly enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the hospital and facilitate timely and advanced medical investigations for patients. The CT Scan Machine has been installed for Rs 8.30 crore. Speaking on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo said that the newly inaugurated CT Scan machine would greatly benefit the general public who cannot afford the facilities of private hospitals and reduce the rush of other hospitals. Besides, it will help to control the referral system. The Minister said that the Government is committed to providing better, accessible and quality healthcare facilities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that strengthening of medical infrastructure and upgrading hospital facilities remain key priorities of the Government. Sakeena Itoo said that, in response to the long-pending demand of the people of Jammu and adjoining areas for a CT Scan machine, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had issued special directions to address the requirement. With the installation of the machine, the longstanding demand has finally been fulfilled, providing a much-needed diagnostic facility to the people. The Minster said that a MRI Machine which has already been sanctioned for SMGS Hospital to be installed within the next two or three months period. She also urged the health authorities to ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene across the hospital premises for the convenience and well-being of patients and attendants. MLA, Jammu East, Yudhvir Sethi also accompanied the Minister during the visit of SMGS Hospital. At Chest Diseases Hospital Jammu, the Minister also inaugurated the New Academic Complex at Chest Diseases Hospital, Bakshi Nagar. The project is completed at a cost of Rs 8. 93 crore. The newly inaugurated medical and academic facilities were dedicated to the students and the public at large, reflecting the Governments commitment to strengthening healthcare and medical education infrastructure and ensuring that modern facilities are made available for the benefit of the people. The Minister reiterated that the Government would continue to undertake measures for upgrading healthcare infrastructure and providing modern medical facilities to the public, with the objective of ensuring better, efficient and patient-centric healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir. MLA Jammu West, Arvind Gupta and MLA Jammu East, Yudhvir Sethi, also accompanied the Minister and expressed their gratitude to him for fulfilling the demands of the people. They also expressed hope that the government would consider and address all pending issues related to healthcare facilities on a priority basis. Principal, GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, briefed the Minister about the infrastructural development activities at GMC Jammu and its associated hospitals, as well as the patient care services, through a Power Point presentation.
Chemical fingerprints reveal hidden binary pasts of massive stars
More than 70% of massive stars are born in close binary systems, where gravitational tugs and mass transfer between companions dramatically alter their evolution. Yet once the interaction ends
Minister Sharma protests against own govt over sanitation worker appointments
Maharashtra government approves withdrawal of cases against CJP-supported protesters
One in every three complaints lodged with Telangana RERA awaits resolution
Teens plaint to cops after neighbours car runs over pet cat
Two Men Drown In Chenab, Bodies Recovered After Four Days
SRINAGAR: The bodies of two men who drowned in the Chenab River while bathing were recovered on Wednesday, four days after the incident, officials said. The deceased were identified as 30-year-old Gajay Singh and 35-year-old Rakesh Singh, both residents of Khour area of Akhnoor. According to officials, the duo had gone to bathe in the []
Ancient penguin fossils offer new window into Antarctica
A team of paleontologists from China University of Geosciences (Beijing) studying penguin fossils from Seymour Island off the Antarctic Peninsula have demonstrated how ancient bird bones can act as chemical archives of past climate change. The researchers used nondestructive X-ray mapping to examine the elemental composition of penguin remains spanning millions of years. They uncovered key insights into how Antarctica shifted from a warm, humid environment to a cooler world. The work is published in the journal Fossil Record.
Gujarat Deputy CM Launches Shaktidoot 2.0 Scheme to Support 500 Athletes Annually
Gandhinagar, August 12: Gujarats Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi launched the revamped Shaktidoot 2.0 scheme on Wednesday in Gandhinagar. This initiative aims to provide direct assistance to athletes, with a goal of helping state players achieve success on national and international platforms over the next decade. Under this scheme, the annual training support for each ... Read more Gujarat Deputy CM Launches Shaktidoot 2.0 Scheme to Support 500 Athletes Annually
MPID Court Grants Bail to UK Businessman Nishit Patel in 16.24 crore Javed Jaffery Cheating Case
APGDA says 3% annual stipend hike for junior doctors an insult to medical fraternity
The junior doctors demand for rising the biannual stipend from 15% to 30% is genuine and valid, it says
JJ Hospitals forensic team conducts donor post-mortems at Mumbai private hospital
Hanumakonda youth succumbs to injuries in US fire accident
India's defence sector reaches an inflection point as private firms rise
Defence production has risen 140% since FY17, while private-sector output has grown 198%, as policy reforms increasingly open strategic programmes to industry.
Bengaluru, August 12: Karnatakas Home Minister Priyank Kharge announced on Wednesday that he personally ordered a raid by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) at the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru. During this operation, over ten mobile phones were confiscated, including one allegedly found in the barrack of former MP Prijwal Revanna. According to police ... Read more Karnataka Home Minister Orders Raid at Bengaluru Jail, Mobile Phones Seized from Prijwal Revannas Barrack
Dalljiet Kaur On Starting Live Over Again, Son's Support During Separation & Imp Of Money
In this exclusive interview, Dalljiet Kaur opens up about rebuilding her life after a difficult phase. She speaks honestly about starting over, the strength she found in her son's support during her divorce, and why becoming financially independent is so important. Dalljiet also shares the lessons she has learned through her journey and how she is looking ahead with hope and confidence. Watch the full interview to hear her heartfelt and inspiring story.
Ruhaanika Dhawan On KKK 15: Bond With Farrhana, Rubina, Jasmin & Meeting Divyanka's Twins
In this exclusive interview, Ruhaanika Dhawan opens up about her memorable journey on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. She talks about the special bond she formed with Farrhana Bhatt, Rubina Dilaik, and Jasmin Bhasin during the show, and shares some fun behind-the-scenes moments. Ruhaanika also recalls meeting Divyanka Tripathi's twins and reveals how Divyanka cheered her on like a proud mother throughout her adventure. Watch the full interview to hear her heartfelt stories, friendships, and unforgettable memories from Khatron Ke Khiladi 15.
