Kashmir Universitys Moment of Recognition, and Responsibility
The University of Kashmirs elevation to Category-I status by the University Grants Commission is a moment worth celebrating, not only for the institution itself but for Jammu and Kashmirs higher education landscape as a whole. It is an acknowledgement of sustained academic progress, improved standards, and the Universitys growing capacity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the countrys leading institutions. This recognition comes on the back of KUs A++ grade in the NAAC re-accreditation cycle, a distinction that speaks of seriousness, consistency and institutional discipline. It is a reminder that when universities invest in quality teaching, meaningful research, stronger faculty engagement and better governance, the results do arrive. For a university that has long carried the expectations of the region on its shoulders, this is a significant and well-earned milestone. Yet this is also a moment that demands reflection. Category-I status is not merely an award to be displayed on paper or quoted in official speeches. It brings with it enhanced academic, administrative and financial autonomy, and with autonomy comes accountability. The real question is not whether the University has achieved a higher status, but whether it will now use this freedom to transform itself in visible and lasting ways. The opportunities are substantial. Greater flexibility in introducing new academic programmes, revising curricula, strengthening interdisciplinary education and building research ecosystems can allow KU to respond better to the needs of a changing world. The prospect of international collaborations, visiting foreign faculty, foreign student admissions and open and distance learning programmes can widen its reach and deepen its relevance. If handled with imagination and seriousness, this status can help KU emerge as a more dynamic, globally connected centre of learning. But the challenge lies in execution. Autonomy is meaningful only when it leads to innovation, not inertia; to academic excellence, not administrative complacency. Kashmirs youth deserve a university that is not content with ceremonial success, but one that continuously raises the bar in teaching standards, research output, digital infrastructure and student support. There is also a larger message here for the higher education system in the Union Territory. KUs recognition should serve as a benchmark and an inspiration for other institutions. It shows that excellence is possible, but it requires institutional honesty, academic seriousness and sustained support from all stakeholders. The role of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and the higher education department will remain important, but the responsibility now rests equally on the Universitys leadership, faculty and students. In that sense, this is more than a recognition; it is a call to action. The University of Kashmir now has the space, the status and the opportunity to redefine its role in the region and beyond. It must seize this moment with ambition, discipline and a clear vision. If it does, Category-I status will not remain a formal designation it will become the foundation of a new academic era.
Protecting Merit, Restoring Trust
Parliaments passage of the anti-paper leak amendment bill marks an important recognition of a deep and recurring wound in the countrys education system. Paper leaks are not minor administrative failures; they are betrayals of merit, ruined dreams and a direct assault on the faith of young people who prepare for years in hope of a fair chance. By proposing harsher punishment, fast-track trial provisions and tighter investigation mechanisms, the government has signalled that it wants to treat the problem with the seriousness it deserves. That intent is welcome. A society that normalises cheating in public examinations cannot expect to build a competent, confident or ethical generation. When question papers are leaked, the damage goes far beyond a single exam cycle. It rewards criminal networks, demoralises honest candidates and creates a belief that hard work matters less than access and influence. In that sense, the bills tougher penalties, especially for organised crime, are a necessary warning that examination fraud will no longer be treated lightly. Yet legislation alone will not heal the system. India has seen enough laws, committees and assurances to know that the real test lies in enforcement. If leaks continue, the problem is not the absence of punishment but the weakness of institutional safeguards, internal controls and accountability at every stage of examination design, storage and transmission. The new law must therefore be matched by robust prevention, not just stronger punishment after the damage is done. The governments claim that the bill takes a holistic view of exam reform is worth examining carefully. It is certainly better that the law is not confined to one agency alone, but covers a wider range of examinations and institutions. That breadth is important because the scandal of paper leaks is not limited to one recruitment body or one level of government. Still, the answer cannot be to merely widen the net on paper while leaving loopholes in practice. Every exam authority must be made answerable for security protocols, vendor oversight and digital safeguards. The oppositions walkout does not help the seriousness of the issue. Public debate on such a sensitive subject should have been used to press for better safeguards, not to stage a symbolic exit. But the government too would do well to hear the unease behind the criticism. Students are not asking only for punishment after leaks happen. They want certainty that the system will not fail them in the first place. They want accountability when police action is excessive, when recruitment processes are compromised and when committees are formed but recommendations move at a glacial pace. The larger challenge is one of trust. The youth of the country have already endured too many shocks, from exam cancellations to leak scandals to endless uncertainty. If the state is serious about protecting their future, it must go beyond strong words and harsh penalties. It must build a culture where examination papers are secured, institutions are transparent, culprits are swiftly punished, and innocent students are never left to pay for the failures of a broken system. The bill is a beginning, not an end. Its real value will be judged not by the severity of its clauses, but by whether the next generation can finally sit for an exam without fear that someone else has stolen its future.
Centre unveils Rs 58 crore Tourism plan for Kupwara
Srinagar, Jul 30: The Union Government on Thursday said it is committed to the planned development of unexplored tourist destinations in Kupwara district through eco tourism, border tourism, adventure tourism and community based tourism. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said tourism development is mainly the responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, while the Centre supports projects through schemes like Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development and PRASHAD. He said the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has planned and proposed tourism infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 58 crore in Kupwara. The proposed works include tourist facilitation and reception centres, tourist huts, guest houses, interpretation centres, cafeterias, public convenience facilities and other eco tourism infrastructure. According to the minister, the projects will cover destinations such as Bangus, Lolab, Keran, Karnah, Machil, Teetwal, Zachaldara, Langate and Handwara. Shekhawat said the UT administration has also taken several promotional steps, including International Yoga Day events, FAM tours to Keran, the annual Lolab Bangus Festival, promotion of border tourism and participation in tourism fairs in India and abroad. He said these initiatives are expected to improve visitor facilities, create employment opportunities for local people and promote sustainable tourism across the district. The minister added that the Centre continues to promote Jammu and Kashmir in domestic and international tourism markets while encouraging local participation, skill development and entrepreneurship, especially among youth.
How AI and human exploration are gradually shaping a shared future beyond Earth
DAL LAKE TO DEEP SPACE Beneath Kashmirs calm night sky, the vastness above often feels close. The stars move slowly across the darkness, and Dal Lake reflects them in still water. For generations, people here have looked upward with curiosity, asking what lies beyond. That sense of wonder has always been present. In a place shaped by its landscape and traditions, the sky has offered a moment of reflection, a space where thoughts settle, and questions arise. Today, something new is unfolding. The distance between observation and participation is slowly narrowing. In April 2026, Artemis II carried astronauts around the Moon and safely back to Earth. For the first time in more than fifty years, humans travelled far beyond Earths orbit again. The crew Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen spent nearly ten days in space, reaching more than 250,000 miles from Earth and travelling close to 694,000 miles in total. Their safe return marked an important step. It showed that careful preparation, steady learning, and cooperation continue to guide human progress in space. The next step builds on this work. Artemis 3 is planned to place astronauts near the Moons south pole. Scientific observations have shown evidence of water ice in this region, which may support future exploration. This opens a measured possibility. The Moon may not remain only a place for brief visits. Over time, it may allow longer missions and deeper study, gradually extending human presence beyond Earth. As these missions advance, they are increasingly supported by technology. This journey, however, is not shaped by human effort alone. Space presents unique challenges. Communication between Earth and distant missions can take several minutes, and in deep space it can take even longer. In such situations, systems must operate with a degree of independence. Artificial intelligence is becoming central in meeting this need. At NASA, AI is used to assist with navigation, mission planning, and data analysis. It helps teams manage large volumes of information and respond to changing conditions with greater precision. On Mars, the Mars 2020 Perseverance mission reflects this shift. The rover studies its surroundings, identifies safe paths, and continues its work even when communication delays occur. It moves forward within defined limits, gathering data and adapting to its environment. This marks a meaningful change in how exploration is carried out. Artificial intelligence itself is also evolving. A newer approach, often described as agentic AI, is being explored. These systems are designed to carry out tasks with greater independence within defined boundaries. Researchers at MIT Sloan School of Management describe them as systems that can plan steps, use tools, and complete tasks in structured environments. Companies such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google are working on such developments. In the years ahead, these systems may become an important part of how space missions are managed and supported. Alongside this, machines are gradually learning to assist in physical work. Robotic systems, including those being explored by companies like Tesla, are being designed to handle tools and perform repetitive tasks. In space, such systems may support mission preparation, help build early structures, and reduce risks for human crews. Their role will be to assist human effort, not replace it. Space exploration today is also shaped by cooperation. Through initiatives like the Artemis Accords, countries are working together to ensure that space activities remain peaceful and coordinated. This reflects a shared understanding that space is a common domain, where cooperation benefits everyone. India is contributing to this effort in meaningful ways. Through the Indian Space Research Organisation, it has achieved important milestones. Chandrayaan-3 successfully reached the Moons south polar region. The planned Chandrayaan-4 aims to return lunar samples for study. India is also preparing for human spaceflight through Gaganyaan. These efforts contribute to a broader and shared understanding of space. In parallel, the space economy is also growing steadily, with private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin developing launch systems and spacecraft for human spaceflight, and companies like Virgin Galactic enabling suborbital human travel. Alongside these developments, agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency, and the China National Space Administration continue their exploration efforts, with contributions from partners including the Canadian Space Agency, while India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation, is preparing for human spaceflight under programmes such as Gaganyaan. As space continues to develop, an important question remains. How widely will its benefits be shared? Space is not only about exploration. It is also about access to knowledge, opportunity, and resources. Ensuring that this progress is inclusive will shape how meaningful this journey becomes. For Kashmir, this moment carries a quiet relevance. The region holds curiosity, depth, and a thoughtful sense of understanding shaped by its surroundings and way of life. With greater access to science and technology education, students here can take part in this evolving field. Because the beginning of space exploration lies in learning. With the right opportunities, meaningful contributions can come from anywhere. Space is already connected to daily life in visible ways. Satellites help monitor glaciers, track changes in snow cover, and improve weather forecasting. These systems support agriculture, disaster preparedness, and environmental awareness. Programmes like the Copernicus Programme provide data that helps regions like Kashmir respond to change. In this way, space science is not distant. It is already present. Amid all this progress, one simple truth remains. Technology can guide and assist, but the sense of wonder felt under the night sky remains deeply human. It encourages curiosity, reflection, and a desire to understand more. This is why this moment matters. Space is opening in a way that allows more people to learn and take part. In the years ahead, exploration will continue to involve not only astronauts, but an even wider community of engineers, researchers, scientists, and professionals across many fields. It is possible to imagine a student from Srinagar contributing to a future mission, or a researcher from the region studying discoveries made beyond Earth. These are no longer distant ideas. They are possibilities that are gradually taking shape. Artificial intelligence is already supporting missions beyond Earth. Human exploration continues step by step, guided by learning and care. And the Moon, once distant, is slowly becoming more accessible. Under the skies of Kashmir, the stars remain unchanged. What is changing is how humanity chooses to reach them. (The author writes on science and technology. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
Public Examination Amendment Bill is a Systemic Reform
The Government of India has introduced the Public Examination Amendment Bill 2026 ( PEAB) in the parliament to improve the education standards in the country, a significant move considering the recent turmoil over an alleged paper-leak case with respect to the NEET. It is expected that the bill will establish certain tough measures and reforms aimed at curbing malpractices / unfair means affecting the public examinations. In other words, the overall purpose of the bill is to create the values of honesty, integrity, and fairness in the public examination system. Tabling the bill for reforms is appreciable; once it passes, ensuring the implementation of the reforms in letter and spirit will be the key, though. What is noteworthy is the fact that the government in office has abided by what it promised during the recent Janter Manter protests, which were ostensibly a product of the paper-leak incident. It was the honourable Prime Minister himself who proactively issued a firm statement in the backdrop of the irregularities which reportedly surfaced in the NEET. This commitment has manifested itself in the shape of the bill at the earliest. A prudent and principled measure likely to be formulated through the parliament. It should settle well with all the stakeholders that credit goes to the incumbent government for candidly and realistically coming clean on one disturbing aspect: the prevalence of malpractices in the examinations; that is reflected through the very introduction of the PEAB 2026 . A strict regulation, the PEAB, will expectedly dissuade wrongdoers from defiling the sanctity of public examinations. We need virtuous examinations for students' academic achievements; that will be justice in practice. Pertinently, unfair practices ruining examinations have not crept into the system in recent years; those wrongs have been plaguing the system for decades together, leaving the successive governments struggling to rein in the culprits. Several measures, at the state and national level, have been in place against the evil. But has yielded little success. To convincingly and confidently take on the malpractices impacting the examinations, a clear and significant stand is urgent, and the national government has obviously undertaken to fight the evil. In fact, showing the intent-- the introduction of the bill--to correct what harms this vital aspect of education is half the battle won. True, the implementation of the resulting reforms is the primary requirement. There is no denying that several projects and plans, at their implementation, do not achieve their targets. The failure could be attributed to multiple factors. One big factor is a self-seeking attitude of the implementing hands, underscoring the need to train minds, not just hands. Another significant factor is feeling immune to legal fear, which emboldens a person to toy with the constitutional rights of people. Thus, what the person wishes becomes a law for the victim citizens. Among the multiple positive aspects of the bill, the brightest one is that those seeking to misuse examinations to feather their own nests at the expense of students' hardwork and career are unlikely to even think of going ahead with their plots: the bill intends to administer severe penal action for the offenders. Above all, the national government again looks clear and concerned to strictly execute the provisions once the bill is passed. Another attractive part of the bill, in response to the call for reforms by the Janter Manter protests, is to give space to the reforms. Is not it a sign of a responsible government? In the world's biggest democracy, India, voices are heard, and genuine demands of citizens are not dismissed. This is exactly what the prominent message is from the proactive introduction of the bill, a productive act for the nation's progress. The bill in question, it is hoped, must in no case be subject to political polarisation and mileage for certain quarters. As the matter revolves around youth, the nation's future, there should not be any compromise on their career and future. The countrywide students require national security and assurance that their hardwork and dedication will be rewarded as and when they pass a test on merit. This scenario will promote honesty, honour, trust, and confidence-- the values essential for youths to cherish and practice in the wider interest of the nation. A curse on society is a hopeless youth. Apart from proposing tougher measures, one crucial provision of the bill needs to be empowering the youth to always prefer national interests over personal / group interests. No objectives/ ideology, however noble, should be preferred over the national well-being. Now that the PEAB has been tabled in the country's parliament-- where a solution for issues and challenges confronting the nation can be proposed and produced-- it will be virtuous and valiant if all stakeholders put the seal of approval on it. Reforming the examination system is our collective responsibility; let us be part of the solution, not the problem. PS: Should we find an alternative to NEET? That can save children from mental health issues and people from economic issues. Are school examinations not enough for a student to deserve a medical seat without NEET? (The author is a teacher by profession and RK columnist. Feedback: sheikhshabir518@gmail.com )
Simplicity, the Missing Value in Kashmiri Weddings
FROM BURDEN TO DIGNITY Marriage in Kashmir has never been merely a private affair between two individuals. It has always carried the weight of family honour, social expectation, and cultural display. In homes across the Valley, a wedding is rarely treated as a simple union of two people; it becomes a test of status, a measure of generosity, and often, a financial burden that can follow a family for years. What should begin as a celebration of companionship, responsibility, and blessing too often turns into a season of anxiety, debt, and silent strain. In this context, the call to make marriages simpler in Kashmir is not a plea for austerity alone. It is a call for social sanity, economic relief, and moral courage. The problem is not that Kashmiris love celebrations too much. The problem is that celebration has increasingly become entangled with excess. The gifts, the jewellery, the food, the elaborate arrangements, the guest lists, the photography, the dowry-like expectations, the ceremonies stretched over several days, and the pressure to match or outdo what others have done all of these have turned marriages into costly spectacles. Families that can ill afford such expenditure still feel compelled to participate in this race, fearing gossip, criticism, or the shame of appearing less than their neighbours. In such a social climate, choice is often an illusion. A parent may know the burden is too heavy, but social pressure makes retreat feel impossible. This culture of inflated weddings has real consequences. It delays marriages, particularly among young men and women from modest backgrounds. It deepens debt in households already struggling with low incomes, unemployment, and unstable livelihoods. It creates emotional stress before and after the wedding. It also widens social inequality, because those with means can afford display while those without means are forced either to borrow or to compromise their dignity. A marriage that should bring two families together can begin with resentment, exhaustion, and financial distress. That is not a healthy foundation for a household. There is also a deeper cultural contradiction here. Kashmir is a society that has long prized restraint, hospitality, and grace. Its traditions were not meant to encourage wasteful competition. Older generations remember a time when weddings, though joyous, were more intimate and less performative. People came together to bless the couple, share food, exchange goodwill, and stand witness to a new beginning. The ceremony had warmth without extravagance. Today, however, the line between honour and display has become blurred. A modest gathering is too often mistaken for a poor one. Simplicity is interpreted as stinginess. That inversion of values must be challenged. One of the most damaging aspects of the current marriage culture is the pressure placed on the brides family. In many cases, the family of the girl bears the burden of arranging large feasts, expensive household items, gifts, and other social expectations that are never openly named as compulsion but are felt as obligation. Even when people speak against dowry, the social pressure survives in disguised forms. Money may be demanded indirectly, or expected through custom, or extracted through humiliation if a family cannot meet the unwritten standard. This is not tradition in any noble sense. It is coercion wearing cultural clothing. Any serious conversation about simplifying marriages in Kashmir must confront this reality without hesitation. Then there is the issue of ceremony inflation. Weddings are now stretched across multiple events, each one becoming an opportunity for spending. Separate functions, repeated outfit changes, elaborate decor, professional photography, banquet halls, and lavish catering have become normalized, even when the family would rather avoid them. The question must be asked plainly: who benefits from this inflation? Not the young couple, who begin married life under pressure. Not the wider society, which internalizes unrealistic expectations. In truth, the greatest beneficiaries are often the commercial interests that profit from social anxiety. When a wedding becomes an industry, simplicity becomes resistance. But simplifying marriages does not mean diminishing joy. On the contrary, it means restoring joy to its rightful place. A wedding should be remembered for love, prayer, kindness, and the coming together of families not for financial panic. A dignified wedding can be modest, warm, and memorable without being excessive. Good food, honest hospitality, clean arrangements, and heartfelt blessings are enough. No couple should have to begin their life together carrying the burden of a debt taken to impress others. No parent should have to sell land, borrow money, or sacrifice months of earnings to satisfy a social script that benefits nobody. Religious guidance also offers an important reminder. Across faith traditions, marriage is meant to be simple, sincere, and morally grounded. The Prophets (SAW) example, often invoked in discussions of Muslim family life, placed emphasis on ease, modesty, and the removal of unnecessary burden. Yet in practice, many weddings in the Valley have drifted away from that spirit. The language of faith is frequently used in public, but the ethic of simplicity is often ignored in private. If communities truly wish to honour religious values, they must do so not through grand displays but through practical reform. A wedding that is easier for families is also closer to the spirit of mercy and responsibility that religion teaches. This reform cannot be left to individuals alone. Social change in Kashmir will require collective resolve. Families need courage to say no to wasteful customs. Elders need to lead by example rather than enforce outdated expectations. Community leaders, local religious figures, and social organisations must speak clearly against marriage-related excess and covert dowry demands. Public messaging should normalize small, respectful weddings rather than treat them as socially inferior. When a family chooses simplicity, society should applaud it, not pity it. Moral pressure must shift direction: instead of pressuring families to spend more, the community should pressure them to act responsibly. Media too has a role. The Valleys newspapers, social platforms, and influencers often shape what is seen as respectable. If they continue to celebrate glamour without questioning cost, they help sustain the problem. But if they promote modest ceremonies, highlight families that have chosen simplicity, and openly discuss the harms of wedding extravagance, they can help reset public taste. Cultural change is not only about rules; it is also about imagination. People must begin to see that a smaller wedding is not a poorer wedding. It is often a wiser one. There is also a practical dimension that cannot be ignored. Kashmirs economy remains fragile. Unemployment is high, incomes are uncertain, and many households live close to the edge. In such circumstances, a culture of expensive weddings is not merely unwise; it is socially irresponsible. Families already face the cost of education, health care, daily living, and housing. To add the burden of inflated marriage expenses is to push many into long-term distress. Simplifying marriages would not solve every economic problem in the Valley, but it would remove one major source of unnecessary pressure. That itself would be a meaningful public good. The young, perhaps more than anyone else, should take the lead in this change. Those preparing for marriage must begin to ask what kind of life they want to build together. Do they want a few hours of public display followed by years of financial recovery? Or do they want to begin with stability, dignity, and mutual support? A modern marriage in Kashmir need not imitate the loudest social trends. It can be grounded in choice, modesty, and intelligence. Young couples can set a new standard by openly preferring simplicity and refusing to let marriage become an arena of competition. Saying this is easier than doing it. Social customs are stubborn, and fears of judgment run deep. No family wants to be the first to break a pattern if it thinks others will laugh. But every meaningful reform begins when someone chooses principle over pressure. In the Valley, where so many aspects of life are already shaped by hardship, there is no reason to preserve a wedding culture that adds unnecessary pain. We do not need to abolish celebration; we need to discipline it. We do not need to end tradition; we need to rescue it from vanity. We do not need less love; we need less waste. If Kashmir wishes to preserve the dignity of marriage, it must make marriage easier, not harder. It must protect families from financial humiliation. It must treat simplicity as honourable, not shameful. It must restore the wedding to its true purpose: the joining of two lives in hope, trust, and responsibility. A marriage that begins with peace is far more valuable than one that begins with debt. The Valley would do well to remember that. (The author is a lecturer in HED and columnist)
Govt to strengthen district, ULB-level ABC teams
Srinagar, July 30: The government has nominated 11 officers and officials from Municipal Corporations and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Jammu and Kashmir for specialised training under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme at the designated Training Centre in Lucknow with an aim to strengthen implementation of the programme across the Union Territory. According to an order, issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, the nominations have been made in continuation of an earlier government order and in pursuance of the Supreme Court's directions for effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control Programme. The nominated officials include three doctors from Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations, two para-vets from Srinagar Municipal Corporation and six dog catchers from Achabal, Anantnag, Reasi, Kour and Udhampur. The training is aimed at building dedicated Animal Birth Control teams at the Urban Local Body and district levels. The government has appointed Dr. Jaswant Singh, Municipal Veterinary Officer, Jammu Municipal Corporation, as the coordinating officer for this round of training. He will coordinate with the designated training centre in Lucknow. The order directs all concerned Heads of Departments to relieve the nominated officers in time and provide necessary support for their participation. It also states that boarding, lodging, transportation and other admissible expenses will be borne by the respective Municipal Corporations or Urban Local Bodies from available Grant-in-Aid or own-source funds, subject to financial norms. The trainees have been directed to maintain mandatory attendance, with unauthorised absence attracting action under the Service Rules. After completing the programme, they will assist in strengthening district and ULB-level teams for effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control Programme. The dates of the training will be communicated separately.
Residents seek restoration of direct JKRTC Uri-Sgr bus service
Srinagar, Jul 30: Residents of Uri in north Kashmirs Baramulla district have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) to immediately restore the direct bus service between Uri and Srinagar, saying its suspension has caused immense inconvenience to scores of daily commuters. The direct JKRTC bus, which used to depart from Uri at 8:00 am and return from Srinagar at 1:30 pm, was a lifeline for patients, students, government employees and other commuters travelling to the summer capital. However, locals said the service has remained suspended for nearly two months, forcing them to depend on multiple modes of transport to reach their destinations. Residents said the withdrawal of the bus has particularly affected people who travel regularly for medical treatment, educational purposes and official work. The direct bus was the most convenient and affordable mode of transport for us. Patients could reach hospitals in Srinagar on time, students attended colleges without difficulty, and employees reached their offices conveniently. Now we have to change vehicles several times, which is both time-consuming and expensive, said a resident of Uri. Many commuters alleged that although a JKRTC bus is still operating from Nambla village to Baramulla, the corporation has failed to restore the much-needed direct Uri-Srinagar service. The bus is being picked up from Nambla and plies only up to Baramulla. There is no direct JKRTC bus available from Uri to Srinagar anymore. We fail to understand why the service has not been resumed despite repeated requests, a government employee based in Baramulla told Rising Kashmir. Locals said the absence of a direct government-operated bus has increased their dependence on private transport, resulting in higher travel costs and inconvenience, particularly for elderly passengers and those requiring frequent hospital visits. They urged the authorities to restore the service without further delay, saying the direct bus had served as an essential public transport link for people living in the border town. However, the Managing Director and General Manager of JKRTC did not respond to repeated phone calls from Rising Kashmir despite multiple attempts to seek their response.
Former NC leader Mohammad Syed Akhoon joins Apni Party
Srinagar, July 30: Veteran politician and former National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Syed Akhoon on Thursday joined the Apni Party along with a large number of his supporters and associates. Akhoon, who has represented the Hazratbal Assembly constituency multiple times and has remained associated with mainstream politics for decades, was formally welcomed into the party by Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior leaders at a joining ceremony held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. Addressing the gathering, Bukhari said Akhoons entry was not merely about electoral gains but about benefiting from his political experience and wisdom. I, personally and on behalf of my party colleagues, wholeheartedly welcome Akhoon Sahib into the Apni Party. His wisdom, integrity, and decades of rich political experience will undoubtedly strengthen the party and serve as a guiding force in our collective journey, Bukhari said. He said the Apni Party was not owned by any individual or family but belonged to the people and was open to all those committed to public service. Recalling the formation of Apni Party in March 2020, Bukhari said the party was established during a difficult period for Jammu and Kashmir to provide a political platform to safeguard peoples interests. He invited people willing to work for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir to join the party, saying the platform was open to everyone committed to protecting the rights and dignity of the people. Taking a dig at the National Conference-led government, Bukhari alleged that traditional political parties had focused more on gaining power than addressing public concerns after August 5, 2019. He said the elected government had limited authority and claimed that the Chief Secretary often enjoys more power and authority than the Chief Minister. Bukhari criticised the government over issues including restoration of the holiday commemorating Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and official observance of July 13, alleging that the ruling party had accepted a system with reduced powers by participating in elections under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. He also targeted the National Conference for moving away from the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), saying the party had abandoned its earlier stand on restoration of Articles 370 and 35A. They have surrendered on every front. Today, they do not even speak about the issues that people are struggling with, Bukhari said. Highlighting civic issues in Srinagar, the Apni Party chief said political parties were engaged in mutual criticism instead of addressing concerns related to unemployment, housing, infrastructure and drainage. People are not asking for the moon and stars. They are simply demanding basic necessities and essential public services, he said, adding that Srinagar often did not reflect the status of a capital city. Speaking on the occasion, Akhoon expressed satisfaction over joining Apni Party and said he was confident that the party would continue working for the welfare and development of the people. Recalling his differences with the NC leadership, Akhoon said he had cautioned the party against making unrealistic promises in its election manifesto, citing the limited powers of a Union Territory administration.
Two Properties Worth Rs 1.05 Crore Attached in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Continuing its crackdown on drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukti Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police on Thursday attached two immovable properties worth around 1.05 crore belonging to two alleged drug peddlers in separate cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police said the attached properties were identified during investigation []
Village-wide power cut triggers protest in Handwara village
Handwara, Jul 29: A village wide electricity disconnection in Gonipora area of Handwara over unpaid power bills has triggered a controversy, with Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed accusing the Power Development Department of penalising consumers who had already cleared their dues. The department disconnected electricity to the village after finding that a large number of consumers had pending bills. The MLA said the action unfairly affected genuine consumers who had regularly paid their electricity bills. He said the department should have disconnected only the defaulting connections instead of cutting power to the entire village. Khursheed also alleged selective enforcement of the recovery drive. He claimed that a Fisheries Rest House, occupied by BJP affiliate Javed Qureshi, had electricity dues of around Rs 5 lakh, yet its power connection had not initially been disconnected. He said he was not defending defaulters but maintained that the same rules should apply to everyone. He termed the village wide disconnection a case of collective punishment. Executive Engineer, PDD Division Handwara, Er. Asif Khan, said the department acted on official directions to disconnect power in areas where nearly 80 percent of consumers had outstanding dues. He said that after the MLA raised the issue, electricity was restored to consumers who had already paid their bills through an alternative arrangement. The grievance was addressed immediately and power was restored to bill paying consumers, Khan said. He added that after verification, the electricity connection to the Fisheries Rest House was also disconnected due to pending dues.
Transport Sector Set for Tech-Driven Overhaul in Jammu Kashmir: Minister Satish Sharma
SRINAGAR : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday unveiled a roadmap to modernise the Union Territorys transport sector, with a focus on digital governance, road safety, electric mobility and improved public transport services. Chairing a series of review meetings of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), Transport Department, Motor Vehicles Department and []
Two JKAS Officers Among Five CPIOs Appointed by Education Department
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has nominated five officers as Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) to deal with applications filed under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The nominations were notified through Government Order No. 297-JK (Edu) of 2026, issued on July 28, in pursuance of Section 5(1) of the RTI Act. []
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all Deputy Commissioners to expedite the verification and settlement of claims under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and certify completion of the process, while reiterating that no eligible forest dweller can be evicted until the statutory recognition procedure []
Inclement Weather: Schools in One Jammu Kashmir District to Remain Closed Tomorrow
SRINAGAR: The district administration in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district has ordered the closure of all government and private schools on Friday, July 31, due to prevailing adverse weather conditions. The decision was communicated by the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Poonch, through a circular issued on Thursday, following an advisory from the District Disaster Management []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Assigns Additional Charges to Six Accounts Officers
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has assigned additional charges to six Accounts Officers across various departments with immediate effect in the interest of administration, according to an order issued by the Finance Department. The appointments were made through Government Order No. 248-F of 2026, dated July 29, and will remain in force until further []
Jammu Kashmir Has 12.75 Lakh Scheduled Tribe Population, Says Centre
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir had a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of 12,75,106 as per the 2011 Census, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday, adding that updated figures would be available only after the next population census is released. In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Tribal []
Ladakh Declares 23 Heritage Sites as Protected Monuments to Preserve Ancient Civilisational Legacy
SRINAGAR: In a major step towards preserving Ladakhs archaeological and cultural heritage, the Union Territory administration has declared 23 historically significant sites as Protected Monuments under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The notification, approved by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, provides statutory protection to a diverse range of heritage []
Jammu Kashmir Revenue Employee Suspended After Bribery Complaint, Dismissal Proceedings Initiated
SRINAGAR: A Jammu and Kashmir government employee has been suspended and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated to dismiss him from service after a complaint that he allegedly accepted a bribe for issuing an income certificate to a villager, officials said on Thursday. The action followed a complaint by a citizen, who approached the Deputy Commissioners []
Bear mauls two in Bandiporas Aloosa
Bandipora: Two persons were injured in a bear attack in the Ketson area of Aloosa in north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Thursday, officials said. An official said that the incident took place in the Ketson area when a bear attacked the two individuals, leaving them injured. He said the injured were immediately shifted to a []
ANTF Kashmir Arrest Punjab-Based Peddler, Seize 100 Grams Heroin In Srinagar
Srinagar: The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Kashmir on Thursday arrested a Punjab-based drug peddler and recovered 100 grams of heroin from him at Lasjan, Nowgam. In a handout, the police said that the arrest was made during a targeted operation launched by an ANTF team at Lasjan, near the flyover adjacent to Peaks, based on []
Rs 18.96 Crore Water Supply Scheme Approved for Pulwama Town
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded administrative approval to a Rs 18.96 crore water supply scheme for the coverage part of Pulwama town under the Urban Development Sector for the 2026-27 financial year. The approval was issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department through Government Order No. 61-JK (HUD) of 2026 dated []
Jammu Kashmir Gets Two Food Processing Projects Under PMKSY, Both Yet to Receive Grant Release
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has had two food processing projects approved under the Union Governments Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) during the last five years, but no grant-in-aid has been released for either project so far, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The two approved projects are located in Kathua []
Jammu Kashmir Records 1,109 Road Accidents on National Highways in 2026, 206 Killed
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 1,109 road accidents and 206 fatalities on National Highways in 2026, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The figures, based on data available with the Government and including National Highways and expressways, show that 1,658 people were []
Chief Secy takes stock of PMAY-U housing schemes for Urban Poor
SRINAGAR, JULY 30: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, took a comprehensive review meeting of the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to evaluate the implementation of housing schemes for the urban poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas YojanaUrban (PMAY-U) in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations; Managing Director, J&K Housing Board; Director General, Codes; Chief Town Planners of Jammu and Kashmir; representatives of J&K Bank and other senior officers. While speaking the Chief Secretary observed that access to affordable housing is one of the most fundamental aspirations and essential needs of every family, particularly those belonging to the urban poor. He noted that for economically weaker households, a significant share of their income is often consumed in meeting housing-related expenses, leaving limited resources for other basic necessities. He said that the PMAYUrban serves as a transformative social welfare initiative by providing secure and dignified housing to eligible beneficiaries, thereby substantially reducing their financial burden. This, he added, enables such families to redirect their hard-earned income towards other critical needs such as education, healthcare, nutrition and improving their overall quality of life, ultimately contributing to their long-term socio-economic empowerment. The Chief Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations to further mobilise field functionaries to expedite verification of applications, preparation and submission of DPRs, and timely release of eligible instalments to beneficiaries strictly in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. He emphasized that every eligible urban poor household should be covered under the scheme, while ensuring complete transparency, accountability and adherence to the standards specified in the scheme. He instructed officers to strengthen field-level monitoring through regular inspections and effective use of digital platforms for real-time tracking of progress. The Chief Secretary further impressed upon the officers to resolve all pending issues proactively, enhance public awareness regarding the benefits of the scheme and facilitate eligible beneficiaries in completing all procedural formalities so that no deserving household is left out. During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur presented an overview of the implementation of PMAY-U 1.0 and PMAY-U 2.0, highlighting the physical and financial progress achieved across all districts of the Union Territory. Highlighting the progress under PMAY-U 1.0, the Commissioner Secretary revealed that against the revised sanctioned target of 36,412 dwelling units, 31,663 houses have already been completed, registering an impressive completion rate of nearly 87 per cent, while the remaining houses are at various stages of construction and nearing completion. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of PMAY-U 2.0, particularly under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) component. It was divulged that 92 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) involving 2,120 houses have been approved so far, with 1,379 houses already grounded and construction progressing steadily across different stages. Taking stock of beneficiary verification, the meeting was apprised by the MD, Housing Board, Smita Sethi that under the BLC vertical, 23,256 applications have been received, of which 20,154 applications have already been verified, while the process of scrutiny of the remaining applications is underway. The meeting further reviewed progress under the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS) verticals of PMAY-U 2.0. It was informed that verification of applications under these components is being carried out on priority to ensure timely approval of eligible beneficiaries and seamless implementation of the scheme. The meeting concluded with a detailed district-wise review of implementation, during which the Chief Secretary issued specific directions to the concerned officers for accelerating the pace of execution, improving coordination among stakeholders and ensuring timely completion of all sanctioned housing projects under PMAY-U across Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu Kashmir Has 3.6 Lakh Rural Households Yet to Get Tap Water Connection Under Jal Jeevan Mission
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has 3,60,642 rural households yet to receive tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with 15,64,303 of the Union Territorys 19,24,945 rural households covered as of July 18, 2026, according to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. The data placed before the Lok Sabha shows that 81.26 per cent of []
Jammu Kashmir Records 5,318 Road Accidents, 984 Deaths in 2025: Lok Sabha
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 5,318 road accidents and 984 fatalities in 2025, while pedestrian deaths more than tripled to 477 from 144 a year earlier, according to data placed by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways before the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The figures show that road fatalities in JK increased from []
Jammu Kashmir LPG Consumers Rise to 35.64 Lakh, Ladakh Crosses One Lakh: Centre
SRINAGAR: The number of domestic LPG consumers in Jammu and Kashmir increased to 35,64,357 as of April 1, 2026, from 35,68,167 recorded on April 1, 2022, while Ladakhs consumer base rose to 1,03,899 from 94,661 in April 2023, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the Lok Sabha. []
Jammu Kashmir Gets PMFME Boost as 143 Micro Food Processing Units Secure Loans in Kupwara, Baramulla
SRINAGAR: A total of 143 micro food processing enterprises in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara and Baramulla districts have secured loans under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The ministry said 53 enterprises []
Jammu Kashmir Has 73 Accident-Prone Black Corridors on National Highways: Lok Sabha
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has 73 accident-prone black corridors on National Highways, while Ladakh has one, according to data based on 20232025 accident records and placed by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The corridors were identified in real time using artificial intelligence-based tools developed by the []
Man found dead at Srinagars Baghat
Srinagar: A 40-year-old man was found dead at his residence in the Rawathpora Baghat area of Srinagar on Thursday, officials said. An official said that the man was found with injuries reportedly caused by a sharp-edged object inside his house. He said police rushed to the spot soon after the incident and took the body []
New Delhi, July 30: A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is underway in Parliament as the Rajya Sabha began discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, amid a political confrontation between the government and the Opposition over the alleged police action against student protesters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha JP Nadda, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval are among those present in the meeting. In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh moved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for consideration and passing. The Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, seeks to strengthen the legal framework against examination-related malpractices by enhancing punishments for paper leaks, constituting a Special Task Force for investigations and providing for Special Fast Track Courts for time-bound trials. The Upper House is also scheduled to take up the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to move that the Bill, as passed by the Rajya Sabha, be taken into consideration. The developments come amid continuing protests by Opposition parties over the alleged police action during the July 20 student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Earlier in the day, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi demanded an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate the alleged use of force against student protesters. Students deserve justice. An independent SC monitored high powered committee must be constituted to probe brutalities against our students, Gandhi said in a post on X. Opposition MPs also staged a protest at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex, holding placards questioning who ordered the alleged police action against student protesters and raising slogans demanding accountability from the Centre. The protesters also raised the issue of the alleged embezzlement of donations made to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Earlier, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain said the Opposition had demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a statement in Parliament on the alleged police action and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also questioned the absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah from the debate, saying the Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry and that the Home Minister should answer questions regarding the alleged incident. (ANI)
J&K Police attaches land of 5 Reasi terrorists operating for Lashkar from Pakistan
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat on Thursday ordered the attachment of 1.7 hectares of land belonging to five terrorists hailing from Reasi district who are now operating out of Pakistan. DGP Nalin Prabhat has ordered the attachment of properties belonging to five notorious terrorists, now operating from Pakistan, a police spokesperson said. []
Gund:- Two school-going girls were injured after being hit by a speeding car on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in the Gund area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Thursday. The shocking incident, which was captured on CCTV, has sparked concern among local residents over reckless driving on the busy highway. The injured girls have been []
Single protest won't bring results: CM Omar on statehood demand
Ganderbal, July 30 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that a single protest cannot bring results and that repeated efforts andare required to make the demand heard. Speaking with reporters in Ganderbal, CM Omar, per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said they took the protest to Delhi knowing that they would not get anything from the first one. A promise made to Jammu and Kashmir regarding statehood remains unfulfilled, he said. He said the National Conference did not wait for August 5 to raise the issue and the party wnet to Delhi to press for their demand. The J&K Assembly had passed a resolution regarding the erstwhile state's special status and constitutional guarantees, which was forwarded to the Centre. Whatever steps were required on August 5 would be taken, but the party was not waiting for the date to act, he said. On the situation in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), CM Omar expressed concern over reports of force being used and innocent people being targeted. We are all concerned. We can only hope that peace prevails there as well, he said(KNO)
Single protest wont bring results: CM Omar on statehood demand
Ganderbal,: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that a single protest cannot bring results and that repeated efforts andare required to make the demand heard. Speaking with reporters in Ganderbal, CM Omar, said they took the protest to Delhi knowing that they would not get anything from the first one. A promise made to []
Pakistan govt must adopt more humane approach...: PDP's Mehbooba Mufti on PoJK violence
New Delhi , July 30: People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday urged the Pakistan government to be more humane, expressing deep anguish over the escalating Rawalkot-PoJK violence and heavy-handed response against civilian demonstrators across the Line of Control (LoC). In an X post, Mufti denounced the suppression, stating that peaceful voices are being met with bullets instead of hearing legitimate grievances. The visuals emerging from across the LoC in the other part of Kashmir are deeply heartbreaking. It is painful to see peaceful protesters being met with brute force, she said. She appealed that the Pakistan government should stop the discharge of bullets at the peaceful protesters. The Government of Pakistan must adopt a more humane approach and choose dialogue over force. Reports suggest that the protesters' demands are genuine and deserve to be heard. No nation grows stronger by disempowering its own people or by silencing them at gunpoint. The Government must end the crackdown and stop spraying bullets at peaceful protesters. Kashmiris deserve dignity, justice, and the right to be heard, not repression, she said. The remarks came as protests continued at D-Chowk in Rawalakot-PoJK on Thursday amid allegations of shooting and killings during demonstrations, with social media accounts linked to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) accusing security forces of using lethal force against protesters. According to the JKJAAC-linked social media accounts, demonstrators have been sitting at D-Chowk for several days while calling for a long march and protesting rutality and arget killings by security forces. One protester, speaking in a video shared by the accounts, alleged that armed personnel positioned in buildings were targeting unarmed civilians. Of the brothers who were martyred, most were shot in the head--what is called a 'headshot.' Brother, we only saw these things in games and places like that. We didn't know these oppressors would do such things to us, the protester said. According to Amnesty International's press release, violence was reported in Rawalakot on July 27, while a political worker was also killed in a clash between supporters of rival parties in Kotli. The organisation said the JAAC claimed 19 people were killed and dozens injured after security forces fired on protesters, while media outlets reported casualties without confirming a death toll. Police, meanwhile, said two of their personnel were injured. Amnesty International also noted that mobile internet services have remained suspended in the region since June 5. It added that media reports indicate at least 40 people have been killed in the run-up to the election, including 34 protesters and six police and paramilitary personnel. (ANI)
Srinagar, July 30:Continuing its sustained and relentless crackdown against drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukti Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police has attached two immovable properties worth approximately 1.05 crore belonging to notorious drug peddlers, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of narcotics networks operating in the district. The first attached property comprises a residential house along with the land underneath, situated at Pamposh Colony, Palpora, Noorbagh, Srinagar, belonging to Aqib Mushtaq Kenu, S/o Mushtaq Ahmad Kenu, R/o Pamposh Colony, Palpora, Noorbagh, Srinagar. The property, having an approximate market value of 50 lakh, has been attached under Section 68-F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, in connection with FIR No. 48/2022 registered at Police Station Safakadal under Sections 8/21/29 of the NDPS Act. The accused is presently on bail granted by the Hon'ble Court. The second attached property comprises a three-storeyed residential house along with two commercial shops and the land underneath, situated at Pathar Masjid, Zainakadal, Srinagar, belonging to Altaf Ahmad Najar alias T.K. Khan, S/o Late Ghulam Qadir Najar, R/o Pathar Masjid, Zainakadal, Srinagar . The property, with an approximate market value of 55 lakh, has been attached under Section 68-F of Chapter VA of the NDPS Act, 1985, in connection with FIR No. 32/2021 registered under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kral Khud. The accused is also under preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, 1988, vide Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Order No. DIVCOM/K/127/2025 dated 15.07.2025, and is presently lodged in preventive detention. Both properties were identified during investigation as having been acquired through proceeds generated from illicit narcotics trafficking. The attachment proceedings were carried out after obtaining due approval from the Competent Authority (SAFEMA), New Delhi, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VA of the NDPS Act, ensuring strict adherence to all legal and procedural safeguards. The attachment operations were executed by duly constituted Police teams Srinagar, with the properties falling within the jurisdiction of Police Post Noorbagh and Police Station M.R. Gunj, respectively. These actions form part of Srinagar Police's sustained strategy to strike at the economic backbone of drug trafficking networks by depriving offenders of assets amassed through the proceeds of crime. By targeting illegally acquired properties, Srinagar Police aims to deter those engaged in narcotics trafficking and reinforce the rule of law. Srinagar Police reiterates its unwavering commitment to making society drug-free under the Nasha Mukti Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. The public is urged to continue supporting the police by sharing credible information regarding drug trafficking and other criminal activities so that strict legal action can be taken against those involved.
New Delhi , July 30 : Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday demanded an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate the alleged police action against student protesters. In a post on X, Gandhi called for an impartial probe into the alleged use of force against students during the July 20 protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Students deserve justice. An independent SC monitored high powered committee must be constituted to probe brutalities against our students, Gandhi said. Gandhi also shared a video purportedly showing the police action against the protesters. The video shows police personnel lathi-charging demonstrators, while the clip also appears to show a man in civil dress forcefully slamming a student protester carrying the Indian flag onto the road during the police action. The demand comes as Opposition MPs on Thursday staged a protest at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex over the alleged police action against student protesters and the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. MPs from several INDIA bloc parties gathered at Makar Dwar around 10.30 am, holding placards questioning who gave the orders for the alleged police action against student protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 20. The MPs also raised slogans demanding accountability from the Centre over the alleged use of force against students and the alleged financial irregularities in donations made to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The protest came hours before the Rajya Sabha was scheduled to take up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passing. Earlier, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer said the Opposition had demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a statement in Parliament on the alleged police action, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hussain also questioned the absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah from the debate, saying the Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry and that the Home Minister should answer questions regarding the alleged police action. The Rajya Sabha is expected to begin discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, at 2 pm. The Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, seeks to strengthen the legal framework against examination-related malpractices by enhancing punishments for paper leaks, constituting a Special Task Force for investigations and providing for Special Fast Track Courts for time-bound trials. (ANI)
Plea on use of pellet gun: SC asks Centre to preserve ammunition log of RAF used in NEET protests
The PIL, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, has been jointly instituted by Azad along with two individuals who claim they sustained pellet injuries during the Sansad Chalo protest in central Delhi on July 20
Iran Media: Rescue operation underway in Qeshm after US strikes, two children hospitalised
Qeshm , July 30 : Search and rescue operations are underway in Iran's Qeshm after a residential house was targeted in a strike, with two children rescued from under the rubble and shifted to medical centres, Iranian state media IRIB reported. The Director General of Crisis Management of the Hormozgan Governorate said relief operations were continuing following the strike on a residential house in the Chah-Tango neighbourhood of Qeshm. So far, two children have been pulled out from under the rubble and transferred to medical centres, and efforts are ongoing to rescue three other members of this family, the official said. According to IRIB, the house was occupied by a family of five who were inside the building when the incident occurred. Meanwhile, the sound of several explosions was reported in four cities in Khuzestan province -- Shadegan, Arvandkenar, Abadan and Ahvaz. More than seven locations in Ahvaz were reportedly affected by the sounds of explosions, according to IRIB. Two explosions were also heard in Bandar Abbas, with initial investigations indicating that they may have originated from areas surrounding the city. Similar sounds were reportedly heard on the islands of Boumousi and Kish, as well as in the maritime area of Qeshm and the Strait of Hormuz. According to initial speculation cited by IRIB, the sounds may have been linked to defensive activities by Iran's armed forces in the Strait of Hormuz, although authorities were investigating their exact origin. The developments arise as US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces have claimed to carry out a heavy wave of strikes against dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran on Wednesday (local time), calling the action a response to attempted Iranian missile strikes on US forces in West Asia. The strikes, completed at 10 p.m. ET on July 29, targeted IRGC military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defence sites, and maritime capabilities, according to a CENTCOM press release. The strikes aimed to further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighboring Gulf countries, CENTCOM said. CENTCOM said that the US action came a day after IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on US forces based in West Asia. All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted, CENTCOM said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his threat of military action against Iran, stating that Washington plans to strike Tehran very hard and asserting that it's our turn to hit them. When asked during an Oval Office appearance about an earlier blast at Egypt's Mediterranean port of Damietta, Trump confirmed that he had received a briefing on the incident, adding that it's going to be straightened out. Directing further warnings at Tehran, the US President declared, They know it's coming. Trump further noted the possibility of future diplomacy, saying, We'll see if we get there with an agreement at some point, prior to reiterating his warning of kinetic action. (ANI)
Against all odds, Majid Magray set to lead India at Lords
New Delhi: For years, every training session meant travelling more than 50 kilometres as there was hardly any infrastructure for differently abled cricketers in Kashmir. The long commute, limited facilities, and five years of waiting for an India cap could have broken Majid Magrays resolve. Instead, they shaped the player who will now lead India Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Unidentified Body Recovered in Srinagar; Investigation Underway
SRINAGAR: Police have launched an investigation after an unidentified body was recovered from a canal in the Baba Demb area of Srinagar on Thursday morning. According to reports, the body was found floating in the canal near Dawood Bridge, wrapped inside a bathtub. The deceased was reportedly wearing a black T-shirt. Local residents noticed the []
Jammu Kashmir: Govt School Building Damaged as Rear Wall Collapses
SRINAGAR: A government primary school building in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district was damaged after its rear wall collapsed following torrential rainfall, reports said on Thursday. The wall collapsed amid incessant rain that has affected several parts of the district over the past few days. No casualties or injuries were reported, as no one was []
Body recovered from Baba Demb canal in Srinagar, investigation launched
Srinagar: An unidentified body was recovered from a water canal in the Baba Demb area of Srinagar on Thursday morning, eyewitnesses said. An eyewitness said that the body was found wrapped in a bathtub and floating in the canal, following which locals informed the police. He said that soon after receiving the information, a police []
Four Booked in Fake Cooking Oil Company Fraud; EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet
Srinagar, July 30: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a charge-sheet in FIR No. 77/2022 under Sections 420 and 120-B IPC before the Hon'ble Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against four accused persons in a cheating case. The accused are;Mohd Amin Bhat S/o Mohd Afzal Bhat, R/o Khanyar, Srinagar,Khalid Hussain Khan S/o Ghulam Hassan Khan, R/o Gasiyar Hawal, Srinagar, Anil Kumar Maheshwari S/o Ganpat Lal, R/o A-38, Satiya Nagar, Ward No. 09, Jhotwara, Jaipur, Rajasthan and Shashank Kumar S/o Surinder Singh, R/o B-50, Uddai City, Pallapurram-2, Modipurram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The case originated from a complaint alleging that Mohammad Amin Bhat of Khanyar, Srinagar, along with Khalid Hussain Khan, Area Sales Manager, and Anil Kumar Maheshwari, Regional Sales Manager of M/s Assured Agro Food Industries, induced him to invest Rs. 15 lakh as a security deposit for the supply of cooking oil. The accused represented that the company was a manufacturer of cooking oil and assured delivery of stock within a week. However, no stock was supplied. Accordingly a probe has been ordered to investigate the allegations and during investigation, it was established that the accused persons, acting in conspiracy, cheated the complainant on the pretext of supplying mustard oil. Enquiries with the Registrar of Companies, Rajasthan, revealed that no company by the name of M/s Assured Agro Food Industries was registered. Investigation further disclosed the involvement of the company's purported owner, Shashank Kumar of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. On completion of investigation, the charge-sheet has been presented before the competent court for judicial proceedings. The Crime Branch has advised the public to remain vigilant against such economic frauds and report any suspicious activities to the SSP, EOW Kashmir. Victims may also lodge complaints through email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in
EOW Kashmir Chargesheets Four in Rs 15 Lakh Fake Cooking Oil Company Fraud
SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against four persons in connection with an alleged Rs 15 lakh fraud in which a complainant was purportedly duped into depositing money as security for the supply of cooking oil by a company that investigators later found did not exist. According to the Crime []
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1,795 Pilgrims Leave Jammu for Amarnath Yatra via Baltal Route
SRINAGAR: A fresh batch of 1,795 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Thursday for the Baltal base camp to undertake the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra, with authorities maintaining extensive security arrangements along the route. According to the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR), Jammu, the 23rd batch left at 2:44 a.m. []
Short: 82,971 kg narcotics seized in J&K between 2020-2024
Short: KU gets UGC Category-I status
Short: Hanguls survival hinges on quiet seasons as human interference poses threat
SRINAGAR: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold a crucial Selection Committee meeting on August 3 in New Delhi to consider the induction of eligible Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS) officers into the Indian Police Service (IPS) under the promotion quota. The meeting is expected to consider filling eight IPS vacancies identified by []
U-17 Inter-District Provincial Level Subroto Cup Football Tournament begins in Baramulla
Baramulla, July 29: The Under-17 Boys Inter-District Provincial Level Subroto Cup Football Tournament 2026 commenced on Wednesday at St. Joseph's School, Baramulla, under the aegis of Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, with DYSS Baramulla serving as the host district. The championship was formally inaugurated by the District Youth Services & Sports Officer (DYSSO), Baramulla, Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, in the presence of Mubeen Ahmad Khan (PEM), Shabir Ahmad Thoker (PEM), and Showkat Ahmad Waza (PEM) Convener of the Tournament, along with officials, technical staff, coaches, and participating teams. A total of eight districts out of ten are participating in the prestigious Under-17 provincial football championship, providing a competitive platform for young footballers to showcase their talent and sportsmanship. The opening day's first session featured six exciting matches, with Bandipora defeating Anantnag 4-0, Baramulla thrashing Shopian 8-0, and Srinagar registering a dominant 9-0 win over Kulgam. Ganderbal and Budgam played out a closely contested draw, while Srinagar continued their winning run by overcoming Anantnag 4-2. In another evenly fought contest, Baramulla and Budgam shared points after their match ended in a draw. The tournament is expected to witness intense competition in the coming days as participating districts strive to secure the coveted provincial title and earn qualification for the next stage of the prestigious Subroto Cup Football Tournament 2026.
J&K Open returns to Srinagar with Rs 1 cr prize purse
Srinagar, Jul 29: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir, through J&K Tourism, and the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI) on Wednesday announced the fifth edition of the J&K Open, which will be held at Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar from August 4 to 7. The tournament, carrying a record prize purse of Rs 1 crore, will mark the beginning of the second half of the DP World PGTI's 2026 season. The prize purse has been doubled from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore, underlining the growing stature of the tournament on India's professional golf circuit. The event is supported by J&K Tourism as title partner, with Royal Springs Golf Course serving as the host venue. DP World, Axis Bank, Amul, Amrutanjan Enerlyte, Campa, Air India Maharaja Club and Kalyani are among the key partners supporting the championship. The tournament will feature some of India's leading golfers, including 2026 Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Veer Ahlawat, Om Prakash Chouhan, Manu Gandas, defending champion Shaurya Bhattacharya and Angad Cheema. Fourteen international players from nine countries, including the United States, Japan, Canada, the Czech Republic and Malaysia, will also participate, giving the event a strong global presence. Deputy Director Tourism Kashmir, Rashid Raina, said the government is proud to support the championship at one of India's finest golf venues. He said the event strengthens Jammu & Kashmir's reputation as a leading golf tourism destination while promoting tourism growth, economic development and world class sporting events in the region. DP World PGTI Chief Executive Officer Amandeep Johl said the J&K Open has become one of the most eagerly awaited tournaments on the tour calendar. He thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and J&K Tourism for their support. He said the Robert Trent Jones II designed Royal Springs Golf Course provides an outstanding championship venue admired for its playing conditions and scenic surroundings. J&K Tourism is using the tournament to promote golf tourism across the Union Territory, which is home to renowned golf courses at Royal Springs, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Jammu Tawi. The Royal Springs Golf Course, located along the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan mountains in the backdrop, is regarded as one of Asia's most picturesque golf courses and is expected to attract players and visitors from across the country and abroad. agencies.
DC Pulwama chairs meeting of District Advisory Committee on My Bharat Initiative
Pulwama, Jul 29: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the District Advisory Committee on My Bharat at the Administrative Complex, Pulwama, to review the implementation and progress of the MY Bharat initiative in the district. At the outset, the District Youth Officer, Pulwama, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the objectives of MY Bharat and the progress achieved in the district. The presentation covered youth registrations, formation of Youth Clubs, registration of NGOs, experiential learning opportunities, district performance on the MY Bharat portal, events conducted, and the roadmap for strengthening youth participation in the coming months. Addressing the meeting, the DC highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for youth engagement through skill development, community service, and nation-building activities under the MY Bharat platform. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the district's performance under various indicators and took stock of the status of youth registrations and institutional participation. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments to enhance outreach and ensure greater enrolment of youth on the MY Bharat platform. Dr. Qayoom directed the concerned officers to intensify awareness campaigns in educational institutions and at the grassroots level through Youth Clubs, NSS, NCC, and other community-based organisations. He also emphasized the importance of organising regular youth-centric activities to encourage leadership and community participation under the My Bharat initiative. Dr. Qayoom emphasized that educational institutions, Youth Clubs, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, and field functionaries should be actively involved in mobilising youth and ensuring maximum registrations. On the occasion, the DC directed all concerned departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination with the District Youth Office to maximise youth enrolment and ensure effective implementation of the objectives of the MY Bharat initiative. The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama; General Manager, DIC, Pulwama; Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama; and other members of the District Advisory Committee.
CUKashmir celebrates 6-yrs of NEP-2020
Ganderbal, Jul 29: Under the banner of Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS)-2026, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) celebrated six years of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, at the Tulmulla Campus here Wednesday. Addressing the participants (online), Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, said the NEP-2020 seeks to develop independent learners who possess effective communication skills, digital literacy, experiential learning abilities, and a balanced understanding of the past, present and future. Deliberating on the transformative vision of NEP-2020 and its role in shaping India's future, Prof. A Ravinder Nath said, Educational institutions must nurture students as global citizens equipped with knowledge, competence, values and a deep sense of social responsibility. He stated that students must develop financial literacy, analytical thinking, critical decision-making abilities, social skills and active community engagement, enabling them to respond effectively to the rapidly changing global environment. Prof. A Ravinder Nath reaffirmed that the CUKashmir remains committed to implement the vision of NEP-2020 through multidisciplinary education, research excellence, innovation, digital transformation, skill development, Indian Knowledge Systems and quality enhancement initiatives, thereby contributing meaningfully towards the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat @2047. Addressing the gathering, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, said that students should actively acquaint themselves with the University's academic innovations and achievements by exploring the best practices documented on the official website of the University. Director, Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance (DIQA) and Head, Deptt of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Geelani, said the University has always remained responsive to national educational initiatives and policy reforms. Recalling the early stages of the policy, he stated that when the draft NEP was released, the CUKashmir emerged as one of the pioneering institutions in the region to organise extensive deliberations on the draft and submit comprehensive institutional inputs and recommendations to the Government. Associate Prof. Deptt of Mathematics and Coordinator, NEP-2020, Dr. Haribhau Bhapkar, highlighted the University's sustained efforts towards effective implementation of the policy. He elaborated on the University's Panchamukhi Sutra, describing it as the guiding philosophy of holistic education comprising academic excellence, empathy, physical well-being, spiritual development and design thinking. He observed that these five pillars collectively prepare students not merely for employment, but for purposeful lives marked by innovation, compassion and responsible citizenship. Earlier, in his address, Dean Students' Welfare, Dr. Jehirul Islam, underscored the transformative impact of NEP-2020 in reshaping India's higher education landscape. The policy has redefined education by promoting multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, innovation, inclusivity and holistic student development. Youth Welfare Officer, Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal, Youth Welfare Officer conducted the programme proceedings and highlighted the constitutional values, ethical responsibilities and democratic ideals embedded in NEP-2020. Madhumita Pradhan, proposed the vote of thanks.
DC Kulgam chairs Block Diwas at DH Pora
Kulgam, Jul 29: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Wednesday presided over the Block Diwas at DH Pora, where an extensive public outreach programme was conducted to hear and address the grievances and developmental concerns of local residents. During the programme, people and representatives from different areas of the sub-division including DH Pora, Ahmadabad, Nandimarg, Laisoo,Yarikhah, Kounsarbal, Sadiwari, Aharbal, Khull, and several other villages projected various developmental demands before the DC relating to road connectivity & macadamisation, flood protection works, improvement in provision of drinking water, power tariff bills, staff for local health institutions and ambulatory services, irrigation canal upgradations etc. The DC gave a patient hearing and assured the public about the commitment of the district administration towards their welfare. All issues and demands have been noted and shall be taken at appropriate forums for resolution. The DC sought the cooperation of the residents in effective execution of rural development schemes while presenting the details of many ongoing works in the area. He said, department wise monitoring of public demands shall be undertaken with continuous follow up to ensure their timely fruition. The DC exhorted against the open littering in water bodies and road sides and desisted public on polluting the natural resources and encroachments of canals and public lands. He sought cooperation of all stakeholders towards the socio-economic and inclusive development of the district. He further called upon the public to actively participate in the upcoming Gram Sabhas across all panchayats and verify the Priority Lists of PMAY-G beneficiaries to ensure transparency, fairness and authenticity. The DC also encouraged eligible households to avail the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar initiative.
IUST to host conference on innovative pedagogies for future-ready higher education
Awantipora, Jul 29: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), through its Design Innovation Centre, is set to host a high-profile, two-day National Conference on Innovative Pedagogies for Future-Ready Higher Education from July 30-31, 2026. The mega academic event will be inaugurated by Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the Higher Education Council, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address. The conference aims to bring together Vice Chancellors, heads of institutions, and policy coordinators from across Jammu and Kashmir to strategize the implementation of the pioneering Design Your Own Degree (DYoD) initiative and National Education Policy (NEP-2020) frameworks. Speaking ahead of the event, Vice Chancellor IUST, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, who is the patron of this significant conference, emphasised the salience of this dialogue in the backdrop of the NEP framework, which aims at a collaborative, student-centric, and technology-driven learning ecosystem. He called this conference a meaningful initiative to promote innovations and strengthen future readiness of higher education in the region. The two-day event features a comprehensive lineup of interesting sessions, including interdisciplinary breakthrough sessions by top academicians, including Prof. Shobha Bagai from the University of New Delhi, Prof Javed Hussain Mir, Professor of Practice, DYoD documentary screening that maps student creative projects. The conference will also feature an inter-institutional innovative project showcase, where students from IUST, University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, SMVDU, regional cluster universities, GDC Parade Jammu, and ICSC Kashmir will compete for prestigious innovation titles. The entire event will culminate on July 31 with a formal valedictory session presenting the Best Innovation Award and the Best Interdisciplinary Project Award to pioneering student teams. The conference is being coordinated by Dr. Inayet Rasool, Coordinator, DYoD Programme, IUST.
SKUAST-J trains agripreneurs to build sustainable farm enterprises under HADP
Srinagar, Jul 29: In a push to strengthen farmer-led enterprises and promote market-oriented rural entrepreneurship, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) concluded a three-day capacity-building programme aimed at equipping agripreneurs with the skills needed to build sustainable agribusiness models. Organised by Krishi Branding Centre (KBC) of SKUAST-J Agri Business Incubation (ABI) Foundation under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the training brought together agripreneurs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Rural Business Service Hubs (RBSHs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), progressive farmers and rural youth for intensive sessions on enterprise development, branding and strategic business planning. The programme forms part of Project-04: Strengthening Agricultural Marketing in Jammu and Kashmir, a flagship component of HADP that seeks to improve value addition, market access and entrepreneurship in the Union Territory's agriculture sector. Addressing participants, Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, Director, SKUAST-J ABI Foundation and Principal Investigator of Krishi Branding Centre, highlighted the role of institutional support, branding and incubation in transforming farmer groups into viable enterprises. In a significant outcome of the programme, the Krishi Branding Centre signed three Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) with emerging agribusiness enterprises, signalling a move towards stronger industry-academia collaboration and business incubation support. The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants. SKUAST-J said the Krishi Branding Centre, working in collaboration with the Agri Business Incubation Centre, will continue to promote innovation-led entrepreneurship through branding, technology transfer, commercialisation and market integration to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's agribusiness ecosystem.
DC Srinagar reviews progress of Mission YUVA scheme
Srinagar, Jul 29: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Wednesday chaired a review meeting of Officers of line Departments and Bankers at DC Office Complex to assess the progress and implementation of Mission YUVA scheme in the District. The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Rifat Aftab Qureshi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aadil Fareed, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, General Manger DIC, Abid Hussain, SDM West, Irfan Bahadur, Deputy Director Employment, Shubi Tabasum, Zonal Head Jammu and Kashmir Bank, senior Officers from concerned departments, representatives of various banks, SBDUs and other stakeholders associated with the implementation of the scheme. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the status of applications received, cases approved by the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC), and the progress made in sanctioning and disbursing financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries under Mission YUVA. The DC directed the concerned Bank Officials and SBDUs to expedite the processing of DLIC-approved cases and ensure timely financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasized the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to remove procedural delays and facilitate smooth implementation of the scheme on the ground. Highlighting the importance of Mission YUVA in promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities, the DC stressed that all eligible beneficiaries should be provided necessary support within stipulated timelines. He called for proactive engagement with applicants and regular monitoring and clearance of pending cases to achieve the set targets under the scheme. The DC further directed the concerned Officers to intensify awareness and outreach activities to encourage more youth to avail the benefits of Mission YUVA and establish sustainable livelihood and self-employment ventures. He emphasized the need to ensure that maximum eligible young entrepreneurs across the district are covered under the scheme. The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress of entrepreneurship mentoring initiatives, registration of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), coverage of college students under the Udyam Jagriti programme, and other key components of Mission YUVA. He urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination for the effective implementation of the scheme and timely achievement of its objectives across Srinagar district.
Div Com Kashmir reviews progress on appointment cases
Srinagar, Jul 29: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Wednesday chaired a meeting with Deputy Commissioners to review the progress of key matters, including the clearance of compassionate appointment cases, disposal of public & migrant grievances, revenue appeals, issuance of SVAMITA cards, and land transfer issues. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed all Deputy Commissioners to expedite the processing of pending compassionate appointment cases in coordination with the concerned authorities and ensure the preparation of the final list of eligible beneficiaries at the earliest. He also instructed the Deputy Commissioners to dispose of pending migrant and other public grievances in a time-bound manner, stressing the need for prompt and effective grievance redressal. Emphasising efficient revenue administration, the Divisional Commissioner called for streamlining the hearing and disposal of revenue appeals by Second Class Magistrates. Reviewing the implementation of the SVAMITA scheme, he urged the district administrations to accelerate the generation and distribution of SVAMITA cards to eligible beneficiaries. The meeting also reviewed the status of land transfer proposals concerning various departments and organisations, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bharat Scouts and Guides, NCC Training Camp, and other government agencies. The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned officers to expedite the processing of these cases at their ends to facilitate timely completion of pending land transfer formalities.
J&K Bank posts net profit of Rs 424 Cr for Q1
Delivering another quarter of steady financial performance, J&K Bank today posted a net profit of Rs 424.18 Cr for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. The Bank announced the financial results after the Board of Directors approved the quarterly numbers in a meeting held today at the Banks corporate headquarters. Continuing its strong growth trajectory, the Banks advances grew by 25% YoY to Rs 130503 Cr during the quarter while the deposits increased by 17% year-on-year to Rs 173420 Cr. Consequently, the Banks total business registered a healthy growth of over 20%, crossing the historic milestone of Rupees Three Trillion and at Rs 303923 Cr as on June 30, 2026. Speaking on business growth, MD & CEO said, Crossing the landmark milestone of Rs 3 trillion in total business marks another defining moment in the Banks transformation journey. It reflects not merely scale but the deep trust of our customers and the consistent execution of our growth strategy. As we move forward, we shall continue to pursue balanced, customer-centric and technology-led growth while expanding our presence across the country and creating enduring value for all stakeholders. During the quarter, the Banks Net Interest Income (NII) increased 2% to Rs 1497 Cr from Rs 1465 Cr recorded in the corresponding period last year, while Net Interest Margin (NIM) stood at 3.28%. Operating Profit of the Bank grew by 4.5% year-on-year to Rs 703 Cr, while the Cost-to-Income Ratio improved to 58.90% from 60.75%, demonstrating continued operational efficiency. The Banks Yield on Advances also improved to 8.56% sequentially. Commenting on the quarterly performance, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, Driven by robust business expansion and continued improvement in asset quality, we have begun the financial year with our core business fundamentals remaining strong while witnessing sequential growth in deposits in first quarter for the first time in last 6 years. Yet the industry-wide phenomenon of elevated funding costs and sluggish low-cost deposit mobilisation pressured margins, weighing on profitability during the quarter. However, this quarters performance should be placed in the context of our long-term strategic journey rather than viewed solely through the prism of short-term profitability. The choices we have made over the past one year or so were deliberate, disciplined and future-oriented, with a clear focus on accelerating business growth, strengthening our liability franchise and reinforcing the balance sheet. These strategic investments position the Bank to deliver stronger and more sustainable value over the medium to long term, he added. Continuing its consistent focus on strengthening the balance sheet, the Bank further improved its asset quality during the quarter. On a sequential basis, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) declined to 2.37% from 2.50% as on March 31, 2026, while on a year-on-year basis, it improved from 3.50% recorded during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) also improved sequentially to 0.60% from 0.64% recorded in the previous quarter. The Bank maintained a healthy Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) of 90.53% as against 90.09% recorded last year, reflecting a prudent provisioning policy and conservative approach towards risk management. On the improvement in asset quality, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, The sustained improvement in our asset quality reflects years of disciplined underwriting, robust credit monitoring, focused recovery efforts and a strong risk management framework. With gross slippage ratio for the (annualised) June quarter below 0.5%, our endeavour remains to build a resilient balance sheet that supports quality credit growth while preserving long-term financial stability and safeguarding stakeholder interests. The Banks Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) improved to 16.67% YoY as against 15.98% recorded last year, remaining comfortably above the regulatory requirement. Commenting on the Banks capital position, MD & CEO said, Our strong capital base coupled with the approvals we have for further capital raising provides us adequate headroom and flexibility to support the next phase of our growth journey. It equips us to seize emerging opportunities, meet evolving customer aspirations and sustain profitable expansion while maintaining prudent capital cushion to tide over any future challenges.
Trump announces a USD 22.5B makeover of Dulles airport that will eliminate people movers
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a USD 22.5 billion renovation of Washington Dulles International Airport that will end the use of the widely disliked people movers, the mobile lounges that have been used for decades to shuttle travellers to and from the main terminal. In place of the people movers, the airport will []
Jantar Mantar protest shattered divisive narratives, parties: Dr Farooq Abdullah
Says Kashmiriyat remains strongest antidote to communal politics Asserts pluralistic ethos far stronger than attempts to fragment society Warns drug menace greatest threat to valleys youth Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the historic Jantar Mantar protest marked a defining moment in J&Ks democratic journey, decisively exposing the []
Rajya Sabha passes bill to make insult to Vande Mataram criminal offence
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill to make insult to national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed with a voice vote. As soon as the House convened in the post-lunch session, following two back-to-back adjournments earlier in the day, []
Committed to equitable development across all regions of J&K: CM Abdullah
Srinagar: Several legislators from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat here and apprised him of various developmental issues and public concerns pertaining to their respective constituencies. Among those who met the Chief Minister were Member of Legislative Assembly Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan, MLA []
KU among Indias top institutions with Category-I autonomy
Defining moment in universitys academic journey: VC Nilofer Khan Srinagar: In a landmark achievement that underscores its sustained pursuit of academic excellence, the University of Kashmir (KU) has been accorded the prestigious Category-I status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the UGC (Categorisation of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018. According to []
Says recognition reflects Kashmir Universitys academic excellence Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has congratulated the University of Kashmir on being accorded the prestigious Category-I status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the UGC (Categorisation of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018, describing the achievement as a landmark milestone for higher education in []
Sgr-Jmu NH disruption Ensure timely transport of horticultural produce: Mehbooba
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday expressed concerns over the repeated disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, calling for immediate steps to ensure that horticultural produces reach markets without delay. In a statement, Mehbooba expressed deep concern over the growing distress among Kashmirs fruit-growing community as repeated disruptions on the national highway, []
IFFJK receives overwhelming global response; 875 film entries received from 50 countries
Submissions open till Jul 30; festival scheduled from Sep 7 to 10 Srinagar: The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 has evoked an enthusiastic response from filmmakers across the globe, with 875 film submissions received from around 50 countries so far, reflecting the growing international interest in the J&K Governments flagship []
Chief Secy reviews Rs 4,303 crore RIDF projects across J&K
Srinagar, Jul 29: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted for reviewing the implementation of NABARD projects being executed under various tranches of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Director General, Resources; Chief General Manager, NABARD; and senior officers from Health, Jal Shakti and other concerned departments. The Chief Secretary impressed upon the concerned departments to maintain a ready shelf of projects complete in all respects, including Administrative Approval and Technical Sanction, so that the same can be submitted to NABARD immediately upon the opening of a new RIDF tranche or receipt of sanction, thereby ensuring timely appraisal, approval and commencement of works without any avoidable delay. The Chief Secretary emphasised that RIDF has emerged as one of the most significant sources of institutional finance for strengthening rural infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. He observed that the successful implementation of these projects is vital for improving rural connectivity, irrigation facilities, agricultural productivity, drinking water infrastructure, horticulture, fisheries and other essential public services. He further instructed the departments to closely monitor the physical and financial progress of each project, conduct periodic field inspections, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure compliance with NABARD guidelines. The executing agencies were also advised to maintain the highest standards of quality, transparency and accountability during project implementation. On this occasion the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar underscored the need for regular monitoring at all administrative levels so that the benefits of RIDF investments reach efficiently to the intended beneficiaries. He suggested constitution of District level monitoring Committees under the respective Deputy Commissioners for time-bound implementation of such projects here. A detailed presentation was made by CGM, NABARD informing the Committee that 908 projects sanctioned under RIDF Tranches XXVIII to XXXI involve a cumulative loan assistance of Rs 4,303.08 crore, against which an amount of Rs 2,301.48 crore has been disbursed so far. Additionally out of the total sanctioned projects, 157 projects have been completed, while 751 projects are presently under execution. The Committee also reviewed the department-wise implementation status of RIDF projects. It was informed that the Public Works Department (PWD) accounts for the largest share with 660 projects involving a total loan assistance of Rs 2,987.25 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department with 36 projects worth Rs 491.93 crore, the Agriculture Production Department (APD) with 110 projects involving Rs 414.27 crore, the Horticulture Department with 19 projects worth Rs 104.52 crore, the Animal/Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries Department with 63 projects amounting to Rs 190.14 crore, and H&ME with 20 projects involving Rs 114.97 crore. Overall, 908 projects with a cumulative loan assistance of Rs 4,303.08 crore have been sanctioned under RIDF Tranches XXVIII to XXXI, against which Rs 2,301.48 crore has been disbursed. A total of 157 projects have been completed, while 751 projects are under execution, with 193 Scheme Monitoring Proformas (SMPs) currently under monitoring. The meeting concluded with a comprehensive review of department-wise progress, identification of critical issues requiring immediate intervention, and issuance of directions for ensuring timely completion of all ongoing RIDF projects across the Union Territory.
Hanguls survival hinges on quiet seasons as human interference poses threat
Srinagar, Jul 29: A landmark study has for the first time mapped the reproductive calendar of the critically endangered Kashmir red deer or Hangul (Cervus hanglu), revealing that human disturbance during crucial breeding and birth months couldbe underminingthe recovery of the species whose population has dwindled to around 400 animals. The research, led by scientists from the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species(LaCONES),Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India, provides what experts describe as a scientific blueprint for protecting Hangul during its most vulnerable periods. Published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports, the study monitored the only viable wild population of Hangul in Dachigam National Park using non-invasive hormone analysis from 1,172 fresh faecal samples collected over a year. Researchers found that while male Hangul exhibit a synchronised rutting season between October and December, females display a more dispersed mating pattern extending over several months. Pregnancies peak between January and March, while April marks the principal birthing season, when females experience heightened physiological stress. The findings suggest that these months should be treated as critical conservationwindows,with minimal human activity inside Hangul habitats. Our findings establish the reproductive seasons of Hangul for the first time and provide a baseline for conservation breeding programmes, the authors wrote, adding that anthropogenic disturbances during mating and parturition should be minimised to improve population recovery. The study also detected elevated stress hormones in both male and female Hangul during the breeding season. More significantly, researchers recorded another sharp spike in stress during May, coinciding with the annual movement of migratory livestock herders, their sheep, goats and guard dogs into upper Dachigam. While the study says further investigation is needed to conclusively establish the link, scientists believe the timing strongly suggests that livestock movement and associated human activity could be adding pressure on the endangered species. Earlier studies have already shown that Hangul are increasingly shifting towards lower elevations during summer to avoid disturbance, indicating that human presence is altering their traditional habitat use. Researchers also found that Hangul's reproductive cycle differs from that of red deer living in northern Europe and Arctic regions. As a mixed feeder, Hangul has access to food for a longer period than grazing deer, allowing females to have a relatively extended breeding season. Nevertheless, births remain synchronised with spring, ensuring calves arrive when vegetation is abundant, they said. The study reads that satellite-derived vegetation data showed that food availability peaks from May to June, matching the period when newborn fawns require maximum nutrition. It warns that climate change, shifting vegetation patterns and increasing human activity could disrupt this delicate timing, affecting breeding success in future. The findings are expected to have immediate implications for wildlife management in Jammu and Kashmir. Scientists have recommended restricting tourism, grazing, infrastructure work and other disturbances inside Dachigam during the breeding and birthing periods. They also advocate expanding camera-trap monitoring, improving habitat connectivity between isolated Hangul populations and strengthening captive breeding efforts using the newly established reproductive calendar. Once numbering between 3,000 and 5,000 animals across Kashmir, the Hangul has suffered a catastrophic decline over the past century due to habitat fragmentation, grazing pressure, poaching and human disturbance. Today, Dachigam National Park supports the only viable population, with a few tiny, isolated groups surviving in Wangat-Naranag, Overa-Aru, Tral and Lolab landscapes. The researchers say the hormone profiles generated through the study now provide an essential scientific foundation for future conservation breeding programmes and long-term management strategies, especially as climate change continues to reshape Himalayan ecosystems. The study concludes that protecting Hangul during its mating and birthing seasons may prove as important as habitat restoration itself, warning that without reducing disturbance during these critical months, the future of Kashmir's iconic red deer will remain uncertain.
IFFJK 2026 draws global response
Srinagar, Jul 29: The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 has evoked an enthusiastic response from filmmakers across the globe, with 875 film submissions received from around 50 countries so far, reflecting the growing international interest in the J&K Government's flagship cinematic initiative. The film submission window for the festival will remain open until tomorrow, 30 July 2026, providing filmmakers with the final opportunity to register their entries for participation in the inaugural edition of the festival. The IFFJK, organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), is scheduled to be held from 7 to 10 September 2026. The festival aims to establish Jammu and Kashmir as a vibrant destination for cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange, while providing a prestigious platform for filmmakers from across the world to showcase their work. The encouraging response from both national and international filmmakers underscores the growing confidence in Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub for film production, cinematic excellence, and creative collaboration. The diversity of submissions received from around 50 countries is expected to enrich the festival with a wide spectrum of storytelling traditions, artistic perspectives, and innovative filmmaking. The four-day festival will feature screenings of selected films, interactive sessions, masterclasses, panel discussions, and cultural engagements, offering opportunities for filmmakers, industry experts, students, and cinema lovers to exchange ideas and explore new avenues of collaboration. The IFFJK is envisioned as a significant step towards promoting artistic excellence, strengthening cultural dialogue, and showcasing the rich heritage, scenic grandeur, and creative potential of Jammu and Kashmir before a global audience. The festival also aims to promote the culture of Jammu and Kashmir through cinema, promote artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and cinematic innovation by exhibiting and recognising outstanding films from around the world. It also envisions contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations within the context of their social and cultural ethos, besides promoting friendship and cooperation among the people of the world through the medium of cinema. Pertinently, the curtain raiser ceremony of the festival was held on 17 July 2026, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah formally launching the first-ever international film festival of Jammu and Kashmir and inviting filmmakers, artists, producers, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world to participate in the landmark event.
Srinagar, July 29: The University of Kashmir (KU) has been accorded the prestigious Category-I status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the UGC (Categorisation of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018. According to an official communication issued by the UGC Secretary, Prof Shyama Rath (D.O. No. 91-1/2024(SU-1)/142186), the decision was approved during the Commission's 598th meeting held on July 6,2026, makingthe University eligible for enhanced academic, administrative, and financial autonomy available to India's top-performing higher education institutions. The University shall now be eligible for all the benefits as stipulated under Clause 4, i.e., Dimensions of Autonomy for Category-I Universities, of these Regulations, the UGC communication states. Expressing her delight over the achievement, Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan described the recognition as a defining moment in the University's journey towards academic excellence. The grant of Category-I status by the UGC reflects the University's sustained academic progress and our collective commitment to quality. I sincerely thank our Hon'ble Chancellor, Shri Manoj Sinha, Pro-Chancellor, Mr Omar Abdullah, and Minister for Higher Education, UT of J&K, Ms Sakina Itoo, for their continued guidance and support in strengthening higher education in Jammu and Kashmir. I also congratulate our students, scholars, faculty and non-teaching staff, whose dedication and unwavering commitment have made this recognition possible. We will utilise the enhanced autonomy to further expand academic opportunities, research, innovation, and institutional collaborations, she said. Prof Khan further noted that the Category-I status would significantly enhance the University's global academic footprint by enabling collaborations with leading international universities, facilitating the engagement of foreign faculty, admitting international students, and offering new Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes in accordance with UGC regulations. She said the enhanced autonomy would further strengthen research, innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and internationalisation initiatives. The recognition follows the University's outstanding performance in the NAAC Re-accreditation Cycle (2025), in which it secured an A++ Grade with a CGPA of 3.68the highest accreditation score in the University's history. Under the UGC Regulations, Category-I status is conferred on universities that achieve a NAAC score of 3.51 or above. With this recognition, the University of Kashmir will enjoy greater flexibility to introduce new academic programmes, revise curricula, promote interdisciplinary education, establish research and innovation ecosystems, forge national and international collaborations, and undertake a range of academic and administrative initiatives with minimal regulatory approvals. The conferment of UGC Category-I status marks a significant milestone in the University's evolution as a centre of academic excellence and innovation, while reinforcing its commitment to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and positioning it among the country's leading institutions of higher learning.
82,971 kg narcotics seized in J&K between 2020-2024
Centre cites four-tier NCORD mechanism for coordination Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total Seizures (kg) 27,361.35 22,082.41 17,192.41 11,358.53 4,977.21 82,971.91 Table: J&K narcotics seizures, 2020-2024 Srinagar, Jul 29: Jammu and Kashmir saw the seizure of 82,971.91 kg of narcotics under the NDPS Act between 2020 and 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, as it pointed to a four-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism set up to strengthen enforcement coordination between Central and State agencies. The data was tabled in response to an unstarred question by MP Jebi Mather Hisham on cross-border narcotics trafficking and border security, with a focus on the North-Eastern states. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai gave the reply, citing National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2020-2024. Year-wise, seizures in J&K stood at 27,361.35 kg in 2020, 22,082.41 kg in 2021, 17,192.41 kg in 2022, 11,358.53 kg in 2023, and 4,977.21 kg in 2024, marking a consistent year-on-year decline over the period. The NCORD mechanism To explain how enforcement is coordinated on the ground, the ministry detailed the structure of the NCORD mechanism, which it said operates at four levels. At the top, an Apex Committee and an Executive Committee meet at the Centre. Below this, State-level NCORD meetings are chaired by the Chief Secretary on a quarterly basis, while District-level NCORD meetings are held monthly under the District Magistrate to review enforcement, intelligence sharing and preventive measures. The ministry said a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), headed by an Additional Director General or Inspector General rank police officer, has been set up in each State and UT to function as the NCORD Secretariat and follow up on decisions taken at the various NCORD levels. Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meetings, involving Central and State agencies, are also held regularly to discuss important narcotics cases. North-East remains the bigger worry While J&K's numbers form part of the national NCRB dataset, the government's answer devoted most attention to the North-Eastern states, which it said remain especially vulnerable to trafficking of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) and heroin owing to their location near the Death Triangle and porous borders with Myanmar. The ministry said 4,626 kg of ATS and 2,652 kg of heroin were seized nationally between 2021 and 2025 as reported by drug law enforcement agencies to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The reply said trafficking patterns in the region have shifted, with a marked rise in Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth/YABA) smuggled from Myanmar through Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, alongside continuing heroin trafficking. The Moreh Tamu border was flagged as a major transit point, with syndicates increasingly using forest routes, courier and parcel networks, and encrypted communication apps to coordinate deliveries. Other measures announced The government also cited a Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029), released on June 26, 2026, built around four focus areas: enforcement, precursor and synthetic drug control, demand and harm reduction, and capacity building. The NCB currently operates a Zonal Unit in Srinagar among its key border area offices, alongside Siliguri, Agartala and Itanagar. Six new zonal offices have been approved, four of them in North-Eastern states, namely Dimapur, Aizawl, Shillong and Gangtok. Other measures cited include anti-dronesystems, enhanced CCTV and night vision surveillance, and new design border fencing along vulnerable stretches.
The Teacher-Student Bond and the Future of Learning
The relationship between a teacher and a student is one of the oldest and most sacred human bonds. It is a relationship that has shaped civilizations, guided moral compasses, inspired revolutions in thought and given societies their thinkers, reformers and leaders. In every culture worth its name, the teacher has been placed at a high pedestal, not merely as a transmitter of knowledge but as a builder of character, a guide in confusion and a light in the darker corridors of ignorance. The student, on the other hand, has been seen not as a passive recipient of facts but as a seeker, a learner, a future custodian of society. When this relationship functions with trust, respect and sincerity, education becomes transformative. When it weakens, the entire architecture of learning begins to crack. In our time, the teacher-student relationship is under visible strain. The crisis is not only in the classroom but also in the wider social environment that surrounds it. Once upon a time, a teachers word carried weight. A student listened, questioned, absorbed and respected. Discipline was not fear; it was a framework within which learning flourished. Today, that balance has become fragile. In many places, the authority of the teacher has eroded, the attention span of the student has diminished, and the classroom has turned into a battleground between distraction and duty. This is not merely a complaint about manners or changing times. It is a deeper social warning. A society that weakens the moral bond between teacher and student weakens its own future. The relationship between teacher and student is not built on command alone. It rests on a delicate mix of respect, empathy, patience and responsibility. A teacher is not just an employee delivering a syllabus; a teacher is someone who enters the lives of young minds at a formative stage. The words spoken, the attitude displayed, the encouragement offered or denied all of it leaves a mark. Many of the most enduring lessons of life are not remembered from textbooks but from the conduct of a teacher who taught honesty by being honest, humility by being humble and courage by being courageous. A good teacher does not merely inform; he or she shapes the moral climate in which learning becomes possible. At the same time, students too have a responsibility. Respect for the teacher is not old-fashioned submission; it is recognition of a role that carries wisdom, labor and care. A student who constantly resists discipline, mocks authority or treats the classroom as a stage for indifference is not only harming his own prospects but also undermining the spirit of education itself. True learning demands effort. It asks for attention, humility and the willingness to be corrected. The best students are not those who never question, but those who question respectfully, listen carefully and grow steadily. A student does not lose dignity by respecting a teacher; rather, he acquires the discipline required to become a responsible adult. The problem, however, is that in todays fast-changing world, the old grammar of education is often being replaced by a culture of impatience. Smartphones, social media, instant entertainment and an overactive digital environment have shortened attention and diluted seriousness. Many students now arrive in classrooms carrying worlds of distraction in their pockets. The habit of deep listening has been replaced by the urge to scroll, skip and respond instantly. Teachers are no longer competing only with bad habits or weak study patterns; they are competing with an entire ecosystem that rewards speed over reflection and amusement over discipline. In such a climate, the teacher-student bond cannot survive unless it is consciously rebuilt. But it would be unfair to place the burden on students alone. Teachers, too, must introspect. Respect cannot be demanded merely by position; it must be earned through conduct. A teacher who humiliates, ignores, discourages or enters the classroom without preparation damages the very trust that education depends on. Authority without empathy becomes arrogance. Discipline without fairness becomes cruelty. Students, especially the young, are quick to sense insincerity. They may obey out of fear for a while, but they seldom learn deeply from a teacher who lacks compassion. A teacher must be firm, but also just; strict, but also understanding; knowledgeable, but also human. The strongest classrooms are not those built on fear, but those built on mutual regard. There is also a larger social dimension to this issue. In many societies, including ours, the teacher has gradually lost the moral stature once associated with the profession. Part of this decline is due to the commercialization of education, where institutions are often judged by results, fees and rankings rather than by the quality of human formation they provide. Part of it is due to the broader erosion of respect for institutions, where everyone is expected to serve convenience rather than principle. And part of it is due to the shrinking authority of public ethics, where values like humility, patience and responsibility are treated as optional rather than essential. When a society stops honoring its teachers, it should not be surprised when its students grow up directionless. In our own context, this concern is especially urgent. Education here is often discussed in terms of infrastructure, syllabus reforms, appointments and examinations. These matters are important, but they are not enough. What is missing in many debates is the emotional and moral condition of the classroom. Are students able to trust their teachers? Do teachers feel respected enough to teach with passion? Is the classroom alive with inquiry, or dead with routine? Are schools nurturing curiosity, or merely producing certificates? These questions matter because education is not simply the transfer of information. It is the cultivation of mind and character together. Without a healthy relationship between teacher and student, the rest becomes hollow. There was a time when a teacher was seen almost like a parent in the school setting. The relationship was not without discipline, but it had warmth. The teacher could correct a mistake and still remain loved. The student could fear punishment and still feel safe. This is the ideal that must be recovered, though not by romanticizing the past, but by adapting its values to present realities. A modern classroom needs structure, but also dialogue. It needs discipline, but also dignity. It needs accountability, but also encouragement. A student must learn respect, but a teacher must earn trust. That balance is what makes education humane. We must also remember that many of the wounds in this relationship begin early. Children observe adults carefully. If they see contempt in homes, violence in public life, dishonesty in politics and cruelty in institutions, they will carry that emotional grammar into the classroom. Respect cannot be taught only by lecture; it is learned by atmosphere. If the wider society is rude, cynical and self-absorbed, the school will struggle to remain a sanctuary of civility. This is why the teacher-student relationship cannot be isolated from the moral health of the society itself. A broken society produces impatient children. An insecure society produces anxious teachers. A distracted society produces shallow learning. At the same time, schools and colleges must create systems that protect and strengthen this bond. Teachers should be trained not only in subject knowledge but also in communication, classroom management and emotional intelligence. Students should be taught from the earliest stages that education is a shared moral space, not a consumer transaction. Parents should support teachers rather than undermine them at the first sign of conflict. Administrations should defend the dignity of educators while also ensuring accountability. Discipline should be understood as a pathway to freedom, not a prison of obedience. In such an atmosphere, the teacher can guide, the student can grow and learning can recover its sacred purpose. Ultimately, the teacher-student relationship is about the future. Every student carries the possibility of becoming a doctor, writer, engineer, parent, activist, entrepreneur or leader. But before that, each student must first become a human being capable of judgment, empathy and responsibility. This is where the teacher matters most. A syllabus may fill a mind, but a teacher can shape a conscience. A school may produce graduates, but only a meaningful teacher-student bond can produce citizens. In a time when our society is struggling with confusion, aggression and moral fatigue, we cannot afford to treat this relationship lightly. The classroom should once again become a place where the teacher speaks with authority earned through commitment and the student listens with respect earned through maturity. It should be a place where questions are welcomed, discipline is valued and learning is not reduced to examination scores alone. If we succeed in restoring this bond, we will not merely improve education; we will strengthen the social fabric itself. For a nation does not rise only through buildings and budgets. It rises when its teachers inspire, its students respect and its classrooms become workshops of conscience. The teacher-student relationship is not a relic of the past. It is the foundation of every serious future. If we neglect it, we will continue producing educated minds with little wisdom and trained hands with little direction. If we nurture it, we may yet recover the dignity, seriousness and human depth that education was always meant to carry. (The author is an educationist and columnist)
The Guru in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Every age is remembered not merely for its inventions but for the ideas that shaped its conscience. The Industrial Revolution transformed the way human beings worked. The Information Age changed the way they communicated. Today, the age of Artificial Intelligence is redefining how people think, learn, create, and even make decisions. Machines can now compose poetry, diagnose diseases, translate languages, generate works of art, and answer complex questions within seconds. What once belonged to the realm of imagination has become an everyday reality. Yet amid this breathtaking technological revolution, an ancient question quietly returns to us with renewed urgency: Can intelligence replace wisdom, and can technology ever replace the guru? The celebration of Guru Purnima offers an opportunity to reflect upon this question with honesty and depth. Every year, millions express gratitude towards their teachers, mentors, and spiritual guides. Temples echo with prayers, educational institutions honour their teachers, and social media platforms overflow with quotations praising the greatness of the guru. While these expressions of reverence are heartening, they also compel us to ask whether our respect for the guru has remained as profound as it once was, or has gradually become confined to ritual, ceremony, and a single day of remembrance. Indian civilisation has always accorded the guru a place of unparalleled honour. This reverence was never accidental; it arose from a profound understanding of human nature. A teacher imparts knowledge, but a guru awakens wisdom. A teacher prepares a student for a profession, whereas a guru prepares a human being for life. One fills the mind with information; the other illuminates the conscience. It was for this reason that kings bowed before sages, princes spent years in hermitages before ascending thrones, and learning was regarded not as a means of earning a livelihood alone but as a path towards self-realisation. The guru was never measured by material wealth or public recognition. His authority flowed from integrity, simplicity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to truth. He shaped not merely scholars but citizens, not merely intellectuals but individuals of character. Ancient India understood a truth that remains relevant in every age: knowledge without values can become destructive, and power without wisdom can become dangerous. The world we inhabit today is radically different from the one our ancestors knew. Knowledge is no longer confined to libraries or classrooms. A student sitting in a remote village can access lectures delivered by distinguished professors from across the globe. Books have found a home inside mobile phones, and artificial intelligence can provide explanations on almost any subject within moments. Never before has humanity possessed such unprecedented access to information. Ironically, never before has genuine wisdom seemed so elusive. The digital revolution has undoubtedly democratized knowledge, but it has also created an illusion that information alone is sufficient. We often mistake knowing for understanding and access for insight. Facts accumulate effortlessly, but wisdom demands reflection. Information answers questions; wisdom teaches us which questions are worth asking. Data can sharpen the intellect, but only discernment can guide its responsible use. This distinction becomes even more significant in the age of Artificial Intelligence. AI can analyse patterns with astonishing speed, solve mathematical problems, summarize complex documents, and even simulate human conversation. Yet it cannot experience compassion, practise forgiveness, exercise moral courage, or understand the quiet dignity of sacrifice. It may imitate human reasoning, but it cannot possess a human conscience. This is not a limitation of technology alone; it is a reminder of the uniqueness of the human spirit. The deepest lessons of life cannot be downloaded. They are cultivated through experience, introspection, relationships, and guidance. A machine may explain the meaning of kindness, but only a compassionate mentor can inspire us to become kind. It may define integrity, but it cannot instil it. It may describe humility, but it cannot embody it. The true guru therefore occupies a realm beyond the reach of technology. He does not merely answer questions; he transforms the person asking them. He does not seek to impress with information but to awaken understanding. His influence is measured not by the number of followers he gathers but by the lives he quietly transforms. Perhaps the greatest challenge before contemporary society is that it increasingly confuses visibility with wisdom. The digital world has created a new class of influencers whose opinions shape public attitudes on almost every aspect of lifefrom health and finance to politics and spirituality. Popularity is now measured through followers, likes, and views. Yet influence should never be mistaken for insight. A viral message may capture attention for a few moments; wisdom continues to guide generations. History reminds us that many of humanity's greatest teachers never sought popularity. They sought seekers rather than admirers. They encouraged inquiry rather than blind acceptance. Their greatest achievement was not to create dependence but to cultivate independent minds capable of distinguishing truth from illusion. This distinction is particularly important in an age where algorithms often reward speed over reflection and sensation over substance. Opinions spread faster than understanding, and certainty frequently replaces thoughtful dialogue. The result is a society that knows more but often understands less. The relationship between teacher and student has also undergone a profound transformation. In earlier generations, reverence for the guru extended far beyond the classroom. Gratitude did not end with graduation. Teachers remained lifelong sources of inspiration whose words continued to guide their students through the many seasons of life. Today, however, education is increasingly viewed through the prism of economics. Institutions compete in rankings, teachers are often evaluated as service providers, and education is frequently reduced to a pathway towards employment. There is nothing inherently wrong with preparing students for successful careers. Indeed, education must equip individuals with the skills required to earn a livelihood in an increasingly competitive world. The danger arises when employability becomes the sole purpose of education. A society may produce outstanding engineers, doctors, scientists, and entrepreneurs, yet still experience moral decline if it neglects honesty, empathy, responsibility, and compassion. The role of the guru has therefore become more important, not less. As technology expands human capabilities, the need for ethical guidance grows proportionately. Scientific progress without moral restraint has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to harm humanity. The same intelligence that develops life-saving medicines can also create devastating weapons. Artificial intelligence itself presents enormous opportunities, but it also raises profound ethical questions concerning privacy, employment, accountability, and human dignity. These are not questions that technology can answer on its own. They require wisdom. Guru Purnima also reminds teachers that respect cannot be demanded simply because of a title or position. It must be earned through character, competence, and compassion. The reverence enjoyed by the great gurus of the past was not bestowed automatically; it arose because they lived lives of remarkable simplicity, intellectual honesty, and moral courage. They remained lifelong learners, constantly refining their understanding while inspiring others to do the same. Students, too, bear an equally important responsibility. Gratitude is not an outdated virtue. Every individual who has achieved excellence carries within them the invisible influence of parents, teachers, mentors, friends, or spiritual guides who offered encouragement during moments of uncertainty and correction during moments of error. Success may appear individual, but it is almost always the result of collective guidance. Perhaps the essence of Guru Purnima lies not in ritual but in remembrance. It invites us to pause amid the relentless pace of modern life and acknowledge those whose influence continues to illuminate our decisions. They may be schoolteachers who awakened our curiosity, parents whose sacrifices became our first lessons, mentors who recognised our potential before we recognised it ourselves, or spiritual guides who taught us to look beyond material success towards inner fulfilment. As humanity moves deeper into the era of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation, and digital transformation, the relevance of the guru will only increase. The more sophisticated our machines become, the greater will be our need for wisdom, empathy, and ethical judgment. Technology will continue to reshape the external world, but the inner world of human values can still be nurtured only through meaningful human relationships. The challenge before our generation is therefore not to choose between technology and tradition but to ensure that one is guided by the other. Artificial Intelligence is among the greatest achievements of human creativity, but it must always remain a servant of humanity rather than its master. For that to happen, intelligence must be accompanied by conscience, innovation by responsibility, and progress by wisdom. That is why the guru remains timeless. He is not a relic of the past but a necessity for the future. He reminds us that while machines may become increasingly intelligent, they cannot become morally awakened. They can process information with astonishing efficiency, but they cannot cultivate compassion, inspire integrity, or awaken the human soul. Those responsibilities still belong to enlightened human beings. In the final analysis, civilizations are not judged solely by the sophistication of their technology but by the wisdom with which they use it. Artificial Intelligence may shape the future of human knowledge, but only the enduring light of the guru can shape the future of human character. And as long as humanity continues its search for meaning, purpose, and truth, the guru will remain not merely relevant but indispensable. (The author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Govt orders probe into patients death at SKIMS Bemina
Srinagar, Jul 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of a patient at SKIMS Medical College Hospital (JVC Hospital), Bemina, on April 26, 2026. In an order of the Health and Medical Education Department, the committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the case and examining whether established medical protocols were followed during the patient's treatment. The committee will be headed by the Principal, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, as Chairperson. Other members include the Head of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, GMC Srinagar, and the Medical Superintendent of Children's Hospital, Bemina. As per the order, the panel will scrutinise all relevant medical records, treatment sheets, monitoring charts, nursing notes, investigation reports, operative notes, consent forms and other documents related to the case. The committee has also been directed to assess whether postpartum haemorrhage or any other obstetric emergency was adequately recognised and investigated after the patient reportedly complained of worsening symptoms. It will examine whether post-delivery monitoring was conducted in accordance with prescribed medical protocols and determine if the patient was shifted prematurely from the delivery area. The inquiry will further examine whether retained placental tissue, trauma during delivery, uterine abnormalities or clotting disorders contributed to the bleeding. It will also review the timeliness and adequacy of surgical intervention and subsequent management provided to the patient. Besides evaluating the role and conduct of doctors, nursing personnel and other staff involved in the patient's treatment, the committee has been asked to fix responsibility, if any, for lapses, negligence, omission, misdiagnosis or deviation from accepted standards of medical practice. The panel has also been directed to recommend corrective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future. The government has instructed the Principal of SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina, and all concerned officers to extend full cooperation to the committee and provide all required records and documents. The inquiry committee has been asked to submit its detailed fact-finding report, along with documentary evidence, within 15 days from the date of issuance of the government order.
Mehbooba visits slain cops family, flood victims in Budgam
Srinagar, July 29: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday visited Lalpora village in Beerwah Tehsil of Budgam district to offer condolences to the family of martyred Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who lost his life in a terror attack in Anantnag earlier this week. During her visit, Mehbooba Mufti paid rich tributes to the brave police personnel and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. She conveyed her heartfelt condolences and praised Head Constable Qureshi for his courage and sacrifice in the line of duty. Later, the PDP chief visited families affected by the recent flash floods in Beerwah, Budgam, and took stock of the losses caused by the natural calamity. Interacting with the flood victims, Mufti said the disaster was not limited to damage to buildings and property but had deeply affected the lives and livelihoods of many families. She said several traders had lost their shops, businesses, and belongings, leaving them uncertain about their future. She urged the government to take immediate steps for their rehabilitation and provide necessary assistance. Mehbooba Mufti appealed to the authorities to make the vacant Municipal Building in Beerwah available on a temporary basis for affected shopkeepers so that they could safely store the goods and belongings they managed to recover from the flood damage. She also demanded adequate compensation and rehabilitation measures for all shopkeepers whose establishments were damaged in the recent flash floods.
CM Omar Abdullah Congratulates KU On Securing UGC Category-I Status
CM Omar Abdullah Congratulates KU On Securing UGC Category-I Status
Srinagar-Jammu Highway: Police Issue Fresh Traffic Advisory
Police urge commuters to avoid unnecessary travel on NH-44, announce cut-off timings and alternate routes
Jammu Kashmir Launches QR-Enabled Anganwadis, Plans Integrated Digital Profile For Every Child
Chief Secretary directs integration of education, health and immunisation records to strengthen early childhood care and improve service delivery
Jammu Kashmir Transport Department Transfers Five Motor Vehicle Inspectors
Officials posted to new ARTO offices across Kashmir with immediate effect to strengthen administrative efficiency.
Jammu Kashmir: Transport Commissioner Orders Transfer of Five Motor Vehicle Inspectors
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has ordered the immediate transfer and posting of five Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) as part of an administrative reshuffle intended to ensure the smooth functioning of the Motor Vehicles Department. As per Order No. 140-TC of 2026, issued by the Office of the Transport Commissioner on July 29, []
University Of Kashmir Gets UGC Category-I Status, Gains Greater Academic Autonomy
SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir has been granted Category-I status by the University Grants Commission under the UGC (Categorisation of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018, giving the institution greater academic, administrative and financial autonomy. The decision was approved during the UGCs 598th meeting held on July 6, 2026, according to an official []
Sadhotra Urges Omar To Expedite LPG Scheme, Recruitment And Statehood Efforts
SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Wednesday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed a range of organisational matters and public issues, including the restoration of statehood, welfare measures, recruitment, flood protection and the return of Kashmiri migrants. During the meeting, Sadhotra urged the Chief Minister to ensure []
Budgam: CRPF vehicle hits Chinar tree, 3 jawans injured
Budgam, Jul 29 : Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured after their vehicle collided with a Chinar tree near Sheikhpora in Central Kashmir's Budgam district on Wednesday. Officials told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the accident occurred after the driver reportedly lost control over the vehicle, causing it to crash into the roadside Chinar tree. They said three CRPF personnel sustained injuries in the incident. One of the injured personnel, was shifted to a hospital in Srinagar for advanced treatment, while the other two were admitted to a nearby hospital and are stated to be under medical care. Meanwhile, local residents, along with police personnel, immediately rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Eyewitnesses said the rescuers helped evacuate the injured CRPF personnel, who were trapped inside the damaged vehicle, before shifting them to hospitals for treatment(KNO)
Rights Can Be Restored Only Through Dialogue, Not Protests: Altaf Bukhari
SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said the rights that Jammu and Kashmir lost following the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, could not be restored through protests or confrontation but only through dialogue, consultation and a clear roadmap. Addressing reporters after a joining programme at the party headquarters in Srinagar, []
Jammu Kashmir Sports Council to Hold Open Selection Trials for Junior Boys Football Team
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has announced open selection trials to pick the Union Territorys Junior Boys Football Team for the Dr B C Roy Trophy 2026-27 National Football Championship, organised under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The division-level trials will be held on July 31 and August 1 []
