Rising Autoz brings premium two-wheelers to Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 20: Rising Autoz, a new two-wheeler showroom offering a wide range of premium and iconic brands, was inaugurated in Srinagar onThursday, with Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari asthe chief guest. Chairman of the Hotelier ClubMushtaq Chaya attended the inaugural function as the special guest, while SSP Traffic Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Bhat was the guest of honour. The inauguration was attended by a galaxy of prominent personalities, including Syed Ashiq Bukhari, JunaidQureshi, Editor-in-Chief KNSMuhammad Aslam and prominent journalists representing various media organisations. Piaggios Networking Head Gaetano Pignataro also graced the occasion, along with other senior officials and staff members of the company. Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Ayaz Hafiz Gani, whois also the owner ofRising Autoz, welcomed the guests and thanked them for joining the inauguration of the new venture. Rising Autoz offers customers a diverse range of two-wheelers, including Aprilia 125 and 175 models, besides the legendary Vespa and other Piaggio offerings. The showroom aims to provide customers in Kashmir access to a wider choice of stylish, modern and premium two-wheelers under one roof. Speaking on the occasion, Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari termed the launch of Rising Autoz a welcome development for Kashmir and congratulated Ayaz Hafiz Gani on the new venture. Rising Autoz is a welcome addition to the business landscape of Kashmir. Such ventures are important not only for providing people with quality products and services but also for creating employment opportunities for our youth. I congratulate the entire team of Rising Autoz and wish the venture great success, Bukhari said. Hesaid thegrowthofprivate enterprise and entrepreneurshipwasessential for strengthening the local economy and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Mushtaq Chaya welcomed the launch of Rising Autoz, describing it as a positive step towards expanding the automobile and mobility sector in Kashmir. Rising Autoz is a promising venture, and I am confident that it will establish itself as a trusted name among customers. I congratulate Ayaz Hafiz Gani and his team on this new beginning and wish Rising Autoz tremendous success in the years ahead, Chaya said. SSP Traffic Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Bhat extended his best wishes to the management and team of Rising Autoz on the occasion. The presence of leading media personalities, business figures and distinguished guests added further significance to the inauguration, marking the beginning of what the management described as a new journey in Kashmirs two-wheeler market. Rising Autoz management said the showroom would focus on providing customers with a quality buying experience, a diverse product range and professional after-sales support.
The Man Who Still Repairs Time In Srinagar
In the old lanes of Fateh Kadal in Srinagar, Mohammad Shafi Zargar sits at his workbench surrounded by watches. Some are ticking, some have stopped, while others are waiting to be brought back to life. For more than five decades, Zargar has worked with these tiny timepieces, carefully opening them, examining their delicate mechanisms and repairing them by hand. Zargar learned the craft from his father when he was young. What began as a skill passed down through the family eventually became his profession and livelihood. There was a time when his small shop remained busy, with customers bringing everything from ordinary wristwatches to branded timepieces for repairs. A broken watch was rarely something people simply threw away. They repaired it, preserved it and often kept it for years. Today, there is hardly any work. Earlier, this profession was doing very well, but now it does not. No one would prefer this work today, and my children will not take it up either, because there is no livelihood in it anymore, Zargar says. His words reflect the struggle of a craft that once provided a dependable livelihood but is now slowly losing its place in everyday life. The rise of smartphones, smartwatches and modern gadgets has changed the way people keep track of time. A phone is now enough to tell the time, while smartwatches offer a range of features that traditional watches cannot. As technology moved forward, the demand for traditional watch repair gradually declined. Today, much of Zargars work is limited to changing cells, repairing straps and carrying out minor fixes. The complicated mechanical repairs that once kept him busy have become increasingly rare, and the steady flow of customers has slowed. For Zargar, the decline is not only about fewer customers. It is also about the future of a profession that once supported families. He knows that the work can no longer provide the kind of income it once did. His children, he says, are unlikely to follow in his footsteps because there is little financial security in the trade. Yet Zargar continues to return to his shop every day. His hands still move carefully over tiny mechanisms, just as they have for decades. He continues to repair whatever comes his way, even if the work now comes only occasionally. His story is not simply about an old watchmaker struggling to find customers. It is about a traditional skill slowly disappearing in a world where repairing has increasingly given way to replacing. A watch that once stayed with a person for years can now be discarded or replaced when it stops working, while newer devices constantly take its place. Inside Zargars shop, however, time still has an older meaning. Every watch on his table carries a history, a gift, a memory, a family connection or simply a reminder of another time. For him, repairing these watches is not just about fixing a mechanism; it is the work he has known for most of his life. With smartphones and smartwatches dominating the way people keep track of time, Zargar remains in the old lanes of Fateh Kadal, surrounded by ticking clocks and tiny tools. His profession may no longer provide the livelihood it once did, but for now, he continues to keep these old watches running even as the craft itself slowly runs out of time.
Union Cabinet approves High Court Bench in Ladakh
Leh, Aug 20: In a significant decision aimed at strengthening access to justice in the Union Territory, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the setting up of a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh. The decision is being described as a major step towards addressing the long-standing demand for greater access to judicial services in the geographically vast and difficult terrain of Ladakh. The establishment of a High Court bench in the Union Territory is expected to reduce the time, distance and logistical difficulties faced by residents seeking legal remedies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had decided to establish the High Court bench in Ladakh. He said the move would significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of the Union Territory by reducing the time required to avail themselves of legal services to which they are entitled. Shah said the Centre remains fully committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards for its people. The decision assumes particular significance for Ladakh, where scattered settlements, long distances and challenging geographical conditions have historically made access to institutions, including judicial services, more difficult for people living in remote and far-flung areas. Welcoming the Union Cabinet decision, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for what he termed a historic decision. Saxena said the establishment of a High Court bench in Ladakh would not only facilitate speedy justice but would also reaffirm the government's commitment to the overall development of the Union Territory and to fulfilling the long-standing collective aspirations of its people. The move is expected to bring judicial services closer to the people of Ladakh and strengthen the institutional framework of the Union Territory. It is also likely to ease the burden on litigants who otherwise have to undertake lengthy journeys to access higher judicial forums. The announcement comes amid the Centre's continued focus on strengthening administrative and constitutional mechanisms in Ladakh following its creation as a Union Territory. The establishment of the High Court bench is being viewed as another important step towards building stronger governance and public institutions closer to the people. For residents of Leh, Kargil and remote parts of the Union Territory, the decision is expected to have a direct impact on access to justice, particularly for litigants who face difficulties travelling long distances due to terrain, weather and limited connectivity.
Safety of pilgrims top priority: DGP
Srinagar, Aug 20: Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Thursday chaired a security review meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir to review the security arrangements for the annual Kaunsarnag Yatra, with the meeting being attended by Spl. DG Coordination J&K Shri S.J.M Gillani, IGsP of Kashmir Zone and Jammu Zone, range DIsG of SKR and UR, SSP Kulgam, SSP Reasi, SSP PCR Kashmir, CO 33RR, CO 58RR, CDR 14 Sector RR and other senior officers. The meeting focused on reviewing the existing security arrangements and strengthening the security framework in view of the upcoming Kounsarnag Yatra, with officers briefing the DGP on the security arrangements and preparedness for the forthcoming Yatra at the onset of the meeting. Shri Nalin Prabhat reviewed various security-related aspects and stressed the need for enhanced coordination among all concerned agencies to ensure comprehensive security and effective management of the pilgrimage. The DGP directed the officers to maintain a high level of preparedness, strengthen security arrangements along the Yatra routes, and ensure close coordination and seamless communication among all stakeholders, while underscoring that the safety and security of pilgrims remains a top priority and calling for all necessary security measures to facilitate the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Kounsarnag Yatra. The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned officers to ensure meticulous execution of the security plan.
Punjab delegation calls on LG Sinha
Jammu, Aug 20: A public delegation from Punjab, led by S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Member of Legislative Assembly from Ajnala, Amritsar, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday and briefed him on recurring monsoon overflows from the Ujh River affecting several parts of Punjab. The delegation requested the Lieutenant Governor to take up the matter with the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Jal Shakti for construction of a suitable dam or reservoir project on River Ujh, or any other technically feasible flood-moderation measure, after undertaking a comprehensive feasibility study and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The delegation highlighted that such a project could help regulate and maintain the flow of River Ujh and mitigate flood situations in several districts of Punjab, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Amritsar, particularly Ajnala Sub-Division. It was further submitted that besides flood management, a reservoir project could facilitate the storage of excess monsoon water for future use, while also offering potential for hydroelectric power generation and promoting tourism, water-sports and recreational activities in the area. The delegation said the proposed intervention could contribute to long-term water management, strengthen flood resilience and support sustainable economic development in the region. The Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation that the issue would be given due consideration and taken up with the concerned authorities for technical evaluation.
Wildlife Dept to introduce non-lethal methods to reduce human-animal conflict
Srinagar, Aug 20: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kashmir, the Wildlife Department is set to introduce new methods to deter wild animals from entering residential areas amid the growing instances of human-wildlife conflict across the valley. The department plans to use a range of non-lethal deterrent techniques, including playing music, using devices or sticks capable of producing a mild electric current, and pepper spray, to drive wild animals away from populated areas without causing them harm. Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva told Rising Kashmir that the department is preparing to introduce these methods as part of its efforts to strengthen preventive measures and reduce encounters between humans and wild animals. He said the new techniques would provide people with additional means to protect themselves when wild animals venture close to residential areas. The department is also planning to provide some of these deterrent instruments to local residents in vulnerable areas so that they can use them during emergencies and keep themselves safe until wildlife response teams reach the spot. The move comes amid an increase in reports of wild animals, particularly bears, entering residential areas and posing a threat to people. Wildlife officials have been receiving a large number of distress calls related to animal movement and human-wildlife encounters across Kashmir. Deva said the objective is to prevent animals from entering human habitations through safe and non-lethal methods rather than resorting to measures that could injure or kill the animals. The proposed measures are expected to complement the department's existing response mechanism, under which specialised teams are deployed to respond to distress calls and drive wild animals back into their natural habitats. Officials believe that involving local communities in the prevention mechanism could help residents respond more effectively when wild animals are spotted near homes, agricultural fields or other populated areas. The department is likely to identify vulnerable locations and train residents on the safe use of the equipment before distributing the instruments. The initiative assumes significance as expanding human settlements, increased human activity near forest areas and shrinking natural spaces have contributed to more frequent encounters between people and wildlife in several parts of Kashmir. Wildlife officials have maintained that people should avoid approaching, chasing or provoking wild animals and instead immediately alert the department so that trained personnel can handle the situation. The new deterrent measures, officials said, are aimed at creating a safer buffer between wildlife and human settlements while ensuring that animals are driven away without causing unnecessary harm.
Any third-party intervention on Kashmir is Centre
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and any third-party intervention is a failure of the central government, J&K Congress chief Tariq Karra said here on Thursday. His remarks came a day after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar. Whether it is the US ambassador, the US secretary, or any []
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should have used his meeting with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to raise the concerns and hardships faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti said she agreed with the Chief Minister that the issues of Jammu and []
NC will never abandon struggle for restoration of special status: Dr Farooq
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the special constitutional status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir reflected its distinct and unique constitutional relationship with the Union, a legacy that remained central to the National Conferences political vision. Addressing a gathering, Dr Farooq said that even though the constitutional provisions relating []
US envoy Gor arrives in Ladakh on maiden visit
Leh: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, on his maiden tour of Ladakh, undertook a river-rafting activity on Thursday at the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers at Sangam, officials said here. His Ladakh itinerary focused on experiencing the Union Territorys distinctive landscape and rich cultural heritage. The US envoy arrived in Srinagar earlier []
Centre approves High Court bench for Ladakh
Reaffirms commitment to constitutional safeguards Decision to enhance access to justice: Amit Shah New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has decided to establish a high court bench in Ladakh, a move aimed at improving access to justice in the Union Territory, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday, reaffirming the Centres commitment to ensuring constitutional safeguards []
CM Omar lays foundation of mechanized abattoir in Srinagar
25.87 cr facility to conform to modern hygiene standards with capacity for 5000 daily livestock Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the 25.87 crore state-of-the-art mechanized Abattoir here at Allochi Bagh, marking a significant step towards establishing a regulated, hygienic and scientifically managed meat-processing facility for Srinagar city. The []
Committed to make border villages self-reliant: LG Sinha
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited Karol Krishna, a border village in Kathua district. The village along with Rathua, Gujjar Chak, Gajnal, Bobiya, Kadiyala comes under the Vibrant Village Programme-Phase-2 (VVP-2). The Lieutenant Governor handed over benefits under several government schemes to local families and appointment letters to youth. Addressing the residents from []
Modern mechanised abattoir to come up in Sgr
Srinagar, Aug 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 25.87 crore state-of-the-art mechanized Abattoir here at Allochi Bagh, marking a significant step towards establishing a regulated, hygienic and scientifically managed meat-processing facility for Srinagar city. The constructionofmodern mechanised Sheep & Goat Abattoir in Srinagar City includes Testing & Commissioning on EPC Mode under CAPEX/SASCI. CM Abdullah said the modern abattoir would mark an important step towards bringing Srinagars meat-processing infrastructure in line with contemporary standards. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, MLA, Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Fazl ul Haseeb and other concerned officers were present on the occasion. The proposed abattoir will have a processing capacity of approximately 5,000 sheep and goats per day, making it one of the largest dedicated mechanized sheep and goat abattoirs in the country. The facility will incorporate modern mechanised systems covering slaughtering, carcass handling, processing, chilling, cold storage, sanitation, by-product management and other allied operations. Commissioner SMC briefed the Chief Minister that the project is aimed at substantially improving meat hygiene and food safety, ensuring safer working conditions, strengthening veterinary and quality-control mechanisms and establishing a regulated, efficient and scientifically managed slaughtering system for Srinagar city. A key feature of the project is its emphasis on environmental safeguards and scientific waste management. The facility will incorporate a bio-digestion system and an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to scientifically treat organic waste and wastewater generated during operations. These systems will help reduce the organic pollution load, control foul odour, facilitate resource recovery and enable reuse of treated water for suitable non-potable purposes. The project, once completed, is envisaged as a state-of-the-art mechanized abattoir and a significant urban infrastructure initiative for Srinagar, bringing modern standards of hygiene, food safety, animal handling, waste management and environmental protection to the citys meat-processing sector.
J&K sets up State Control Room to enforce Single-Use Plastic ban
Srinagar, Aug 20: In a major push to curb plastic pollution and strengthen enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUP), the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has established a State Control Room (SCR) that will serve as the central monitoring and coordination mechanism for implementing the ban across the Union Territory. According to an official order available with Rising Kashmir, the State Control Room has been constituted in line with the decisions of the National Task Force taken during its third meeting held on June 26, 2022. The control room has become operational with immediate effect. The initiative marks a significant shift from merely imposing restrictions to ensuring effective enforcement through a dedicated institutional mechanism. Officials believe the facility will improve coordination among enforcement agencies, urban local bodies, district administrations and pollution control authorities whileensuringfaster response to complaints and violations. As per the official order, the State Control Room will provide assistance, guidance, clarification and information to citizens, industries and other stakeholders on all aspects of the single-use plastic ban. This includes details about items covered under and excluded from the ban, availability of environmentally friendly alternatives in Jammu and Kashmir, and guidance on filing complaints through the SUP Public Grievance App and using the SUP Compliance Monitoring Portal, the order reads. The control room will also assist plastic producers and manufacturers on issues relating to consent, registration, regulatory compliance, closure procedures and non-renewal of permissions. It will further facilitate compostable plastic manufacturers by providing information on certification procedures, testing facilities and approved manufacturing standards. Besides offering technical and regulatory support, the order states that the State Control Room will continuously monitor enforcement of the ban through concerned stakeholders and coordinate awareness campaigns to encourage a transition towards sustainable alternatives. Officials said the monitoring mechanism is expected to improve surveillance against the manufacture, stocking, transportation, sale and use of prohibited plastic items while enhancing accountability among enforcement agencies. India prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of several identified single-use plastic items from July 1, 2022, under the Plastic Waste Management Rules. The ban covers products such as plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, plates, cups, trays, wrapping films around sweet boxes and invitation cards, earbuds with plastic sticks and several decorative plastic items because of their low utility and high littering potential. The challenge, however, remains enormous. According to figures submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee before the National Green Tribunal, the Union Territory generates around 34,384 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, averaging nearly 2,865 metric tonnes every month. A separate audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that over 2.23 lakh metric tonnes of plastic waste was generated in Jammu and Kashmir between 2017-18 and 2021-22, highlighting the magnitude of the plastic waste management challenge facing the region. Despite the ban, single-use plastic continues to be widely used in markets across Jammu and Kashmir, posing serious environmental challenges. Plastic waste frequently finds its way into rivers, lakes, wetlands and forests, where it remains for decades without decomposing. Over time, it breaks down into microscopic particles known as microplastics, which contaminate drinking water, agricultural soil and the food chain. Environmental experts say the consequences are particularly severe in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. Plastic waste clogs drainage systems, contributes to urban flooding, degrades landscapes, threatens livestock and wildlife, pollutes rivers and wetlands, and adversely affects tourism, one of Jammu and Kashmir's key economic sectors. Kashmir's iconic water bodies, including the Jhelum River, Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Anchar Lake and several wetlands, have repeatedly witnessed accumulation of plastic waste, raising concerns over deteriorating water quality, shrinking aquatic habitats and the long-term health of the Valley's ecosystems. Environmental expert Dr Touseef Bhat described the establishment of the State Control Room as a welcome and timely intervention but stressed that enforcement alone would not be enough. A dedicated State Control Room can significantly improve implementation of the single-use plastic ban by strengthening monitoring and ensuring better coordination among enforcement agencies. However, its success will ultimately depend on consistent enforcement, public participation and easy access to affordable eco-friendly alternatives, he said. He said plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most serious environmental threats facing Jammu and Kashmir. Single-use plastics not only pollute our rivers, lakes and wetlands but also block drainage channels, harm wildlife and eventually break down into microplastics that enter our food and water. Protecting Kashmir's fragile Himalayan ecosystem requires a combination of strict enforcement, behavioural change and sustained public awareness. Every plastic bag avoided today is an investment in the Valley's environmental future, Dr Bhat added. The official order states that the State Control Room is expected to serve as the nerve centre of Jammu and Kashmir's campaign against single-use plastics by facilitating enforcement, resolving stakeholder issues, promoting eco-friendly alternatives and ensuring that the ban translates into tangible environmental gains on the ground.
Border villages are frontline of Indias identity: LG Sinha
Kathua, Aug 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said border villages are not India's last villages but its first villages and the frontline of the nation's identity and development, while handing over benefits under several government schemes to local families and appointment letters to youth. Addressing the residents from six strategic villages under the Vibrant Village Programme-Phase-2 (VVP-2) Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gujjar Chak, Gajnal, Bobiya, and Kadiyala the Lieutenant Governor noted that for decades, the word order carried a sense of distance and these villages were far from the priorities ofgovernance, butunder the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, border villages have been brought into the mainstream of development, adding that when the story of India's development is written, its first chapter should begin in villages like Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gajnal, Bobiya, Kadiyala and Gujjar Chak, where India's border breathes and the tricolour flutters. Highlighting progress since 2019, the LG said that all 216 border villages of Kathua district are now connected by road, with full electrification achieved and telecommunication and television access, once limited, now reaching every household. These figures, he said,are not just numbers and reports but represent real change in people's lives. Sinha shared data highlighting that poverty levels have declined sharply, migration to cities has halved, rural incomes have risen by 30 per cent, employment opportunities have expanded with unemployment reduced to nearly half of earlier levels, and more than 2,000 individual and community bunkers have been constructed for the safety of borderfamilies, addingthat the goal shouldbe that the entire population movesabove the poverty line. The Lieutenant Governor also commended the role of Nari Shakti in transforming border economies, stating that under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, over 1,300 self-help groups have been formed benefiting more than 12,000families, with womenengaged in tailoring, embroidery, crafts, and small enterprises strengthening both household and village economies. He urged the young generation of border villages to dream as big as those in metro cities, noting that government schools now have improved facilities, digital classrooms, vocational training and full academic sessions, adding that this is not a minor change but a generational transformation. The Lieutenant Governor outlined four key resolves for the development of bordervillages self-reliance by connecting villages not just to roads but to markets and promoting horticulture and dairy cooperatives; youth empowerment by creating opportunities in agriculture, tourism, defence-support services, and crafts; improved health facilities by strengthening healthcare and tele-medicine connectivity; and robust security infrastructure by enhancing coordination between civil administration and armedforces, statingthat development and security are not separate goals but two pillars of the same goal, and only a secure village can become a prosperous village,and only prosperous villagescan build a self-reliant and developed India. Sinha called upon the youth and families of Karol Krishna and neighbouring villages to take responsibility for shaping their future, stating that their ancestors held this soil through difficulties for many decades after Independence and now it is their responsibility to take it forward. Resources are now in your hands, and if there is any shortfall anywhere, it will be addressed immediately, he said. The LGsaid the big question is how far they will take their village, whether Karol Krishna will be known only as a border village or as a border village that produces the country's finest youth, andassured all families that the light of development will reach every home. The Vibrant Villages Programme is a national resolve, and border villages will not remain behind, as they are India's 'first name' and the frontline from where India becomes visible, he said. During his visit to the Karol Krishna Border Out Post (BOP), the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the Jawans and commended their steadfast commitment to securing the nation's borders and their exceptional service during Operation Sindoor, emphasising the need for continuous vigilance to disrupt and neutralise any hostile attempts by the enemy. Among those present were Advocate Vijay Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly from Hiranagar; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Asif Jalal, IG BSF; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Planning and Information; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Mohammad Aijaz, Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua; senior officials and people from different walks of life.
Forest department holds tribal public darbars in Langate
Handwara, Aug 20: The North Kashmir Forest Circle on Thursday held a series of Tribal Public Darbars in the Rajwar and Mawar ranges of Langate Forest Division to address the concerns of forest-dependent communities at their doorstep. The outreach programme was chaired by Conservator of Forests, North Circle Sopore, Irfan Ali Shah. The meetings were held at Galgaza Zachaldara in Rajwar forests and Reshwari tribal village in Nowgam, Mawar, and witnessed participation from tribal representatives, residents and local stakeholders from Sathkoji, Yemlar, Wadder, Rajpora and adjoining areas. A key issue discussed during the public darbars was the settlement of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The Forest Department assured the tribal communities that their statutory rights would be addressed through a transparent and participatory process. The Conservator listened to the grievances and demands raised by tribal representatives and issued directions to field officers for improving infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in tribal areas. He directed officials to develop eco-tourism facilities in Monbal Mawar and Sathkoji Rajwar, including trekking routes, viewpoints, rain shelters, Forest Rest Houses and eco-parks. Directions were also issued for improving forest infrastructure at Reshwari, Nowgam, and upgrading Kashtawaar Forest Huts on the route to Bungus Valley. The CoF also called for the development of eco-cabins in Bungus Valley. During an inspection of the Model Forest Check Post in Handwara, Shah directed officials to establish a Van Dhan Kendra to provide a dedicated platform for marketing organic and indigenous tribal products. Tribal representatives welcomed the initiative and appreciated the on-the-spot directions issued by the Forest Department, particularly for eco-tourism and walnut-based livelihood programmes. DFO Langate, Ihjaj Pajwari, conducted the proceedings and thanked the tribal communities for their continued support to the department's development programmes. Officials from the Revenue Administration, Forest Protection Force, Tourism Department, Army, and Forest Department also participated in the public darbars.
Antibiotic Resistance: A Silent Crisis That Demands Urgent Public Action
DR ASAD ROUF Antibiotics once transformed modern medicine. They turned infections that were once deadly into treatable conditions and made surgeries, childbirth, cancer care and intensive treatment far safer than before. For decades, these drugs were regarded almost as miracles powerful, reliable and widely available. But that confidence is now under severe strain. Around the world, bacteria are evolving faster than medicine can keep up, and antibiotic resistance is steadily undermining one of the greatest achievements in human health. What was once a medical concern confined to hospitals and laboratories has become a public crisis that affects families, patients, farmers, pharmacists, doctors and policymakers alike. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria adapt in such a way that the medicines designed to kill them no longer work effectively. This does not mean that the body becomes resistant; rather, the germs themselves become stronger, harder to treat and more dangerous. Infections that used to be cured with a simple course of medicine now require stronger drugs, longer treatment, costly tests and, in some cases, hospital admission. In the worst cases, they may become untreatable altogether. The danger lies not only in the spread of resistant bacteria, but in the gradual normalisation of their presence. The problem has not appeared overnight. It is the result of years of misuse, overuse and careless dependence on antibiotics across human health, animal farming and even everyday life. In many places, antibiotics are taken for illnesses they cannot cure, such as viral fevers, colds and flu. Some patients stop treatment as soon as they feel better, rather than completing the prescribed course. Others use leftover medicines from earlier illnesses or take antibiotics without proper medical advice. Each such act gives bacteria more opportunity to survive, adapt and spread. What appears to be a small act of convenience or impatience at the individual level can contribute to a much larger public health threat. In our region as elsewhere, this danger is compounded by gaps in awareness, weak regulation and a culture of self-medication. Antibiotics are often treated as routine remedies rather than powerful drugs that must be used responsibly. A fever, a sore throat or a seasonal infection is sometimes enough to trigger demand for an antibiotic, even when it is not medically required. Pharmacies may dispense medicines without strict checks, while patients often expect immediate relief and may not distinguish between different kinds of infections. This creates a dangerous cycle in which antibiotics are used too often, too casually and sometimes without proper diagnosis. The consequences are already visible. Resistant infections mean longer illness, higher medical costs and greater pressure on an already stretched healthcare system. A patient who might once have recovered at home in a few days may now need repeated consultations, advanced testing and stronger medication. Hospital stays become longer, recovery becomes slower and the risk of complications rises. For families, this means emotional stress and financial burden. For doctors, it means losing some of the confidence that once came with prescribing a known and effective medicine. For society, it means the threat of routine infections becoming harder and more expensive to treat. The matter becomes even more serious when one considers the role of hospitals. Healthcare facilities, which should be places of healing, can also become centres where resistant bacteria spread if infection control is weak. Poor hygiene, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and careless use of antibiotics can combine to create conditions where dangerous bacteria thrive. That is why antibiotic resistance is not only a matter of prescription habits; it is also a matter of hospital management, public infrastructure and health governance. Animal husbandry and agriculture have added another layer to the problem. In many parts of the world, antibiotics are used not only to treat sick animals but sometimes to promote growth or prevent illness in crowded farming conditions. This practice encourages the development of resistant strains that can spread through food, water and the environment. Human health cannot be separated from animal health or environmental health. Antibiotic resistance is therefore a classic example of why the One Health approach matters. What happens in farms, drains, kitchens, clinics and households is all connected. Another troubling aspect of the problem is misinformation. Many people still believe that stronger medicines mean faster recovery, or that antibiotics are a cure-all for any illness accompanied by fever or weakness. Others discontinue treatment once symptoms ease, not realising that this may allow the most resilient bacteria to survive. Education is therefore critical. Public health campaigns must explain, in simple and practical language, when antibiotics are needed and when they are not. People must be made to understand that taking antibiotics unnecessarily can do more harm than good, not just for the individual but for the wider community. Doctors too carry a heavy responsibility. While patients may demand antibiotics, medical professionals must resist the pressure to prescribe them without proper need. Good clinical practice requires diagnosis, restraint and patient education. In many cases, the most responsible medical decision is not to prescribe an antibiotic at all. But this can only succeed if doctors are supported by a health system that values caution over speed, evidence over convenience and long-term protection over short-term satisfaction. Equally, medical practitioners must stay alert to evolving resistance patterns and choose medicines wisely when treatment is genuinely necessary. Policy intervention is equally urgent. Governments must strengthen regulation on the sale and use of antibiotics, monitor prescriptions more carefully and ensure that medicines are not sold casually over the counter. Surveillance systems are needed to track resistance patterns so that health authorities can respond before the problem becomes unmanageable. Laboratories, hospitals and public health agencies must work together to detect trends early and update treatment guidelines accordingly. Without data, there can be no effective response. Without regulation, there can be no meaningful restraint. The public, however, cannot be left out of this effort. Antibiotic resistance will not be defeated by doctors and officials alone. Households must play their part through responsible use, hygiene, sanitation and trust in medical advice. Handwashing, vaccination, clean water, safe food practices and better awareness all reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place. Prevention is far cheaper and more effective than cure. Every avoided infection is one less opportunity for resistance to grow. The stakes are enormous. If antibiotic resistance continues unchecked, the consequences could be devastating. Minor injuries could become dangerous. Routine infections could become prolonged. Medical procedures that depend on effective antibiotics could become riskier. Progress that took decades to build could begin to unravel. This is not a distant nightmare. It is a present and growing reality. The tragedy is that antibiotic resistance is, to a large extent, preventable. It is driven not by a single enemy, but by many ordinary failures careless prescribing, unnecessary consumption, poor regulation, weak hygiene and public ignorance. That also means the solution lies in collective discipline, not despair. We already know enough to act. What is missing is the seriousness to act consistently. If society treats antibiotics as precious tools rather than casual remedies, if doctors prescribe with caution, if pharmacies follow the law, if hospitals strengthen infection control and if the public learns to respect the limits of medicine, the tide can still be turned. Antibiotic resistance is a silent crisis, but silence is no longer an option. The time to respond is now before the medicines that once saved the world lose their power to do so. ( The author is a registered medical practitioner and health columnist)
The Future of AI: Promise, Peril and the Human Question
ABID ANSARI Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant idea belonging to science fiction. It is already here, woven into everyday life in ways many people do not fully notice. It recommends what we watch, guides what we read, helps diagnose illnesses, filters spam, powers search engines, translates languages and assists in writing, coding, design and decision-making. What once appeared futuristic has become ordinary. And yet, for all its familiarity, AI remains one of the most disruptive technologies ever created. Its future will not simply be about faster machines or smarter software. It will be about how humans choose to use it, regulate it and live alongside it. The conversation around AI is often framed in extremes. On one side are those who see it as the engine of a new golden age a tool that will cure diseases, eliminate drudgery, improve education and unlock creativity on a scale never before imagined. On the other side are those who view it as a threat to jobs, privacy, truth, security and perhaps even human dignity itself. Both views contain a measure of truth. AI is neither an unquestioned miracle nor an uncontrollable monster. It is a powerful tool, and like all powerful tools, its impact will depend on the hands that shape it and the values that guide it. The future of AI will likely be defined first by scale. The technology is improving rapidly, driven by vast data, increasing computing power and constant competition among firms and states. Systems are becoming more capable at understanding language, generating content, recognising patterns and assisting in complex tasks. This means AI will not remain confined to laboratories or elite industries. It will spread into schools, hospitals, offices, courts, factories, media rooms and homes. The question is not whether AI will enter more areas of life. The question is how deeply it will do so, and with what safeguards. One of the greatest hopes attached to AI is productivity. Machines that can handle repetitive, time-consuming or data-heavy tasks could free people to focus on higher-value work. In medicine, AI may help detect disease earlier and support overworked doctors. In education, it could offer personalised learning and reduce gaps in access. In agriculture, it could improve forecasting, crop monitoring and resource use. In administration, it could make systems more efficient, responsive and less wasteful. If guided wisely, AI could help societies achieve more with less and solve problems that have long resisted conventional methods. But productivity gains do not automatically mean social progress. Every technological revolution has created winners and losers, and AI will be no exception. Jobs built around routine clerical, analytical and creative tasks are already under pressure. Workers whose skills are easily replicated by machines may find themselves displaced, while those with advanced technical or adaptive skills may benefit. This raises a serious social question: will AI broaden opportunity, or concentrate it further? If the gains from AI flow only to large corporations, wealthy nations and highly skilled professionals, then the technology could widen inequality rather than reduce it. This is why the future of AI cannot be discussed only in technical terms. It must also be discussed in moral and political terms. Who controls these systems? Who benefits from them? Who is accountable when they fail? What happens when an algorithm makes a biased decision, a machine generates false information or an automated system intrudes on privacy? These are not abstract concerns. They affect real lives. An AI system used in hiring, policing, lending or healthcare can shape a persons future in ways that are difficult to challenge if the process is opaque. The more AI influences decisions, the greater the need for transparency and accountability. Another defining feature of AIs future will be trust or the erosion of it. In an age of deepfakes, synthetic voices, automated bots and mass-generated content, distinguishing reality from fabrication is becoming harder. This carries serious consequences for journalism, politics and public discourse. If people can no longer easily tell whether a video, image, audio clip or article is genuine, then shared reality itself becomes fragile. Democratic societies depend on some common ground of facts. AI, if misused, can flood that ground with confusion. That is why media literacy, digital verification and responsible platform governance will become essential public needs, not optional skills. At the same time, AI may also help fight misinformation. It can detect patterns of manipulation, flag suspicious content and support fact-checking efforts. This is another example of AIs double-edged nature. The same technology that can spread falsehood can also help expose it. Whether it becomes an instrument of deception or defence will depend on rules, design and intent. There is also the question of creativity. Many people worry that AI-generated text, art, music and design will cheapen human originality. Others see it as a collaborator, not a replacement. In reality, both can be true. AI may lower barriers to expression and help more people create. But it may also flood the world with endless average content, making authentic human voice harder to distinguish. The future may not belong to machines replacing creativity entirely, but to a contest between scale and soul. Human creativity will remain valuable precisely because it is imperfect, contextual and lived. In regions like ours, where aspiration often runs ahead of infrastructure, AI presents both opportunity and warning. It can help bridge distance, improve service delivery and support young people with tools that were once unavailable. But without investment in digital skills, connectivity and responsible policy, many will be left behind. The future of AI must not become the future of a small elite while the rest of society watches from the margins. Inclusion has to be built into the technologys growth from the beginning. Governments will have a decisive role to play. Regulation must not be so weak that AI becomes unaccountable, nor so rigid that it blocks innovation. What is needed is a balanced framework that protects privacy, prevents abuse, demands transparency and encourages responsible development. Data protection laws, algorithmic audits, safety standards and ethical oversight will all be necessary. At the same time, public institutions must invest in AI literacy so that citizens can understand not only how to use these tools, but also how to question them. Businesses too must act with restraint and responsibility. The temptation to automate everything simply because it is possible should be resisted. Efficiency is important, but not every decision should be handed to a machine. Human judgment remains essential in areas involving compassion, fairness and complex consequence. AI should support human decision-making, not replace conscience. Perhaps the deepest question about AI is not economic or technical, but philosophical. What does it mean to be human in an age where machines can mimic reasoning, language and creativity? The answer may lie in recognising that intelligence is not the same as wisdom, and information is not the same as judgment. Humans do more than calculate. They care, imagine, doubt, forgive, choose and bear responsibility. No machine can fully replicate that moral depth. The future of AI, then, should not be about surrendering our humanity to technology, but about using technology to enlarge what is best in humanity. The coming years will likely bring faster systems, sharper tools and deeper integration of AI into daily life. There will be breakthroughs, setbacks, excitement and fear. There will also be temptation to move too fast, to regulate too little, to trust too blindly or to reject innovation out of anxiety. None of these responses will serve society well. The right path lies in caution without paralysis, ambition without arrogance and innovation with conscience. AI will shape the future, but it should not define human worth. That remains the task of societies, institutions and individuals. If we approach this technology with wisdom, fairness and a sense of responsibility, it can become a force for public good. If we approach it carelessly, it may deepen divisions and weaken trust. The future of AI is still being written. The question is whether we will write it with foresight or let it be written for us. ( The author is a research scholar and freelancer)
Sustainable Urban Planning: Building Cities That Breathe, Grow and Endure
SYED TAHA Sustainable urban planning has moved from being a policy ideal to an urgent necessity. Across the world, cities are facing a difficult reality: rising populations, shrinking open spaces, stressed infrastructure, worsening pollution and a climate that is becoming increasingly unpredictable. In this changing landscape, the way cities are designed, managed and expanded will determine not only how people live today, but also how safely and comfortably future generations will live tomorrow. At its core, sustainable urban planning is about balance. It seeks to meet the needs of growing populations without exhausting natural resources or damaging the environment. It is not merely about constructing more roads, buildings and colonies. It is about creating cities that are livable, inclusive, efficient and resilient. A sustainable city is one where people can move easily, breathe clean air, access public services, find affordable housing and enjoy green public spaces. For regions like Jammu and Kashmir, the debate around urban planning is especially significant. Rapid unplanned growth in urban centres has begun to place immense pressure on roads, drainage systems, water supply, waste disposal and public transport. Once-open spaces are being converted into concrete clusters, while traffic congestion and environmental degradation are becoming more visible with every passing year. In such a situation, sustainability cannot remain a slogan. It must become the foundation of all future planning. One of the most important pillars of sustainable urban planning is compact and mixed-use development. Instead of allowing cities to sprawl endlessly into agricultural land and ecologically sensitive areas, planners must encourage growth that is dense, efficient and well-connected. When homes, workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities and markets are located within reasonable distances, dependence on private vehicles goes down, carbon emissions are reduced and daily life becomes more convenient. Public transport is another crucial element. A city that depends almost entirely on private vehicles is a city headed towards congestion and pollution. Reliable buses, shared mobility systems, pedestrian-friendly streets and cycling lanes can transform the way people move. Sustainable planning must therefore prioritise people over cars. Footpaths should not be an afterthought. They should be safe, wide and accessible to all, including children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Green spaces also play a vital role. Parks, urban forests, roadside plantations and protected wetlands are not ornamental luxuries. They are essential urban infrastructure. They help moderate temperatures, improve air quality, absorb rainwater and provide much-needed relief in crowded neighbourhoods. In a city under pressure from climate change, every tree and every open space matters. Urban planning must therefore treat environmental protection as a central objective, not a secondary concern. Water management is another area where sustainable planning can make a major difference. Cities must be designed to capture rainwater, protect natural drainage channels and reduce flooding risks. Too often, natural water bodies and drainage systems are encroached upon or ignored until disasters strike. A sustainable city respects the natural flow of water rather than trying to force concrete over it. Rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment and groundwater recharge should become standard features of urban development. Equally important is the question of housing. A sustainable city cannot be built on exclusion. Affordable housing, planned settlements and inclusive neighbourhoods are necessary to prevent the growth of unsafe informal settlements. Urban planning must ensure that the poor are not pushed to the margins, far from essential services and livelihoods. Development should create opportunity, not deepen inequality. Technology can support these goals, but it cannot replace political will and good governance. Smart systems for traffic management, waste collection, building approvals and energy use can improve efficiency. Yet technology must serve a larger vision rooted in accountability, transparency and public participation. Citizens should have a voice in how their cities grow. After all, the people who live in a city understand its needs better than any blueprint drawn in isolation. The urgency of sustainable urban planning lies in the fact that poor decisions today are difficult and expensive to reverse tomorrow. A road widened without planning, a wetland filled without thought or a colony approved without infrastructure leaves behind problems that last for decades. On the other hand, thoughtful planning can create cities that are healthier, safer and more resilient. The challenge is clear: urban growth cannot be stopped, but it can be guided. The future of cities depends on whether planners and policymakers choose short-term expansion or long-term sustainability. If the goal is to build places where people can live with dignity, safety and hope, then sustainable urban planning must move from the margins to the centre of policy and practice. ( The Author is a lecturer in HED)
Social Media Responsibilities: Power, Speech and the Duty to Act Wisely
MUBASHIR SHAFI Social media has become one of the most powerful forces shaping public opinion in the modern world. It influences politics, moulds social behaviour, frames narratives and often decides what people choose to believe before they have had time to verify a fact. What was once meant to connect people has now grown into an arena where influence is measured in likes, shares, comments and followers. In such a space, the question is no longer whether people have the right to speak, but whether they understand the responsibility that comes with that right. The rise of social media has given ordinary people an extraordinary platform. A citizen can now report an event, expose a wrong, support a cause or challenge authority with a single post. This democratisation of voice is one of the great strengths of the digital age. It has made communication faster, wider and more immediate than ever before. Yet the same medium that empowers can also mislead, divide and damage. The speed with which information spreads online has made it easier for rumours to travel as facts and for emotional reactions to overpower reason. This is why social media responsibility matters. Every user, whether a journalist, activist, student, public figure or casual consumer of content, must remember that digital expression is not weightless. A careless post can hurt reputations, inflame tensions, spread panic or deepen prejudice. In societies already dealing with political sensitivity, communal pressures and social fragility, irresponsible online behaviour can have consequences far beyond the screen. Words that may appear harmless in haste can become dangerous once amplified. One of the most important responsibilities on social media is the duty to verify before sharing. In the race to be first, many users forget the far greater value of being right. False information often travels faster than corrections, and by the time a clarification appears, the damage may already be done. This is especially visible in cases involving breaking news, protests, violence, health scares and public emergencies. A responsible user does not forward content merely because it is dramatic or emotionally appealing. He or she pauses, checks the source and asks whether the content is credible, complete and necessary to share. Another crucial responsibility is restraint. Not every thought needs to be posted. Not every disagreement needs to become a public spectacle. Social media has encouraged a culture of instant reaction, where anger is rewarded with attention and outrage is mistaken for strength. But the ability to respond immediately is not always the same as the wisdom to respond appropriately. Responsible use requires discipline: the discipline to avoid abuse, the discipline to resist humiliation, and the discipline to disagree without dehumanising others. The question of tone is equally important. Online spaces often become harsher than real life because anonymity and distance reduce empathy. People say things on screens that they would never say face to face. This has created an environment where insults, sarcasm, threats and ridicule are normalised. Such behaviour does not strengthen free speech; it weakens public discourse. A responsible digital citizen understands that civility is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of maturity. Respectful expression allows disagreement without destruction. Social media responsibility also includes a sensitivity to privacy. Too often, users upload photographs, videos, names or personal details without consent. In doing so, they violate the dignity and safety of others. A viral clip may attract attention, but it may also expose a person to embarrassment, harassment or harm. The right to post does not automatically override someone elses right to privacy. Responsible use means asking whether a piece of content should be shared at all, and if so, whether it can be shared without violating someones dignity. There is also a growing responsibility to resist manipulation. Social media platforms are built to capture attention, not necessarily to promote truth. Algorithms often reward outrage, repetition and sensationalism. This means users must become more conscious, not less. They must learn to distinguish between opinion and evidence, between entertainment and information, between activism and performance. In the digital age, awareness itself has become a form of responsibility. Young people, in particular, must be guided carefully in this regard. They are among the most active users of social media and also among the most vulnerable to its pressures. The desire for validation, popularity and visibility can push them toward reckless sharing, comparison and self-exposure. Schools, families and communities must therefore treat digital literacy as seriously as traditional education. A young user should be taught not just how to use social media, but how to use it wisely, ethically and safely. Public figures and those with a large following carry an even greater burden. Their words travel farther and carry more weight. A comment from such an account can shape public mood, fuel debate or trigger conflict. That is why influence must come with self-awareness. Those who lead digital conversations should avoid feeding hatred, spreading half-truths or exploiting emotion for engagement. Popularity does not reduce responsibility; it increases it. At the same time, social media responsibility does not mean silence or fear. It does not mean that people should avoid criticism or stop speaking up on important issues. On the contrary, social media can be a valuable tool for justice, accountability and civic awareness when used properly. But meaningful speech requires more than passion. It requires accuracy, dignity and a sense of consequence. A responsible user understands that a platform for expression is also a test of character. As society becomes more digitally connected, the need for ethical online behaviour will only grow stronger. Laws can punish some abuse, but no law can replace individual conscience. The final safeguard is not technology, but responsibility itself. If social media is to remain a force for good, its users must treat it not as a playground for impulse, but as a public space shaped by words, memory and impact. In the end, social media reflects the people who use it. If we fill it with falsehood, anger and carelessness, it will become a source of division. If we use it with honesty, restraint and empathy, it can become a platform for awareness, dialogue and change. That choice rests with every user, every day. ( The author is an educationist and social worker)
Ladakh begins preparations for Panchayat Elections
Leh, August 20: Ladakh Administration has decided to commence preparations for Panchayat elections, marking a significant step towards strengthening grassroots democracy in the Union Territory. Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra made the announcement while addressing a press conference in Leh on Thursday, where he outlined a series of major administrative, recruitment, land, political and governance-related developments. He said the State Election Commission would undertake preparation and revision of electoral rolls, followed by formal notification and other statutory processes for holding the Panchayat elections. Kundra said the Administration would coordinate with the competent authorities to ensure that all requisite legal, administrative and electoral processes are completed at the earliest. The move assumes significance as Ladakh has recently expanded its administrative structure to seven districts, with the government simultaneously working on strengthening institutions and grassroots governance. Giving an update on recruitment, the Chief Secretary said 1,340 out of 1,609 posts advertised under the administrative recruitment process have already been filled. Another 314 vacancies have been filled through the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) process. He said recruitment for 302 Group B and Group C posts has been advertised, while the recruitment process for around 1,205 additional posts is expected to be taken forward in the coming weeks. Recruitment for 40 Sub-Inspector posts has also been initiated, while notifications for Teachers and Police Constables are expected to be issued shortly. On recruitment through the UPSC and for professional posts, Kundra said 224 gazetted vacancies have been notified, including 125 posts of Medical Officers. Interviews for the Medical Officer posts are expected to begin next month. He also briefed the media about recruitment and appointments in the education and higher education sectors, including Lecturers, Assistant Professors and Associate Professors. Several appointments have already been completed, while further recruitment is scheduled in the coming months. The Chief Secretary said Ladakh now has seven districts and that administrative infrastructure, manpower and institutional arrangements are being strengthened to make governance more efficient and accessible. He said new tehsils have been created in place of 17 Sub-Tehsils in several areas. Requests from other areas seeking tehsil-level administrative arrangements would also be examined to ensure equitable delivery of public services. On the issue of Nautor land, Kundra announced that the Administration has decided to regularise long-pending tenancy rights, including cases involving unauthorised allotments. Draft rules for a one-time regularisation process have been prepared, under which the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) will be authorised to implement the process. He said eligible Nautor land being used for commercial purposes, including hotels, shops and other establishments, would also be eligible for conversion of title on payment of prescribed land-use charges and other applicable dues. The Chief Secretary also said a mechanism is being established to enable eligible landowners to use agricultural land for permissible non-agricultural purposes, including industrial and other productive activities. A dedicated portal is being developed to facilitate applications through a transparent and accessible process. On tourism, the Chief Secretary said the sector has been brought within the ambit of industrial units. Giving an update on the September 24 incident, the Chief Secretary said cases against 25 individuals found to have had limited or no involvement would be withdrawn. He said necessary closure proceedings would be undertaken in accordance with law. At the same time, Kundra said charge sheets have been filed against nine persons in cases where evidence was available, adding that the matters would remain subject to proceedings before the competent courts.
US advisory review raises hope for Kashmir tourism revival
Srinagar, Aug 20: Tourism stakeholders in Kashmir have welcomed the positive remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor over a possible review of the travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, saying the move could open the door for a fresh rise in American and other foreign tourist arrivals. During his recent visit to Srinagar, Gor indicated that the US travel advisory for the valley would be reviewed. Tourism stakeholders said the statement has created fresh optimism among hotels, travel operators, guides, handicraft sellers and other businesses dependent on international visitors. They said a favourable change in the US advisory could also encourage other countries to reconsider their travel warnings, helping restore confidence among foreign travellers planning visits to Kashmir. The Ambassadors remarks have raised hopes across the tourism sector. If the advisory is eased, we expect more American tourists and a gradual return of visitors from other international markets, tourism stakeholders said. Foreign visitors currently in Srinagar have also spoken positively about their experiences, describing the city as peaceful and welcoming. Many have expressed appreciation for Kashmirs natural beauty, Sufi traditions, local music, culture and hospitality. Stakeholders said foreign tourists are particularly important for Kashmirs traditional handicraft sector, which includes products such as carpets, shawls, papier-mch and other locally made crafts. An increase in international visitors could provide fresh business opportunities for artisans and traders. They also pointed to the different travel patterns of domestic and foreign tourists. While domestic visitors largely arrive between April and June, foreign tourists traditionally visit Kashmir from July onwards, with trekking, cultural experiences and nature-based activities among the major attractions. Tourism players said an improvement in international travel advisories, combined with continued improvements in the security situation, could help Kashmir strengthen its position as a destination for global travellers. They expressed hope that the positive developments would translate into increased bookings and a stronger international tourism season in the months ahead.
Sensible Driving Habits Matter More Than Speed
On Kashmirs roads, where traffic has grown heavier and temper has grown thinner, driving has become more than a matter of reaching a destination. It has become a test of discipline. Every day, we witness a troubling mix of impatience, recklessness and disregard for basic road etiquette. Overtaking from the wrong side, overspeeding on narrow stretches, using mobile phones while driving, jumping signals, and treating lanes as optional are no longer rare exceptions. They have become part of the daily commute. The result is predictable: accidents, injuries, traffic snarls and avoidable deaths. Driving, at its core, is a responsibility, not a performance. Yet many motorists behave as if the road is a stage and speed is a virtue. It is not. A sensible driver knows that the purpose of a vehicle is safe movement, not display. The few extra minutes saved by rash driving are never worth the risk to ones own life or the lives of others. A hurried response, a careless turn or a moment of distraction can change families forever. In that sense, road safety is not just a transport issue; it is a social and moral one. What makes the problem more worrying is that bad driving habits are often normalized. People honk endlessly, block intersections, stop wherever they please, and expect others to adjust. Pedestrians are ignored. Two-wheelers weave through traffic without helmets. Seatbelts are treated as optional. Children are carried without proper restraint. Even in adverse weather or on congested roads, caution gives way to urgency. This casual attitude reflects a larger failure: we have learned to tolerate danger instead of demanding order. The solution does not lie in slogans alone. It requires a change in behaviour, backed by consistent enforcement. Traffic rules must be applied fairly and firmly. Repeat violators should face real consequences. But enforcement by itself will not solve the problem unless citizens also accept their share of responsibility. Schools should teach road safety early. Driving tests must be made stricter and more credible. Public awareness campaigns should focus not only on penalties, but on the everyday habits that save lives maintaining distance, using indicators, avoiding distractions, respecting speed limits and yielding to pedestrians. There is also a need to rethink the culture of aggression on the road. Patience is not weakness. Caution is not delay. Courtesy is not submission. In fact, the most sensible driver is often the most efficient one, because he or she avoids confusion, conflict and danger. Roads function best when every user understands that safety is shared. Kashmirs roads do not need more speed. They need more sense. They need drivers who understand that every rule ignored is a risk multiplied. Sensible driving is not merely about avoiding fines or accidents. It is about valuing life, one careful decision at a time.
Self-Medication: Bad Habit with Loud Consequences
In every household, there comes a familiar moment when illness knocks, and the first response is not a doctors appointment, but a glance at the medicine shelf. A headache, a fever, a sore throat, a bout of acidity and before long, pills are swallowed on the advice of a neighbour, a pharmacist, or ones own past experience. Self-medication has become one of the most common, and most casually accepted, health habits of our time. It appears harmless, even practical. But beneath that convenience lies a growing public health concern. The problem is not that people wish to feel better quickly. That is natural. The danger begins when symptoms are treated as if they all mean the same thing, when antibiotics are taken for viral infections, painkillers are used without limit, or sedatives are consumed without any understanding of side effects. A medicine that helps one person in one condition may harm another in a different context. Without proper diagnosis, the line between relief and risk becomes dangerously thin. In places where access to healthcare is limited, self-medication often looks like a necessity rather than a choice. Long queues, high consultation costs, and the inconvenience of travel can push people toward quick fixes. Yet necessity does not make the practice safe. In fact, it can make it more dangerous, because repeated unsupervised use of medicines may hide a serious illness, delay treatment, or create drug resistance. The misuse of antibiotics, in particular, has turned into a silent threat, making common infections harder to treat and putting the larger community at risk. There is also a cultural element to this habit. Many people trust old prescriptions, shared advice, and over-the-counter availability more than medical judgment. A medicine once prescribed for one ailment is stored away and reused months later for a similar complaint. But the body changes, conditions change, and doses matter. What is self-assurance in one moment can become self-harm in another. The way forward is not panic, but awareness. People must be reminded that medicines are not ordinary household items; they are tools that need guidance, restraint, and responsibility. Pharmacies must exercise caution instead of encouraging casual purchase of prescription drugs. Health authorities must strengthen public awareness campaigns, especially in schools, colleges, and rural communities. And families must learn to distinguish between minor discomfort and symptoms that require proper medical attention. Self-medication is often seen as a shortcut. In reality, it can become a detour that leads to greater illness, higher expense, and avoidable suffering. A responsible society must replace this habit with informed care. The safest remedy is not always the quickest one.
Third-party Kashmir intervention a Centre failure: Congress
Srinagar, Aug 20: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Karra on Thursday said any third-party intervention in the Kashmir issue would reflect a failure of the Central Government, while asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Reacting to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gors recent visit to Srinagar and his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, Karra said the envoys assertion that J&K is an important part of India was nothing extraordinary. Whether it is the US Ambassador, the US Secretary or any diplomat in the world who says today that J&K is an integral part of India, they havent said anything out of the ordinary. It has always been an integral part of India and the whole world knows this, Karra told reporters. Gor, during a joint media briefing with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday, described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and praised its beauty. He also said the United States would reconsider its travel advisory for J&K in view of steps taken by the Centre and the Omar Abdullah-led government to improve security. Karra, however, attributed what he described as confusion over the Kashmir issue to the alleged failure of the Centres foreign policy. For quite some time, US intervention in the Government of India has been very high. This happens only because our country has a failed policy today, he said, referring also to what he described as US involvement during Operation Sindoor. He said any intervention by a third country or any offer of mediation on Kashmir should be viewed as a failure of the present dispensation. On Pakistan summoning the US envoy over Gors remarks, Karra said it was an internal matter of the neighbouring country. Our policy is that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, was an integral part of India and will remain an integral part of India, he said. Karra maintained that India and Pakistan were the relevant parties to bilateral issues concerning the two countries, citing the Shimla Agreement. When it comes to the matter between India and Pakistan, after the Shimla Agreement, if there are any relevant parties, they are India and Pakistan, he said. The Congress does not recognise any third-party intervention because that has been our stated policy ever since. Today, if an intervention takes place anywhere or an offer is made, that is the failed policy of the present dispensation, Karra said. Pakistan on Wednesday summoned US Charge dAffaires Natalie Baker and lodged a strong demarche over Gors remarks on Jammu and Kashmir.
Govt pushes anti-hail nets for Orchards
Kulgam, Aug 20: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Thursday conducted an extensive tour of villages of Kulgam to assess the damage caused to orchards due to adverse weather conditions during the current season. The Minister visited several affected villages including Harvaith, Nihama, Samnoo, Gopalpora, Lakhdipora, Tengam, Bathipora and Chogalpora. During the visit, Sakeena Itoo interacted with the fruit growers, inspected the orchards and had detailed feedback regarding the losses suffered by the farming community. The growers apprised her of the severity of damage to fruit crops, defoliation and damage to fruit-bearing trees following repeated spells of hailstorm and high-velocity winds. The Deputy Commissioner briefed the Minister about the damage reported from different areas of the district and the measures undertaken by the district administration for damage assessment and relief. The Chief Horticulture Officer informed the Minister that the preliminary assessment of the damage has already been submitted to the concerned authorities. Besides, village-wise and asam-e -wise details of the losses are being compiled to facilitate further action as per the applicable norms under SDRF/UT norms, he added. The Minister expressed solidarity with the affected growers and said that horticulture is the backbone of Kashmirs economy and the government fully understands the distress of the farming community. She assured the affected farmers that all possible assistance and relief would be extended to the eligible beneficiaries under the applicable rules and provisions. She informed that the matter has been taken up at the appropriate level for redress. On long-term preventive measures, the Chief Horticulture Officer apprised the Minister of the importance of anti-hail nets in protecting the orchards from recurring weather-related damage. He urged the farmers to adopt anti-hail nets, for which the government is providing substantial subsidy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other applicable schemes. Emphasising the importance of horticulture to the regions economy, Sakeena Itoo said that the government remains committed to strengthen the horticulture sector, protect the livelihoods of fruit growers and extend all possible institutional support to the affected farming community. Later, the Minister inaugurated the key healthcare and infrastructure facilities at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Nehama, Kulgam, aimed at further strengthening healthcare delivery in the remote area. These included 30 KVA Genset, installed at a cost of Rs. 10 lakh, a 20-bedded inpatient ward and a CBC Analyzer at the health centre. The facilities are expected to significantly enhance the power backup, inpatient capacity and diagnostic services, thereby benefiting the local population.
Javid Dar advocates adoption of modern, scientific agri-practices
Srinagar, Aug 20: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Thursday flagged off a group of 250 farmers for a one-day training programme at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Rangreth, Srinagar. The initiative was aimed at strengthening the farmers technical capacity and familiarising them with the modern, scientific and sustainable agricultural practices. MLA Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi besides others was present during the flag-off ceremony. During the training programme, organised by the Kisan Advisory Board, J&K, the farmers will interact with the agricultural and horticultural experts and scientists. They will find solutions to various issues, challenges and field-level concerns being faced by them in crop cultivation in their respective areas. Addressing the participating farmers, Javid Ahmad Dar emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building, knowledge enhancement and exposure to the emerging technologies in agriculture and allied sectors. He said that such programmes are aimed at providing the farmers with practical and scientific knowledge of modern farming techniques, including improved crop management practices, balanced and judicious use of fertilisers and pesticides, adoption of advanced technologies and promotion of sustainable agricultural methods. He stressed the need to encourage environmentally sustainable and natural farming practices while simultaneously ensuring higher productivity, improved quality of produce and enhanced profitability for farming families. Javid Dar said that it is being ensured that such training programmes, exposure visits and farmer-oriented capacity-building initiatives are organised on a regular basis so that the farming community remains abreast of the latest innovations, technologies and best practices. He maintained that strengthening the knowledge, skills and technical capabilities of farmers is vital for transforming the agricultural sector, enhancing farm incomes and making farming more productive, resilient and sustainable. The Minister urged ipon the participating farmers to interact freely with the experts and scientists, seek technical guidance and share their field-level experiences and concerns. He said that such direct interactions would help in developing practical and locally relevant solutions to the challenges confronting the farming community. He underscored the importance of strengthening the linkage between research institutions, extension agencies and farmers so that scientific innovations and technologies reach the field effectively and translate into tangible benefits for the farming community. The Minister appreciated the Kisan Advisory Board and the concerned departments for organising the training programme. He called for sustained efforts towards empowering the farmers through knowledge, technology and institutional support. Director Horticulture Kashmir, Secretary Kisan Advisory Board, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Managing Director JKHPMC, Director J&K Horticulture Marketing and Processing and other senior officers of the concerned departments were present on the occasion.
Dr. Farooq reiterates NCs demand for restoration of constitutional rights
Srinagar, Aug 20: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday reiterated the partys demand for restoration of the constitutional status and rights of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the issue remained central to its political agenda. Addressing a gathering here, Abdullah said the special constitutional status earlier accorded to Jammu and Kashmir reflected its distinct constitutional relationship with the Union and remained an important part of the National Conferences political vision. He said that although the constitutional provisions relating to J&K had been altered unilaterally, the National Conference would continue its political and constitutional struggle for their restoration. The issue remains at the top of the partys agenda, he said, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had the right to raise their voice for restoration of their constitutional rights. Abdullah said the party had repeatedly reiterated its position through meetings, rallies and conventions and would stand by the commitments made to the people. He said the NC would not retreat from its position and would continue its struggle through political and constitutional means. He also highlighted the issues and difficulties faced by the people, saying the prevailing circumstances required an elected government with a strong mandate and adequate powers to address public concerns, promote development and ensure good governance. The NC president stressed the need for political institutions to respect the aspirations of the people and ensure that their voices were heard. He also called for strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the rights of the people. Abdullah said progress in society was possible only through collective efforts and called for greater focus on education, social welfare and youth empowerment. He described young people as an important part of the regions future. He appealed to party workers and the public to remain united and work towards peace, social harmony and development, saying the NCs political struggle was a collective responsibility of its leadership, workers and the people.
Javed Rana reviews pending verification of PMGSY works
Jammu, Aug 20: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat here to review the status of pending joint verification of works being executed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Sub-Division Mendhar. The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, Conservator of Forests, West, Divisional Forest Officer, Poonch and Range Officer, Mendhar. During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the issues pertaining to joint verification of PMGSY works, particularly those requiring coordination between the concerned forest authorities and executing agencies. He took detailed stock of the pending cases and sought a status report on the works requiring forest-related clearances and verification. Javed Rana emphasised the need for close inter-departmental coordination and time-bound disposal of the pending cases so that procedural issues do not hamper the execution of important road connectivity projects in Mendhar. He directed the concerned officers to undertake the pending joint verification exercises on priority and ensure that all requisite formalities are completed expeditiously in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures. The Minister said that strengthening the rural road connectivity is essential for improving access to education, healthcare, markets and other essential services, particularly in remote and hilly areas. He stressed that all bottlenecks affecting the timely execution of PMGSY works should be identified and resolved through coordinated efforts. He called for regular monitoring of the progress of pending cases and directed the officers to maintain close coordination at the field level to facilitate timely completion of the required verification process.
Yasha Mudgal emphasizes strengthening of Cooperative Credit Institutions
Srinagar, Aug 20: Commissioner Secretary, Cooperative Department, Yasha Mudgal, on Thursday chaired a meeting of the High-Level Committee (HLC) to review the performance, functioning and developmental initiatives of Cooperative Credit Institutions across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Vikas Mittal, General Manager/Officer-in-Charge, NABARD; Ram Swaroop, Deputy General Manager, Reserve Bank of India (RBI); Managing Director, J&K State Cooperative Bank (JKStCB); Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), J&K besides other senior officers of the Department. During the meeting, Vikas Mittal made a detailed PowerPoint Presentation covering the financial and developmental performance of cooperative banks in Jammu and Kashmir. Ram Swaroop, emphasized the importance of robust corporate governance, regulatory compliance and effective supervisory mechanisms. He called for expediting the constitution of the Boards of Directors of the J&K Central Cooperative Bank (JCCB) and the J&K State Cooperative Bank (JKStCB). Yasha Mudgal emphasized that cooperative credit institutions have a critical role in promoting inclusive economic growth and strengthening rural livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed that cooperative banks should focus on expanding financial inclusion, improving customer service, ensuring institutional sustainability and making timely and affordable credit available to farmers, rural households, entrepreneurs and other eligible beneficiaries. Taking a detailed review of the PACS Computerization Project, the Commissioner Secretary directed all concerned to strictly adhere to the prescribed implementation timelines and ensure compliance with T-7 and T-1 requirements related to end-of-day processes and financial reconciliation. She directed that districts showing slower progress be accorded priority attention and instructed the system integrators to expedite reconciliation, provide effective handholding and training to PACS personnel and maintain continuous coordination with NABARD for resolving technical and implementation-related issues. The Commissioner Secretary also reviewed the operational issues related to Sahakar Sarthi Private Limited. She directed the concerned cooperative banks and the Office of the Registrar, Cooperative Societies, J&K, to coordinate closely and resolve all pending issues in a time-bound manner. She made it clear that operational bottlenecks should not affect the delivery of services to members and beneficiaries. Reviewing the progress of newly established Multipurpose PACS, Yasha Mudgal directed the concerned institutions to make these entities fully functional and economically viable at the earliest. She emphasized the need to augment rural credit flow, increase agricultural term lending and diversify into suitable non-agricultural loan portfolios to ensure the long-term sustainability of M-PACS and enable them to serve as effective multipurpose institutions for rural communities. The Commissioner Secretary also reviewed compliance with various supervisory and regulatory requirements. She directed for strict adherence to the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, and applicable guidelines. She called for expeditious disposal of non-banking assets, transfer of eligible unutilized funds to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) and strict compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. She directed the concerned institutions to identify regulatory deficiencies and ensure their rectification within clearly defined timelines. Emphasizing institutional accountability, Yasha Mudgal directed that future recapitalization of cooperative banks should be closely linked with measurable financial and performance indicators. She also directed the concerned authorities to expedite the convening of the Special General Meeting (SGM) and take necessary steps for the subsequent election of the Board of Directors of the J&K State Cooperative Bank in accordance with the applicable provisions. The Commissioner Secretary called upon all cooperative banks to adopt a coordinated and outcome-oriented approach towards reducing Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), improving Credit-Deposit (CD) ratios, strengthening recovery mechanisms and enhancing the overall net worth of cooperative banking institutions. She stressed that improving asset quality, mobilizing deposits and expanding quality lending should remain key priorities. Yasha Mudgal underscored that cooperative credit institutions must progressively transform into technologically enabled, member-centric and financially resilient institutions capable of responding effectively to the changing requirements of farmers, rural communities and entrepreneurs. She called for greater adoption of digital banking services, improved customer interface, strengthened internal systems and enhanced transparency and accountability in institutional functioning. She emphasized that a robust and efficient cooperative banking network should serve as a strong instrument for expanding financial inclusion, strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development across Jammu and Kashmir.
JDA seals Blinkit store at Surya Towers
JAMMU TAWI: The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) on Thursday sealed a Blinkit store operating from the basement of Surya Towers at Bahu Plaza, Jammu, for functioning in violation of the sanctioned building permission and applicable building norms. The premises form part of a building that also houses the Aakash Coaching Centre, where a large number [] The post JDA seals Blinkit store at Surya Towers appeared first on Northlines .
Govt proposes corridor connecting GMC-J & its Hospitals: Principal Arvind Sharma Jammu Tawi, Aug 20: In a revolutionary step for patient care in the Jammu division, the government has decided to construct a corridor/over-bridge across the road starting right from the premier hospital of the region, the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H) Jammu, its [] The post Patient care in Jammu to be revolutionized appeared first on Northlines .
Police cannot investigate offences under PCPNDT Act: SC
NEW DELHI: Police cannot commence an independent investigation of the offences under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, the Supreme Court said on Thursday. A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh held that authorities designated under the law must take action in such cases. The PCPNDT Act was enacted with [] The post Police cannot investigate offences under PCPNDT Act: SC appeared first on Northlines .
Agriculture Department Promotes Direct Marketing of Exotic Mushrooms
Srinagar, Aug 20: In a significant step towards strengthening direct farmer-to-consumer marketing, Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah on Thursday flagged off a consignment of exotic King Oyster mushrooms produced by Shally Farm, Zakura, Srinagar. Speaking on the occasion, the Director underscored the importance of promoting innovative and value-added mushroom cultivation in Kashmir. He said such initiatives would provide mushroom growers with better marketing opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen direct linkages between producers and consumers. He appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department in supporting mushroom entrepreneurs and said direct marketing would help growers secure better returns while encouraging consumers to opt for locally produced exotic mushrooms. The event was organised by Joint Director Mushrooms Madan Gopal Singh, who briefed the Director on various initiatives being undertaken for the promotion and development of mushroom cultivation in Kashmir. Singh said the department was taking all possible measures to promote the cultivation and marketing of different varieties of mushrooms. He added that technical guidance and necessary support were being extended to existing entrepreneurs as well as new mushroom growers. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs and farmers interested in mushroom cultivation to approach the Office of the Joint Director Mushrooms for expert technical guidance and assistance. The initiative is expected to provide further impetus to commercial mushroom cultivation in Kashmir and encourage more farmers and youth to take up mushroom farming as a viable and remunerative enterprise.
Nari Shakti transforming border economies in J
Calls upon young generation to dream big like people in metro cities Jammu Tawi, Aug 20:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said women are scripting a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir by transforming border economies, while calling upon youth in frontier villages to dream big and actively shape their future. Addressing residents of six [] The post Nari Shakti transforming border economies in J&K: LG appeared first on Northlines .
Pakistan-US row matter between Islamabad-Washington, not mine: Omar
Says Rs 31-Cr Srinagar abattoir revived; Private Universities likely soon; Srinagar, Aug 20:Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday said Pakistans summoning of the US Charge dAffaires following his meeting with the American envoy was a matter between Pakistan and the United States. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar said that Pakistan had summoned [] The post Pakistan-US row matter between Islamabad-Washington, not mine: Omar appeared first on Northlines .
PAC reviews functioning, Audit Paras of PWD (R&B) department
Srinagar, Aug 20: The Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday conducted a detailed review of various Audit Paras pertaining to the Public Works (R&B) Department. The meeting was also attended by DGAT, Engineer in Chief, Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Director Finance PWD and other senior officers of PWD, besides Secretary JKLA, Manoj Kumar Pandit and other officers of Assembly Secretariat. During the meeting, the Committee examined the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) furnished by the Department on various observations contained in the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and reviewed the status of pending Audit Paras. While examining one of the Audit Paras, the Committee took serious note of the issues involved and directed the Department to institute a departmental inquiry to fix responsibility. The Chairman directed the department to submit the Action Taken Report within two months for consideration and appraisal of the Committee. Emphasizing the importance of financial discipline and transparency in the execution of public works, the Chairman observed that public money must be utilized with utmost responsibility and accountability. He stressed that all developmental works should be executed strictly in accordance with prescribed rules, procedures and codal formalities. The Chairman also underscored the importance of environmental responsibility while undertaking construction and infrastructure projects. He observed that it is the collective moral responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that developmental activities do not compromise environmental sustainability. He further directed the Department to ensure that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are prepared through a proper and well-defined mechanism, with all necessary technical, financial and administrative requirements duly complied with, so as to minimize procedural deficiencies and avoid audit objections in future. The Chairman laid particular emphasis on strengthening the capacity of field-level functionaries. He called upon senior officers to provide regular guidance, handholding and mentoring to ground-level staff, particularly newly recruited Junior Engineers, to enhance their technical capabilities and ensure adherence to prescribed procedures.
MeT forecasts hot, humid weather till Aug 27
Jammu Tawi, Aug 20:Rain lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, with several areas receiving light to moderate showers as the Meteorological Centre forecast generally hot and humid conditions with intermittent rainfall across the Union Territory till August 27. The weather department said one or two spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers [] The post MeT forecasts hot, humid weather till Aug 27 appeared first on Northlines .
Sportspersons end hunger strike after Minister
Jammu Tawi, Aug20:Outstanding sportspersons in Jammu on Thursday called off their prolonged hunger strike after Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma gave a written assurance that the controversial SO 12 selection list would be reviewed and kept on hold. According to the details available, Minister Satish Sharma had earlier visited the protest site on [] The post Sportspersons end hunger strike after Ministers assurance appeared first on Northlines .
CASO launched in Pouni after suspicious movement report
Reasi (Jammu Div), Aug 20:Security forces on Thursday launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in remote areas of Pouni in Reasi district following reports of suspicious movement. Sources said that locals spotted some suspicious persons in the area and immediately alerted the police. They said that following the information, joint teams of the police, [] The post CASO launched in Pouni after suspicious movement report appeared first on Northlines .
CS launches online DPC Portal to fast-track promotions
Srinagar, Aug 20:Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the functioning and performance of the Administrative Reforms, Inspections (ARI) & Trainings Department, with a focus on key governance and administrative reform initiatives, including finalization of Recruitment Rules, cadre restructuring, resolution of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) issues, and operational efficiency of the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations [] The post CS launches online DPC Portal to fast-track promotions appeared first on Northlines .
Adm to withdraw cases against 25 persons in Leh protests: Kundra
LGs decision to regularise long-pending Nautor land tenancy rights Leh, Aug 20:Chief Secretary, Ladakh, Ashish Kundra on Thursday said that cases against 25 individuals found to have had limited or no involvement in last years protest in Ladakh would be withdrawn, with necessary closure proceedings undertaken in accordance with law. Addressing a news conference here, [] The post Adm to withdraw cases against 25 persons in Leh protests: Kundra appeared first on Northlines .
Hanjura seeks adequate facilities for Pakharpora Urs
Srinagar, Aug 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) General Secretary Organisation and former minister Adv. Gh Nabi Lone Hanjura has urged the Budgam district administration to ensure adequate arrangements for devotees ahead of the annual Urs of Hazrat SyedAli Aali Balakhi (R), scheduled to begin at Pakharpora on August 25. Hanjura said thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to visit the shrine to pay their respects and participate in the religious observances. He called for timely arrangements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free gathering. He particularly sought adequate drinking water, sanitation, cleanliness, uninterrupted power supply, medical facilities, traffic management and parking arrangements around the shrine. Hanjura also urged the administration to deploy sufficient personnel and ensure effective crowd management, especially during peak hours, to facilitate the peaceful conduct of the Urs. He said the Urs of revered saints formed an important part of Kashmirs spiritual and cultural heritage and carried deep religious significance for people across the region. The PDP leader called for close coordination between the district administration, shrine management and local stakeholders, urging them to complete all arrangements well ahead of August 25 while keeping the safety, convenience and dignity of devotees a priority.
Banihal-Gool power network gets major capacity boost
Banihal, Aug 20: The power infrastructure in the Banihal-Gool constituency is set for a major upgrade, with several receiving stations being augmented to address overloading and improve electricity supply, particularly during the winter months. Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen on Thursday inaugurated the augmented Receiving Station at Banihal, which has been upgraded from 6.3 MVA to 10.6 MVA at an estimated cost of Rs 1.25 crore under UT Capex. Shaheen said the additional capacity would help reduce overloading at the station and improve the reliability of power supply as electricity demand rises during winter. He said the strengthening of the power network was not limited to Banihal and that several projects were being taken up across the constituency. The Receiving Station at Sangaldan has already been augmented from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA, while work on upgrading the Khari Receiving Station from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA is underway and is expected to be completed shortly. Shaheen further said an additional 50 MVA transformer was being installed at Grid Station Tethar, which would augment the capacity and reliability of the power network in the area. People have been facing the problem of overloaded receiving stations for a long time. We are working to address this issue in a systematic manner so that the power infrastructure keeps pace with the growing requirements of our people, he said. He said new Receiving Stations were also planned at Chamalwas, Neel, Kaskoot and Kawna to strengthen the distribution network. The projects, he added, would help reduce disruptions caused by the snapping of long transmission lines during heavy snowfall and harsh winter conditions. Shaheen said the combined impact of the ongoing and planned projects would significantly improve the power supply across the Banihal-Gool constituency and provide residents with a more stable and reliable electricity network. The MLA also thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his support to development initiatives in Banihal, saying his backing had helped advance key infrastructure projects in the constituency.
From Right to Education to Right to Safe Education
Rajasthans Historic Step to Protect Children, School Integrity and the Learning Environment By Col. (Dr.) Dev Anand Lohamaror Imagine entering a private office, hospital, bank or reputed educational institution. At the entrance, visitors are normally asked who they are, whom they wish to meet and why they have come. Identification is recorded and entry is [] The post From Right to Education to Right to Safe Education appeared first on Northlines .
A new American view of Jammu Kashmir as integral part of India
Change reflects transformation taking place on ground By T N Ashok US Envoy Sergio Gors visit to Srinagar describing J&K as an integral part of India is a moment that redefines US government perception of the decades old Indo Pak dispute on Kashmir as his choice of words about Indias sovereignty over the [] The post A new American view of Jammu Kashmir as integral part of India appeared first on Northlines .
Reclaiming childhood from screens
There is a silent epidemic spreading across Indias homes. It does not arrive with fever or cough, but through the glow of a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Children are increasingly spending several hours a day staring at screens, watching reels, playing online games and consuming a constant stream of digital content designed to hold their [] The post Reclaiming childhood from screens appeared first on Northlines .
Restoration Of Special Status Remains Top of NC Agenda: Farooq Abdullah
SRINAGAR : Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs special constitutional status remained at the top of the partys political agenda, asserting that the NC would continue its struggle for its restoration. Addressing a gathering, Dr Farooq said the special constitutional status reflected Jammu and []
Jammu Kashmir-Origin IAS Officer Relieved from Puducherry to Join Mizoram
SRINAGAR: IAS officer Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, a 2015-batch AGMUT cadre officer who has served in several key administrative positions in Jammu and Kashmir, has been relieved from the Puducherry Administration to enable him to join in Mizoram. The Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry issued the relieving order in pursuance of an order of the Ministry of []
IRGC Says Iran Will Deploy Stronger Missiles in Future War
Tehran , August 20 : Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that it would deploy more advanced and destructive weapons if another war breaks out, saying its military capabilities have been significantly strengthened since recent conflicts with the United States and Israel. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said Iran's future missiles would differ from those used in previous fighting, particularly in terms of warhead technology, accuracy and range. He also claimed that Iran has continued producing weapons without interruption and that the destructive power of newer missile warheads is substantially greater than those used during earlier conflicts. Mohebbi's comments came amid renewed speculation over possible diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington. Earlier this week, he dismissed US President Donald Trump's claim that a backchannel between the United States and the IRGC exists, describing the allegation as unfounded. He said the IRGC is not engaged in negotiations with Washington and added that Iran's diplomatic establishment is also not currently holding talks with the US, citing what Tehran considers Washington's failure to honour previous commitments. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei separately rejected reports of indirect communications between the two countries through officials in Iraq's Kurdistan region. He also denied claims of a secret US-Iran meeting in Erbil, describing such reports as psychological and media operations intended to create divisions within Iran's leadership. The latest statements come against the backdrop of repeated military confrontations and ceasefire efforts between Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran's latest warnings indicate that Iran is seeking to emphasise improvements in its missile capabilities while denying that meaningful backchannel negotiations with Washington are currently underway.
Jammu and Kashmir HC Quashes Drug Case Against Albert David, Orders Probe into Missing Samples
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed criminal proceedings against pharmaceutical company Albert David Limited in a case arising from a drug sample declared substandard, holding that the company was deprived of its statutory right to have the sample re-tested after the sample allegedly failed to reach the Central Drugs []
Jammu Kashmir Power Development Department Orders Transfer and Posting of Engineers
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the immediate transfer and posting of a large number of engineers in the Power Development Department (PDD) as part of administrative arrangements for the smooth functioning of official work. The transfers and postings were ordered under Government Order No. 181-JK(PDD) of 2026, dated August 20, 2026, issued []
Driver Dies After Vehicle Comes in Contact With Power Line In Uri
Uri, Aug 20: A 45-year-old dumper driver died after suffering an electric shock when the vehicle he was driving came into contact with an overhead 33-KV power line in the Rajarwani area of Uri in north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Thursday. According to officials, the incident occurred while the dumper was being unloaded and accidentally came in contact with the overhead power line. The driver suffered a severe electric shock and was immediately shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Uri in critical condition. However, doctors declared him brought dead on arrival. The deceased was reportedly a resident of the Uranbuwa area of Boniyar, while his identity has not yet been officially ascertained. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further proceedings.
Jammu Kashmir: Forest Department Orders Transfer and Posting of 35 Officers
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has ordered the transfer and posting of 35 Range Officers Grade-II, In-charge Range Officers and In-charge Block Officers with immediate effect, in a major administrative reshuffle across forest, social forestry, wildlife and related divisions. The transfers have been ordered under Forest Order No. 69 of 2026, dated August []
SKUAST-K, Mission YUVA, IIM Jammu Join Hands To Boost Youth Startups In Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Mission YUVA and IIM Jammu have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mentor, incubate and scale youth-led innovative startups in Jammu and Kashmir. The agreement brings together SKUAST-Ks incubation infrastructure, Mission YUVAs financial and institutional support and IIM Jammus selection and mentoring []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Approves Promotion of 10 SKIMS Faculty Members Under AMPS
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the selection and promotion of 10 faculty members of SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar and SKIMS Medical College and Hospital (MCH), Bemina, to higher grades and posts under the Assessment Merit Promotion Scheme (AMPS). The promotions were approved on the basis of recommendations of the JK Public Service Commission []
Vande Mataram: From the Song of Freedom to the Politics of Appeasement
Former MLC GL Raina The continuing controversy over Vande Mataram has once again exposed a disturbing mindset within the Congress establishmentone that appears increasingly disconnected from Indias civilisational consciousness, national sentiment and the symbols that inspired the countrys freedom struggle. For the Congresss first family and its political camp, this is hardly an isolated episode. [] The post Vande Mataram: From the Song of Freedom to the Politics of Appeasement appeared first on Northlines .
Moral Decay: An Unfortunate and Disturbing Trend
Omkar Dattatray Moral decay is the gradual erosion of the principles that distinguish right from wrong, honesty from deceit, duty from selfishness, and compassion from indifference. It rarely arrives suddenly. It develops quietly through repeated compromises, rationalisation, silence and the normalisation of behaviour that was once considered unacceptable. A society experiences moral decay when ethical [] The post Moral Decay: An Unfortunate and Disturbing Trend appeared first on Northlines .
Amit Shah announces Cabinet decision to set up J-K High Court bench in Ladakh
New Delhi [India], August 20 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to set up a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. He said the move will improve access to justice for people living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail legal services. In a post on X, Shah wrote, The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of the PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, has decided to set up a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. He said the government is committed to the overall development of Ladakh and ensuring constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. This will significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail themselves of the legal services they are entitled to. The Govt is fully committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards, the post read. On August 5, 2019, the Centre abrogated Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Following the move, the state was reorganised into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislature and Ladakh, without a legislature. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two significant infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering connectivity and economic growth. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave the green light to four major railway multitracking projects across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu with an estimated cost of Rs 9,450 crore. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to a four-lane standard, involving a capital investment of Rs 3,590.73 crore. (ANI)
DGP J&K Reviews Security Arrangements for Kounsarnag Yatra at PCR Kashmir
Srinagar, August 20: Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, chaired a high-level security review meeting at Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir to assess and strengthen security arrangements for the forthcoming annual Kounsarnag Yatra. The meeting was attended by Spl. DG Coordination J&K S.J.M. Gillani, IGsP of Kashmir and Jammu Zones, range DIGs of SKR and UR, SSPs of Kulgam, Reasi and PCR Kashmir, officers from the Army, including COs of 33 RR and 58 RR, CDR 14 Sector RR, and other senior security officials. During the meeting, officers briefed the DGP on the existing security arrangements and preparedness for the upcoming pilgrimage. Nalin Prabhat reviewed various security-related aspects and emphasized enhanced coordination among all agencies involved in the conduct of the yatra. The DGP directed officers to maintain a high level of preparedness, strengthen security measures along the designated yatra routes, and ensure seamless communication and coordination among all stakeholders. Emphasizing that the safety and security of pilgrims remains the top priority, the DGP called for comprehensive and meticulous planning to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Kounsarnag Yatra. The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned officers to ensure effective implementation of security arrangements and close coordination throughout the pilgrimage.
CASO launched in Reasis Pouni after suspicious movement report
Reasi, Aug 20 : Security forces on Thursday launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in remote areas of Pouni in Reasi district following reports of suspicious movement. Sources told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that locals spotted some suspicious persons in the area and immediately alerted the police. They said that following the information, joint teams of the police, Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) launched a CASO in the suspected area and adjoining locations. Security personnel are conducting searches to trace the suspected individuals and ascertain their identity and movement, they added.(KNO)
ACB Traps SMC Junior Building Inspector for 10,000 Bribe
Srinagar, August 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped and arrested Gazala Akhter, Junior Building Inspector, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Ward No. 28, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of 10,000 from a complainant. According to the ACB, a written complaint was received alleging that Akhter had demanded illegal gratification in connection with the construction of two structures, despite the complainant having obtained the requisite building permission from the competent authority. The complainant further alleged that the accused official was deliberately delaying and obstructing the ongoing construction, allegedly with the intention of putting pressure on him to pay the demanded amount. Following the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which prima facie substantiated the allegations. Subsequently, FIR No. 11/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and an investigation was initiated. During the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team. The team subsequently laid a trap and apprehended Gazala Akhter red-handed while allegedly demanding and accepting 10,000 from the complainant. The bribe amount was recovered from her possession in the presence of independent witnesses, following which she was taken into custody. The ACB said that further investigation in the case is underway.
Jammu Kashmir ACB Traps SMC Building Inspector While Accepting Rs 10,000 Bribe
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped a Junior Building Inspector of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) while allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a complainant. The accused, Gazala Akhter, posted as Junior Building Inspector in SMC Ward No. 28, Srinagar, allegedly demanded the bribe in connection []
Jammu Kashmir Assembly Staff Protests Against Deputation of JKAS Officer
SRINAGAR: Employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday staged a protest inside the Assembly premises against a General Administration Department (GAD) order deputing KAS officer Bilal Ahmad Mir to the Assembly Secretariat. The protesting employees raised slogans and objected to the deputation, saying the move was contrary to the established rules and []
Trump Threatens Tougher Economic Measures Against Iran, Its Allies
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sweeping new economic penalties on Iran and countries that continue to provide financial, commercial or logistical support to Tehran. Trump said the measures would amount to the toughest economic campaign ever imposed against a country, but did not specify the countries that could be targeted or outline []
Jammu Kashmir Food Department Tightens Rules on Transfers, Seeks Prior Approval for All Postings
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has directed all its Directors and Heads of Offices to refrain from issuing transfer and posting orders without prior approval of the Administrative Department. The directions have been issued through Circular No. 06-JK(FCS&CA) of 2026 following observations that several transfer and posting []
Any third-party intervention on Kashmir issue is Centre's 'failure', says Congress' Tariq Karra
Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, stated J&K Congress chief Tariq Karra. He believes any third-party intervention indicates a central government policy failure. US Ambassador Sergio Gor recently visited Srinagar and affirmed J&K's importance to India. Pakistan summoned the US envoy over Gor's remarks concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress Ex-MP Sajjan Kumar Dies While Serving Life Sentence in 1984 Sikh Massacre Case
NEW DELHI, Aug 20: Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, convicted for his role in the 1984 Sikh Massacre, died on Thursday at the age of 80 after being brought from Tihar Jail to Delhis Safdarjung Hospital, where he was declared dead. Kumar was serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail in connection with the killing [] The post Congress Ex-MP Sajjan Kumar Dies While Serving Life Sentence in 1984 Sikh Massacre Case appeared first on Northlines .
Drug Addiction Treatment Cases in Jammu Kashmir Rise From 5,382 to 46,491 in Five Years
SRINAGAR: The number of people treated for drug addiction at centres supported by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir has increased nearly nine-fold in five years, rising from 5,382 in 2021-22 to 46,491 in 2025-26. The figures were disclosed by the Ministry in Rajya Sabha in response to a []
After Kashmir Visit, US Ambassador Sergio Gor Arrives In Leh
SRINAGAR, Aug 20: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Leh on Thursday on his maiden visit to Ladakh, a day after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, officials said. An official said that Gor left Srinagar for Leh this morning. The US envoy arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday and [] The post After Kashmir Visit, US Ambassador Sergio Gor Arrives In Leh appeared first on Northlines .
Shah Faesal Gets 2-Year Extension As Deputy Secretary In Culture Ministry
Srinagar:The Central government has extended the deputation tenure of IAS officer Shah Faesal. According to an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Culture for extension in the central deputation tenure of Shah Faesal, IAS []
Jammu Kashmir-Cadre IAS Officer Gets Two-Year Central Deputation Extension
SRINAGAR:The Central Government has approved a two-year extension of the central deputation tenure of Shah Faesal, IAS (AGMUT:2010), who is serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Culture. The extension, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will continue from September 19, 2026, until September 18, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is []
IEI Jammu Kashmir Delegation Meets New NIT Srinagar Director
SRINAGAR: A delegation of the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu and Kashmir State Centre, led by its chairman Er Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, on Thursday met newly appointed NIT Srinagar Director Prof Anurag Misra, FIE, and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions. The delegation welcomed Prof Misra on his new assignment and []
Woman Dies After SUV Collides With Tata Mobile in Central Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A 45-year-old woman died after an SUV collided with a Tata Mobile vehicle in the Akhal area of Kangan in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Thursday. Officials said the accident occurred when a Scorpio collided with a Tata Mobile near Akhal, leaving the woman seriously injured. The injured woman was shifted to Sub-District Hospital []
Body Recovered From River In Nowshera, Identity Yet To Be Ascertained
SRINAGAR : An unidentified body was recovered from a river in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district on Thursday, officials said. Quoting an official, the news agency KNO reported that some locals engaged in contract-related work spotted the body floating in the river and subsequently informed the police. Following the information, a police team along []
After Srinagar visit, US Envoy Sergio Gor reaches Leh
Leh: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Leh on Thursday on his maiden visit to Ladakh, a day after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, officials said. An official said that Gor left Srinagar for Leh this morning. The US envoy arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday and met CM []
Unauthorized Structures Outside Pakistan High Commission Removed in Delhi
NEW DELHI, Aug 20: Authorities have removed unauthorised structures, including queue-management barriers, erected outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, official sources said on Thursday. The structures, including queue liners installed near the commissions visa section, were located on a lane outside the approved boundary of the diplomatic compound and were removed as part [] The post Unauthorized Structures Outside Pakistan High Commission Removed in Delhi appeared first on Northlines .
Body recovered from Nowshera river
Rajouri, Aug 20: An unidentified body was recovered from a river in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district on Thursday, officials said. An official said that locals engaged in contract-related work spotted the body floating in the river and informed the police. He said a police team along with personnel from the SDRF reached the spot and recovered the body from the river. The body has been taken into custody, while the identity of the deceased has not been ascertained, he said, adding that the body is in a decomposed condition, making identification difficult. Meanwhile, an investigation has been taken up and a probe has begun.(KNO)
Srinagar, Aug 20: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari has welcomed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gors remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and an incredibly beautiful place, saying the comments are significant and could help strengthen recognition of J&Ks place within India while opening avenues for greater US engagement, including a possible review of its travel advisory for the region. In a post on X, Altaf Bukhari wrote, US Ambassador Sergio Gors recognition that J&K is an important part of India is highly significant. It reflects Washingtons acknowledgement of Indias position on Jammu and Kashmir. One hopes that Gors remarks will also help raise awareness in our country and strengthen the case for ensuring that J&K receives the rights, attention, and recognition it deserves as an equal and important part of the nation, he added. He further wrote, The Ambassadors indication that Washington could review its travel advisory for J&K is also significant. It gives hope and reflects a recognition of the positive changes taking place on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir. Sergio Gor rightly described J&K as an incredibly beautiful place. His remarks are encouraging and give hope that the US could support efforts to further explore and develop the vast potential of this region, Bukhari said. I urge the Central Government to explore ways to secure technological support from the US to unlock the potential of various sectors in J&K. For instance, we could consider introducing advanced American horticultural technologies that are being used to improve productivity. These technologies use modern tools such as smart automation, precision sensors, and robotics to increase crop yields while conserving water, the post reads. Overall, the US diplomats visit to J&K was highly encouraging and significant, with implications that go beyond the immediate diplomatic engagement, he added.
Vande Bharat touches 100 kmph on worlds highest Chenab bridge
Jammu, Aug 20 : The Vande Bharat train has, for the first time, operated at a speed of nearly 100 kmph on the worlds highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, following the Railway Ministrys approval to increase the maximum permissible speed on the Katra-Banihal rail section. Details available with the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said the approval allows trains to run at speeds of up to 100 kmph on the 111-kilometre-long new Broad Gauge rail section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal under the Jammu Division of Northern Railway. Earlier, the permissible speed was 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan section and 75 kmph on the Sangaldan-Banihal section. Northern Railway has also said the speed enhancement was approved after ensuring compliance with all prescribed safety conditions. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, told KNO that the increase in speed would reduce travel time and further strengthen connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir. The move would provide passengers with faster, safer and more comfortable travel while also boosting tourism, trade and economic activities in the region, he said. It is worth mentioning that, with the revised speed limit, travel time between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal is expected to reduce further.(KNO)
Vande Bharat touches 100 kmph on world
Jammu: The Vande Bharat train has, for the first time, operated at a speed of nearly 100 kmph on the worlds highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, following the Railway Ministrys approval to increase the maximum permissible speed on the Katra-Banihal rail section. Approval allows trains to run at speeds of up to 100 []
SRINAGAR: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have put forward a set of non-negotiable demands ahead of their proposed dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in September, insisting that any future arrangement for Ladakh must address its political, financial and constitutional concerns. The two organisations submitted a joint memorandum []
Apple-Laden Truck Rolls Down in Ramban; Driver, Co-Driver Safe
Ramban, Aug 20: An apple-laden truck bearing registration number JK04F-5051, travelling from Srinagar towards Rajasthan, rolled down the roadside at Cafeteria Morh Flyover in Ramban on Thursday morning. According to officials, the trucks wheel area reportedly heated up due to continuous travel, leading to a tyre burst. Following the incident, the truck hit the flyover wall before rolling down the roadside. The trucks diesel tank also leaked following the accident. However, the driver and co-driver are safe. A team of F&ES Ramban, along with local police personnel, has reached the spot and is carrying out rescue and recovery operations to retrieve the truck. The rescue operation is currently underway.
Trump says US, Canada have trade deal, but key terms remain unclear
Canada has dodged President Donald Trump's threat of 50 -per cent tariffs - at least for now. Trump went on social media late Tuesday to say he was pausing for three days the taxes on USD 20 billion worth of Canadian imports less than two hours before they were set to go into effect. Speaking to reporters at the White House Wednesday, Trump said that talks with Canada yielded a very fair deal for both sides. Our farmers are going to be thrilled, our manufacturers are going to be thrilled, Trump said in an impromptu gaggle during a tour of South Lawn construction. Trump also noted that the agreement is all subject to the finalization of documents. For now, the tariffs have been postponed until 12:01 am Saturday. Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-US trade, returned to Ottawa on Wednesday to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was also set to chair Cabinet and a virtual meeting with provincial and territorial leaders. Trump's tariff threat would hit
Age controversy around BCCI Chief reopens old wounds in JKCA
Jammu, Aug 19: A court-ordered preliminary inquiry into allegations concerning the date of birth of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas has reopened a much larger and deeply uncomfortable debate over transparency, accountability and the continued influence of entrenched interests within cricket administration in Jammu and Kashmir. A Special Railway Magistrates Court in Jammu has directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Nowabad to conduct a preliminary inquiry into a complaint filed by former Joint Honorary Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, Sudershan Mehta, and submit a report before the court by September 3. The complaint alleges that Manhas furnished different dates of birth at different stages of his cricketing career and that the date allegedly used for junior level cricket differed from the date recorded in his school records. The complainant has cited information purportedly obtained from Maharaja Hari Singh Agriculture Collegiate School, Nagbani, Jammu, which records Manhass date of birth as December 9, 1977, while the Delhi and District Cricket Association website has reportedly listed October 12, 1979. The court, while directing the preliminary inquiry, observed that under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, a preliminary inquiry may be required before registration of a cognizable offence in such circumstances. The allegations remain unproven at this stage, and the police inquiry will establish whether there is sufficient material to proceed further. But the case has already triggered a more consequential question in the cricketing circles of J&K: has the cricket administration in the Union Territory ever applied its standards of integrity, eligibility and accountability consistently, irrespective of who is involved? The question becomes particularly pertinent because allegations of age and eligibility manipulation are not entirely new to Jammu and Kashmir cricket. In an earlier case involving another J&K cricketer, similar allegations were reportedly made regarding his age and eligibility for junior level cricket. The matter reached the Crime Branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which reportedly registered an FIR after examining the allegations. Yet the case was subsequently withdrawn on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association by a then senior subcommittee member. What followed has continued to raise eyebrows among sections of the cricket fraternity. Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the reported intervention of the Crime Branch, the same cricketer was subsequently seen making his way back into the J&K cricket establishment. His reported re-entry has fuelled allegations that institutional doors can be reopened for individuals who have faced serious questions, provided they enjoy the backing of influential elements within the system. For years, players, coaches and cricket followers have questioned the persistence of an old power structure within the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. Despite changes in office bearers and administrative arrangements, critics allege that the same individuals and networks continue to exercise considerable influence over the associations functioning. The allegations extend from administration and player selection to the appointment of support staff and procurement, creating a perception that control over the association remains concentrated in the hands of a small and well-established group. Questions have also been raised over the reported continuation of individuals in influential positions despite having crossed prescribed age limits. In one such case, a senior subcommittee member is reportedly over 70 years of age but is alleged to have remained interested in securing or retaining a lucrative position within the association. Critics view such arrangements as another indication of an entrenched lobby determined to preserve its influence. The central concern among cricket enthusiasts is therefore not merely who occupies a particular post. It is whether the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has genuinely broken with the culture of closed-door decision making that has dominated its affairs for years. The frustration is palpable as the cricket followers have watched the same names, networks and power centres remain relevant through successive administrative arrangements, while questions concerning accountability, transparency, selection, appointments and financial decisions continue to surface. The situation has left many stakeholders asking a fundamental question: if the same people continue to control administration, selection, appointments and procurement, what has actually changed in the governance of Jammu and Kashmir cricket? The courts direction in the Mithun Manhas matter now places another sensitive issue under official scrutiny. It also provides an opportunity for the authorities to demonstrate that allegations relating to age manipulation, eligibility and sporting integrity will be examined impartially, regardless of the stature or position of the individual concerned. For the cricket fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, the demand is increasingly straightforward. They want a cricket administration where rules are applied uniformly, selection is based on merit, appointments are transparent, procurement is accountable and no individual or lobby is allowed to exercise unchecked influence over the game.
Cycling spirit soars as KU hosts annual inter-collegiate cycle races
Srinagar, Aug 19: The Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES), University of Kashmir (KU), organised the Annual Inter-Collegiate Men & Women Cycle Races as part of its Annual Sports Calendar. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing more than 20 affiliated colleges of the University, along with postgraduate students from KU. The races provided the participants an opportunity to showcase their sporting prowess along the Boulevard Road while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Dal Lake. The Mens Cycle Race was flagged off from Lalit Grand Palace, while the Womens Cycle Race commenced from Nishat Garden. Both races culminated at the Universitys Rumi Gate. The races were flagged off by Director, DPES, KU, Prof. Raies Qadri. Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Prof. Raies Qadri congratulated the participants for their enthusiastic participation and highlighted the importance of promoting cycling and active lifestyles among young people. Cycling is an important means of promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and a healthy lifestyle. In line with the Prime Ministers clarion call for mass cycling and the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, we encourage our students to make cycling and regular physical activity an integral part of their daily lives, Prof. Qadri said. He highlighted the various physical and mental benefits of cycling and urged students to incorporate cycling and other forms of regular physical activity into their daily routines. A medal ceremony was subsequently held at Ground B of the Main Campus, where medals and participation certificates were distributed among the podium finishers by Prof. Raies Qadri. Students from the Universitys Shri Pran Krishan Kaul Institute of Music & Fine Arts enthralled the participants and guests with their melodious musical performances during the ceremony. In the Mens Cycle Race, Tasleem Muhammad of Gandhi College, Srinagar, clinched the Gold Medal with a timing of 19:47, while Hamed Arshid of Islamia College, Srinagar, secured Silver with 20:00. Muhammad Tahir Mir of GDC Beerwah won the Bronze Medal, clocking 26:48. In the Womens Cycle Race, Muskaan Naseer of Womens College Zakura bagged the Gold Medal with a timing of 18:20. Adfara Alam of GDC Pampore secured Silver with 18:36, while Pakeeza Ashraf of GDC Ganderbal won the Bronze Medal, clocking 19:33.
2-day seminar on GST Reforms 2.0: Sectoral Growth Prospects and Challenges begin at CUK
Ganderbal, Aug 19: Department of Commerce, School of Business Studies, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, began a two-day national seminar on GST Reforms 2.0: Sectoral Growth Prospects and Challenges, at the Tulmulla campus here Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, said the introduction of GST represented a significant transformation of Indias indirect tax system, while the subsequent reforms were aimed at addressing emerging challenges and making the system more responsive to the needs of citizens and businesses. He called for a balanced approach in which taxation supports economic activity while encouraging environmental consciousness, social responsibility and responsible consumption. Prof. Nath highlighted the importance of examining GST reforms from the perspective of different income groups and sectors, particularly agriculture, manufacturing and services. CUK VC expressed hope that the deliberations would result in substantive recommendations capable of contributing to policy discourse and could eventually be placed before the appropriate authorities, including the GST Council. Vice-Chancellor, Ravenshaw University, Prof. (Dr.) Arka Das Mohapatra, who was the chief guest on the occasion, appreciated CUK for creating a platform where academic knowledge, policy experience and field-level perspectives could converge. He noted that taxation ultimately affects the everyday lives of citizens and, therefore, the success of tax reform should be assessed not merely by the sophistication of its structure but by whether its benefits reach ordinary people. Prof. Mohapatra called for greater attention to affordability, quality of services, environmental responsibility and socially conscious taxation. He suggested that taxation policies could encourage environmentally responsible manufacturing and healthier consumption patterns, while ensuring that essential goods remain affordable for economically vulnerable sections of society. Additional Commissioner, Sales Tax, J&K, Parvez Ahmed Raina, explained the practical dimensions of implementing GST Reforms 2.0. He identified three key features of the reform processsimpler rate architecture, sectoral rationalisation and a new phase of compliance. Raina said that while the rationalisation of rates could enhance affordability and purchasing power, its implementation also presented challenges relating to rate transitions, classification, input tax credit (ITC), refunds and registration. He emphasized that tax administration had to respond to these challenges through technological intervention, analytical tools and stronger monitoring mechanisms. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said that GST has evolved into a significant component of India's economic architecture and that the reforms under GST 2.0 needed to be assessed not merely as a rate-rationalisation exercise but in terms of their wider impact on economic growth, consumption, businesses and households. Dean, School of Business Studies, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, observed that GST was conceived with the objective of creating a unified national market and simplifying the complex indirect taxation structure that had previously confronted businesses with multiple taxes and compliance requirements. Head, Deptt of Commerce and seminar Convenor, Dr. Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, said the seminar was conceived as a platform to critically examine the immediate and emerging implications of GST Reforms 2.0 through a research-oriented and interdisciplinary approach. Prof. Nisar Ali Head, Deptt of Economics, KU and Prof S. M Shafi Former Head, Department of Commerce, KU were present. Asst Prof. Dr. Rizwana Rafiq, conducted the programme and Dr. Arfa Zahoor, proposed the vote of thanks.
KMCH Sempora organises CME on womens mental health
The Department of Psychiatry, Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Wednesday organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled Real Life, Real Stories: A CME on Womens Mental Health at the colleges conference room. The programme was attended by Managing Director KMCH Tausif Ahmad, Executive Director Insha Qazi, Principal KMC Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan, Dr Mantasha Binti Rashid, JKAS Officer who is currently posted as General Manager, Industries & Commerce, District Ganderbal and Registrar, Land Revenue, Ganderbal, was the guest speaker, Chairman SSM College of Engineering Dr Qazi Shabir Ahmad, Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Mubashir, HoDs of various departments, faculty members, doctors and other healthcare professionals. Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director Insha Qazi said that alongside the CME, KMCH has introduced several specialised mental health services aimed at making mental healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of different sections of society. She said the hospital has introduced a Polysomnography Clinic, EEG support and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for insomnia, besides a dedicated Workplace Burnout Clinic for KMCH staff. The clinic is managed by experienced psychiatrists and psychologists and focuses on identifying and addressing work-related stress and burnout. She added that KMCH has also established a Womens Emotional Wellness Clinic, with a special focus on pregnancy-related mental health concerns and postpartum depression, as well as a self-help group for women going through menopause. The Executive Director said KMCH has further introduced a Mind Check-Up, a confidential 15-minute screening service for stress, anxiety, mood, sleep and burnout. The Sleep Clinic addresses concerns such as insomnia, disturbed sleep, nightmares, excessive sleeping and screen-related sleep problems, while the Student and Young Adult Clinic focuses on exam anxiety, concentration difficulties, bullying, gaming and screen dependence, relationship stress and adjustment-related issues. She said the Memory and Healthy Ageing Clinic provides memory assessment, dementia support and counselling for caregivers. Insha Qazi said KMCH is committed to transforming mental healthcare by providing specialised services supported by modern, state-of-the-art facilities and a team of trained mental health professionals. The CME focused on various aspects of womens mental health, including depression, the unique mental health challenges faced by women, and the biological, psychological and social factors associated with different stages of womanhood. Head of the Department of Psychiatry, KMCH, Prof. (Dr) Mohammad Maqbool, spoke about the growing burden of depression and discussed its various dimensions, symptoms and impact on womens overall well-being Dr Mantasha Binti Rashid spoke on Womens Mental Health: A Denied and Ignored Reality of Our Society, highlighting social stigma, lack of awareness and other factors that often prevent women from seeking timely mental healthcare. Her presentation was well received by the audience. Dr Muhasin Mujtaba, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, KMCH, shared insights into The Unique Landscape of Womens Mental Health, focusing on the specific psychological challenges women may experience across different stages of life. Dr Shazia Kouser, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMCH, delivered a presentation on Challenges of Womanhood: Biology and Beyond Biology, exploring the biological, psychological and social factors that influence womens mental health.
Prof. Anurag Misra assumes charge as Dir, NIT Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 19: Prof. Anurag Misra on Wednesday assumed charge as Director of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, succeeding Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, in accordance with the orders of the Ministry of Education. Prof. Misra was warmly received by Dean R&C, along with outgoing Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia. After assuming charge, Prof. Misra held a meeting with the Deans and Heads of Departments. He sought inputs from the academic leadership and assured that genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority. Addressing the Deans and HoDs, Prof. Misra said the institutes students, faculty and staff must remain at the centre of all institutional efforts. Our collective priority should be to strengthen NIT Srinagar as an institution of excellence. Every decision and initiative must ultimately contribute to better opportunities for our students, stronger academic and research outcomes, and a more efficient and responsive institutional system, he said. Prof. Misra assured the institute community of his full support and called for collective efforts to achieve institutional goals. An institution can progress only when its faculty, officers, staff and students work together with a shared sense of purpose. I look forward to working with the entire NIT Srinagar community to take the institute to greater heights, he said. Outgoing Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, who joined NIT Srinagar in 2024, while interacting with the new Director and the institute leadership, highlighted the importance of continuity in institutional development. He said the welfare of students, faculty and staff, along with the overall progress of NIT Srinagar, should remain the collective focus of the institute community. During his tenure, Prof. Kanaujia spearheaded several initiatives aimed at strengthening the Institutes administrative and academic systems. Prof. Kanaujia also emphasised the importance of building upon the initiatives already undertaken and ensuring continuity in the Institutes developmental journey. Progress is always a collective endeavour. The support of faculty, officers, staff and students is essential for taking the institute forward. The focus must remain on strengthening NIT Srinagar as a premier centre of learning, research and innovation, Prof. Kanaujia said. Prof. Anurag Misra was appointed Director of NIT Srinagar by the Ministry of Education on July 29, 2026, through an order issued by the Department of Higher Education. Before joining NIT Srinagar, Prof. Misra served as Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Dean (Infrastructure Planning and Management) at IIT Jammu. His professional experience spans academia, research and the infrastructure industry. Prior to IIT Jammu, he worked as Chief Executive Officer of an infrastructure company, where he was involved in the planning, design and execution of pre-engineered steel warehousing complexes and steel-concrete composite elevated road projects. Prof. Misra also played a key role in establishing an automated manufacturing facility for precast sections and heavy prefabricated steel structures for public infrastructure and multi-storey buildings. He has also served as Professor and Head of Structural Engineering and Coordinator of the Centre for Building Technology and Construction Materials at Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, besides serving as Director of Anand International College of Engineering, Jaipur. He has also worked with Liverpool John Moores University and Curtins Consulting Engineers in the UK. His research interests include sustainable concrete, durability of concrete, concrete repair, non-destructive testing and utilisation of industrial and construction waste in infrastructure. He has supervised research in areas including high-volume fly ash concrete, self-compacting concrete, geopolymer concrete and sustainable construction materials. Prof. Misra has also been associated with collaborative international research projects and has undertaken more than 200 consultancy projects, including work related to the Jaipur Metro.
