July Rains Break Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: After months of deficient rainfall, Jammu and Kashmir finally got a wet July, with the Union Territory recording a 35 per cent surplus and bringing an end to an eight-month run of below-normal precipitation. Jammu and Kashmir received 259.7 mm of rainfall during July against the normal 192.6 mm, according to rainfall data shared []
Jammu Kashmir HC Quashes Contempt Notice Against Shopian DC, Says Magistrate Exceeded Jurisdiction
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has quashed a contempt notice issued against Shopian Deputy Commissioner Shishir Gupta, holding that the judicial magistrate had exceeded the limits of his authority while seeking action against the IAS officer. Justice Rahul Bharti, while hearing the matter on August 7, found that the Judicial Magistrate []
Jammu Kashmir Has One SAI Training Centre, Govt Says
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has one Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in Jammu, while an extension centre for water sports is operational at Dal Lake in Srinagar, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The government said sports infrastructure and training facilities are primarily the responsibility of state and Union []
Turkish F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission
SRINAGAR: A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft crashed during a training flight in the northwestern province of Yalova on Wednesday, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. The pilot survived after ejecting safely from the aircraft, according to Turkeys Defence Ministry. In a statement shared on social media, the ministry said the F-16 was taking []
Childhood, Schooling & Teaching : Has anything changed? Evolved or devolved?
But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived a hidden life faithfully, and rest in unvisited tombs. George Eliot, Middlemarch These were the lines floating in the sky of my mind when I met my school teachers. The morning of August 13 was unusual. I came back home with a school memento, like a school report card. My mother held it, hugged it and, like any sacrosanct object, kept it carefully away. It is a symbol of love, respect and admiration. After eighteen years, I was going back to my school, Woodlands House School, as it was celebrating its sixtieth anniversary. It was established by a woman, Mrs Rup SP Singh, in the year 1966. It is located in the picturesque, serene foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range and Takht-e-Sulaiman/ Shankaracharya Temple. The school started with a few students, but with her persistence, dedication and devotion to impart education, its enrollment grew. Her work as a woman was recognised by former Chief Ministers also. Her initiative to impart education to both girls and boys came at a time when there were hardly any private schools. I left early in the morning when other students were also leaving for school. However, this time I was alone. No grandparent, uncle, aunt, or any of my parent accompanied me to my bus stop. No school bus was coming to honk. There were no friends. Life had happened, changed in eighteen years. We had drifted apart. Floated in different parts of the universe. Our own little worlds shackled us. We couldnt fly back to school. Everyone had grown old. Seeing parents and teachers grow old often shatters something inside silently. It probably also tells us something about ourselves too. Nostalgia crept up, childhood memories swirled, as I met my batchmate, JP Singh. For almost two decades, we could never meet despite living in the same city. Today, as our alma mater had invited and considered us for an alumni talk, we had the opportunity to revisit school and have a rendezvous. Our busy schedules kicked in and we parted soon. Again, school had anchored us to shore of past for a fleeting moment. My words flew and vanished as I entered the school gate. As students were preparing for morning assembly, tears welled up in my eyes. I couldnt speak. The past was speaking with the present, and I was staring in silence. We had been absent from the school for a long time as alumni, but it greeted us with an overwhelming love and respect. The lovely, innocuous, obedient students welcomed. Our teachers should have punished us. It is their lovely, mild punishments that shaped us and our future. It instilled in us the sense of right and wrong. They were our guardians when the poor seeds could have been trampled, blown away by vicious winds. They shielded us, then with their teaching and now with their prayers and love. Irrespective of any generation, everyone adores childhood memories and school days. Everyone loves their school, school friends, and teachers. So did we. Everything was triggering the memories of childhood. Each student of each different class reminded us of my own days when the school and its devoted teachers laid our foundation to be better human beings and students of knowledge and wisdom. They imbibed values which shaped us so that we can contribute to society. We came from a generation when neither social media nor mobile phones existed. Neither AI nor ChatGPT. Our sources of seeking knowledge were limited, and we had only one address: teachers and books. Now teachers say times have changed and even students. We hold our teachers in deep reverence as these were the values imbibed in us by our grandparents, society, culture and religious scripts. Has anything changed? Evolved or devolved? However, teachers respect was paramount in our lives. We idolised them, as their behaviors shaped us. Our parents always expected us to respect teachers, for they were contributing to shaping our lives silently, like them. When we were punished, our parents considered it the teacher's right and contribution to our shaping as better humans. I am not espousing corporal punishment but I am seeking a space for a teacher where she has the right to assert her authority and guide. Unlike today, when boundaries have blurred between teachers and students leading to worst outcomes, our generation of teachers and students had a relationship of a parent and a child. The teachers were accountable for their behaviors so did students. Today, looking back retrospectively, our teachers, who taught us different subjects, laid the foundation and made us resilient for future challenges. The schools infrastructure and pedagogy have evolved and developed. These teachers, whose contributions remain anonymous, are everywhere, in everyones alley of memory. They are not mine; they are yours also. We had a few minutes alumni talk in morning assembly with future generations. Life is beyond the books. It is the values within you that teach you to be empath, compassionate and loving towards fellow humans. It is life and lifes purpose, my friend said. As I had to speak, I reiterated the essence of respecting teachers as they are not just the source of knowledge but wisdom which any machine cant be. I restored my hope in backbenchers as it is they who usually do well in life. We laughed with wet eyes as our teachers were hosting us. Usually during school days, we were summoned for mischievous activities but now our teachers were full of pride. The seeds they had planted, watered, nourished, protected had grown into trees and giving shade to many. This shade belongs to them; here and hereafter. (My special thanks to Woodlands School, its management and administration and our teachers like Sharifa maam, Shafi Sir, Farooq Sir, Shazia maam, Shabnam maam, Arshi maam, Shaista maam, Raza sir and other teachers who have shaped us.) Regards, Khalid Bashir Gura Batch 2008.
Jammu Kashmir Police Activates Dial 112 Emergency Service
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police has activated the National General Emergency Response System, Dial 112, across the Jammu zone to provide immediate assistance to people through a single emergency helpline, officials said on Thursday. The service is available through all police stations in the Jammu zone, enabling people to seek assistance during emergencies, including fire []
Rs 42 Crore Artificial Ice Hockey Rink Inaugurated in Leh
SRINAGAR: Ladakhs first international-level artificial ice hockey rink was inaugurated at NDS Stadium in Leh on Thursday, providing players with a year-round training facility at a cost of around Rs 42 crore. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the facility, which has a 247 chilling system designed to allow ice hockey players to train throughout []
Centre must approach SC to get all FIRs filed during NEET protests quashed: Aaditya Thackeray
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said the central government must approach the Supreme Court to get all FIRs registered during the students protests over NEET-UG exam paper leak quashed. His statement comes days after the Supreme Court clarified that its earlier order would not prevent respective state governments from taking steps []
DGP Reviews Jammu Kashmir Security Preparedness With Police, CAPF Officers
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Thursday chaired a hybrid operational review meeting with senior officers of the JK Police and Central Armed Police Forces to assess the security situation and operational preparedness across the Union Territory. Senior officers from various formations of the JK Police and CAPFs participated in []
NHAI Sets 10-Minute Response Time for Highway Ambulances; Rs 10,000 Penalty for Delay
SRINAGAR: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced stricter service-level standards for ambulances deployed on national highways, mandating that they reach accident sites within 10 minutes when the incident occurs within a 10-kilometre radius. The new guidelines are aimed at reducing delays in emergency medical assistance, improving road safety and strengthening the Incident []
Jammu Kashmir Likely to See Rain, Thundershowers in Coming Days
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience spells of rain and thundershowers over the coming days, with the Meteorological Centre Srinagar warning of brief intense and heavy showers in some districts, particularly between August 16 and 19. According to the latest forecast, rain or thundershowers are expected at many places across JK on August []
Worse than fake news is fake intelligence: Araghchi slams Trump's otal control remark over Hormuz
Tehran , August 13 : Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday hit back at US President Donald Trump's claim that Washington has otal control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of repeated intelligence failures and warning against what he described as a bigger miscalculation over the strategic waterway. In a post on X, Araghchi accused the US of repeatedly making miscalculations due to intelligence failures, citing the war with Iran as an example. He warned that Washington could be making an even bigger mistake over the Strait of Hormuz and urged caution, saying that fake intelligence could be more dangerous than fake news. The U.S. has long miscalculated due to intelligence failures. Case in point: The war on Iran. Now, an even bigger miscalculation on the Strait of Hormuz. Worse than fake news is fake intelligence. Be careful. Allah is Great, Greater than ANY power on Earth. In Allah we trust, the post read. Araghchi's remarks after Trump claimed on Truth Social that the United States had otal control over the Strait of Hormuz and would retain it. Trump described the US naval deployment in the region as a WALL OF STEEL and said Iran had no ability to counter it. The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, 'A WALL OF STEEL,' and there is nothing Iran can do about it, Trump said in his post. Trump also claimed that Iran's military infrastructure had been severely degraded and ended part of his message with a reference to Allah. All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse! Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer. Praise be to Allah! he added. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is responsible for the passage of nearly 20 per cent of global energy trade. Hours after Trump's post, Iran has rejected his claims, saying that the strategic waterway remains blocked and will not be reopened until Tehran's conditions are accepted. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, in a post on X, said Trump's claims and repeated statements by US officials that the Strait of Hormuz was no longer blocked did not change the situation. Claims and repeated posts by U.S. officials that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer blocked do not change the reality: the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran's conditions are accepted, the PGSA post read. (ANI)
SC agrees to hear plea against Delhi Police
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea filed by a Rajya Sabha lawmaker challenging the alleged deployment of facial recognition technology and other biometric surveillance measures by Delhi Police during the recent student protest at Jantar Mantar here. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and []
Colombia, August 13 : Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella on Wednesday (local time) invoked an economic emergency to enable exceptional measures for earthquake relief and reconstruction after the disaster left 265 people dead and 3,494 injured. Addressing the media, De La Espriella described the situation as a tragedy of great dimensions, noting that the government was preparing measures to support affected families and businesses while accelerating reconstruction. He said the government would provide support, including payment of public services, rental subsidies, tax relief and economic assistance for vulnerable families and small merchants. It is undoubtedly a tragedy of great dimensions, but it is precisely in these moments when we must unite under the flag of Colombia, the President said. Taking into account the severity of the circumstances, a tragedy like this forces us to take exceptional measures. This crisis hits us at a difficult time, in the midst of the most complex fiscal crisis in our republican history, with a high level of debt and limited resources. We are structuring measures such as the government paying for public services, rental subsidies, tax relief, and economic support for the most vulnerable families and small merchants. I have decided to invoke the economic emergency provided for in our Constitution, he added. De La Espriella said that 25,872 families, or 53,816 people, had been affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country early on Monday. He stated that the number of missing people had risen to 496, adding that locating those missing remained the government's main priority. He further stated that the authorities were using all available capabilities and international assistance that had begun arriving in Colombia. We have 25,872 affected families and 53,816 people. Unfortunately, there are 265 dead and 3,494 injured, and the number of missing persons has risen alarmingly to 496. Our main efforts are concentrated on the missing persons. To that end, we are acting with all our capabilities and also making use of international aid that is starting to arrive in Colombia, De La Espriella said. According to the figures presented by the President, 11,347 homes had been destroyed and another 53,526 damaged. The disaster also affected 140 buildings, 1,819 educational centres, 631 community centres and 179 health centres, while one pedestrian bridge collapsed. A total of 20 vehicle bridges, 203 roads, 44 aqueducts and five airports were also reported to have been affected. The President also announced the creation of the Milagro Fund, or Miracle Fund, to channel national and international contributions towards reconstruction. De La Espriella said the government would also introduce measures aimed at reviving economic activity, encouraging investment and creating jobs in the areas most severely affected by the disaster. We will create a 'Miracle Fund' to channel national and international contributions for the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, roads, and airports. The emergency will include economic reactivation and job creation measures, he stated. The President said the crisis had struck Colombia at a difficult time, citing what he described as the country's most complex fiscal crisis, high levels of debt and limited resources. He also thanked police officers, soldiers, civil defence personnel, firefighters, volunteers and Red Cross members involved in the rescue and relief operations. Rest assured that we will do what is necessary so that we can re-emerge as a society. Today, more than ever, I stand firm for the nation. May God bless Colombia, De La Espriella said. The government said its immediate focus remained on locating missing people, providing assistance to affected families and beginning reconstruction of damaged critical infrastructure. (ANI)
Rain, Thundershowers Likely at Many Places in J&K; Intense Showers in Few Districts: MeT
Srinagar, August 13: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast spells of rain and thundershowers at many places across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, with the possibility of brief intense and heavy showers in some districts. According to the latest forecast, a spell of rain or thundershower is expected at many places in J&K on August 13, with brief intense showers likely in a few districts during the afternoon hours. On August 14, many places in the Jammu Division are likely to receive rain and thundershowers during the early morning and morning hours, accompanied by brief intense showers. Another brief spell is expected at many places across J&K during the afternoon hours. On August 15, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely at many places during the late night and early morning hours, followed by another brief spell during the afternoon. The weather is expected to remain unsettled from August 16 to 19, with a few spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places. The Meteorological Centre has also forecast heavy rain or brief intense heavy showers in a few districts, particularly during the early morning and afternoon hours. From August 20 to 22, light rain and thundershowers are likely at scattered places. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has advised caution, particularly between August 16 and 19, when there is a possibility of heavy rain or brief intense showers in a few districts of the Jammu Division and brief intense showers in one or two districts of the Kashmir Division. It cautioned that torrential rain and brief intense heavy showers may trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging in low-lying areas. People, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, have been advised to remain alert during periods of intense rainfall and follow local weather advisories.
UNSC sanctions report says Red Fort attack
UNITED NATIONS: The Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi in November last year has been officially attributed to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), according to a new report from a UN Security Council body monitoring counter-terrorism sanctions. A deadly and high-intensity explosion had rocked the Red Fort area in New Delhi, killing about []
Come, celebrate I-Day with enthusiasm: Div Com Kashmir invites people to Bakshi Stadium
Srinaga: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Thursday invited people from across Kashmir to attend the Union Territory-level Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar and celebrate the occasion with a lot of enthusiasm. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of full dress rehearsal at Bakshi Stadium, Garg said all arrangements for the August 15 []
Jammu Kashmir: Govt Approves Permanent Lok Adalats in Jammu and Srinagar
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the establishment of two Permanent Lok Adalats at Jammu and Srinagar to provide an alternative forum for settling disputes, particularly in matters covered under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The Permanent Lok Adalats will be established at the divisional level under Section 22-B of the Legal []
Russia Will Respond to Ship Seizures, Putin Warns European Nations
SRINAGAR: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned that Moscow would retaliate if European countries seize Russian merchant vessels, as the European Union steps up efforts against what it describes as Russias shadow fleet. According to Russias state-run TASS news agency, Putin said the seizure of Russian ships would amount to piracy and banditry and []
Fisheries Contribute 7.43 Per Cent to Agricultural GVA, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha
SRINAGAR: The fisheries sector contributed about 7.43 per cent to Indias Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) during 2023-24 and 1.09 per cent to the countrys overall GVA, the Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The figures were provided by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh []
Police Crack Uri Hit-And-Run Case Within Hours, Labourer Still Critical
Uri: Police have arrested the accused involved in a hit-and-run incident in Salasan, Boniyar, hours after a labourer was critically injured, officials said. The accused has been identified as Mohd Amin Ganie, son of Abdul Rasheed Ganie, a resident of Larri, Boniyar. The vehicle used in the accident has also been seized, officials said.. The []
Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Ladakh
SRINAGAR: An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Leh in Ladakh early Thursday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at 6:05 am at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located at 36.881 degrees north latitude and 74.402 degrees east longitude, the NCS said. There were no immediate reports []
Two Held in Anantnag for Allegedly Threatening Man With False NDPS Case
SRINAGAR: Police in South kashmirs Anantnag district have arrested two persons in Anantnag district for allegedly extorting Rs 24,000 from a man by threatening to falsely implicate him in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police Station Srigufwara received a complaint from Ajaz Ahmad Shah, son of Mohd Maqbool of []
Intl. Youth Day celebrated at SAM College of Nursing and P-Medical Sciences Beerwah
Beerwah, Aug 12: SAM College of Nursing & Para-Medical Sciences, Beerwah, observed International Youth Day today with enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Murtuza Bukhari, Chairman of the College, highlighted the important role of youth in nation-building and social development. He urged students to focus on education, skill development, discipline and service to society. Emphasising the role of young healthcare professionals, Dr. Bukhari encouraged the students to serve humanity with compassion, professionalism and dedication. The programme featured activities aimed at promoting youth empowerment, leadership and social responsibility. The event concluded with a message encouraging the youth to contribute positively towards building a progressive and responsible society.
5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Ladakh's Leh
The tremor occurred at around 6 AM at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. No reports of casualties or major structural damage have been reported.
CUK holds Tiranga rally, plantation drive
Ganderbal, Aug 12: Under the aegis of Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) organised a Tiranga Rally and Plantation Drive at the Tulmulla Campus here on Wednesday. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Dean School Legal Studies, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean School of Business Studies, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, faculty members, administrative staff, scholars, and students participated in the event. The participants carried the Tricolour and marched across the campus, reaffirming their commitment to the ideals of unity, integrity and national development. In his message for the participants, Vice Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign provides us with an opportunity to renew our commitment to the values that the Tricolour representsunity, courage, sacrifice and inclusive national development. The Tiranga Rally and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam plantation drive carries a message that is both patriotic and purposeful, Prof. A Ravinder Nath added. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said the initiatives such as the Tiranga Rally provide students with an opportunity to connect with the history and values of the nation while translating those values into meaningful action. Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, highlighted the significance of collective participation in strengthening the spirit of national unity and said the enthusiastic response from the University community reflected its deep sense of belonging to the nation. Dean School Legal Studies, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir and Dean School of Business Studies, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani in their remarks said, By participating in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, our students are not merely carrying the Tricolour; they are carrying forward the legacy of our freedom fighters and the vision of a strong, united and progressive India. The senior functionaries later planted saplings inside the campus under the banner of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
Mega Tiranga rally held in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Aug 12: As part of the ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign-2026, a Mega Tiranga Rally was held on Wednesday in Ganderbal with enthusiastic participation of the general public, students, civil administration officials, police personnel and civil society members. The rally was led by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, and witnessed participation of Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, officers and officials of the civil administration, police personnel, representatives of civil society, school children and a large number of citizens. Carrying the National Flag and raising patriotic slogans, participants marched through the designated route in Ganderbal, creating a vibrant atmosphere of patriotism and national pride. The enthusiastic participation of the general public added special significance to the rally and reflected the growing public engagement with the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign. Students also participated enthusiastically in the rally, carrying the Tricolour and joining the patriotic celebrations. Their participation highlighted the role of youth in promoting the values of national unity, patriotism and respect for the National Flag. The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the enthusiastic participation of citizens and called upon the general public, particularly youth and students, to continue participating in the various activities being organised under the campaign. The Mega Tiranga Rally formed part of a series of activities being organised across District Ganderbal under the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign, being observed from August 09 to 17, 2026. Various activities including Tiranga rallies, Har Ghar Tiranga pledge, mass singing of the National Anthem, patriotic programmes and Swachhata Hi Seva activities are being conducted across the district. The District Administration has been facilitating activities at district, block, panchayat and institutional levels with active participation of government departments, educational institutions, youth, civil society organisations, market associations and the general public to ensure maximum public participation in the campaign.
SKUAST-K students join LG-led Tiranga Rally
Srinagar, Aug 12: A large contingent of students and NSS volunteers from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) joined the Tiranga Rally in Srinagar on Wednesday, becoming part of a major youth gathering centred on national unity, civic participation and the spirit of patriotism. Flagged off by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, the rally began at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and culminated at the Botanical Garden, bringing together students and youth from across the region. The event placed young people at the centre of the Independence Day build-up, with the Lieutenant Governor urging students to embrace patriotism, national unity and social responsibility and to play an active role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. Representing SKUAST-K, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and Dean Students Welfare Prof. S. A. Gangoo joined a large contingent of NSS volunteers from the University. Their participation underlined the Universitys emphasis on developing socially responsible and civically engaged young citizens alongside academic and professional development. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to become ambassadors of peace, progress and development, emphasising their role in nation-building. For the participating students, the rally offered an opportunity to experience a major public celebration of national unity and civic participation. NSS volunteer Nitish Kumar described the occasion as a memorable experience, saying that being part of the large gathering made the students feel connected to the country's collective spirit. The rally concluded at the Botanical Garden with a cultural programme. SKUAST-Ks participation reflected its continued efforts to encourage students to engage with society beyond the classroom and to imbibe values of service, responsibility, unity and constructive citizenship.
DC Budgam reviews rural sanitation, solid waste management
Budgam, Aug 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan on Wednesday reviewed the sanitation and cleanliness arrangements under SBM (G) and stressed the need for sustained efforts to keep rural areas clean, hygienic and free from waste. He directed officers to strengthen cleanliness measures across all Panchayats and ensure regular door-to-door collection of household waste. He called for mapping and deployment of hoppers and other sanitation resources for collection and transportation of waste from villages. He stressed the importance of maintaining clean surroundings in villages and directed the concerned officers to ensure timely lifting and proper disposal of accumulated and legacy waste. He also called for community participation and awareness to discourage littering and promote responsible waste disposal practices. The DC issued strict directions for protection and cleanliness of water bodies and urged the public not to dump garbage or any waste material in streams, roadsides, open spaces or other vulnerable areas. Emphasising that cleanliness requires sustained collective efforts, he directed the concerned agencies to intensify sanitation drives and ensure regular monitoring of cleanliness in rural areas. The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Vivek Agarwal, SDMs, ACR, JD Planning, ACD, ACP, BDOs and other concerned officers.
DC Anantnag reviews progress under Mission YUVA
Anantnag, Aug 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress and implementation of various components under Mission YUVA at the DC Office. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Principals of all Government Degree Colleges, Principal Government Polytechnic College Anantnag, Superintendents of Government ITI Anantnag and Seer Hamdan, Employment Officer, DE&CC, Career Counselling Officer, DE&CC, Cluster Heads, Circle-I and Circle-II, Lead District Manager (LDM) Anantnag, District Programme Manager (DPM), NRLM, Block Programme Managers (BPMs), NRLM, and representatives of SBDU/BHD under Mission YUVA. During the meeting, a detailed review of all major parameters under Mission YUVA was undertaken, including progress achieved in respect of application processing, sanction, disbursement, training and other key indicators. DC expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved in the sanction and disbursement of Mission YUVA cases. Detailed deliberations were held with the Cluster Heads regarding pending cases and they were directed to closely monitor the pendency and ensure disposal of all pending cases in a time-bound manner, in coordination with the concerned banking institutions. The District Programme Manager, NRLM, was directed to intensify efforts towards increasing the participation of Lakhpati Didis and facilitating their conversion into viable entrepreneurial beneficiaries under Mission YUVA, particularly through the Udyam Jagriti 5.0 campaign. Emphasis was laid on greater mobilisation, handholding and convergence between NRLM and Mission YUVA for achieving the desired outcomes. The DC also directed all Principals of Government Degree Colleges, Government Polytechnic College and Superintendents of Government ITIs to ensure effective and smooth implementation of the Udyam Jagriti 5.0 campaign, scheduled to commence from 17th August, with active participation of students and prospective entrepreneurs. The Employment Department and Mission YUVA functionaries were directed to intensify their efforts and improve overall performance across all parameters, with particular focus on indicators where progress remains comparatively low. The concerned officers were asked to undertake regular monitoring and coordinated follow-up to ensure that the targets are achieved within the stipulated timelines. DC stressed upon all stakeholders to work in close coordination and adopt a result-oriented approach for strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the district and ensuring effective implementation of Mission YUVA at the grassroots level. The meeting concluded with directions for continuous monitoring of progress and timely submission of updated status on the identified parameters.
DJMC IUST convenes BoS meeting for PG programs
Awantipora, Aug 12: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), convened a Board of Studies (BoS) meeting for its post-graduate programmes on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Afroz Ahmad Bisati, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, IUST, and convened by Dr. Rabia Noor, Head, DJMC, who extended a warm welcome to the Board members. Among the key items on the agenda were the proposed two-year postgraduate programme under the new nomenclature, Mass Communication with AI, and the one-year M.A. programme in Journalism and Mass Communication. The proposed programmes seek to respond to the rapidly evolving media ecosystem, marked by technological advancements, digital transformation and the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence into media practices. The members deliberated upon the academic framework and curricular aspects of the departments postgraduate programmes, with a focus on strengthening and updating the programmes in line with the changing academic and professional landscape of media studies. They also discussed the programme structures, curriculum and other academic components before making recommendations as per the prescribed academic and statutory processes. To mention, the Board comprised of internal as well as external members. The external experts included Prof. Aaliya Ahmad, Head, Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir, Dr. Suhail Ahmad, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Government College for Women, Cluster University Srinagar, and Dr. Imran Muzaffar Parray, Head, Department of Media Studies, Government Boys Degree College, Anantnag. The internal members included Prof. Munejah Khan, Head, Department of English Language and Literature, IUST, and Dr. Muzaffar Ali Malla, Head, Department of Philosophy, IUST, besides faculty members of DJMC including Dr. Monisa Qadiri, Associate Professor, and Dr. Mujeeb Liyakat, Assistant Professor. The meeting was also attended by other faculty members of the department, namely Dr. Sayar Ahmad Mir and Dr. Haifaa Mohammad, besides Dr. Mohammad Jebran Khan, Assistant Registrar, Office of Dean of Academic Affairs, and Rohana Khurshid, Assistant Registrar, Examination Section, IUST. Pertinently, this was the second BoS meeting held by the department in 2026. The last BoS meeting was held on February 10, 2026 for BA FYUGP courses offered by the department.
Turn local challenges into business opportunities: SKUAST-K urges Uri students
Srinagar, Aug 12: The Rural Business Incubation Centre (RBIC) of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), with support from NABARD and Mission YUVA, on Tuesday organised a one-day interactive ideation programme at Government Degree College (GDC) Uri to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and rural startups among students. Titled From Grassroots Problems to Scalable Startups: RBIC Idea Resonator Series-II on Agri & Rural Innovation, the programme provided students with a platform to identify challenges in their local communities and explore innovative solutions in agriculture and allied sectors. The initiative is part of RBICs efforts to take entrepreneurship and incubation support beyond urban centres and reach young people in far-flung and border areas. Speaking on the occasion, Inam Ul Haq, Incubation/Business Manager, RBIC, SKUAST-K, said the programme was aimed at helping students recognise the business potential in the problems and resources around them. Our objective is to make students understand that many of the challenges they see around them can actually become opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Uri has unique agricultural and rural resources, and we want local youth to identify these opportunities, develop ideas and take them forward with proper mentorship and incubation support, he said. He said RBIC would continue reaching out to students in remote areas so that aspiring entrepreneurs are not left behind due to geographical constraints. Dr Jameel Khan, CEO, Rural Business Incubation Centre, SKUAST-K, said the centre was working to create a strong ecosystem for rural entrepreneurship by nurturing grassroots ideas and helping innovators convert them into sustainable enterprises. The real potential for innovation lies at the grassroots. Young people in places like Uri have firsthand knowledge of local problems and resources. If we provide them with the right tools, mentorship, incubation facilities and financial support, their ideas can be transformed into scalable businesses, Dr Khan said. He added that RBIC would provide selected participants opportunities to access incubation programmes, mentorship clinics and grant support, enabling them to take their ideas from the initial stage towards viable enterprises. Principal GDC Uri, A M Chalkoo welcomed the initiative and said such programmes were important for exposing students to entrepreneurship and helping them think beyond conventional career choices. Our students have tremendous potential, but they need exposure, guidance and platforms where they can convert their ideas into practical projects. This programme has allowed them to look at the resources and challenges of their own region from an entrepreneurial perspective, Chalkoo said.
NIT Srinagar organises Tiranga rally
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Wednesday organised a Tiranga Rally under the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026, as part of its celebrations ahead of Indias 80th Independence Day. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the NIT Srinagar community, including Deans, Heads of Departments and Centres, faculty members, non-faculty employees, outsourced staff, students, research scholars, NCC and NSS volunteers and other staff members. The programme was aimed at promoting patriotism, national unity and pride while encouraging members of the institute community to display the National Flag, the Tiranga, with pride and respect. The rally was flagged off by Incharge Director Prof. Roohi Naaz in the presence of Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman. Deans, HoDs, HoCs, faculty members, administrative staff and the institutes Security Officer also participated in the event. NCC and NSS volunteers were also present during the programme. Participants carried the National Flag and raised patriotic slogans as they marched around the campus in a coordinated display of national pride and unity. The rally was organised in accordance with the institutes call for active participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026. The campaign aims to strengthen citizens' emotional connection to the National Flag and encourage people to display the Tiranga as a symbol of national pride, unity, and identity. The rally was part of the broader Independence Day celebrations being organised by NIT Srinagar. The Institute is conducting a series of activities involving students, faculty and staff to mark the occasion and highlight the significance of the countrys freedom struggle, national unity and constitutional values. The Institutes campaign message, Tiranga Our Pride, Our Identity, Our Nation, was highlighted as the central theme of the initiative. The programme concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to the values of patriotism, unity and national service and to celebrating Independence Day with pride and respect for the National Flag.
J&K: SOG, security forces intensify vigil along NH-44 in Udhampur ahead of Independence day
Trump insists blockade gives US control of Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday insisted that the blockade gives US control of Strait of Hormuz. Claiming the US has total control of the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said Wednesday: I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Trumps social media post referred to the US blockade of Irans ports. A vital route []
Russian President Vladimir Putin said India is among countries showing growing interest in cooperating with Moscow on the Northern Sea Route, while warning of rising tensions in the Arctic. He also cautioned European nations against confiscating Russian merchant ships, saying Moscow would respond in kind to any such action.
CJP co-convenor alleges Puducherry Police intimidated family on Centre
The News Mill
Sending world into a tizzy, Chairman N Chandrasekaran had routine day
The unexpected announcement of N Chandrasekaran's exit from Tata Sons has left many in the business sector taken aback. Prior to making this known internally, he notified his family. Reassuring employees, Chandrasekaran emphasized the resilience and future ambitions of the organization. His upcoming focus will be on spearheading initiatives at Tata Digital and Air India. This departure signals a pivotal transformation for the conglomerate.
Met forecasts brief intense rainfall on Aug 16, 17 in Jammu region
Jammu, Aug 12:With orange alert in place for isolated heavy rains, thunder storms, lightning and gusty winds for the entire Jammu region, with the possibilities of landslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable places on August 13 and 14, the Met department has anticipated similar brief spell on August 16 and 17. The possibility of intense localised downpours and isolated cloudburst events in higher reaches and vulnerable areas cannot be ruled out. Earlier during the past 24 hours, the region, as per Met department, witnessed the significant yet isolated spells, with Poonch recording 53 mm of rainfall and Rajouri 44 mm of rainfall besides light to moderate showers at many places. From August 15, the weatherman has predicted light to moderate rain and thunder shower at many places with brief intense showers at few places towards early morning, morning and late afternoon or evening hours. Few spells of light to moderate rain or thunder shower will be witnessed at many places with heavy rain or brief intense heavy showers at a few districts during early morning and afternoon hours from August 16 to 19. Torrential rain or brief intense heavy showers may generate flash floods, landslides or mudslides. From August 20-22, light rain and thunder showers have been anticipated at scattered places. The maximum temperature in Jammu is likely to swing between 31 to 35 degrees Celsius, amid hot and humid weather conditions. Meanwhile, three days after the mishap, the body of one of the two youth drowned in Chenab river in Akhnoor area of Jammu district was fished out on Wednesday. The body of Gajay Singh, 30, son of Vijay Singh, resident of Khour was retrieved near Hamirpur Siddhad village, close to the Line of Control in Akhnoor, the officials said. However, the NDRF and SDRF teams continued extensive searches for Rakesh Singh, 35, son of Balwan Singh, resident of Khour in Akhnoor. Both the youth had gone to take a bath in the river when the mishap occurred on Sunday. The Police had recovered their motorcycle, bearing the registration number JK02BP-1567, mobiles and clothes lying on the river banks.
Tricolour is soul of our nation: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 12:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said tricolour is the soul of the nation and VandeMataram is the immortal voice of that soul. Participating in the 'TirangaYatra' and leading a celebration of national pride in Srinagar, LG Sinha said, Tiranga is the living embodiment of Indias consciousness and pride. The event marked the confluence of two celebrations, the mass movement of HarGharTiranga and the 150th anniversary of the national song VandeMataram. Following the yatra, the LG addressed the people, reaffirming the immortal spirit of Indias unity and the indomitable courage of its people. He emphasised that the TirangaYatra in Kashmir sends a clear message that India must never stop and always move forward. In 2022, when the HarGharTiranga campaign was launched under AzadiKaAmritMahotsav, its purpose was to rekindle in every Indians heart a sense of closeness, respect, and emotional connection toward the tricolour. When the Tiranga flutters simultaneously on millions of homes, 140 crore Indians hearts beat as one in a single sentiment, a single faith, a single resolve. Today, TirangaYatra has evolved into a festival of peoples consciousness, a tradition of patriotism, and a cultural value binding every citizen to the motherland, LG Sinha said. He congratulated the people of Jammu Kashmir for their remarkable participation in the HarGharTiranga and VandeMataram campaigns. The LG said that their enthusiasm had become a source of inspiration for the entire nation. He urged people to reflect on their contribution to building the India envisioned by the nations forefathers. While martyrs defended the nation with their blood, todays generation must defend it with character, honesty, hard work, unity, and service, LG Sinha said. He said that the confluence of 'HarGharTiranga' and 'VandeMataram' was not merely the meeting of two campaigns but the announcement of a new era. This is the symbol of a Jammu Kashmir filled with self-confidence and marching firmly toward the future where 'VijayiVishwaTirangaPyara' is a lifes resolve in every citizens heart, where every home is a centre of patriotism and where every heart beats in rhythm with the pulse of national unity, the LG said. He called upon the people to take collective and personal responsibility for shaping Jammu Kashmir's and Indias future. LG Sinha urged the people to ensure that the tricolour would not only fly high at every home but also in our thoughts, our character, and our actions. Let us resolve that the sacred spirit of VandeMataram will reflect in every action, every decision, and the discharge of every responsibility. We should take a pledge to repay the debt of our immortal heroes sacrifices by building a nation that is prosperous, secure, just, and opens doors of equal opportunity for every citizen. We should work together to realise the vision of a Jammu and Kashmir where the three colours of the Tiranga are visible in the values of life. We should build a Jammu Kashmir that is economically strong and takes unbroken pride in Indian culture, civilization, and spiritual values. The future is ours. This century belongs to India. This is the era of Indias self-confidence, its courage, and its immortal national consciousness, he said. The LG also honoured 'Veer Naris' and 'War Heroes'. He also inaugurated the 'HarGharTiranga Exhibition' and felicitated the nodal officers of the 'VandeMataram' campaign. The celebrations also featured the screening of a special documentary by the Department of Culture, followed by tricolour concert where artists paid a musical tribute to the nations bravehearts. Justice Rahul Bharti; Deputy Chief Minister, SmSurinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana; Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir AslamWani; Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, DarakhshanAndrabi; Chief Secretary, AtalDulloo; DGP, NalinPrabhat; Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, ShaleenKabra; Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, people from all walks of life, senior officials of civil administration, Police and paramilitary forces joined the 'TirangaYatra'.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said that action will be taken against the ones who did it as politics of colour is not part of BJPs agenda.
New Delhi, Aug 12: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday launched JK Karigari, the official marketplace for authentic products from Jammu and Kashmir, during the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav which commenced here in Delhi. The move is a major step towards connecting the region's centuries-old handcrafted heritage directly with national and global buyers. Launched as an initiative of the Housing & Urban Development Department under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), JK Karigari has been designed to empower urban women Self-Help Groups, preserve traditional crafts, and create sustainable livelihoods across the Union Territory. Present on the occasion were MPs Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzaan, Sajjad Kichloo, and Gurvinder Singh Oberoi; Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur and her entire team, including Vikas Sharma (MD NUDM), Shabir Hussain Bhat (VC Srinagar Development Authority), Kapil Sharma (Director Urban Local Bodies Jammu), Mridhu Salathia (MD NULM), Ankush Kapoor (Chief Information Security Officer, HUDD, JK), SHG women, and other officers of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA). The platform will showcase 100 percent authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, including Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls, papier-mch, walnut wood carving, crewel embroidery, carpets, and organic local produce, as well as Jammu handicrafts including Chabri, Macrame Home & Devotional Decor, traditional food products, and wooden craftall made by skilled artisans and SHGs. Every product listed on JK Karigari will carry a QR code with artisan details, district, and GI tag to ensure secure and transparent shopping, with payments going directly to the artisan groups and no middlemen involved. The Commissioner Secretary termed the launch a game changer for urban women artisans and stated that the initiative will provide them with a dedicated, government-backed platform to reach customers beyond local markets. She informed that the department currently has 4,000 SHGs with about 50,000 women members associated with DAY-NULM across J&K. She said the government is actively exploring ways to encourage more interstate collaborations to further boost the business of SHGs and give their products a wider national footprint. She described JK Karigari as a revolutionary concept of the government that brings together heritage, technology, and inclusive growth. She added that the main motive behind this government-backed marketplace is to ensure that artisans receive a genuine price for their products while consumers get authentic quality products directly from the makers. By integrating QR-based traceability, pre-approval of SHGs by DAY-NULM City Mission, and secure digital transactions, the government is ensuring both authenticity for buyers and sustainable income for artisans. The Commissioner Secretary said that with continuous government support and better market linkages, these women artisans are now confidently stepping into larger markets with products that reflect both tradition and innovation. Nodal Officers of the event, Kapil Sharma and Vikas Sharma, along with Chief Executive Officer Urban Development Authority Kashmir Tazayun Mukhtar and MD DAY-NULM Mridhu Salathia, also addressed the gathering on the occasion. They made a fervent appeal to the public and institutional buyers to visit the JK Karigari stall and experience the exquisite collection of traditionally blended, handmade products of Jammu and Kashmir. They emphasised that the platform not only showcases the artistic brilliance of local artisans but also serves as a bridge between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary markets. They informed that SHG members associated with the mission have been provided with extensive skill upgradation training under various capacity-building programmes. They said these interventions have played a pivotal role in enhancing their craftsmanship, product quality, and market readiness, enabling them to emerge as the choicest sellers of authentic J&K products. The launch also builds on J&K's growing interstate collaborations for market access. An agreement signed on 9 November 2024 between the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Uttar Pradesh Handicrafts Development & Marketing Corporation Limited, Department of MSME and Export Promotion, GoUP, aims to enhance market linkages and promote SHG products and handicrafts from Jammu and Kashmir in Uttar Pradesh and vice versa. The pact focuses on supporting SHG members and artisans in expanding their market reach, increasing income, improving economic self-sufficiency, and encouraging cross-learning and sharing of best practices between SHGs of both regions, with facilitation support from Akanksha Samiti, UP. On the occasion, the SHG beneficiaries also shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the government, especially the Housing & Urban Development Department, for providing them with such a large marketing platform, which they said had remained their biggest challenge for a long time.
J&K poised to script new cinematic chapter with maiden International Film Festival
Srinagar, Aug 12: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a meeting of senior officers of the Civil Administration and Police Department to review and give detailed shape to the arrangements for the successful conduct of the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK-2026), scheduled to be held from 7 to 10 September 2026. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Information; Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture; Secretary, Transport; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir; SSP Srinagar as representative of DGP J&K; Director, Information; Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages; Director, Hospitality & Protocol; Joint Director, Information (Headquarters); Joint Director, Information (Kashmir Division); and other senior officers from the concerned departments and agencies. The Chief Secretary observed that IFFJK-2026 is the first festival of its kind in Jammu & Kashmir and, therefore, its inaugural edition should set a benchmark for future editions. He emphasised that the event is envisaged as an annual affair from this year onwards, requiring meticulous planning and execution so that every edition becomes more professionally curated and memorable. He directed all concerned departments to walk through the entire festival process in advanceright from the arrival of guests and participants to the conclusion of the eventto identify gaps, streamline procedures, and ensure seamless coordination. He maintained that the smooth conduct of every component is what ultimately makes an event memorable, professionally accomplished, and worthy of appreciation. The Chief Secretary laid particular emphasis on providing befitting reception and hospitality to all invited dignitaries, filmmakers, artists, and other participants. He directed that designated nodal officers be put in place by the General Administration Department at major boarding airports, including Mumbai and Delhi, besides ensuring seamless reception and facilitation at the airports in Jammu and Srinagar. He underlined that IFFJK provides a significant opportunity to showcase Jammu & Kashmir's immense potential as both a film destination and a premier tourist destination. He called upon Tourism, Handicrafts, Floriculture, Culture, and other concerned departments to make comprehensive arrangements to showcase the region's rich heritage, crafts, culture, landscapes, and artistic traditions through curated tours, craft safaris, heritage experiences, and other activities for visiting guests. The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for timely invitations to dignitaries from the Government of India, UT administration, and other distinguished guests to ensure their participation. He reviewed in detail the arrangements concerning their accommodation, transportation, hospitality, and visits to important tourist and heritage destinations in and around Jammu and Srinagar, aimed at providing them firsthand experience of the region. Giving special thrust to publicity, the Chief Secretary directed that a comprehensive and sustained publicity campaign be undertaken through local and national media, social media platforms, and outdoor publicity, including hoardings and other visibility mechanisms across Jammu and Srinagar. He called for creating wide awareness about the festival and projecting J&K's capabilities, creative ecosystem, and tourism potential to audiences across the country and beyond. He further directed the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages to organise live cultural performances by local artists at suitable locations identified by the Divisional Administrations. These performances, he said, would provide a vibrant cultural ambience for the visiting guests and complement the film festival experience. The Chief Secretary stressed adequate security arrangements and directed the Home Department to ensure coordination with all security agencies. The Chief Secretary also impressed upon the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to undertake a micro-level review of every arrangement and activity, ensuring that all concerned departments, agencies, and stakeholders remain fully coordinated for the successful conduct of the first edition of IFFJK. Earlier, Commissioner Secretary, Information Department, R. Alice Vaz, gave an overview of the preparations being undertaken for the festival. She apprised the meeting of the series of coordination meetings held with various departments and agencies and outlined the responsibilities assigned to different stakeholders for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. On this occasion, Director, Information & Public Relations, Shreya Singhal, subsequently made a detailed presentation on the vision, objectives, and proposed format of IFFJK-2026, covering the festival schedule, film entries, screening venues, programmes, logistics, hospitality, publicity, and other arrangements. She apprised the meeting that around 1,100 film entries from nearly 80 countries have been received for the maiden edition of IFFJK-2026. The entries are currently being scrutinised by the Preview Committee for selection of films to be screened across seven screens over four days of the festival. She added that the film screenings are proposed to be held at SKICC and INOX Cinemas in Srinagar, Waves Cinema in Jammu, besides select festival sessions at Gulmarg. The Inaugural, Closing, and Award Ceremonies are proposed to be held at SKICC, Srinagar, with arrangements for live broadcasting to ensure wider reach and visibility. Besides film screenings, the festival will feature a range of Masterclasses, Workshops, and Roundtable discussions, providing opportunities for interaction among filmmakers, industry professionals, artists, students, and other stakeholders, including students of Mass Communication. The meeting was also apprised of the day-wise schedule of programmes and screenings planned across different venues, including dedicated arrangements for jury members and festival participants separately. It was further informed that various committees have already been constituted with clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToRs) to ensure clarity of responsibilities, accountability, and effective coordination among stakeholders. A dedicated IFFJK application has also been developed by the Department of Information & Public Relations to facilitate registrations and provide real-time updates about the festival. The meeting also discussed in detail the publicity strategy, invitations, transportation, traffic management, security, hospitality, protocol, and other logistical arrangements, with concerned departments including Tourism, Home, Traffic, Transport, Hospitality & Protocol, and GAD being sensitised about their respective roles. The Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to maintain close coordination and ensure that every arrangement is completed well in advance, reiterating that the maiden IFFJK should emerge as a landmark annual cultural event that showcases Jammu & Kashmir's cinematic potential, artistic talent, cultural richness, and unparalleled tourism appeal to the national and international audience.
1 in 26 J&K fruit & veg samples fail pesticide safety test
Srinagar, Aug 12: Fifty-eight of the 1,489 fruit and vegetable samples tested in Jammu and Kashmir between 2023 and 2026were found to containpesticide residues above the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Centre told the Lok Sabha. The figures were presented by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in response to a starred question by Dr Bhola Singh onthe excessive and indiscriminate use of pesticides in fruit and vegetable cultivation. The testingwas carried outunder the Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level (MPRNL) project, which the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare hasbeen runningsince 2005-06. At 3.9 per cent, J&Ks rate of samples exceeding MRLs was higher than the national average of 3.1 per cent, calculated from 2,223 non-compliant samples out of 70,652 tested across 23 states and Union Territories over the same three-year period. Among the 23 states and UTs tested, Telangana recorded the highest violation rate at 5.9 per cent (486 of 8,198 samples), followed by Haryana at 6.4 per cent (152 of 2,371). Several states, including Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, recorded zero non-compliant samples. What MRL means Under FSSAI regulations, an MRL is not a safety threshold in the everyday sense; it is the maximum level of pesticide residue legally permitted in a food item when the pesticide has been applied correctly, in line with Good Agricultural Practices and data provided by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC). Under Section 3(zz)(xii) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, food is deemed unsafe only when pesticide residues exceed the quantities specified in FSSAI regulations. A sample crossing the MRL does not mean the entire produce category is unsafe; it flags a specific instance where that legal threshold was breached. How monitoring works Samples under MPRNL are collected from retail and wholesale markets, cooperatives, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets, farm gates and organic outlets, and analysed by 40 participating laboratories. GPS coordinates of each collection point are recorded to aid traceability, and farm-gate samples can be traced back to their growing areas. The government's reply, however, does not specify what pesticides were detected in the 58 J&K samples, which crops were involved, by how much the MRL was exceeded, or what enforcement action, if any, followed. Awareness & training measures The ministry said MPRNL results are shared with state and UT agriculture departments to train farmers on the safe and judicious use of pesticides approved by the Registration Committee, as per label directions. Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, 1,353 Farmer Field School programmes benefited 46,969 farmers, 680 two-day Human Resource Development programmes reached 37,664 farmers, 2,384 awareness campaigns on safe pesticide use reached 76,702 farmers, and 2,548 seed treatment campaigns benefited 81,048 farmers nationally. The government also cited the National Pest Surveillance System, an AI and machine learning-based platform that promotes bio-control agents and bio-pesticides, recommending chemical pesticides only when necessary and at prescribed doses. The reply added that 21 states have constituted committees to monitor pesticide residues and promote Good Agricultural Practices, and that the MPRNL project has been approved for continuationtill2028-29. Growers' association flags testing gaps Bashir Ahmad Bashir, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, said around 90 per cent of pesticides available in the local market are fake or sold without adequate qualitytesting, and that fruitgrowers have been demanding more pesticide-testing laboratories in Kashmir for the past three to four years. He saidpesticides should not be allowed into the market without proper approval and quality checks by authorities, including the Agriculture Department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST).
El Nio, weak monsoon put 5 J&K districts on farm watch
Srinagar, Aug 12: Five districts of Jammu and Kashmir have been identified as vulnerable to below-normal rainfall conditions amid the possible impact of El Nio, putting the administration on alert to strengthen preparedness for the ongoing Kharif season. According to official details accessed by Rising Kashmir, Kupwara, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampurhave been includedamong 262 vulnerable districts identified across 15 States and UTs for focused monitoring and preparedness. The districtshave been identified on the basis of the probability of rainfall, irrigation coverage and cropped area, with the exercise aimed at preparingfor possible stress on agriculture if rainfall remains below normal. The identification comes as the authorities monitor the evolving monsoon situation and its possible impact on agriculture due to El Nio conditions. However,no assessment of crop or farm-income losses has been made so far,as sowing for the 2026-27 Kharif season is still underway and the first advance estimates of major Kharif crops are yet to be released. For the vulnerable areas, the preparedness strategy includes crop diversification, short-duration and drought-tolerant varieties, water conservation, micro-irrigation, mulching and inter-cropping to reduce the impact of weather-related stress on crops. The authorities have also advised advance planning for the optimum use of available water and greater adoption of efficient irrigation practices. Assistance under the Per Drop More Crop component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is available for improving water-use efficiency at the farm level. The official assessmentsaysDistrict Agriculture Contingency Plans have been updated for districts likely to receive below-normal rainfall. These plans are prepared at the district level in consultation with State authorities and ICAR's Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture. In the identified vulnerable districts, authorities are also undertaking awareness and enrolment drives under crop insurance schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme, which provide financial support against crop losses caused by adverse weather and natural calamities. For J&K, the five districts on the list cut across north Kashmir and the Jammu region, covering Kupwara in the north and Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampur in the Jammu division. The government is continuing to review rainfall, water availability, crop sowing and other indicators through regular monitoring mechanisms as part of its monsoon preparedness. The classification is not an assessment of actual crop damage in the five districts. Rather, it places them on a watch list for closer monitoring and advance preparedness as the Kharif season progresses.
J&K Govt sacks Handwara wildlife watcher in NDPS case
Srinagar, Aug 12: The Jammu & Kashmir government has dismissed Vinod Kumar Raina, a Watcher (MTS) in the Department of Wildlife Protection and resident of Kandikhas, Handwara, from government service with immediate effect over his involvement in an NDPS case. The dismissal was ordered through Government Order No. 173-JK(FST) of 2026, issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment on August 12, 2026. According to the government order, Raina was involved in FIR No. 329/2021 registered at Police Station Nagrota under Sections 8 and 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The case relates to the alleged recovery of around 300 grams of a charas-like substance from his possession. He was arrested on July 18, 2021. The inquiry report later recorded that the Forensic Science Laboratory report confirmed that the recovered substance was charas. The challan in the case was filed before the competent court, and the criminal trial is still pending, with no judgment passed so far. Raina was placed under suspension by the Wildlife Warden, Jammu, on July 27, 2021. The department issued a memorandum containing articles of charge and a statement of imputations against him on March 19, 2025. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, subsequently appointed Vivek Verma, IFS, Conservator of Forests, as the Inquiry Officer on February 23, 2026. The Inquiry Officer submitted his report on May 29, 2026. The report also referred to another NDPS case against Raina. According to official police records cited in the inquiry, around 850 grams of charas was allegedly recovered from his possession on January 13, 2014. The case was registered as FIR No. 06/14 at Police Station Nowabad, Jammu, under Sections 8, 20 and 21 of the NDPS Act. The Inquiry Officer observed that Raina's alleged involvement in two separate NDPS cases raised serious concerns about his conduct, integrity and suitability for government service. The report recommended appropriate disciplinary action under the relevant J&K Civil Services Rules and Conduct Rules. The government order states that the matter was examined in detail in light of the police investigation, arrest, custodial detention, inquiry report and other evidence available on record. It said his continued association with the government was considered untenable and detrimental to public interest. The order also invoked Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India and provisions of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, and the J&K Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1971. The government has imposed the penalty of dismissal from service. The order further states that Raina is disqualified from any future employment with the government. The order was issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment and signed by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government.
Paris Saint-Germain beats Aston Villa 2-1 to win UEFA Super Cup for a second straight season
Paris Saint-Germain beats Aston Villa 2-1 to win UEFA Super Cup for a second straight season
Netherlands appoint Xavi Hernandez as head coach: Details here
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team.
Have physicists finally discovered glueballs? New evidence points to yes.
Its the strongest evidence yet that particles dominated by a glueball component can exist in nature.
Monsoon steals Kashmirs sunny days as 35% rain surplus holds grip
Srinagar, Aug 12: Kashmir's iconic summer sunshine has become a rare sight this season as an unusually active monsoon continues to hold the Valley in its grip, bringing frequent spells of rain, persistent cloud cover and a rainfall surplus of around 35 per cent. The prolonged wet weather, experts say, is not only rewriting the Valley's climate narrative but also emerging as a public health concern, with doctors warning of a likely rise in Vitamin D deficiency due to reduced exposure to sunlight. For weeks, Kashmir has remained wrapped in grey skies, with only brief intervals of sunshine between repeated rain showers. The weather has brought relief from scorching temperatures witnessed earlier this summer but has simultaneously deprived residents of the bright, clear days traditionally associated with the Valley's peak tourist season. According to meteorological data, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded nearly 35 per cent excess rainfall so far during the ongoing monsoon season. The continuous influx of moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, aided by favourable atmospheric conditions, has resulted in repeated rainfall episodes, increased humidity and significantly fewer sunshine hours. Director, Meteorological Centre Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, said Kashmir is witnessing one of the strongest monsoon influences in recent years. The monsoon has remained unusually active over Jammu and Kashmir this season. Moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, coupled with favourable upper-air circulations, has resulted in repeated spells of rainfall and extensive cloud cover across the Valley. Consequently, the number of bright sunny days has reduced considerably compared to a normal summer, Lotus said. While the rains have replenished streams, revived orchards and lowered daytime temperatures, health experts are expressing concern over their unintended impact on people's wellbeing. Medical studies conducted in Kashmir have consistently shown that 70 to 90 per cent of the population suffers from Vitamin D deficiency, despite the region receiving adequate sunshine during normal summers. Vitamin D is primarily produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight, and experts fear that prolonged cloudy conditions could further aggravate the deficiency, particularly among children, women, the elderly and people with indoor lifestyles. Climate expert Dr Touseef Ahmad Bhat said the changing weather pattern reflects a larger climatic transformation unfolding across the western Himalayas. Kashmir historically remained outside the core monsoon belt. However, climate change is altering atmospheric circulation and enabling monsoon systems to travel deeper into the Himalayan region. The increasing frequency of prolonged cloudy spells and rainfall indicates that our summers are gradually changing. These shifts have implications not only for weather and agriculture but also for public health, water resources and disaster management, he said. Dr Bhat said reduced sunshine affects the body's natural production of Vitamin D and could also influence mental health, crop cycles and tourism. Afreen Khurshid, PhD researcher at the Department of Environmental Studies, University of Kashmir, said the prolonged absence of sunshine is another visible indicator of climate change in Kashmir. We are witnessing a gradual transformation in Kashmir's seasonal behaviour. Summers are becoming wetter, cloudier and more unpredictable. Such prolonged reduction in sunshine can aggravate Vitamin D deficiency while also affecting ecosystems, horticulture and biodiversity. Climate adaptation strategies must now include public health planning because changing weather is increasingly influencing people's daily lives, she said. Residents across the Valley say this year's summer feels unusually different. Many complain that despite being in August, clear blue skies have remained elusive, with cloudy mornings and intermittent rainfall becoming almost routine. Experts believe the current weather pattern serves as another reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality for the Himalayan region. They stress that Kashmir must prepare for a future where prolonged monsoon activity, erratic rainfall and fewer sunny days may become increasingly common.
Phoenix knock MI London out, send Sunrisers into Eliminator
Rebranded defending champions fall short in bid for 59-run, NRR-boosting victory
'We say no': Soros' Open Society, HRW sue Trump admin over crackdown on International Criminal Court
16 Shortlisted For Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust CEO Post Final Interview
The selection process for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has entered its final stage, with the Search Committee completing the final round of interviews of 16 shortlisted candidates.
Over 20,000 join LGs Tiranga Rally
Srinagar, Aug 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led a massive Tiranga Rally from the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here on Wednesday, in which thousands of people from different walks oflife, carrying the Tricolour in their hands, participated with great fervour. The rallywas carried outfrom the lawns of SKICC and culminated at the Botanical Garden amid tight security and traffic regulatory arrangements. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, had earlier stated that over 20,000 people were expected to join the participants. In the early hours of Wednesday morning,the roads around the venue were flooded with enthusiastic participants who hadgathered to join the rally. The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Justice Rahul Bharti; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana; Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra; Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma; and senior officials from the Civil Administration, Police, and Security forces. The Lieutenant Governor also flagged off a cycle rally on the occasion, which witnessed massive participation from youngsters. Theme-based selfie points were installed at SKICC and the Botanical Garden to encourage participants to capture and upload photographs. Theme-based colouring of tree trunks along the rally route was also undertaken, and the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) installed the National Flag on electric poles along the route. Tiranga rallies are being organised across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir from 9 August to 17 August 2026, while 14,03,496 National Flags have been requisitioned by the districts for distribution across Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate large-scale participation in the campaign. To ensure the smooth conduct of the Tiranga Rally, the authoritieshadmade special and elaborate arrangements around the venue. Besides increasing security vigil, traffic movement along Boulevard Road from Lalit Ghat to Kralsangri was restricted for five hours. According to an advisory issued by the Srinagar Traffic Police yesterday, the restrictions remained in force from 5 am to 10 am to facilitate the movement of VIPs, dignitaries, and participants and to prevent congestion on roads. The advisory was issued by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Traffic City Srinagar, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat.
Vijay Wants Status Quo To Be Maintained
The resolution made it clear that the proposed delimitation would severely affect Tamil Nadu and other States that had effectively controlled population growth
21st century belongs to Bharat: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 12: The future is ours. This century belongs to India. This is the era of India's self-confidence, its courage, and its immortal national consciousness, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday as he led a Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar, declaring that the 21st century belongs to Bharat. Addressing citizens after the Yatra, the Lieutenant Governor said the Tiranga is the living embodiment of India's consciousness and pride, emphasising that the Tiranga Yatra in the Kashmir Valley sends a clear message that India must never stop and always move forward. On this sacred soil, the Tricolour is flying high as India's living conscience and Vande Mataram echoes as its immortal voice. It embodies our shared strength, unity, and unwavering patriotism, he said. Reflecting on the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign launched in 2022 under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the LG said its purpose was to rekindle in every Indian's heart a sense of closeness, respect, and emotional connection toward the tricolour. When the Tiranga flutters simultaneously on millions of homes, 140 crore Indians' hearts beat as one in a single sentiment, a single faith, a single resolve. Today, Tiranga Yatra has evolved into a festival of people's consciousness, a tradition of patriotism, and a cultural value binding every citizen to the motherland, he said. Sinha congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their remarkable participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram campaigns, noting that their enthusiasm has become a source of inspiration for the entire nation. He said the Tiranga is the soul of our nation and 'Vande Mataram' is the immortal voice of that soul. The Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to reflect on their contribution to building the India envisioned by the nation's forefathers. He emphasised that while martyrs defended the nation with their blood, today's generation must defend it with character, honesty, hard work, unity, and service. He said the confluence of Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram is not merely the meeting of two campaigns but the announcement of a new era. This is the symbol of a Jammu Kashmir filled with self-confidence and marching firmly toward the future where 'Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara' is a life's resolve in every citizen's heart, where every home is a centre of patriotism and where every heart beats in rhythm with the pulse of national unity, he said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon the people to take collective and personal responsibility for shaping Jammu and Kashmir's and India's future, urging them to ensure that the Tiranga will not only fly high at every home but also in their thoughts, character, and actions. Let us resolve that the sacred spirit of 'Vande Mataram' will reflect in every action, every decision, and the discharge of every responsibility. We should take a pledge to repay the debt of our immortal heroes' sacrifices by building a nation that is prosperous, secure, just, and opens doors of equal opportunity for every citizen, he said. He called for building a Jammu Kashmir where the three colours of the Tiranga are visible in the values of lifeeconomically strong and taking unbroken pride in Indian culture, civilisation, and spiritual values. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor honoured Veer Naris and War Heroes. He also inaugurated the Har Ghar Tiranga Exhibition and felicitated the nodal officers of the Vande Mataram campaign. The celebrations featured the screening of a special documentary by the Department of Culture, followed by a Tiranga concert where artists paid a musical tribute to the nation's bravehearts. Justice Rahul Bharti; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani; Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Dr Darakhshan Andrabi; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; senior officials of Civil Administration, Police and Security forces, and youth in large numbers joined the Tiranga Yatra.
In 1893, Rudolf Diesel published his design for a compression-ignition engine that aimed to improve engine efficiency and reduce dependence on existing steam and gasoline systems. His work later became the basis of diesel engines used in ships, trains, trucks, generators and industrial machines. Diesel also explored vegetable oils as fuel. His career later faced financial problems before his disappearance at sea in 1913.
German nonprofit files criminal complaint over Meta smart glasses privacy
Worrying about Google Glassholes almost feels quaint in comparison.
Raju Das Criticizes CEO Appointment at Ram Temple, Calls for Genuine Service
Mumbai, August 13: Mahant Raju Das, the head priest of Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya, has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing discussions regarding the appointment of a CEO for the Ram Temple. He emphasized that a temple should not be treated as a commercial center. Positions related to the management and service of sacred sites like ... Read more Raju Das Criticizes CEO Appointment at Ram Temple, Calls for Genuine Service
Military transformation, intellectual leadership
Indias military reform must be driven by deeper intellectual engagement
A federal grand jury has indicted a marriage-fraud ring that set up more than 1,000 fake ceremonies to get phony immigration credentials for foreigners, mostly from Red China. ... The post 11 Indicted in International Marriage-fraud Scheme. Trump Hits Birth Tourism, but No Sanctuary Officials Arrested. appeared first on The New American .
YNC celebrates Youth Day, expresses resentment over police summoning youths
NCs history is not just political struggle, but public welfare movement: Provincial President Showkat Mir SRINAGAR: The Youth National Conference today organised an impressive function at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah Complex on the occasion of International Youth Day. The programme was presided over by Provincial Youth President Mushtaq Mir, while Provincial President of the Jammu []
DIG NKR reviews I Day preparations, security arrangements in Handwara
HANDWARA (KUPWARA): In a series of high-level inspections and strategic meetings, the DIG North Kashmir Range, Vinod Kumar IPS, assessed the security arrangements in Handwara district ahead of the Independence Day-2026 celebrations. The reviews aimed to ensure a peaceful, safe, and incident-free national holiday for residents and visitors. During his visit to Police District Handwara, []
DIG SKR reviews security preparedness at DPO Anantnag
ANANTNAG: DIG South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo, chaired a comprehensive security review meeting at District Police Office Anantnag to assess the prevailing security scenario and review preparedness ahead of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, CAPFs and Police, including SSPs of all districts of South []
Sakeena Itoo inaugurates CT Scan Machine at SMGS Hospital
Inaugurates New Academic Complex at Chest Diseases Hospital Jammu JAMMU: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday visited the SMGS Hospital, Shalamar and Chest Diseases Hospital, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu were she inaugurated key healthcare and academic infrastructure projects aimed at further strengthening medical services and facilities for the []
Mirwaiz pays tributes to Anwar Ashai
SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Wednesday visited the house of the bereaved Ashai family to offer condolences on the sad demise of Anwar Ashai. Mirwaiz said that he was saddened by his passing away, as he had met Ashai Sahib on many occasions and found him to be a concerned and committed []
CM approves Rs 5.15 Cr project for Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved a 5.15 crore project for the comprehensive development of the historic Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib at Bakhta in Kathua district. The project envisages the construction of a new Langar Hall and Prayer Hall, besides provision of modern civic amenities for devotees visiting the revered shrine. The initiative marks []
Women artisans sensitised about branding, aesthetic packaging of handmade products
SRINAGAR: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar on Wednesday organised a one-day capacity building programme for artisans and weavers under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme. As many as 100 artisans participated in the workshop, which focused on branding and aesthetic packaging []
JKEDI Pulwama organizes entrepreneurship dev progs
PULWAMA: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir National Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKNRLM), organised two six-day Entrepreneurship Development Programmes at Abhama, Pulwama, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme. The programmes were designed to equip rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills in business []
SAT reserves interim relief order in Zee, Punit Goenka-SEBI case
The Securities Appellate Tribunal reserved its order on interim relief for Zee Entertainment and Punit Goenka. They are challenging a Securities and Exchange Board of India order which they deem punitive. Lawyers argued the order should not take effect until future resolutions are completed. These resolutions are for the company's overall benefit and future operations. Parties must file their replies and submissions within the next six weeks.
Easing the Burden on Government Hospitals in the Valley
Government hospitals in the Valley remain the first and often only point of care for thousands of families, especially those with limited means. They are expected to absorb everything from routine consultations to complex emergencies, from seasonal spikes in patients to chronic shortages in staff, space and equipment. The result is predictable: overcrowded outpatient departments, long waiting lines, exhausted doctors, frustrated attendants and a system that is stretched far beyond its capacity. The burden on these hospitals is not just a matter of numbers. It reflects deeper structural weaknesses in healthcare delivery. Too many patients who could be managed at the primary or secondary level end up at tertiary institutions because local facilities lack doctors, diagnostics, medicines or confidence. In many areas, people bypass nearby health centres altogether and head straight to district or referral hospitals, convinced that anything less will only delay treatment. That instinct may be understandable, but it is also a sign of a system failing at the front end. If the pressure on government hospitals has to ease, the first priority must be to strengthen the base of the health pyramid. Health centres and sub-district hospitals should be equipped to handle common ailments, basic maternity care, minor emergencies and follow-up treatment. This requires not only buildings and machines, but regular staffing, dependable supply chains and strict supervision. A hospital is not built by inaugurations alone; it functions through continuity. At the same time, referral systems must be made more disciplined. Patients should move upward in the system only when genuinely necessary. This is not about denying care, but about ensuring that specialised hospitals are reserved for specialised needs. Clear referral protocols, digital record-sharing and better triage can reduce unnecessary crowding and save precious time for serious cases. There is also a need to review working conditions inside government hospitals. Doctors, nurses and paramedics are often forced to manage a load that would overwhelm any institution. More support staff, better patient flow, improved sanitation and adequate security for medical workers are not luxuries; they are basic requirements for service delivery. When the workplace collapses under pressure, patient care inevitably suffers. Public trust too must be rebuilt. Citizens will continue to flock to government hospitals unless they see visible improvement in local services. That means shorter waiting times, more medicines at the facility level, responsive grievance redressal and humane treatment. For too long, patients in distress have had to navigate the system as though they were seeking favours rather than rights. The burden on government hospitals in the Valley can be eased, but only if reform is treated as a long-term commitment rather than a seasonal promise. Health is too important to be managed reactively. What Kashmir needs is not merely more hospital beds, but a stronger, fairer and more evenly distributed public health system.
In a region where unemployment has become one of the most pressing concerns, skill-based entrepreneurship offers a practical and hopeful path forward. The conversation around jobs in Kashmir has for long revolved around government recruitment, limited vacancies and mounting frustration among educated youth. While employment generation remains the responsibility of the state, it is equally true that waiting endlessly for jobs cannot be a sustainable strategy. The future will belong to those who are equipped not merely with degrees, but with usable skills, the confidence to innovate and the courage to build something of their own. Skill-based entrepreneurship is not a slogan. It is a necessity. It means preparing young people to identify local needs, learn practical trades, use digital tools and convert ideas into income-generating ventures. From tourism and handicrafts to agriculture, food processing, repair services, e-commerce and local manufacturing, the possibilities are wide open. What Kashmir needs is not just more educated youth, but more employable and entrepreneurial youth. One of the biggest challenges is the mismatch between education and market demand. Many young people graduate with academic qualifications but little exposure to real-world skills. They know theories, but not business basics. They can write exams, but cannot write a business plan. This gap must be urgently addressed through a stronger focus on vocational training, industry linkages, incubation centres and hands-on learning in schools, colleges and technical institutes. Entrepreneurship also needs an ecosystem. Youth with ideas cannot succeed on motivation alone. They need access to credit, mentorship, market support, digital connectivity and a policy environment that encourages small enterprises. The government, financial institutions, universities and private sector must work together to make entrepreneurship easier, not harder. Red tape, delays and poor handholding often kill promising ideas before they can take off. At the same time, society must change its mindset. In many families, only a government job is seen as respectable. This mindset limits ambition and discourages risk-taking. A skilled electrician, a successful florist, a software freelancer, a food entrepreneur or a mobile repair technician can create value, employment and dignity. Respect must be extended to all honest work. Kashmir has talented youth, rich resources and a strong tradition of craftsmanship. What it needs now is direction. If skill development is linked with entrepreneurship, the region can turn its unemployment crisis into an opportunity for renewal. Instead of chasing scarce jobs, young people can become job creators, local innovators and contributors to economic growth. This is not merely an economic agenda. It is a social necessity. Skill-based entrepreneurship can restore confidence, reduce dependency and build a more self-reliant future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Reclaiming Readers: Bringing Books Back to Living Rooms
Indias education discourse has, for long, centred on access access to schools, to textbooks, to digital infrastructure. These are critical, but as we stand at the threshold of a new phase in Indian education, an equally urgent question that confronts us is: Are we raising a generation that reads? It is this question - deceptively simple, consequential in its implications - that gave birth to the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya (ReP) or the National Digital Library. The platform was conceived not merely as a digital archive, but as a living effort to enrich Indias reading culture from within the home, the school and the community. Today, ReP hosts over 7,000+ carefully curated books across 23 languages, developed in partnership with hundreds of publishers and aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. But its purpose was never simply to grow into an ever-expanding repository. The approach is deliberate: to maintain a curated, relevant, and dynamic collection one that is continuously refreshed, introducing titles that resonate while retiring those that do not. Scale matters. But relevance, quality, and sustained engagement matter more. Removing Barriers, Not Replacing Habits For many children across India particularly in rural, semi-urban, and underserved regions - access to books beyond the prescribed textbook remains a genuine constraint. The nearest bookshop may be many kilometres away. The school library may be stocked with titles that are dated or it is not available beyond school hours. For these children, the imagination is willing but the material is not there. Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya addresses this gap: a child, regardless of geography or income, can now reach into a library of thousands through the device already in their home. For anytime, anywhere reading. It also gives an opportunity to access books in languages beyond Hindi & English. But it is equally important to be clear about what this initiative is not. It is not an attempt to push young children toward greater screen time. It is an invitation to families to use the devices they already own, more meaningfully to transform what might otherwise be a passive, isolating hour or an hour spent on harmful scrolling or watching inappropriate content, into something shared and enriching. A parent reading aloud to a young child. An older sibling sharing a story. A family setting aside time to read together In a time when screens so often draw individuals inward and away from one another, books accessed through those same devices have the power to bring people back together. Reading as Family Time, Not Screen Time The deeper intent of Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya lies in something more intimate than platform metrics: it lies in bringing reading back into the living room. Reading is not only an academic activity. It is a social and emotional one. When families or friends read together, they create space for conversation, empathy, and reflection a quality of shared attention that is increasingly rare in lives fragmented by notifications and demands. The research is consistent on this point: children who are read to, and who see adults around them reading, develop not just stronger literacy but richer inner lives. There is also a quiet intergenerational possibility that ReP opens up. Young readers can read to grandparents. Teenagers can discover the stories of their elders liked, through shared texts. In doing so, reading ceases to be a solitary, obligatory act and becomes something else entirely what one might call 'me time' that is also 'we time.' Reading ceases to be a solitary act and becomes something else entirely 'me time' that is also 'we time. As a society, we must ask ourselves a simple but searching question: can we reclaim a fraction of passive screen consumption and return it to productive reading? The answer, we believe, is yes if we make the books available, make them inviting, and make reading feel like a choice rather than a chore. Working with Educators: The Next Phase As Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya enters its next phase, the centrality of educators cannot be overstated Teachers, librarians, and school leaders are not simply facilitators of learning -- they are culture builders. The reading habits a child forms in school often persist for life. The books a librarian recommends can change the direction of a young person's thinking Meaningful integration of ReP into school life will require deliberate effort across several dimensions: Revitalising library classes as active learning spaces, not supervised study halls Encouraging guided reading and storytelling sessions where teachers share their own favourite books Creating peer-led book discussions and reading circles that give students ownership of the habit Embedding reading into the daily rhythm of school life, so that it feels as natural as morning assembly Improving writing skills by understanding various methods of writing. A Living, Evolving Library Unlike the traditional library fixed in its shelves and constrained by its physical dimensions Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya is designed to be dynamic. It is a treasure of books in your hands. It also gives the readers to express what other books should be added. The available books are also about rich heritage & culture of Bharat, which the young generation should know about. Its multilingual foundation is equally essential. A child reads best, and most naturally, in the language she thinks in. By offering books across 23 languages and with ambitions to expand further ReP honours India's linguistic plurality, not as a logistical challenge to be managed, but as a creative strength to be celebrated. Every language on the platform is a doorway through which a child can walk into a new world. For young children upto 8 years, the platform encourages the parents & educators to read aloud the stories. A Collective Responsibility Ultimately, the success of Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya will not be determined by the number of downloads or registered users, important as those signals are. It will be determined by whether reading becomes a habit once again in homes, in schools, in the quiet corners of Bharats extraordinary diversity of communities. Its when a child in a remote area has eyes twinkling when she reads a book she has only heard about. A National Call to Read The platform also keeps hosting activities like the current Rashtriya Kavya Utsav and a call for citizens to contribute to storytelling. A lot more fun & engaging activities will be a continuous part of the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. India has always been a civilisation of stories. From the oral traditions that preceded the written word to the great literary canons of Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi and a dozen other tongues. This land has never been short of narrative. What is at risk today is not the stories themselves, but the habit of seeking them out the willingness to sit still, to follow a sentence, to give a book the time it asks for. When Citizens read, the country leads. Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi (Ms. Archana Sharma Awasthi is Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India. Mr. Yuvraj Malik is Director. National Book Trust. India. Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya is available free at https://ndl.education.gov.in/home, on Android and iOS. Courtesy:PIB)
Rookie woman driver steers car into Kestopur pond, dies
The government has initiated 950 enforcement actions against pharmaceutical companies since December 2022. These actions aim to improve the quality of locally made medicines and prevent spurious drug sales. More than 1,100 cough syrup manufacturers are facing intense audits due to quality concerns. Drug manufacturing premises are inspected periodically to verify compliance with good manufacturing practices. Risk-based inspections are now prioritized based on a company's risk profile.
SP Group's Tata stake plan faces fresh uncertainty with N Chandrasekaran's exit
N Chandrasekaran's unexpected resignation adds uncertainty to Shapoorji Pallonji Group's stake. Discussions on monetizing the Mistry family's stake remain unresolved due to valuation differences. The Mistry family may push for a Tata Sons public listing to unlock value. Tata Trusts will play a key role in the upcoming leadership transition. This change could delay any settlement with Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
Sir Ratan Tata Trust faces a restraint order from the charity commissioner. This order prevents its participation in crucial Tata Trusts meetings. The trust seeks relief from the Bombay High Court for immediate intervention. Allegations of governance violations and a 1989 share transfer are under scrutiny. These developments could affect Tata Sons' upcoming board and AGM meetings.
CM Naidu Asks Police to Maintain High Alert, Respond Within Golden Hour
Naidu held his first review meeting with police officers from the DGP to SHOs at the secretariat on Wednesday.
Tata Group shares slide up to 4% as Chandrasekaran opts out of reappointment
Tata Group company shares declined significantly on Wednesday after the chairman's decision. Several group stocks experienced drops of up to four percent following the announcement. Analysts suggest businesses remain fundamentally strong despite the leadership transition. Most of the twenty-six listed Tata Group companies saw their stock prices fall. Market sentiment reacted negatively, though some recovery is anticipated in coming days.
7 firms show interest in Kamarajar Ports cargo berth project
Upgradation of General Cargo Berth-1 receives environmental clearance. It will be executed at 221 cr. under the public-private partnership mode
Organ Donation : The seven common questions !
The World Organ Donation day is celebrated every year on the 13 th August to sensitise people the need to donate organs and save lives . As per the statistics , in our country threepeople die of road accidents every 10 minutes ; besides their are several thousands of deathsdue to medical causes in young patients. On the other hand, it's an irony that there is an humongous list of potential organ transplant patients for Liver , kidney , heart, pancreas , intestine , heart valves , eyes etc. . India has the dubious distinction of the worlds highest road traffic accident rates and yet having the lowest organ donation rate. One of the primary reasons is the lack of awareness among the common man about the process of organ donation and the prevalence of numerous myths. Unless these are adequately addressed the organ donation rate in our country will not improve. Here I discuss the 7 common questions regarding Organ Donation: Does my religion permit me donate my organs? This issue has been discussed with priests from all religions in several seminars and all have unanimously concluded that no religion bars organ donation either during the lifetime or after brain death . Can organs be harvested after death of a person? Once a person dies and the heart stops the organs become useless. The organs can only be removed after brain death i.e. when the brain functions are gone but the heart is still beating which usually happens in Intensive care units. The only organ that can be harvested after death is cornea and that too within 6 hours. All other organs have to be taken once the donor is brain dead but the heart is still beating. Hence it is important to pledge your organs while you are alive so that they can be quickly removed in the unfortunate event of brain death. Does the body get disfigured and mutilated During the process of removal of organs after brain death, the process of removal of organs is carried out by experts in an operation theatre, and the surgical incision that is given is neatly stitched back, and there is no mutilation of the body. Can I buy an organ (liver/kidney) for my family member? The process of organ donation in our country is regulated by the Human Organ Transplantation Act, which prohibits the sale and purchase of organs. As per the Act, only near relatives of the patients can donate organs to them. Thus, the sale and purchase of organs is prohibited and is a punishable offence. Will I become handicapped/weak if I donate my kidney? Research has shown that most living donors remain just as healthy after donation as people who have not donated. Kidney donors are not more likely to get disease after donating, provided all the pre-transplant screening tests are clear. For most donors, the remaining kidney compensates for the other one and works fine for the rest of their lives. Few kidney donors might get high blood pressure or protein leakage in the future. If I donate my organ, I will be unable to start my family A woman and man who donate a kidney can still have children. It is advised that a woman wait one year after donation before getting pregnant so that her body is recovered completely. My parents/ relatives are more than 60 years of age and too old to donate organs The health of the donor and his organs is more important than the chronological age of the donor. If all the pre-transplant screening tests are fine, then the person can donate his /her kidney. The oldest donor in my experience has been 73 years. For more information, please see my YouTube channel, Dr Sanjeev Gulati Kidney Clinic. (The Author is Chairman, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Fortis Hospital vasnat kunj And Past President, Indian Society of Nephrology)
Reclaiming the Historical Narrative of Kashmir
History is the systematic study of the human past. It seeks to reconstruct what happened, when it happened and, importantly, why it happened through the critical examination of evidence. Yet the way different civilizations have traditionally understood the past has not always been identical. The dominant modern Western approach to history developed around chronology, documentation, identifiable events, political transformations and source criticism. Indian civilisation evolved an additional and distinctive conception through Itihasa and Purana, in which history, genealogy, sacred geography, philosophy, cosmology and dharma were often interwoven. Time was not understood merely as a straight line progressing from an ancient past towards a modern future, but also through vast cycles of Yugas and Kalpas. This difference is important when interpreting ancient India, and particularly Kashmir. It would be a mistake, however, to caricature Western historical scholarship as inherently false or Bharatiya tradition as automatically infallible. Both require critical examination. The real problem arises when one methodology is selectively applied to discredit indigenous traditions while fragmentary archaeological or literary evidence is treated as conclusive. This is precisely the concern surrounding some contemporary attempts to reinterpret the early history of Kashmir. A number of writers and commentators, often presented on digital platforms as authorities on Kashmir's ancient past, have sought to challenge what they describe as the raditional narrative of Brahmanical antiquity in the Valley. Their arguments frequently employ technical archaeological, linguistic or historical terminology. But terminology alone does not establish historical truth. The history of Kashmir cannot be rewritten through confident assertions on social media, selective quotations from historians or the convenient dismissal of inconvenient traditions. It has to be reconstructed through the cumulative examination of archaeology, textual traditions, epigraphy, linguistics, numismatics, anthropology, genetics and comparative historical research. Was there really no Brahmanical presence before Buddhism? One of the strongest claims advanced is that there is no evidence of Brahmins in Kashmir before the advent of Buddhism. That conclusion goes considerably beyond what the evidence can establish. The absence of a surviving inscription explicitly naming a Brahmin community at a particular early archaeological site is not equivalent to proof that Brahmins did not exist there. For much of early Indian history, direct documentary evidence is sparse. Historical reconstruction necessarily involves the comparison of archaeological remains with literary traditions, linguistic evidence, cultural practices and later textual memories. The Nilamata Purana is particularly important in this context. Although its present textual form is considerably later than the period it describes, it preserves a complex account of Kashmir's sacred geography, religious practices, Nagas, rituals, festivals and Brahmanical traditions. Its precise chronology and historical layers remain subjects of scholarly debate. But treating the entire text as historically worthless simply because it was compiled later would be methodologically unsound. Later compilation does not automatically mean absence of older traditions. The proper question is not whether every narrative of the Nilamata Purana should be accepted literally. The proper question is which elements preserve memories of earlier social, religious and cultural formations, and how can those memories be tested against independent evidence? Another recurring argument is that early Kashmir was inhabited by Nagas, Picas, Yakshas, Khasas and other communities and that therefore the claim of an early Brahmanical presence must be rejected. This creates a false either-or proposition. Ancient Indian society was characterised by interaction, migration, assimilation and cultural synthesis. Indigenous communities and Brahmanical traditions were not necessarily mutually exclusive categories. Religious and social identities evolved through prolonged interaction. Indeed, the Kashmir tradition itself preserves precisely such a process of cultural integration. Naga traditions remained deeply embedded in Kashmir's sacred geography even as Brahmanical practices developed and later Shaivism became one of the Valley's defining intellectual traditions. Therefore, identifying pre-Brahmanical or non-Brahmanical communities does not establish the absence of Brahmins. Ashoka marks secure chronologynot the beginning of Kashmir Aurel Stein and other scholars rightly treated Ashoka as the earliest ruler of Kashmir whose historical position could be placed with comparatively greater confidence. But there is an enormous difference between saying Ashoka is the earliest securely datable ruler and saying Kashmir begins with Ashoka. The archaeological record itself demonstrates human occupation of Kashmir thousands of years before the Mauryan period. Sites such as Burzahom and Gufkral establish a substantial prehistoric cultural history.The question is therefore not whether Kashmir existed before Ashoka. It unquestionably did. The more difficult question is how prehistoric populations, later communities, religious traditions and cultural formations were connected across the intervening centuries. That question requires scholarship rather than ideological certainty. Archaeology cannot be made to say more than it actually says Burial practices discovered at prehistoric Kashmiri sites are sometimes presented as evidence against an early Brahmanical presence. That inference is too simplistic. Burial and cremation practices have coexisted in different societies and periods. Archaeological mortuary practices can reveal much about ancient communities, but they do not automatically provide a complete religious or ethnic identity card. A burial does not prove that the deceased belonged to a particular religion. Archaeology must therefore be interpreted in conjunction with other evidence. The same principle applies to the remarkable discoveries at Burzahom. Interpretations of its engraved stone objectsincluding proposals that some motifs may encode astronomical observationsare potentially significant because they point towards sophisticated cognitive and observational practices among prehistoric Kashmiris. Such interpretations should, however, be subjected to rigorous comparative and archaeological testing rather than immediately converted into ideological certainties. What is beyond dispute is that Neolithic Kashmir was not a culturally primitive vacuum. Its inhabitants possessed organised settlements, specialised tools, distinctive artistic expressions and complex relationships with their environment. Kalhana cannot simply be dismissedor selectively quoted The Rajatarangini of Kalhana occupies a unique position in Kashmir's historical tradition. Kalhana himself distinguishes between earlier traditional material and periods for which historical evidence was stronger. His account of the earliest kings contains genealogy, legend and tradition alongside historical memory. Modern historians therefore have every right to critically evaluate different layers of his narrative. But critical evaluation is not the same as wholesale rejection. Nor is it intellectually legitimate to quote Kalhana when a particular passage appears convenient and disregard the larger historical tradition when it becomes inconvenient. The proper approach is to test his claims against independent evidence wherever possible. Kashmir's intellectual tradition also matters. One of the most remarkable characteristics of Kashmir's civilisational history is its intellectual engagement with astronomy, mathematics, philosophy, linguistics and metaphysics. The survival of traditional calendrical knowledge among Kashmiri Hindus is one expression of this wider intellectual heritage. The Saptarishi or Laukika era, alongside traditional Panchang practices, represents an important component of Kashmir's inherited timekeeping traditions. Such continuity should not be casually dismissed. Civilisations transmit knowledge through ritual, language, calendars, sacred geography and social institutions, and these continuities deserve serious historical investigation. Genetics adds another dimensionbut not a simplistic one Modern ancient-DNA research has opened an entirely new avenue for understanding the population history of the Indian subcontinent. Research involving prehistoric populations of the northwestern subcontinent, including ancient remains from Kashmir, can contribute to understanding patterns of population continuity, migration and interaction. Maternal lineages such as U2 and related branches are particularly interesting in studying deep population histories. But genetics must be used carefully. DNA cannot by itself establish that a prehistoric individual was a Brahmin, Hindu, Buddhist or member of a modern community. Modern social identities cannot simply be projected backwards onto prehistoric genomes. What genetics can do is test sweeping claims of total population replacement, large-scale migration or complete demographic discontinuity. When archaeological, genetic and cultural evidence point towards substantial local continuity alongside interaction and migration, simplistic replacement narratives become increasingly difficult to sustain. The real issue is selective history The central issue, therefore, is not whether every traditional account of Kashmir should be accepted uncritically. It should not. Nor should every modern archaeological interpretation be accepted simply because it uses scientific terminology. The real issue is methodological consistency. If later textual compilation is considered sufficient reason to dismiss an indigenous tradition, then the same principle must be applied consistently across historical traditions. If absence of inscriptions is treated as proof of absence, the same standard must be applied universally. If archaeological evidence is considered decisive, its limitations and alternative interpretations must also be acknowledged. And if Western historians such as Aurel Stein, H.H. Wilson or R.C. Majumdar are invoked, their broader scholarshipnot isolated sentences convenient to a particular argumentmust be considered. Kashmir's ancient history is far more complex than any single ideological narrative. It was a land of prehistoric communities, indigenous traditions, Naga worship, evolving Brahmanical practices, Buddhism and, eventually, extraordinary Shaiva and other philosophical traditions. These traditions interacted, competed, absorbed and transformed one another over centuries. That is not a weakness of Kashmir's history.It is its civilisational strength. The Kashmiri Brahmanical tradition does not deny the existence of Nagas, Khasas or other ancient communities in order to establish its own antiquity. Equally, acknowledging prehistoric and indigenous communities does not require erasing Brahmanical traditions from Kashmir's historical landscape. The objective should not be to manufacture a pre-Brahmanical Kashmir in order to delegitimise the Valley's later Hindu civilisation. What Kashmir needs today is a history confident enough to accommodate complexity. The answer to selective historical narratives is not censorship, outrage or counter-propaganda. It is better scholarshipmore excavation, more scientific dating, more epigraphy, more textual criticism, more ancient-DNA research, more linguistic analysis and greater comparative study. Most importantly, Kashmir's history must be studied on its own evidentiary terms rather than forced into a predetermined ideological framework. For generations, Kashmiri civilization produced scholars, philosophers, poets, astronomers, jurists and historians. Its intellectual heritage did not begin with a medieval chronicle, nor did it disappear when political power changed hands. The Valley's history is a story of continuity and transformation, interaction and assimilation, memory and historical evidence. To understand that history honestly, we must neither romanticise the past nor erase it. Kashmir deserves neither a manufactured history nor a borrowed one. It deserves its history in its full complexityand that history must ultimately be settled by evidence, scholarship and intellectual honesty. (The author is a former Member of the Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir and spokesperson of BJP JK-UT
Biker enters incomplete flyover in Gurgaon, crashes into cement block, dies
Monsoon likely to intensify in Haryana from Aug 13 night
Govt recovers Rs 700 crore paddy dues, intensifies mill raids
Prashant Kishor Transforms Official Residence into Public Office for Constituents
Patna, August 13: Following his victory in the Bankipur assembly by-election, Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraj and newly elected MLA, has decided not to use his allocated government residence as a private home. Instead, he plans to convert the two-story duplex at MLA Housing Complex in Patna into a public office for the ... Read more Prashant Kishor Transforms Official Residence into Public Office for Constituents
Inter-State bike-lifting gang busted, 44 two-wheelers recovered
Monkey Whisperers At Badminton Worlds? PV Sindhu Reacts On Viral Buzz
The World Badminton Championships returns to India after 17 long years. The marquee competition will start from August 17 in New Delhi
UK national gets interim anticipatory bail in Maha Freedom of Religion Act case
