Geneva [Switzerland], June 21 : Negotiators from the US and Iranian side have added an emergency session to address the conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah on the first day of peace talks in Switzerland, a diplomat attending the talks told CBS News. That issue will be the first session when the US and Iranian delegations begin their negotiations. There have been opposing narratives from both the Iran and US sides on the continued operations in the Strait of Hormuz. According to CNN, Iran has claimed control over the waterway in response to what they claim are repeated ceasefire violations by Israel, as they continued to strike Lebanon. The US has denied such claims of Iranian control over the Strait, with President Donald Trump threatening to impose US tolls in the shipping lane if a deal is not ultimately reached. US Vice President JD Vance departed for Switzerland earlier Saturday, while the Iranian delegation has already arrived in the country. The Swiss Foreign Ministry announced the Iranian arrival in a post on X, We welcome the arrival of the Iranian delegation in Switzerland. The Iranian delegation is on its way to the Burgenstock as part of the implementation of the MoU signed between the United States and Iran. Qatari and Pakistani mediators are also taking part in the talks. Neither Israel, Hezbollah nor the Lebanese government are party to the talks in Switzerland. Allowing Iran to introduce the Israel-Hezbollah conflict into the negotiations marks a shift in US strategy, CBS reported. Iranian Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf invoked the memory of victims of the Minab school incident ahead of technical talks with the United States in Switzerland, saying their sacrifice would guide the actions of the Islamic Republic during the negotiations with Washington as part of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between the two sides to end the hostilities in West Asia. In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, I consider the innocent children of Minab and all the martyrs of dear Iran to be watching over my every action and behavior at every moment. They see us and expect things of us. God forbid that I should ever bring shame to the innocent martyrs and the people of Iran, and that I should join my companions with a clear conscience--companions for whose reunion I eagerly await. Minab 168- In memory of the children of Minab School. (ANI)
Bandipora man injured in Khonmoh cement factory fire succumbs
Srinagar, June 21 : A labourer who sustained critical burn injuries in a fire at a cement factory in the Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar earlier this week died on Sunday, officials said. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Arin in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, was among seven labourers injured when a fire broke out in a chimney at the factory on last Thursday evening. Officials said Bhat had suffered critical burn injuries in the incident and was undergoing treatment at a hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. Six other workers injured in the fire are receiving treatment, officials said. The incident occurred after a fire broke out in the factory's chimney, leaving seven workers with burn injuries. Authorities had launched an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the fire.(KNS).
Blind cricketers shine as J&K, Haryana face off in Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah, Doda, Jun 20: The Blind Cricket Association Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports J&K, organized the Bilateral Blind Cricket Series 2026 at Government Degree College Bhaderwah from June 20 to June 21, 2026. The two-day sporting extravaganza has brought together talented visually impaired cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana, providing a vibrant platform to showcase their exceptional skills, determination, and passion for the game. The bilateral series aims to promote inclusive sports, encourage the active participation of differently-abled athletes, and strengthen sporting ties between the two teams. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from players, officials, and sports enthusiasts, reflecting the growing popularity and recognition of blind cricket across the region. The event stands as a testament to the power of sports in breaking barriers and creating equal opportunities for all athletes. Organizers expressed confidence that the series would inspire more visually impaired youth to embrace sports and pursue excellence at higher competitive levels. They emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in fostering confidence, empowerment, and social inclusion through sports. The matches were officiated by the official umpires and scorer of the Youth Services & Sports, Doda, ensuring fair play, transparency, and the smooth conduct of the tournament. The series is expected to witness thrilling encounters marked by competitive spirit, teamwork, and exemplary sportsmanship, highlighting the extraordinary resilience, talent, and dedication of blind cricketers. The event not only celebrates sporting excellence but also reinforces the message that determination and ability can overcome every challenge.
Dir Skill Development reviews progress of VVP-II in Gurez
Bandipora, Jun 20: Director Skill Development Department and Prabhari Officer for Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) for the villages of Purana Tulail and Neeru in Block Tulail, Dr. Owais Ahmed, on Saturday undertook an extensive visit to the two border villages to review the implementation of developmental initiatives under the Vibrant Village Programme and assess the progress of various government schemes being executed in the area. The visit was accompanied by officers from various line departments, including Rural Development, Education, Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Public Health Engineering, Power Development Department, Social Welfare, and other stakeholder departments. During the visit, Dr. Owais Ahmed held detailed interactions with residents, community representatives, former Panchayat representatives, youth, women, and local stakeholders at Government Higher Secondary School Purana Tulail and later at Government Middle School Neeru. The meetings provided a platform for the local population to highlight their developmental needs, aspirations, and concerns relating to infrastructure, public services, livelihood generation, education, healthcare, connectivity, drinking water supply, skill development, tourism potential, and welfare schemes. Addressing the gatherings, Dr. Owais Ahmed emphasized that the Vibrant Village Programme envisions the comprehensive and sustainable development of remote border villages, transforming them into vibrant centres of economic activity, social progress, and improved quality of life. He underscored the importance of ensuring convergence among different government departments to deliver tangible benefits to the people and bridge developmental gaps in far-flung areas. The Prabhari Officer stressed that the programme is not merely focused on infrastructure creation but also aims at strengthening livelihoods, promoting local entrepreneurship, enhancing access to essential services, and creating opportunities for youth and women. He assured the residents that all genuine issues raised during the interactions would be taken up with the concerned departments for timely resolution. During the course of his visit, Dr. Owais Ahmed also visited Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Gurez, where he conducted a comprehensive review of the institute's functioning and infrastructure. He inspected the available facilities, assessed the status of skill development programmes being offered, and interacted with students and faculty members. At Middle School Neeru, the Director also interacted with students and teaching staff, inquiring about their academic activities, learning environment, and educational aspirations. He motivated the students to pursue their studies with dedication and avail the benefits of various educational and skill development programmes being implemented by the Government. Dr. Owais Ahmed also reviewed the status of ongoing and proposed developmental works under various schemes and sought department-wise updates from the officers present. He directed the field functionaries to maintain close coordination, ensure effective implementation of approved projects, and prepare realistic action plans based on the specific requirements of the villages. The officers from different departments apprised the Prabhari Officer about the developmental interventions undertaken in the villages and informed the gathering about various beneficiary-oriented schemes available for local residents. They also responded to queries raised by the participants and explained the modalities for availing benefits under different government programmes. The local residents appreciated the initiative of conducting on-the-spot consultations and expressed hope that the Vibrant Village Programme would accelerate the pace of development in the region. They highlighted several priority issues and developmental requirements, seeking continued administrative support for the socio-economic advancement of the villages. The proceedings concluded with a reaffirmation of the administration's commitment to making Purana Tulail and Neeru, model vibrant villages through coordinated developmental interventions and active community participation.
KMCH Sempora commences free immunization services under Universal Immunization Programme
Srinagar, Jun 20: Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Saturday commenced immunization services under the Government of India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), marking an important step towards strengthening preventive healthcare services for the community. The immunization clinic, established within the Department of Community Medicine, was inaugurated by Milli Trust President Dr. Faiyaz Ahmad in the presence of Managing Director KMCH Tausif Ahmad, Executive Director KMCH Insha Qazi, Principal KMCH Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine Prof. (Dr.) Shahnaz Nabi, faculty members of the department, Heads of Departments, members of the KMCH administration, doctors, and staff members of the KMCH family. The initiative reflects the institution's commitment to advancing maternal and child health and supporting national public health programmes. The clinic will provide free immunization services under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to eligible beneficiaries, particularly children under five years of age and pregnant women. The services include the administration of vaccines as per the National Immunization Schedule prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director KMCH Tausif Ahmad emphasized the importance of timely vaccination in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and improving health outcomes among mothers and children. He said that the establishment of the clinic is expected to enhance access to quality immunization services for patients visiting the institution as well as those from surrounding communities. On the occasion, Executive Director KMCH Insha Qazi said that a key feature of the facility is its dedicated Cold Chain Point, equipped with advanced cold chain infrastructure to ensure the safe storage and maintenance of vaccines in accordance with national guidelines. The well-established cold chain system is equipped with deep freezers and an Ice-Lined Refrigerator (ILR), both of which are registered under the National Cold Chain Management Information System (NCCMIS), India, ensuring the safe storage and effectiveness of vaccines. The clinic is also registered under the U-WIN (Universal Immunization Win) digital platform of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, enabling real-time beneficiary registration, vaccination tracking, and digital record management. Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Prof. (Dr.) Shahnaz Nabi, appealed to people, especially those living in the catchment area, to avail themselves of the free vaccination services. The Department of Community Medicine will oversee the functioning of the clinic and work closely with healthcare providers to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of immunization services. Kashmir Medical College and Hospital expressed its sincere gratitude to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Office, Srinagar, for its invaluable support in facilitating the initiative and for providing vaccines free of cost under the Universal Immunization Programme.
DC Srinagar visits Mir Behri Dal, Khushipora HMT
Srinagar, Jun 20: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Saturday conducted a comprehensive visit to various areas of the City and Imambargahs in interior localities of Mir Behri Dal and Khushipora HMT to review the arrangements made for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram processions and to also take stock of the developmental needs of the area. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; PO, ICDS, Bureeda Majeed; Joint Commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid; IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; Superintending Engineer R&B, Shabir Ahmad; SDM East, Zubair Ahmad; CEO, Ghulam Mohi Din; BMO Hazratbal, Dr Ab Majeed; Executive Engineers R&B, Farid Khan; Executive Engineer R&B, Arif Hazari; Executive Engineer, KPDCK, Abrar Ahmad; Secretary LCMA, Mohammad Altaf Bhat; Executive Engineer PHE, Muzamil Ahmad; DSWO, Mohammad Yousuf and senior Officers from the Departments of Health, Fire & Emergency Services, Forest and other line departments. During the visit, the DC held a series of meetings with local representatives and community members at Mir Behri Dal, Nandpora, Moti Mohalla, Zaldar Mohalla and Khushipora HMT. In the presence of Officers from all concerned departments, the DC reviewed the preparations made for Muharram and inspected facilities related to sanitation, electricity, drinking water supply, healthcare and other essential services. On the occasion, the DC emphasized elaborate arrangements with sustained efforts facilitating the observance of important proceedings and Muharram processions. He directed the Officers to ensure seamless inter departmental coordination for proper sanitation, lighting, electricity and water supply and other essential services around the Imambaras and the procession routes. Interacting with community representatives, the DC assured them that the District Administration has put in place all necessary measures to facilitate mourners during the Muharram period. He issued several on-the-spot directions to concerned Departments and stressed the need for sustained efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of religious proceedings and processions.
CRPFs 5-week vocational training empowers youth in Balhama
Balhama, Jun 20: Under the Civic Action Programme (CAP) 2025-26, a five-week Skill Development Training Programme initiated by Shri Pal Singh Siwal, Commandant, 75 CRPF, commenced on April 27, 2026 at Balhama to promote vocational skills and enhancing employment opportunities among local school students. The programme provided practical training in Tailoring and Embroidery, Carpentry, and Mobile phone/Software repair and maintenance. The training was conducted with the aim of empowering the youth through skill development and encouraging self-reliance. A total of 70 students, including 50 girls and 20 boys from Government Schools of Balhama, actively participated in the programme. The training concluded successfully on 01th June 2026. During the valedictory function, the principal, teachers, parents, and local residents expressed their sincere appreciation to 75 CRPF for undertaking this meaningful initiative for the welfare and empowerment of the local youth. They acknowledged that such programmes not only help students acquire valuable vocational skills but also contribute significantly towards their future career prospects. On the occasion, certificates were distributed to all participating students in recognition of their successful completion of the training. The participants were encouraged to utilize the skills acquired during the programme for their personal and professional growth. Best wishes were conveyed to all trainees for a bright and prosperous future. Through such community-oriented initiatives, 75 CRPF continues to strengthen its bond with the local population and remains committed to the socio-economic development and empowerment of the youth in its area of responsibility.
Commissioner SMC flags off water tankers to ensure water supply during Muharram, SANJY
Srinagar, Jun 20: To strengthen water supply infrastructure and enhancing civic service delivery, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb on Saturday flagged off four newly inducted high-capacity water tankers for Water Works Division at SMC Headquarters, Karan Nagar. The newly added tankers, each with a carrying capacity of 10,000 litres, have been procured to augment the Corporations water distribution network and improve its capacity to respond effectively to water supply requirements across the city. The induction of these tankers marks a major step towards ensuring reliable access to potable water, particularly in areas facing supply constraints and during periods of heightened demand. Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner said that the provision of safe and adequate drinking water remains one of the core responsibilities of the Corporation. He noted that the addition of the new tankers would significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the Water Works Division, enabling quicker response to public needs and ensuring timely water supply to residents across Srinagar. Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Faz Lul Haseeb stated that the strengthened fleet assumes special significance in view of the ongoing Muharram observances and the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026. He said that these major religious occasions witness large congregations and increased demand for civic amenities, particularly drinking water. The newly inducted tankers will play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted water supply along procession routes, congregation venues, transit camps, and other important locations associated with these events. The Commissioner further emphasized that the initiative reflects SMCs proactive and citizen-centric approach towards improving urban infrastructure, strengthening emergency preparedness, and delivering efficient public services. He reiterated the Corporations commitment to ensuring that all necessary arrangements are put in place to facilitate smooth conduct of major religious events while maintaining uninterrupted civic services for the general public. The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, officials of the Water Works Division, and other concerned functionaries, who reaffirmed their commitment to providing efficient, responsive, and uninterrupted civic services to the people of Srinagar.
CS takes stock of progress under 4G Saturation, amended BharatNet Programme
Srinagar, Jun 20: The 11th Meeting of the State Broadband Committee (SBC) of Jammu and Kashmir was on Saturday held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, to review the progress of key digital connectivity initiatives aimed at ensuring universal access to high-speed telecommunications and internet services across the Union Territory. The meeting besides ACS, PDD and ACS, PWD was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology (IT); Secretary, RDD; CGM, BSNL; MD, JPDCL/KPDCL; Representatives from DoT and other concerned officers. Reviewing the progress of land allotment and statutory clearances, the Chief Secretary impressed upon all Deputy Commissioners to clear the pending tower sites on a fast-track basis. He directed the Information Technology Department to obtain district-wise status reports and timelines for every identified site proposed for installation of telecom towers in far-flung and uncovered habitations. He further instructed that weekly progress reports be sought regarding feasibility assessments, land identification, statutory clearances and transfer of land to the executing agencies so that project implementation proceeds without delay. The Chief Secretary also emphasized that all uncovered habitations identified across the Union Territory should be incorporated in the fresh list of sites prepared jointly by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and BSNL. He stressed that every eligible habitation must be brought under mobile network coverage to eliminate connectivity gaps and ensure that no village remains off-air in any part of Jammu and Kashmir. He further directed the Power Development Department, including KPDCL and JPDCL, to ensure timely provisioning of on-grid electricity connections to all feasible telecom tower locations. He also reviewed the implementation of the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) platform and the compliance of Standard Operating Procedures governing road cutting and excavation works by various departments and agencies. He stressed the importance of strict adherence to the prescribed procedures to safeguard critical infrastructure and minimize disruptions. Reviewing the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned agencies to closely monitor the operationalisation of BharatNet infrastructure at the Gram Panchayat level. He asked the local telecom authorities together with the RDD to ascertain the status of BharatNet Udyamis (BNUs) in all Gram Panchayats already commissioned through the State Network Operations Centre (S-NOC) network. He emphasized that the ultimate objective of the programme is not merely to establish broadband infrastructure but to extend high-speed internet connectivity to households through Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services. He directed that all commissioned Gram Panchayats should be progressively enabled through BNUs so that aspiring households in rural areas can avail reliable broadband services. The Commissioner Secretary, IT, Saurabh Bhagat took this occasion to apprise the meeting about the implementation status of the flagship 4G Saturation Project, Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP), preparedness for 5G infrastructure deployment, and the progress under the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) initiative. He further gave out that substantial progress has been achieved under the Government of India's 4G Saturation Project, which seeks to extend reliable mobile connectivity to remote, border, hilly and underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was informed by the CGM BSNL that out of the total 847 mobile tower sites planned, 566 sites have already become operational, marking a significant increase from 506 operational sites reported during the previous State Broadband Committee meeting. He added that work is presently underway on the remaining sites, with tower foundations completed at 128 locations out of whom tower erection had been completed at 97 sites, and passive infrastructure works completed at 82 sites. It was elucidated that work orders have already been issued for 775 sites, and BSNL has been tasked with ensuring the completion of the remaining sites under the current work orders by December 31, 2026. The meeting highlighted the transformative impact of the project in improving communication facilities in border villages. Out of 1,419 identified border villages, 1,402 villages have already been covered under mobile network connectivity, leaving only 17 villages yet to be connected. Of these, 10 villages have already been included under the ongoing 4G Saturation Scheme. The meeting was informed that electricity connectivity has been completed for 647 telecom tower sites, while power meter connections have been provided to 581 sites. The remaining cases are being actively pursued for early completion. The Committee also reviewed progress under the Border Out Post (BOP) and Border Infrastructure Project (BIP), under which 30 sites have been planned to provide enhanced communication facilities in sensitive and strategically important areas. Reviewing the progress under the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP), the Chief Secretary was informed that the project covers 285 blocks and 4,299 Gram Panchayats across the Union Territory. It was apprised that the physical surveys have already been completed in 2,401 Gram Panchayats, while 282 Gram Panchayats have been commissioned on the State Network Operations Centre (S-NOC). Work orders have been approved for 107 blocks covering 1,599 Gram Panchayats, while additional approvals are under process. The meeting was informed that approximately 744 kilometres of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) have already been laid under the programme. Upon completion, the initiative will provide reliable broadband access, facilitate digital governance, strengthen online education and healthcare services, support entrepreneurship and enable greater participation in the digital economy in rural areas. Concluding the Chief Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to ensuring seamless digital connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in remote, border and rural areas. He emphasized that reliable telecommunications infrastructure has become a critical enabler for governance, education, healthcare, security, economic growth and citizen services.
JKSAs Nasir Khuehami meets Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera
Flags attacks on Kashmiri traders, hostel crisis, exam scams SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) National Convenor, Nasir Khuehami, on Saturday held a detailed and extensive meeting with Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and AICC Media & Publicity Department Chairman, Pawan Khera, in New Delhi to discuss a wide range of pressing issues []
NC committed to fulfilling peoples aspirations, upholding public trust
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President, Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, said that the National Conference government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is making every possible effort to ensure public welfare, provide relief to the people and accelerate the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a meeting of the []
Sagar seeks foolproof arrangements for Mela Kheer Bhawani
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar Saturday emphasized the need for foolproof arrangements to ensure the smooth and successful observance of the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani at the historic Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal. Sagar urged the concerned departments to work in close coordination to provide all []
DC Sgr meets community leaders at Mir Behri Dal, Khushipora HMT
SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Saturday conducted a comprehensive visit to various areas of the City and Imambargahs in interior localities of Mir Behri Dal and Khushipora HMT to review the arrangements made for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram processions and to also take stock of the developmental needs of []
Bukhari welcomes prominent pol, social leaders, activists into Apni Party
SRINAGAR: In a significant boost to Apni Partys growing grassroots presence, several prominent political and social leaders, along with a large number of activists from the districts of Shopian and Budgam, joined the party today. The joining took place in the presence of the party president, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, and other senior party leaders, []
Nasha Mukt J&K: Police intensify drug crackdown; illegal assets demolished, peddler arrested
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police are intensifying their efforts to combat drug trafficking and related illegal activities across the Union Territory under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan. In Pulwama, Ganderbal, and Shopian, authorities have undertaken targeted operations to dismantle drug networks, remove illegal assets linked to peddlers, and eliminate sources of []
Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra flagged off
JAMMU: Hundreds of pilgrims began their journey on Saturday to the shrine of Mata Ragnya Devi and other traditional destinations across Kashmir, as the Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra-2026 was ceremonially flagged off. As part of the ceremonial departure, 214 buses carrying approximately 8,500 pilgrims were flagged off towards pilgrimage destinations across Kashmir, marking the annual []
Waqf Board to take up reconstruction of Hazrat Janbaz Wali Shrine: Dr Andrabi
BARAMULLA: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Saturday visited the Sufi spiritual shrine of Hazrat Janbaz Wali (RA) at Khanpora, Baramulla, and announced on the spot that the reconstruction of the shrine sanctum and all other left-out components of the ongoing heritage restoration project, along with other essential developmental and []
750 farmers join PM-KISAN live webcast at SKUAST-K
18,880 crore released nationwide SRINAGAR: Around 750 farmers from across Kashmir Valley participated in a live webcast of the Prime Ministers PM-KISAN program at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Saturday, coinciding with the release of the 23rd installment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. During the []
BOPEE conducts CET for M.Sc. Technology Courses
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (J&K BOPEE) on Saturday conducted the Common Entrance Test (CET) for M.Sc. Technology Courses for the academic session 2026-27 at Jammu and Srinagar Centres. The test was conducted at the Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar and Government MAM College, Jammu with 312 candidates []
Climate-resilient agri, modern tech must for J&Ks farming future: Javid Dar
SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday attended the virtual event marking the release of the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). The installment was released by Prime []
Mission Director HADP reviews progress of agri projects in Anantnag
Calls for timely implementation and effective field monitoring ANANTNAG: Mission Director, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), Sagar Doifode chaired a review meeting on Saturday at DC Office Anantnag to assess the progress of HADP, JKCIP and related interventions in the district. The []
Rana reviews dev works in Poonch
Cautions against any laxity in timelines, quality standards MENDHAR: Aimed at accelerating the pace of developmental works and ensuring quality execution of ongoing projects, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress and implementation status of Jal Shakti, []
LG Sinha orders reopening of Naranag tourist spot
Srinagar, Jun 20: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered the reopening of the Naranag tourist destination in Ganderbal district almost 14 months after it was closed following last year's Pahalgam terror attack. The popular tourist destination in the central Kashmir district also houses the Naranag Temple, an eighth-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After a thorough security review, the decision has been taken to open the Naranag Temple at Ganderbal for devotees and tourists, the LG said in a post on X. Several tourist spots were closed in April last year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadows in south Kashmir's Anantnag district left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. The tourist spots were closed as a precautionary measure. However, over the last few months, the LG ordered the gradual reopening of several tourist spots.
J&K Lok Bhavan celebrates West Bengal Foundation Day
LG Sinha pays tribute to freedom fighters, calls youth to draw inspiration Srinagar, Jun 20: Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan on Saturday hosted a cultural evening to mark West Bengal Foundation Day, bringing together officials, security personnel, students, and people of West Bengal currently living in the Union Territory, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conveying his greetings and best wishes to the people of West Bengal and praying for their happiness, well-being, and prosperity. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said, West Bengal is a vibrant expression of Indian culture. Its folk arts, musical traditions, and festivals symbolize social harmony and cultural richness. West Bengal's unparalleled contributions to literature, art, music, and science have offered a fresh perspective to society. The region has served not only as a hub of political awakening but also as a major center of spiritual and cultural consciousness. The Lieutenant Governor paid tributes to the freedom fighters and great revolutionaries from West Bengal, stating that the region's contribution to India's freedom struggle and nation-building has been truly glorious. This land has always been a focal point for patriotism, social awakening, and ideological leadership, he said. He recalled the contributions of historic icons including Maharshi Sri Aurobindo, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Prabhupada, Khudiram Bose, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Mahasweta Devi, who gave a new direction to India's spiritual and national consciousness. The Lieutenant Governor recalled the pivotal role of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in spearheading the movement for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir. Building upon the foundation of national unity that Dr. Mookerjee strengthened through his historic struggle, Jammu Kashmir is today advancing on a new path of development and prosperity. I salute his indomitable courage, patriotism and dedication to the motherland, he said. Calling upon the youth to draw inspiration from such monumental personalities, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to contribute toward building a strong, prosperous, and Viksit Bharat. He concluded with a prayer that West Bengal continues to scale new heights of growth and development.
PMJAY-SEHAT controversy :GMC Anantnag cardiologist suspended; doctor calls allegations fabricated
Health Minister says inquiry underway Srinagar, Jun 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday suspended Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, pending inquiry into allegations of procedural misrepresentation and financial impropriety under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. The doctor has termed the accusations as fabricated. Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said the inquiry is underway andwhoever isfound guilty will be punishedas perthe law. The Health and Medical Education Department order, issued under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, stated that pending inquiry into his conduct, the cardiologist has been placed under suspension with immediate effect and shall remain attached to the office of GMC Jammu. According to the departmental memorandum, cross-referencing online TMS claims against the physical Cath Lab Procedure Register revealed that Dr Maqbool actually performed Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) while claiming funds for a Dual Chamber Pacemaker. The State Health Agency (SHA) referred the data to theHead ofDepartment of Cardiology at SKIMS Soura for expert review. The expert panel reported that LBBAP is a highly specialised procedure with strict clinical boundaries, only indicated for patients with borderline or severe left ventricular dysfunction for specific narrow QRS ECG morphology. The clinical audit showed that 27 out of 55 patients (49 per cent) had normal LV function and wide QRS morphology, with no medical reason to perform LBBAP on these individuals. Consequently, SHA rejected these claims as fraudulent. The memorandum stated that Dr Maqbool logged false descriptions in the official TMS system, bypassed the government supply chain, and extorted money from patients legally entitled to freehealthcare, constitutinga gross abuse of official position and serious medical malpractice warranting disciplinary action, including termination. The Health Minister said the government has initiated an inquiry,and it would be premature to conclude before the process is completed.Let the inquiry be completed. We are waiting for the report, and whoever is found guilty will be punished as per the law, the minister said. Dr Syed Maqbool rejected the allegations, stating that what is being circulated in the media is totally different from the actual report and that people are treating a memorandum of allegations as a final verdict, which isnot correct.He said GMC Anantnag had already submitted a detailed response to the concerns raised, and the inquiry committee was currently examining the material. We have replied to every allegation with documentary evidence. The matter is under consideration, and we have full faith in the system. Justice will ultimately prevail, he said, urging the public not to prejudge the outcome. Health activist Dr Mohd Momin Khan cautioned against equating allegations with proof of wrongdoing, stating that due process exists to ensure fairness and no individual should be declared guilty until the truth is established through a proper inquiry. He described Dr Maqbool as one of the prominent cardiologists who had treated thousands of patients over the years. The allegations concerning the Cardiology Department at GMC Anantnag have generated widespread public attention, with patients and civil society groups seeking a transparent and impartial investigation.
SANJY-Kheer Bhawani:Police strengthen security grid
Srinagar, Jun 20: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 and the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela-2026, J&K Police conducted a comprehensive Advance Security Tasking (AST) exercise along the GanderbalBaltal and Kheer Bhawani axis to review security arrangements and ensure a safe, secure, and hassle-free experience for devotees. The AST was carried out by senior officers and field personnel of Ganderbal Police in coordination with allied security agencies. The exercise included a detailed assessment of vulnerable points, deployment plans, traffic management measures, emergency response mechanisms, crowd management strategies, and overall preparedness along the important routes. During the exercise, officers inspected various strategic locations en route to Baltal and Kheer Bhawani Temple and reviewed security and logistical arrangements to further strengthen the multi-layered security grid for both major religious events. Necessary directions were issued to field officers to maintain the highest level of alertness, ensure effective coordination among all stakeholders, and facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims. J&K Police said it remains fully committed to providing a secure and peaceful environment for devotees and has put in place all necessary measures for the successful and incident-free conduct of SANJY-2026 and the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela-2026.
Srinagar, Jun 20: Authorities across Jammu and Kashmir have completed extensive preparations for the smooth and fair conduct of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduledto be held onSunday, June 21. Mock drills were conducted at examination centres across the Union Territoryas part of effortsto assess preparedness and strengthen security arrangements ahead of the crucial medical entrance test. A strong security grid has been established at all examination centres. Dog squads, police personnel and security forces have been deployed to ensure strict monitoring and preventanymalpractice. Senior officers from the police and civil administration inspected examination centres across J&K and reviewed arrangements related to security, transportation of examination materials and candidate management. The re-examination is being conducted nearly seven weeks after the original test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. The controversy triggered nationwide protests, political debate and legal challenges, eventually leading to the decision to hold a fresh examination under enhanced security measures. According to official figures, more than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear in the examination across the country. The test will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM in 551 cities across India and 14 cities abroad. Candidates belonging to the PwD and PwBD categories and eligible for compensatory time will be allowed to continue writing the examination until 6:20 PM. The National Testing Agency has directed candidates to report to their centres between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Officials have made it clear that entry gates will close at 1:30 PM and no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination centre after the deadline. The NTA said it has worked closely with district administrations, police departments and escort teams to ensure the secure handling and transportation of confidential examination materials. A total of 674 city coordinators have been assigned to oversee operations at the city level, while 6,669 observers have been deployed to independently monitor examination centres. Centre superintendents and invigilators have also been appointed at every venue. More than two lakh personnel, including police and district administration officials, have been mobilised across the country for the conduct of the examination. The Indian Air Force has also been engaged for the secure transportation of question papers as part of enhanced security arrangements. TheUnion Education Minister has chaired a series of high-level review meetings to assess preparedness. The government has also temporarily restricted access to Telegram, with authorities stating that the measureis aimed at curbingcheating networks. The NTA has introduced a multi-layered security framework, including sealed handling of confidential materials, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escorts, CCTV surveillance linked to central control rooms and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation and ensure a transparent examination process.
Kashmir Saffron rides global turmoil, prices surge
Iran-Israel-US tensions, poor output push rates to Rs 350/gram Srinagar, Jun 20: The crimson fields of Pampore in south Kashmirs Pulwama district are once again drawing attention as prices of Kashmirs famed saffron witness a sharp surge, driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Saffron growers and traders say the two-month-long instability involving Iran, Israel and the United States has disrupted global saffron markets, pushing buyers towards Kashmiri saffron and triggering an unprecedented rise in prices. President of the J&K Saffron Growers Association, Abdul Majeed Wani,told Rising Kashmirthat the nearly two-month-long conflict in the Middle East hashad a direct bearing onsaffron prices. At present, one gram of Kashmiri saffron is being sold at nearly Rs 350, while last year the same quantity fetched only Rs 200 to Rs 220, Wani said. He said Iran, which dominates the global saffron market, significantly influences international pricing trends and any instability there immediately impacts saffron trade worldwide. The Iran-US-Israel tensions have definitely pushed prices upward, but another major reason is the decline in saffron production during 2025, he said. Official figures reveal that saffron production in Kashmir has witnessed a worrying decline over the years. While the Valley produced nearly 15 to 16 metric tonnes annually in the 1990s, production has drastically fallen in recent years due to erratic weather, declining rainfall, urbanisation and shrinking cultivation areas. Last years production was estimated at around 3.5 to 4 metric tonnes, leaving growers anxious about the future of the centuries-old crop. Wani said the situation this year remains uncertain due to poor rainfall during the first half of 2026. There is already a rainfall deficit of nearly 42 per cent during the first five months of this year. It is still too early to comment on the crop, but if we receive good rainfall during the early weeks of September, the produce can improve. We are hopeful, he said. Another grower from Pampore, Ghulam Qadir Rather,said the sudden rise in prices has brought a sense of optimism among farmers after years of financial distress. For the last several years, growers have been suffering losses because yields kept falling while expenses increased. This price rise has given us some hope, but the weather remains the biggest concern, Rather said.He said saffron cultivation in Kashmir is becoming increasingly difficult because of dry spells and changing climatic conditions. Earlier, rainfall and snowfall patterns were stable, but now seasons have become unpredictable. Saffron needs moisture at crucial stages, and prolonged dryness damages the crop badly, he added. Another farmer, Mohammad Shafi Darfrom Khrew, said many cultivators had abandoned saffron farming in recent years because returns were too low. Some people shifted to other occupations because saffron farming was no longer profitable. But this increase in prices may encourage farmers to return to their fields, Dar said. He, however, warned that unless irrigation facilities and scientific support systems are strengthened, Kashmirs saffron heritage could continue shrinking. We cannot depend only on rain anymore. If irrigation facilities are improved and growers receive proper support, saffron cultivation can revive again, he said. Experts believe Kashmiri saffron, globally known for its rich aroma, dark crimson colour and superior quality, continues to enjoy strong international demand despite falling production. However, farmers say climate change, rapid urbanisation in saffron-growing areas and declining groundwater levels remain major threats to the future of the Valleys prized spice industry.
LG urges people to champion Yoga Movement
Srinagar, Jun 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the eve of the 12th International Day of Yoga, which will be celebrated on Sunday. He called upon citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in Yoga events and champion the movement toward a healthier lifestyle. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: Heartiest greetings to all on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga. This year's International Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.' Yoga stands as an invaluable treasure of our ancient Indian heritage, which harmonizes mind and body, bridges the bond between humanity and nature, and guides us toward a more holistic realm of health and happiness. With rising stress and modern health challenges, Yoga offers a powerful ray of hope. Let's take a step toward wellness today by participating and committing to a healthier lifestyle, he added.
Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue:LG calls for strengthening Indias soft power, cultural diplomacy
J&Ks heritage guiding light for Viksit Bharat; let us lead with confidence, compassion Srinagar, Jun 20: Our goal is to revive India's great inheritances of knowledge and spirituality, strengthen civilisational traditions, and shape a future-oriented education that connects youth to both the past and modern technology, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday. He said that good governance promotes culturaldialogue and together they shapethe moral, cultural, and human character of asociety, and formulateinclusive policies. Together, the scholars of Jammu Kashmir and Nalanda shaped one of the world's oldest living civilisations. This heritage is our guiding light. The SrinagarNalanda Dialogue is our opportunity to carry that light forward with wisdom, courage, and a new vision for Viksit Bharat, the LG said while delivering the keynote address at the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Culture, J&K, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), National School of Drama, and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University. The Lieutenant Governor called for strengthening India's soft power andpromotion ofcultural diplomacy, stating that centuries ago, India's knowledge unified the globe, and today India can be the bridge the world needs. The world is watching. Let us lead with confidence and compassion, he said. Sinha said that youth have inherited a rich legacy of languages, beliefs, artistic traditions, philosophical schools, and varied ways of life, and that this diversity is our greatest strength. From Bihar to Jammu Kashmir, from the temples of Tamil Nadu to the monasteries of Ladakh, from the ghats of Kashi to the valleys of Kashmir, each region preserves its distinct cultural identity and rhythm of life. Our shared aim should be to weave these diversities into a harmonious unity that enriches the nation's collective consciousness, he said. He observed that Indian civilisation has always been defined by its centres of knowledge, with Nalanda, Takshashila, and Vikramashila serving as hubs of global intellectual exchange, attracting travellers from China, Korea, Java, Persia, and West Asia. Nalanda is a living intellectual cosmos of its time. Likewise, Jammu Kashmir was the unique Sharda Peeth of learning, drawing people from afar for instruction across disciplines from mathematics to music, he said. The LG noted that the host city, Srinagar, was established by Emperor Ashoka, and the dialogue reminds us that the moment has come to renew this tradition as a modern, relevant intellectual project. Ancient towns are living learning centres and cities such as Nalanda, Srinagar, Jammu, Purmandal, Varanasi, Hampi, Sanchi, Madurai, Puri, and Thanjavur carry centuries of experience and knowledge. We must strengthen the role of these towns through infrastructure development, heritage conservation, and platforms like the SrinagarNalanda Dialogue for cultural exchange, the Lieutenant Governor added. The event was attended by Padma Shri Prof Shafi Shauq, Ministry of Tourism Director General Suman Billa, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddharth Singh, National School of Drama Director Chittaranjan Tripathy, Festival Chairperson D Aaliya, Festival Director Ganga Kumar, Vice Chancellors of Central University of Kashmir and University of Kashmir, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, senior officials, literary personalities, prominent citizens, and a large number of youth.
The Tragedy of Modern Isolation in Kashmir
If we are to salvage what remains of our societal fabric, we must look beyond mere material success and superficial unions SYED NISSAR H GILANI One aging woman lives in a high-end luxury senior care home in New Delhi, battling a quiet, profound depression. Her former partner of fifty years lives out his remaining days in a palatial apartment in Pune, surrounded only by paid helpers. Miles away, a young, brilliant mother of two opens the morning newspaper, only to find her world instantly reduced to ash upon learning of her husband's sudden arrest and criminal betrayal. These are not fragmented scenes from a tragic work of fiction; they are the stark, contemporary realities fracturing our households. More than a century after early chroniclers observed a society bound by unyielding domestic devotion, we are forced to look into the mirror and ask a painful, haunting question: What has gone wrong with us? The Historical Baseline of Mutual Devotion More than a hundred years ago, early travellers to Kashmir looked at our society with immense admiration, capturing a social fabric that seemed remarkably resilient. Among them was Sir Francis Younghusband, who served as the British Resident in Kashmir. In his 1908 book Kashmir, he described the Kashmiri Musalman as an exceptionally hardworking, responsible head of the family, deeply devoted to his wife and children. In those days, marital disputes were rare, and divorce was virtually unheard of. Incidentally, my connection to this text is deeply personal; five years ago, I had the privilege of translating Younghusbands Kashmir into the Urdu languagea labor of love that subsequently won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Award from the Uttar Pradesh Cultural Academy. Immersing oneself in his observations reveals just how fiercely the majority of that society, bound by shared values and mutual respect, was dedicated to the sanctity of the home. A similar enduring stability characterized Kashmiri Pandit families; they, too, nurtured their households with profound care, and divorce within their community was an absolute rarity. For generations, ours was a culture where the family was the emotional, economic, and social anchor of existence. Over time, however, things have changed drastically. The collective dedication to the family unit has experienced a profound and unsettling decline. The Anatomy of Modern Separation When we observe young couples today, the modern triggers of marital breakdown are frequently discussed. The rapid transition from a community-centric society to a hyper-individualistic one has fundamentally altered how we navigate relationships. Among the youth, several contemporary factors are easily identifiable: The Clash of Egos and Hyper-Individualism: Modern education and global exposure have heightened individual self-esteem. However, when this pride is not balanced with humility, it creates a rigidity where neither partner is willing to bend, compromise, or utter the healing words, I am sorry. Economic Independence vs. Interdependence: Historically, marriage was a bond of absolute material and survival-based interdependence. Today, widespread education has rightfully granted women financial independence. While this is a monumental leap forward for womens empowerment, it means that financially sound individuals are no longer willing to endure domestic violence, emotional neglect, or severe incompatibility for the sake of mere social conformity. The Loss of the Joint Family Cushion: In the era Younghusband chronicled, marriages did not exist in isolation. The traditional joint family provided a built-in safety net. If a young couple stumbled, elders stepped in immediately to counsel, mediate, and absorb the tension. Todays nuclear setups force couples to face friction in absolute isolation, turning minor sparks into uncontrollable fires. The Ultimate Betrayal: When Separation is an Act of Courage While many modern divorces stem from compatibility issues or shifting values, there is another, far more sinister catalyst emerging in contemporary society: the total annihilation of trust through moral and criminal depravity. In such dark instances, separation is not a sign of a fragile society, but rather a necessary act of self-preservation and dignity. Consider the harrowing ordeal of a young engineering couple. They had married out of love, having been classmates during their university days in Chennai. The groom was from Kashmir and the bride from Bombay. Their cross-cultural union was solemnized beautifully in the presence of both families. For three years, they lived in blissful harmony, blessed with two children, both partners suitably employed and enjoying the fruits of a dedicated family life. The wife was the very epitome of loyalty and devotion. Then, one ordinary morning, her world turned to ash. While scanning the pages of a leading daily newspaper, she stumbled upon a shocking report: her husband had been arrested in a heinous rape case at his place of posting. Upon confirmation, the horrific reality set in. The betrayal deepened when it was revealed that the husband had not only confessed to the crime, but had subsequently married the victim, leaving her pregnant as well. Shattered, the young mother of two found herself living the psychological reality of a widow overnight. Yet, being highly intelligent and possessing a fierce sense of rectitude, she recognized that separation was inevitable. For her, divorce was not a failure to compromise, but a courageous refusal to compromise on basic human morality and self-respect. The Fragility of the Empty Nest: A Half-Century Unravelled Yet, the rot in our social fabric does not only strike at the roots of young love; it also fractures bonds that have weathered an entire lifetime. To believe that this marital malaise is confined merely to the impatience of youth is to ignore a deeper, quieter crisis that manifests in advanced age. Consider another deeply unsettling account of a couple whose separation recently shook those who knew them. Both had entered into a second marriage at the age of thirty. For fifty yearsa golden half-centurythey lived together in absolute harmony. They travelled the world and enjoyed a life of shared joys. Both held prestigious professional positions, eventually retiring with immense material comfort, owning beautiful, luxury-filled homes. Their children from their previous marriages grew up, settled abroad in foreign countries, and gradually became consumed by their own distant lives, leaving their aging parents with very limited contact. The couple was left face-to-face in an empty nest. Shockingly, after five decades of companionship, the bond dissolved. It was the wife who initiated the separation, and within a short period, they parted ways. The aftermath of this late-life divorce presents a heartbreaking portrait of modern isolation. The lady initially moved into her elderly mothers flat in her native village. However, within a year, her mother passed away, plunging her into profound loneliness and depression. Demonstrating immense resilience, she wisely chose to combat her depression by moving into a high-end luxury senior care home in New Delhia comfort she could easily afford due to her financial independence. Meanwhile, her divorced husband lives out his days in a palatial apartment in Pune, accompanied only by two or three paid helpers. The Illusion of Material Solace These tragic turns of events illustrate a uniquely modern paradox: the rise of material abundance alongside emotional and moral starvation. We have built palatial homes and secured financial fortunes, yet we are losing the spiritual, ethical, and familial glue that once kept us anchored. When children move thousands of miles away to pursue their own destinies, aging couples are left without the traditional generational cushionsthe shared joy of raising grandchildren or the bustling warmth of a full house. In the quiet of an empty nest, dormant individual eccentricities or the sheer psychological weight of aging can intensify, causing a half-century of history to evaporate. On the other end of the spectrum, the pressures of modern postings and a departure from moral values lead to catastrophic betrayals that completely uproot young, innocent families. Ultimately, these modern crises teach us a sobering lesson. While wealth can purchase a room in a luxury care home in Delhi, hire attendants in a quiet apartment in Pune, or provide financial independence to a shattered young mother, it cannot replace the genuine companionship, safety, and moral integrity that our ancestors possessed naturally. If we are to salvage what remains of our societal fabric, we must look beyond mere material success and superficial unions. We must revive the virtues of profound loyalty, patience, and ethical accountability. We need to foster a culture that values the sanctity of vows over passing impulses, ensuring that our householdswhether young or oldare built not on the shifting sands of modern vanities, but on the bedrock of unyielding trust and mutual respect. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. Feedback: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
The Vanishing Taxonomists: A Silent Threat to Biodiversity Conservation
The conservation of biodiversity begins with knowing what exists. Taxonomists are the custodians of that knowledge OSMAN JAVID Deep within the forests, alpine meadows, wetlands, and mountain landscapes of the Himalayas exists a world that remains largely unknown. Thousands of species of insects, plants, fungi, and other organisms are yet to be discovered, described, and documented. Yet, at a time when biodiversity is under unprecedented pressure from climate change, habitat degradation, and human activities, a less-discussed crisis is unfolding: the alarming decline of taxonomists. Taxonomy, often referred to as the science of naming, identifying, and classifying organisms, forms the foundation of biodiversity research. Before a species can be conserved, studied, or protected, it must first be recognised and scientifically described. Taxonomists are the individuals who perform this crucial task. However, their numbers are steadily declining, creating a significant gap in our understanding of the natural world. India is recognised as one of the world's megadiverse countries, harbouring an extraordinary variety of life across its ecosystems. Yet a substantial portion of its biodiversity remains unexplored. The Himalayan region, including the Kashmir Valley, is particularly rich in endemic and unique species. Every year, researchers continue to discover species new to science from these mountains, suggesting that countless more remain hidden. The shortage of trained taxonomists has become a major bottleneck in documenting this biological wealth. Many young researchers are increasingly drawn towards modern disciplines such as molecular biology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and genomics, often perceiving taxonomy as a traditional field with limited opportunities. Consequently, fewer students are choosing careers in taxonomy, and the expertise accumulated over decades is gradually diminishing. Field-based taxonomy is neither easy nor glamorous. It demands patience, perseverance, and extensive travel to remote locations. Taxonomists often spend weeks or even months conducting surveys in dense forests, rugged mountains, wetlands, and other difficult terrains. Harsh weather conditions, logistical challenges, and concerns regarding personal safety can discourage many aspiring researchers from pursuing such work. In regions like Kashmir, the challenges are even greater. The valley's rich biodiversity is spread across remote mountain ranges, high-altitude grasslands, and inaccessible forests. Many areas remain insufficiently surveyed due to difficult terrain and limited scientific expeditions. As a result, numerous species may still await discovery, while others could disappear before they are ever documented. The implications of this decline extend far beyond academic research. Without proper taxonomic expertise, biodiversity assessments become incomplete, conservation planning becomes less effective, and invasive species may go unnoticed. Policymakers and conservation agencies rely on accurate species identification to make informed decisions. A species that remains unknown cannot be protected. The urgency becomes even more pronounced in the face of climate change. Rapid environmental shifts are altering species distributions across the Himalayas. Scientists are already observing changes in flowering patterns, insect emergence, and habitat suitability. To understand these changes, baseline biodiversity data are essential, and such data can only be generated through systematic taxonomic research. Encouragingly, advances in molecular techniques and DNA-based identification tools have opened new possibilities for biodiversity exploration. However, these technologies cannot replace traditional taxonomy. Instead, they should complement the expertise of trained taxonomists who understand species morphology, ecology, and evolutionary relationships. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated effort. Universities and research institutions must strengthen taxonomic training programmes. Greater funding should be allocated for biodiversity surveys and species inventories. Young scientists should be encouraged through fellowships, career opportunities, and field-based research support. Equally important is raising public awareness about the crucial role taxonomists play in understanding and conserving nature. Kashmir, often celebrated for its scenic beauty, also possesses immense biological richness. Yet much of this natural heritage remains undocumented. If the decline in taxonomists continues, countless species may remain unknown, and valuable ecological knowledge may be lost forever. The conservation of biodiversity begins with knowing what exists. Taxonomists are the custodians of that knowledge. Their declining numbers represent not merely a scientific concern but a conservation crisis. Protecting biodiversity requires protecting the science that reveals it. The time has come to recognise taxonomy not as an outdated discipline, but as an indispensable pillar of biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management. ( The Author is a Taxonomist, Molecular Biologist, and Environmentalist)
Reconfiguring the Idea of History: Memory, Power, and Responsibility
An ethically responsible approach to history requires neither amnesia nor permanent entrapment in grievance DR ZULFI MAJID Introduction The question of how societies remember violent and unsettled pasts has long occupied historians, anthropologists, and political theorists. In contexts marked by deep social divisions or recurring conflict, the issue is not only what is remembered, but who remembers, in what manner, and to what ends. In such settings, the idea of history cannot be reduced to dates, treaties, or political milestones. History operates as a field of contestation in which states, political movements, and ordinary people struggle over meaning. As a result, history cannot be located solely in school textbooks or official commemorations. It also resides in more intimate spaces: in family stories, photographs, shared silences, and the everyday practices through which communities recollect and transmit experiences of loss, displacement, and endurance. To speak of history, therefore, is to speak simultaneously about knowledge, power, and ethics. This article explores three interrelated dimensions of the idea of history: history as power, history as responsibility, and history as identity. It then considers the competing impulses of forgetting and remembering and concludes by suggesting what it might mean to remember differently in ways that can sustain a more honest and dialogic future. History as Power Modern states and political actors have long recognised the utility of history as a tool of governance and persuasion. Through curricular design, public monuments, museums, and media narratives, they seek to produce particular versions of the past that legitimise present arrangements of power. Official histories frequently highlight themes of order, progress, and national unity, while minimising or erasing forms of everyday violence, exclusion, or structural inequality. This instrumentalisation of history is not confined to states. Opposition movements, civil society groups, and other actors also mobilise selective memories of injustice and resistance to consolidate support or to contest dominant narratives. Certain events are elevated as foundational, while others are forgotten or muted, depending on their usefulness in sustaining a particular claim. When history is treated only as an instrument of power, its critical function is undermined. The idea of history as open-ended inquiryallowing for doubt, revision, and the inclusion of marginal voicescomes under pressure. An ethically defensible conception of history must resist efforts to close the narrative or render it beyond question. Instead, it must remain receptive to competing testimonies and emerging evidence, especially from those whose experiences have been historically silenced or distorted. History as Responsibility The notion of responsibility introduces a moral dimension into historical work. It suggests that recounting the past is not merely a technical exercise in assembling facts, but an ethical obligation toward those who lived, suffered, and acted before us. In societies marked by conflict, discrimination, or systemic injustice, multiple layers of suffering coexist. There may be trauma associated with state repression, civil war, communal violence, displacement, or economic marginalisation. Different groups carry different wounds and memories, often emphasising their own experiences while overlooking the pain of others. A responsible historical practice must acknowledge this multiplicity of wounds rather than privileging a single narrative of victimhood. This does not mean erasing power imbalances or creating a false equivalence between all forms of violence. Rather, it insists that no group can claim a monopoly over suffering or over truth. Collective memory tends to highlight injuries inflicted by others while neglecting harms in which ones own side may have been implicated. A history grounded in responsibility requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable aspects of the past, including internal exclusions, prejudices, and failures. History, Youth, and Identity Formation For younger generations in many societies, history is not confined to the classroom or to archives. It is present in daily life: in public symbols, commemorative rituals, media representations, and in the absences left by those who are no longer there to speak. Under such conditions, historical consciousness is shaped as much by lived experience and inherited stories as by formal instruction. These experiences and narratives play a central role in identity formation. They provide a sense of continuity and belonging, especially through stories of endurance, struggle, or achievement. At the same time, when identity is anchored exclusively in narratives of injury, it can produce a narrowed horizon. To view oneself only as a victim may obscure forms of agency and possibility; to view ones community as entirely righteous can make it difficult to acknowledge complicity in harm. A more expansive approach to history would seek to recognise both vulnerability and agency, both suffering and creativity. Even under conditions of constraint or crisis, people continue to teach, study, write, cultivate land, build institutions, create art, and form relationships. These practices of living and hoping amid difficulty are also part of history and should not be overshadowed entirely by episodes of open conflict or dramatic political change. Forgetting, Remembering, and the Politics of Silence In societies fatigued by difficult pasts, calls to move on or let go of the past often emerge, sometimes promoted by official narratives of reconciliation, development, or national unity. The desire to turn away from painful memories is understandable; remembering can be heavy, destabilising, and politically risky. Yet a politics of enforced forgettingespecially when large segments of the population still await acknowledgement or justicecan amount to a second form of violence. Where unresolved questions surrounding past abuses, disappearances, discrimination, or dispossession remain central to peoples sense of identity, urging them simply to forget may be experienced as a demand for self-erasure. At the same time, there is a contrary danger: public life can become locked into an endless rehearsal of grievance, in which the past is invoked only to reinforce fixed identities and antagonisms, leaving little room to imagine shared or alternative futures. The challenge, then, is not to choose between remembering and forgetting as absolute options, but to develop ways of remembering that neither deny the weight of suffering nor condemn societies to perpetual paralysis. This calls for a shift from memory as accusation alone to memory as a basis for critical reflection, learning, and possible transformation. Remembering Differently: Towards Plural and Reflexive Histories What might it mean, in more general terms, to remember differently? First, it entails recognising that history is never a single, closed narrative. It is composed of overlapping and sometimes contradictory perspectives, shaped by location, class, gender, ethnicity, and political position. A plural approach to history would preserve and juxtapose these multiple voices rather than collapsing them into a single authorised account. Also, remembering differently involves broadening what counts as historical evidence. Official documents and policy statements must be read alongside oral testimonies, letters, diaries, literature, music, visual art, and everyday practices. Cultural traditions, languages, rituals, and social customs form part of a longer historical continuity that exceeds moments of crisis. To attend only to episodes of violence or high politics is to reduce a complex social world to its most dramatic chapters. Furthermore, such remembering requires vigilance against nostalgic reconstructions of an idealised pastwhether of national harmony, community unity, or moral puritythat gloss over internal hierarchies and exclusions. Romantic images of an unproblematic before can obscure patterns of discrimination or marginalisation that predated the current moment. A truly critical history must be prepared to interrogate not only the actions of external forces but also the dynamics within communities themselves. Finally, remembering differently calls for institutional and cultural spaces that can sustain this work: archives that protect fragile records; universities and research centres that support independent scholarship; museums and memorials that invite reflection rather than dictate a single message; and public forumsranging from literary circles to community dialogueswhere sensitive questions can be raised without immediate polarisation into rigid camps. Conclusion The idea of history cannot be separated from contemporary struggles over identity, legitimacy, and justice. When history is monopolised by states, movements, or particular groups as a tool of persuasion, it becomes a closed script that deepens resentment and mistrust. When it is treated instead as a shared, though contested, space of inquiry, it can contribute to the slower work of understanding and repair. An ethically responsible historical practice would combine courage and humility: the courage to document and speak uncomfortable truths, and the humility to acknowledge that no single narrative can exhaust the complexity of the past. Between the poles of enforced amnesia and obsessive dwelling on injury lies a more demanding pathone that insists on honest remembrance while refusing to allow history to function only as a burden. Such a reconfiguration of the idea of history does not, by itself, resolve political conflicts or material inequalities. It can, however, reshape the terrain on which these conflicts are understood and addressed. By transforming history from a weapon or a weight into a reflexive mirror, societies may gain greater capacity to imagine futures that neither deny past suffering nor remain forever imprisoned by it. (The Author is a lecturer and columnist)
The Great Disconnect: Degrees, Jobs and Higher Education in J&K
The crisis of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir is not a crisis of resources. It is a crisis of vision DR. SM MURTUZA BUKHARI Few regions in India can claim the scale of public investment that has gone into higher education. We have sprawling university campuses, hundreds of acres of prime land, impressive administrative structures, qualified faculty, substantial public funding, and thousands of educated minds occupying positions of academic leadership. Yet despite these advantages, one uncomfortable question continues to haunt the sector: Why are our graduates struggling to find jobs while employers struggle to find skilled graduates? The answer lies in a disconnect that has become impossible to ignorethe disconnect between degrees and the marketplace. Take any major institution in the Union Territory. The campuses are impressive, the infrastructure is substantial, and the academic credentials are unquestionable. Yet the true measure of an educational institution is not the size of its campus or the height of its buildings. The true measure is the success of its students after graduation. A university can possess magnificent infrastructure, but if its graduates remain disconnected from employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries, something fundamental is broken. The modern economy is evolving at an extraordinary speed. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, renewable energy, tourism management, logistics, healthcare technology, digital services, and entrepreneurship are reshaping labour markets. Employers increasingly seek adaptability, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities rather than degrees alone. Unfortunately, many institutions continue to produce graduates for an economy that no longer exists. Curricula move slowly. Industry participation remains limited. Internship opportunities are inadequate. Placement ecosystems remain weak. Academic departments often function in isolation from market realities. The result is predictable: students obtain degrees but not direction. What makes this challenge particularly frustrating is that it cannot be attributed to a shortage of intellectual capital. Jammu and Kashmir has scholars, researchers, administrators, policymakers, and educational leaders in abundance. Committees are formed, meetings are held, and reports are written. Yet meaningful transformation remains elusive. The challenge is not the absence of ideas. It is the absence of execution. The recent opening of the higher education sector to private universities presents an opportunity to change course. If implemented wisely, the new policy framework can give higher education in Jammu and Kashmir the wings it desperately needs. Private colleges and universities should not be trapped in the same maze of procedural controls that have constrained innovation for years. Institutions should be empowered to design industry-relevant programmes, collaborate directly with employers, launch skill-oriented courses, and create local employment ecosystems. Regulation must ensure quality and transparency, but it should not become a barrier to growth. Universities and regulatory agencies must evolve from inspectors into mentors and facilitators. At the same time, the transformation of higher education cannot be left to private institutions alone. Government Degree Colleges remain the backbone of the educational system and must become central to any reform agenda. The first step is to replace compliance-driven evaluation with outcome-driven assessment. Colleges should not primarily be judged by the number of files maintained, forms submitted, or inspections conducted. They should be evaluated on graduate employability, industry partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, research output, student progression, and community impact. Second, the culture of fault-finding must give way to a culture of collaboration. Too often, educational oversight revolves around identifying deficiencies on paper rather than helping institutions solve problems. Universities and regulators should act as partners in institutional development rather than merely custodians of compliance. Third, administrative processes must become simpler and faster. Institutions should have the flexibility to introduce market-responsive programmes, establish industry collaborations, and respond to emerging economic opportunities without years of procedural delays. There is an important lesson to be learned from educational hubs such as Bengaluru and Pune. Many successful colleges in these cities operate from relatively modest urban campuses where land availability is limited, and infrastructure may not always conform to the idealised vision found in regulatory manuals. Yet these institutions consistently attract students, maintain strong industry partnerships, and produce employable graduates. Their success is not built on land banks or architectural grandeur. It is built on outcomes. Students and parents rarely choose institutions because of the size of a playground or the dimensions of a building. They choose institutions because they offer quality education, industry exposure, internships, placements, and career opportunities. This is where Jammu and Kashmir must undertake honest introspection. For too long, higher education has often been measured through visible symbolsnew buildings, larger campuses, administrative expansion, and regulatory compliance. While these elements have value, they are not ends in themselves. Higher education is not a construction project. It is a human development project. The real purpose of a college is not to maintain files. It is to transform lives. Jammu and Kashmir does not need more regulations. It does not need more committees. It does not need a larger compliance machinery. It needs a new philosophy of higher educationone that rewards innovation, values employability, encourages autonomy, promotes collaboration, and measures success through student outcomes. Our institutions already possess the land. They already possess the buildings. They already possess the budgets. They already possess the brains. What they need now is a vision that connects education with opportunity. If we can shift our focus from paperwork to performance, from control to collaboration, and from infrastructure to outcomes, Jammu and Kashmir can transform its colleges and universities into engines of innovation, employment, and economic growth. The future of higher education will not be determined by the walls we build. It will be determined by the wings we give our students. (The Author is a scholar and can be reached at: smmrtzbkhr@gmail.com )
Police Seize 11 Vehicles in Shopian Illegal Mining Crackdown
Shopian, June 20: Continuing its crackdown against illegal mining activities, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday seized 11 vehicles involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals in Shopian district. Acting on specific information about illegal mining near Turkwangam Nallah, a police team from Police Station Zainapora conducted an operation and intercepted vehicles engaged in the activity. During the operation, police seized seven JCB machines and four dumpers allegedly being used for illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid royalty documents. In this connection, an FIR (No. 84/2026) under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Zainapora and investigation has been initiated. Police reiterated its commitment to safeguarding natural resources and maintaining strict action against those involved in illegal mining activities. Authorities also appealed to the public to cooperate and report any such unlawful activities, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
BOPEE Holds Entrance Test for M.Sc. Technology Courses
Srinagar, June 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (J&K BOPEE) on Saturday conducted the Common Entrance Test (CET) for M.Sc. Technology Courses for the academic session 2026-27 at Jammu and Srinagar Centres. The test was conducted at the Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar and Government MAM College, Jammu with 312 candidates appearing in the examination. To ensure smooth conduct of the entrance test, adequate arrangements had been made in collaboration with the respective college administrations and law enforcement agencies, under the guidance of Professor Minu Mahajan, Chairperson, BOPEE. The examination proceeded smoothly with no untoward or unfair incident reported under the vigilant supervision of college staff. The Chairperson, along with the Members, Secretary, Controller of Examinations and officials of the BOPEE actively monitored the conduct of the CET at both the centres in Jammu and Srinagar. They thanked the staff members of the respective Colleges and the staff deployed under the overall supervision of Deputy Commissioners in the respective District Headquarters for smooth conduct of the said Entrance Test.
J&K Bank Boosts Digital Push in Sonamarg
Plans Upgrade of Mini Branch Amid Year-Round Tourism Boom Ganderbal, June 20: With Sonamarg emerging as a year-round tourist destination following improved connectivity and increasing visitor inflow, J&K Bank on Saturday intensified its digital banking outreach by launching a major QR code and cashless payment awareness drive in the scenic resort. The initiative aims to strengthen banking services for traders, hoteliers, transporters and other stakeholders associated with the tourism sector. The programme witnessed the participation of J&K Bank Zonal Head Layek Ahmad Jan, Cluster Head Syed Irfan, Incharge DAC Nighat, branch managers and members of the Sonamarg Beopar Mandal. During the event, bank officials distributed QR codes, promoted digital payment solutions and interacted with local business owners regarding banking facilities, entrepreneurship schemes and the demand for enhanced banking infrastructure in the area. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Zonal Head Layek Ahmad Jan said Sonamarg's economic landscape has changed significantly following improved connectivity through strategic infrastructure projects, including the Sonamarg Tunnel and enhanced access towards Zojila and Ladakh. Jan said the bank is committed to ensuring that every business establishment, irrespective of its size, has access to modern banking facilities. We are providing QR codes, POS machines and digital payment gateways to facilitate seamless transactions. Our teams have already conducted several campaigns in the area and today's drive is among the largest initiatives undertaken so far. We are trying to cover the majority of establishments, he said. Highlighting future plans, the Zonal Head said the bank is actively considering the upgradation of the existing mini-branch counter in Sonamarg to cater to the growing financial needs of the region. We are exploring the possibility of upgrading the existing counter and enhancing cash transaction facilities so that tourism-related businesses do not face any inconvenience. Improved banking infrastructure will further support tourism growth in the area, he added. Jan also urged local youth to take advantage of various government-backed financial assistance schemes being facilitated through J&K Bank. The government-sponsored entrepreneurship schemes available in Jammu and Kashmir are unique and offer tremendous opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Our objective is to ensure that youth across Kashmir establish their own ventures and grow them into successful enterprises. The bank is committed to financing genuine projects and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, he said. He appealed to traders, hoteliers and homestay operators to utilise the bank's digital banking services and business finance facilities. Whether it is a QR code, POS machine, current account, hotel project or homestay venture, we have facilities available for everyone. People should come forward and benefit from these services, Jan said. Meanwhile, President Beopar Mandal Sonamarg, Furkan Ahmad Shera, welcomed the digital banking initiative and termed it a timely step in view of the increasing volume of online transactions. During the programme, bank officials also highlighted various employment-generation schemes, including Mission YUVA, PMEGP, MUDRA and other self-employment initiatives. Local hoteliers present on the occasion appreciated J&K Bank's role in strengthening banking services in Sonamarg.
Chinar Bagh Awaits Revival Amid Years of Neglect
Srinagar, June 20: Nestled on the banks of the iconic Dal Lake, Chinar Bagh - once a bustling recreational spot for tourists and locals alike today presents a picture of neglect and decay. Broken bridges, defunct fountains, damaged seating areas, abandoned kiosks, and a non-functional restaurant have turned what was once a prized tourism asset into a shadow of its former self. Spread beneath centuries-old chinar trees, the park was developed as a leisure destination to attract visitors seeking a tranquil experience along the lake. For years, it served as a popular outing spot, particularly for families, houseboat guests, and foreign tourists. However, lack of maintenance over the years has left the facility in a dilapidated condition. A visit to the park reveals crumbling infrastructure, damaged sheds, rusted railings, and litter scattered across the premises. The once-attractive fountains have fallen silent, while several kiosks that catered to visitors remain abandoned. Prominent hotelier Tariq Ghani described the condition of the park as alarming and called for immediate intervention. Chinar Bagh is our lifeline. The kiosks and fountains are in poor condition and the entire park has been neglected. If local people and the government do not take care of it, then who will? Ghani asked. He said the park has immense tourism potential and urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally look into the matter. All facilities are lying defunct. Tourists visit the area but find little to enjoy inside the park. It deserves urgent restoration, he added. Chairman of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA), Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, termed the situation unfortunate. It is painful to see such an important tourism asset in a shambles. We have repeatedly raised the issue, but nothing concrete happened. Chinar Bagh used to be a favourite recreational spot for both tourists and locals, Pakhtoon said. He expressed hope that the authorities' recent assurances regarding restoration would soon translate into action. Local filmmaker Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan also questioned the absence of regular upkeep. A lot of money has been spent on developing this property, but maintenance appears to have been ignored. This park is an important public asset and must be preserved, he said. Tourism stakeholders believe that the revival of Chinar Bagh would not only enhance the beauty of the Dal Lake waterfront but also create another attractive destination for visitors, helping revive the areas tourism economy and restore the glory of one of Srinagars most cherished public spaces. The park was established by the Tourism Department in 2010 and was inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Officials of the Tourism Department said that 3 crore has been earmarked for the restoration and upgradation of the historic leisure park. The project is expected to bring about a significant transformation, with visible improvements likely to be completed within the next six months.
Ganderbal Ready for Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela: DC
Ganderbal, June 20: The district administration Ganderbal has completed all arrangements for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela scheduled to be held on June 22 at the revered shrine in Tulmulla, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, the Deputy Commissioner said that extensive preparations have been undertaken by various government departments in coordination with civil society members, stakeholders, and the temple's Dharma Trust to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Every year, the Mata Kheer Bhawani fair is celebrated on the occasion of Jyesth Ashtami in Tulmulla and other places across Kashmir. Preparations have been underway for several days, and all necessary arrangements have now been put in place, Kishore said. He said devotees from Jammu and other parts of the country have already started arriving, and the administration is fully prepared to receive them. We warmly welcome all devotees. Buses carrying pilgrims are on their way to Tulmulla, and our aim is to provide them with a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable experience, he added. The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the administration's focus on upcoming major religious events, including Muharram and the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. He said district authorities are working closely with stakeholders to ensure proper facilities and smooth management of all religious gatherings. Referring to Muharram preparations, Kishore said he conducted an inspection visit on Friday and reviewed arrangements with local stakeholders. We had held consultations with stakeholders a month ago and received their feedback. Today, we reviewed the progress of the works undertaken. Most stakeholders expressed satisfaction, while a few remaining issues will be addressed within the next two to three days to ensure smooth conduct of the 10th Muharram procession, he said. Meanwhile, health authorities have established comprehensive medical facilities for pilgrims attending the Kheer Bhawani Mela. A Block Medical Officer (BMO) said the Health Department has been providing round-the-clock healthcare services since June 17. Medical teams comprising physicians, cardiologists, and medical officers have been deployed at the shrine, along with free medicines, laboratory facilities, ECG services, and 24x7 ambulance support. We have set up a five-bed medical facility at the Central University of Kashmir campus, which will remain operational till June 23. High-end emergency medicines are available, and patients can be stabilized and referred to the District Hospital if required, the BMO said. The administration has urged devotees to participate in the annual mela and assured them of adequate security, healthcare, and other essential facilities during the event.
I Always Felt Welcomed Here: Pandit Family Returns to Handwara After Three Decades
Handwara, June 19: In a heartening story of return, hope and communal harmony, a Kashmiri Pandit family has come back to its ancestral home in Langate, Handwara after spending more than three decades away from the Valley. The family has opened a new restaurant, Taste and Treats, marking what many see as a big step towards rebuilding confidence among displaced Kashmiri Pandits. The restaurant was inaugurated in Langate amid a warm welcome from local residents. For Chandra Dhar, who leads the family venture, the occasion was far more than the opening of a business. It was a return to the place where she spent her childhood and formed lifelong bonds. Speaking on the occasion, Dhar said the love and support of local people encouraged her to take the decision. She recalled her close connection with Langate, Handwara and said she always felt emotionally attached to the town despite living away for many years. I grew up here and spent some of the happiest years of my life among these people. Returning to Handwara feels like getting those memories back, she said. Rejecting the perception that Kashmir is unsafe for Pandits, Dhar said she never experienced insecurity during her visits to the Valley. She credited members of the local Muslim community for standing by her family and treating her with affection and respect. I always felt welcomed here. People supported me whenever I visited and made me feel like I belonged, she said. She also revealed that personal circumstances influenced the family's decision to return. Dhar said her two sons have disabilities and doctors advised them against living in extreme heat conditions. The family therefore found comfort in returning to their hometown, where they felt supported by the local community. Her son, Aakash Dhar, described the restaurant as a symbol of resilience and togetherness. He said local residents extended every possible help in establishing the business and made the family feel at home from the very beginning. The newly opened restaurant will offer fast food, juices and shakes, with a focus on maintaining quality and service. The family's return comes at a time when discussions around the rehabilitation and return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits have gained fresh momentum. Earlier this month, several Kashmiri Pandit organisations adopted the Praagaash Resolution during a conclave in Srinagar, calling for justice, cultural preservation and a dignified return of the community to the Valley. Political voices have also renewed demands for strengthening rehabilitation efforts. Calls have been made for reviving the apex committee on Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation to facilitate dialogue and address concerns related to return and resettlement. For many residents of Langate, Handwara, the return of the Dhar family is more than a personal milestone. It is being viewed as a powerful message of coexistence, trust and the enduring bonds that continue to connect communities in Kashmir despite decades of separation.
Several political activists from Shopian, Budgam join Apni Party
Srinagar, June 20: In a significant boost to the Apni Partys growing grassroots presence, several prominent political and social leaders, along with a large number of activists from the districts of Shopian and Budgam, joined the party on Saturday. The joining took place in the presence of the party president, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, and other senior party leaders, who extended a warm welcome to the new entrants. The leaders and activists formally joined the party during a special event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The gathering witnessed an atmosphere of optimism and commitment as the new members expressed their confidence in the partys vision, leadership, and people-centric agenda. Welcoming the new members, Bukhari said that the growing support for Apni Party from different areas across Jammu and Kashmir reflects the people's increasing trust in the partys realistic politics and its commitment to peace, development, dignity, and the progress of J&K and its people. He expressed confidence that the joining leaders and activists would further strengthen the party at the grassroots level in their respective areas and play an important role in expanding the partys outreach among the masses. Senior party leaders present on the occasion also congratulated the new members and reiterated that Apni Party remains committed to serving the people, safeguarding their interests, and working tirelessly for the prosperity and progress of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who joined from Shopian included Aqib Javaid Banday, Advocate Tanveer Ahmad Tak, Chairman Aquaf Committee Shadab Karewa Mohammad Iqbal, Hilal Ahmad Rather, Owais Ahmad, Junaid Ahmad Bhat, Ajaz Ahmad Kumar, Abrar Imtiyaz, and others. The new entrants from Sitaharan Budgam included Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh, Shabir Ahmad Sheikh, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, Asif Ahmad Sheikh and others.
Apni Party Pays Condolences to Aftab Baigh
Srinagar, June 20: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with other senior party leaders, extended condolences to party colleague Aftab Baigh, partys Provincial Secretary, on the demise of his brother. The deceased Mohammad Altaf Baigh passed away on Saturday . Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and the accompanying party leaders including Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Ex DDC members Ishfaq Mir, and Nazir Mir visited the bereaved family in Kralweth Kunzer today to offer their sympathies. During the visit, they met the family members and expressed their heartfelt condolences on this irreparable loss. The leaders also prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength and patience for the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Rana Reviews Developmental Works in Poonch, Warns Against Delays and Lapses
MENDHAR, JUNE 20: Aimed at accelerating the pace of developmental works and ensuring quality execution of ongoing projects, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Saturday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress and implementation status of Jal Shakti, PWD (R&B), Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and Dharti Aaba works in Poonch district. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department, PWD (R&B), JPDCL, NTPC, Tribal Affairs Department and other senior officers from district administration. Detailed discussions were held regarding the physical and financial progress of ongoing projects, bottlenecks affecting execution and measures required for their timely completion. While addressing the meeting, Rana stressed the need for expeditious implementation of all sanctioned works. He directed the concerned officers to ensure strict adherence to timelines without compromising quality standards. He emphasized that all the departments must adopt a result-oriented approach to ensure that developmental projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe and their benefits reach the public at the earliest. Reviewing the status of water supply and allied infrastructure projects, the Minister directed the Jal Shakti Department to maintain close monitoring of ongoing works and address all issues impeding progress. He called for effective coordination among the executing agencies to ensure seamless implementation of projects across the district. The Minister reviewed various road infrastructure works being executed under PWD (R&B). He instructed the officers to accelerate project execution while maintaining the prescribed technical specifications and quality parameters. Highlighting the significance of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Rana described it as a key initiative for strengthening the power distribution network and improving service delivery in the district. He directed the concerned officers to ensure timely implementation of RDSS works and prepare a comprehensive roadmap for achieving the scheme's objectives. The Minister also expressed concern over the slow progress in implementation of Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in the district and called upon the concerned to pace up the progress. Maintaining that holistic tribal development remains a foremost priority of the present government, Rana emphasised the need for targeted efforts to bridge critical gaps in social infrastructure, healthcare, education and livelihood support, stressing that sustained and measurable outcomes must be ensured for tribal communities across the district. The Minister emphasized that all procedural requirements, including technical sanctions, tendering and allotments be completed in the shortest possible time to ensure timely execution of projects across the district. He directed the officers to conduct regular field inspections to monitor the quality, progress and adherence to approved specifications. He made it clear that any laxity in meeting project timelines or quality standards would not be tolerated. He directed that prompt punitive action be initiated against the contractors found defaulting on their contractual obligations or failing to deliver work as per prescribed norms.
Mian Altaf Welcomes Reopening of Naranag
Thanks LG Administration Srinagar, June 20: National Conference Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Saturday welcomed the Lieutenant Governor-led administrations decision to reopen the Naranag tourist destination in Kangan for visitors, describing it as a major boost for tourism and the local economy. In a statement, Mian Altaf said the announcement by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding reopening of the historic Naranag temple and tourist area is a positive and welcome step. He said Naranag has long remained a preferred destination for trekkers, campers and families seeking quieter tourist experiences and added that tourism in the area supports the livelihoods of many local residents. I thank LG Manoj Sinha and the administration for reopening Naranag. Naranag is not just a tourist place but a source of livelihood for hundreds of families, including ponywalas, shopkeepers, guides and homestay owners from Kangan and adjoining villages, he said. Mian Altaf expressed hope that the reopening would revive tourism activity in the region during the peak summer season and create new opportunities for local communities dependent on the sector.
Waqf Board to Rebuild Hazrat Jaanbaz Wali Shrine: Darakhshan
Baramulla, June 20: Chairperson of Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Saturday announced that the Waqf Board will take up the reconstruction of the sanctum and all left-out components of the restoration work at the revered Hazrat Syed Jaanbaz Wali (RA) Shrine in Khanpora, Baramulla. Dr Andrabi made the announcement during her visit to the shrine, where she conducted an on-the-spot inspection of the ongoing Heritage Restoration and Conservation Project being executed through the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K. According to a Waqf Board communique, the visit followed repeated representations from local residents and devotees who had raised concerns over the exclusion of certain important components from the restoration project and sought the Chairpersons intervention. After reviewing the site and taking note of public concerns, Dr Andrabi announced that the reconstruction of the shrine sanctum, along with other pending developmental and conservation works, would be initiated immediately by the J&K Waqf Board. She said the works would be carried out in a manner that preserves the sanctity, heritage value and religious significance of the shrine while also addressing public expectations. The announcement was welcomed by devotees and local residents, who appreciated the intervention and described it as an important step towards preserving the regions religious and spiritual heritage. Earlier, Dr Andrabi chaired a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioners Office in Baramulla to assess the progress of the restoration project. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, Executive Magistrate J&K Waqf Board Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, officials from the R&B Department and engineers associated with the project, among others.
Sakeen Assures Timely Redressal of Public Demands
Lays foundation for flood protection projects at Guddar Laisoo Kulgam, June 20: Minister for Education, Health and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on Saturday visited Gudder Laisoo area of Kulgam district and inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several important flood protection works aimed at safeguarding the local habitations and infrastructure. During the visit, the Minister laid the foundation stone for permanent restoration at Laisoo to be constructed at an estimated cost of 2.50 crore. She also laid the foundation stone for a flood protection bund at Gudder Laisoo costing 2.46 crore. On the occasion, the Minister also inaugurated a recently completed flood protection bund constructed at a cost of 22.55 lakh, which will help protect the area from erosion and flood-related damage. She was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, officers from R&B, Irrigation and Flood Control and other district officers. Later, the Minister chaired a public outreach programme at Guddar village, where she interacted with the local residents and listened to their grievances, issues and developmental demands. The people projected various concerns, particularly seeking repair and upgradation of roads in the area. Addressing the gathering, the Minister assured the public that their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments for timely redressal. Sakeena Itoo informed the people that additional protection bunds have already been approved and work on these projects will commence shortly. She said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is taking all necessary measures to improve public infrastructure and ensure better living conditions across Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister said that the government is working tirelessly for the welfare of the people and will continue to take all necessary measures to improve infrastructure and public services.
Govt Stresses Climate-Resilient Agriculture in J&K
Over 9 Lakh Farmers Benefitted Under PM-KISAN Srinagar, June 20: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Saturday attended the virtual event marking the release of the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). The installment was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who transferred the financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of the eligible farmers from across the country through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. In Jammu and Kashmir, an amount of approximately 4,209.82 crore has been successfully disbursed among 9.17 lakh beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN scheme since its inception, providing vital financial assistance to the farming community. The Union Territory-level function organised at SKUAST-Kashmir witnessed the participation of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganie, senior scientists, officers of the Agriculture Production Department, progressive farmers, scholars and other stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion, Javid Ahmad Dar said that PM-KISAN has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at providing assured financial support to the farmers and strengthening the rural economy. He said that the timely release of installments enables farmers to meet agricultural input costs, adopt improved farming practices and undertake allied agricultural activities more effectively. Highlighting the growing significance of agriculture in the face of climate change and emerging environmental challenges, the Minister emphasized that the sector remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy and a key source of livelihood for a large section of the population. He stressed the need to promote climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water management, crop diversification and the adoption of modern technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. The Minister observed that agriculture today is not only a means of livelihood but also a promising avenue for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation. He expressed satisfaction that educated youth, including graduates, postgraduates and Ph.D. scholars in agricultural sciences, are increasingly taking keen interest in agriculture and allied sectors and contributing through research, innovation and field-level interventions for the welfare of the farming community. He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Government is undertaking several farmer-centric initiatives aimed at strengthening the extension services, improving access to scientific knowledge and ensuring that farmers are equipped with the latest information and technologies to address emerging challenges. The Minister reiterated that under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana, eligible farmers receive 6,000 annually in three equal installments of 2,000 each. The amount is being directly credited to their bank accounts through the DBT system, ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in service delivery. On the occasion, two publications titled Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Farmer's Scheme Guide were also released. These publications are aimed at creating greater awareness among the farmers regarding sustainable agricultural practices, government welfare schemes and various support mechanisms available for enhancing farm productivity and income.
'Mera Desh Meri Pehchaan 2026' concludes in Baramulla
Srinagar, June 20: The Chinar Corps of Indian Army in collaboration with Lakshya Foundation on Saturday said that it concluded the six-day cultural and educational outreach initiative, Mera Desh Meri Pehchaan 2026, conducted across Uri, Sopore and Baramulla from 15 to 20 June. Conceived as a vibrant platform to foster national integration, cultural awareness and meaningful youth engagement, the initiative brought together the rich and diverse heritage of India under one roof. Through immersive galleries, traditional artefacts, documentary films and captivating cultural performances, participants were offered a unique opportunity to experience the customs, traditions and artistic expressions of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland and West Bengal. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 1723 students from Uri, Sopore and Baramulla. The programme culminated in a grand and memorable finale at Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla celebrating the spirit of unity in diversity that forms the cornerstone of the Indian nation. The grand finale was graced by Maj Gen Manoj Joshi, VSM, GOC, 19 Inf Div as the Chief Guest, alongside distinguished civil and military dignitaries reflecting the widespread appreciation and support garnered by the initiative. One of the most cherished highlights of the event was the enthralling cultural showcase presented by students of St Joseph Public School, Baramulla, along with the talented team from Lakshya Foundation. Their performances, marked by artistic excellence, cultural vibrancy and patriotic fervour, captivated the audience and received resounding applause. Addressing the gathering, dignitaries commended the participants for their enthusiasm and underscored the significance of such initiatives in nurturing informed, confident and socially responsible youth. The programme served as a powerful reminder of India's extraordinary cultural mosaic and the enduring values of mutual respect, harmony and national pride. Through initiatives such as Mera Desh Meri Pehchaan 2026, the Indian Army continues to strengthen its enduring bond with the youth, inspire aspirations, and promote peace, harmony and national integration across the region. The overwhelming response to the event stands as a testament to the collective commitment towards building a stronger, more united and progressive India.
Bill Gates to Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta & every company building data centers
NEW DELHI: Bill Gates has said something the rest of the AI industry would rather he had kept to himself. Some of the megacomplexes going up across the United States right now will not pay off. The electricity locked in will turn out to be too expensive. The compute will be undercut by cheaper builds []
Reliance developing private satellite constellation
MUMBAI: Reliance Jio is exploring the development of a sovereign satellite constellation for India, marking a significant step in the countrys ambitions to strengthen its space-based communications infrastructure. Speaking about the companys future plans in the space sector, Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani announced that the telecom giant is evaluating the creation of a Low []
After banning smartphones, Norway restricts AI use in schools
NEW DELHI: Norway, following its previous ban on smartphones, is now imposing a near-total ban on generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for elementary school students. The Norwegian government is also placing strict limits on AI use for older children to protect them from a negative impact on their learning. According to a report by news []
Govt committed to youth empowerment through sports
Satish Sharma inaugurates Faavos Taekwondo Cup at Indoor Stadium Budgam BUDGAM: Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Transport, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Science & Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma on Saturday inaugurated the Faavos Taekwondo Cup at the Indoor Stadium, Budgam, amid enthusiastic participation of young taekwondo players from []
India beat Afghanistan by nine wickets, sweep ODI series 3-0
CHENNAI: India completed a clean sweep of the three-match ODI series with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in the final match, as Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten century and combined with Rohit Sharma for a 170-run opening stand to make the chase a mere formality here on Saturday. Chasing a modest 219-run target, India []
Kashmir: Seven Injured as Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge
SRINAGAR: Seven persons were injured after a Tavera vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near Baba Reshi Morh in the Tangmarg area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Saturday. Officials said the accident occurred when the Tavera vehicle bearing registration number JK02AG-3981 reportedly lost control near a roadside bend and fell []
Retired ASI Among Three Booked as Crime Branch Cracks Down on Financial Fraud
SRINAGAR: The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir has registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against three individuals, including a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), in connection with alleged cases of financial fraud, cheating and criminal conspiracy. Officials said the FIRs were registered following detailed verification and investigation of complaints received by the Crime Branch. []
How Air Pollution Affects Health?
Most people notice air pollution when the sky looks grey, or the AQI app starts acting dramatically. But the bigger question is this, what is all that bad air actually doing to your body? If headaches, allergies, breathing issues, or rising medical bills feel more common than before, pollution might be playing a bigger role []
Supreme Court Judges Call for Stronger Grassroots Justice Delivery in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Emphasising the need for accessible, coordinated and victim-sensitive justice mechanisms, the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), under the guidance of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), on Saturday organised a mega awareness programme on Empowering Women and Strengthening Institutional Legal Support at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The event []
8,500 Pilgrims Leave Jammu in 214 Buses for Kheer Bhawani Festival In Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra commenced on Saturday with around 8,500 pilgrims setting off from Jammu for various pilgrimage destinations across Kashmir ahead of the observance of Jyeshtha Ashtami. A fleet of 214 buses carrying devotees was flagged off from Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu, marking the formal beginning of the pilgrimage []
KPDCL Announces Scheduled Power Shutdown in Parts of Anantnag on June 23 & 27
SRINAGAR, JUNE 20: Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the Shutdown of 33 kV Mattan-Pahalgam line will be observed due to which power supply to District Jail Anantnag, Seer, Salia, Sallar, Aishmuqam, Batkoot, Pahalgam and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 23 & 27 June 2026
1,402 Border Villages Connected, 566 New 4G Towers Operational In Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved near-universal mobile connectivity in its border areas, with 1,402 of the 1,419 identified border villages now covered by mobile networks, while more than 560 telecom towers have become operational under the Centres flagship 4G Saturation Project, officials said on Saturday. The progress was reviewed at the 11th meeting of []
AMU Centre Publishes Landmark Volume on Kidwais Contributions to Quranic Translation Studies
SRINAGAR: The KA Nizami Centre for Quranic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University has published a major scholarly volume examining the work of noted Quranic studies scholar Prof Abdur Raheem Kidwai, whose research on English translations of the Quran has influenced academic discourse for more than three decades. Titled _Abdur Raheem Kidwais Critique on English Translations []
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has set an ambitious target of producing 225 metric tonnes of raw silk annually by 2030-31, with authorities outlining a roadmap that includes expansion of sericulture into new areas, strengthening disease surveillance, improving farmer outreach and increasing bivoltine cocoon production. The strategy emerged from a high-level review and monitoring meeting on []
Historic Naranag temple reopens following security review
Srinagar: The administration has decided to reopen the historic Naranag Temple in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district for devotees and tourists following a comprehensive security review. In a post on X, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, said the decision was taken after a thorough assessment of the security situation. After thorough security review, decision has []
PM arrives in Bengal on two-day visit
KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in West Bengal on a two-day visit, during which he will participate in Paschimbanga Divas celebrations, lead the International Day of Yoga programme in Kolkata, and commission three indigenously built naval ships. Modi arrived in Hooghly district from neighbouring Odisha and is scheduled to attend the state-level []
Kashmirs Mughal Gardens Get Landmark Scholarly Study, Renewing Push for Heritage Conservation
by Lilac Ali SRINAGAR: Kashmirs historic Mughal gardens have received what experts describe as the first comprehensive scholarly treatment devoted exclusively to their landscape heritage. Kashmir conservationists and historians hope that the work will serve as a blueprint for preserving some of the Valleys most significant cultural assets. The optimism emerged at a pre-launch event []
Indian Woman Says Kashmir Is As Good As Switzerland But Lags in Cleanliness
SRINAGAR: An Indian woman who recently returned from a 12-day trip to Switzerland has sparked discussion on social media after saying that India, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, possesses natural beauty comparable to the European nation but falls short when it comes to cleanliness. In a video posted on Instagram, Binny Sharma said her visit reinforced []
J&K Police Named Among Best Performers in Passport Seva for 2025-26
New Delhi: J&K Police has been adjudged one of the Best Performers in Passport Seva for 2025-26, securing its second consecutive recognition in the category. The force received the Institutional Performance Award for State Police during the Passport Seva Divas celebrations and Regional Passport Officers Conference held from June 17-19 at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, New []
LAB, KDA Call for Ladakh Bandh on June 23, Accuse Centre of Delaying Key Issues
SRINAGAR: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Saturday called for a complete Ladakh Bandh on June 23, accusing the Centre of delaying decisions on crucial political and constitutional demands and warning that the people of the Union Territory would no longer remain silent in the face of what they []
EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet in Telecom Project Fraud Case
SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrates Court in Sopore against a man accused of cheating a complainant on the pretext of providing a telecom project linked to a United States-based company. According to officials, the chargesheet has been []
EOW Kashmir presents Chargesheet in Telecom Project Fraud Case
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir, of Crime Branch J&K has produced a chargesheet in FIR No. 44/2023 under Section 420 IPC before the Honble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sopore, against Harkeet Singh S/o Guru Mohan Singh R/o Kali Mata Mandir, Lal Bangla, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The case pertains to a written complaint alleging that the accused had induced the complainant to part with money on the pretext of providing an AT&T inbound sales call project of a US-based telecom company. During the course of investigation, it was established that the accused had dishonestly deceived the complainant and fraudulently obtained money under false assurances. On the basis of evidence collected during investigation, the allegations were found proved and the chargesheet was accordingly filed before the competent court for judicial determination. The general public is advised to remain vigilant against economic fraud and report any such incidents to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K. Victims of economic fraud may also submit their complaints through the official email address: sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in
Doctor Suspended as Probe Into GMC Anantnag Continues
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended an Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, pending an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the institutions Cardiology Department, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said on Friday. Speaking to reporters, the Minister confirmed that an inquiry had already been initiated by the []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Appoints 25 Liaison Officers Ahead of Parliamentary Panel Visit
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has appointed 25 senior officers as Liaison Officers to facilitate the proposed study visit of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas scheduled to take place in the Union Territory from June 25 to June 29, 2026. According to Government Order No. 1106-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated June []
Srinagar, June 20 : Cardiologist Dr Syed Maqbool has strongly rejected allegations levelled against him in a departmental memorandum, terming the accusations fabricated and asserting that the matter remains under inquiry with no findings having been established so far. Dr Maqbool, while speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, said the contents circulating in sections of the media were being portrayed out of context and did not reflect the complete picture of the case. What is being circulated in the media is totally different from the actual report. People are treating a memorandum of allegations as a final verdict, which is not correct, he said. Dr Maqbool maintained that Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has already submitted a detailed response to the queries raised by the authorities and that the inquiry committee is presently examining the material placed before it. We have replied to every allegation with documentary evidence. The matter is under consideration and we have full faith in the system. Justice will ultimately prevail, he said. Appealing against what he described as premature conclusions, the cardiologist urged people to allow the inquiry process to run its course. Let us not jump to conclusions and make a mountain out of a molehill. An inquiry is meant to establish facts, not to pronounce guilt before the process is complete, he said. Meanwhile, noted medico and Health Activist Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan also cautioned against treating allegations as proof of wrongdoing. An inquiry is meant to establish facts, not deliver a verdict. Unfortunately, allegations often lead to instant public judgment, with reputations being damaged long before any investigation is completed. Due process exists to ensure fairness, and no individual should be declared guilty until the truth is established through a proper inquiry, he said. Dr Momin described Dr Maqbool as one of the Valleys prominent cardiologists and said that over the years he had treated thousands of patients, including many from economically weaker sections. If any wrongdoing is ultimately established, accountability must follow. But until then, fairness demands restraint and respect for due process, he added. Notably, the controversy stems from a departmental memorandum against Dr. Syed Maqbool, a cardiologist at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag. The memorandum accuses him of misrepresenting cardiac procedures under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme, generating wrongful claims, bypassing official procurement channels and subjecting several patients to procedures that an expert audit later found lacked medical justification. The department has recommended major disciplinary action, including termination from service. Dr. Maqbool, however, has rejected the allegations and says the inquiry process is still underway.[KNT]
Fragile peace in Lebanon shattered as fresh IDF strikes kills five: Lebanese media
Beirut, June 20 : Fresh Israeli strikes in South Lebanon have resulted in the death of five people, including a Lebanese Army soldier and two minors-- the country's National News Agency (NNA) reported on Saturday. According to the NNA, a Lebanese Army soldier was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting the Kfarremane roundabout. As per the NNA, strikes also took place at the centre of Sohmur, resulting in injuries, while another airstrike targeted Shibl in Qatrani, in the Jezzine area. In the strikes on the town of Barish, four family members were killed-- including a father, mother and two children. It also reported of a drone flying at low altitude over Beirut's suburbs and further noted that the Hima Labaya area was hit by three airstrikes. According to the NNA, the recent strikes come after Israeli aggression was reported on the towns of Kfarreman, Habboush, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Choukine, Zebdine, and Kfarjouz, while the city of Nabatieh was also subjected to a series of intense raids. As per the NNA, Civil Defence teams and paramedics from the Islamic Risala Scout Association and the Islamic Health Society continue search and rescue operations as several people remain trapped beneath the debris. As per the Israeli news outlet, Jerusalem Post, there was no comment from the Israeli Defence Forces on the latest round of strikes in Lebanon. As peace hangs by a precipice amid the recently inked MoU between Iran and the US, strikes on Lebanon may further complicate the process. The 14-point MoU between the US and Iran includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon, and a pledge to conclude negotiations on a final deal within 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. Meanwhile, on Friday, in a highly inflammatory post on X, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security of Israel, called for the intensification of military actions in Lebanon--remarks which have drawn widespread condemnation. For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. All of Lebanon must burn! he wrote on X. The National Security Minister further said, With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn. He said that Israel's supreme duty is to protect its citizens and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration. He further said, Enough with the ping-pong. In the Middle East, you don't win with measured responses and restraint--you need to go berserk. To obliterate. To crush the terror. (ANI)
India to host BRICS National Security Advisers' Meet from June 22-23: MEA
During the meeting, the National Security Advisers will exchange views on the theme Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today
GMC Anantnag Cardiologist Denies Allegations, Seeks Fair Probe
SRINAGAR: Cardiologist Dr Syed Maqbool has rejected allegations levelled against him in connection with the PMJAY-SEHAT controversy, asserting that the matter remains under inquiry and that no conclusions have been reached by the authorities. Dr Maqbool said the allegations contained in a departmental memorandum were being misrepresented in sections of the media and should not []
Kashmir drew scholars from across Asia, shared knowledge with Arab world: LG Sinha
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Kashmir was once among Asias foremost centres of learning, attracting scholars from Afghanistan, Central Asia and other regions, while Sanskrit texts preserved and studied in the Valley were translated into Arabic and carried Indias intellectual traditions far beyond its borders. Addressing the inaugural session of the Nalanda []
J-K: Inquiry finds patients with normal hearts underwent cardiac surgery; doctor under lens
SRINAGAR: Nearly 50 per cent of evaluated patients who underwent advanced cardiac surgical procedures did not even require them, a departmental inquiry into alleged large-scale procedural irregularities at the Anantnag Government Medical College has revealed. The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department further revealed fraudulent insurance claims, patient exploitation and unnecessary procedures on []
NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam: Restrictions Imposed in Baramulla for Smooth Conduct
Baramulla, June 20 : In a bid to ensure the fair and transparent conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 re-examination, the District Magistrate of Baramulla, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, IAS, has imposed stringent restrictions under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023. The order, issued on June 15, comes into effect from 10:00 AM on June 21, 2026, until the conclusion of the examination at all 11 designated centers across the district. The re-exam is scheduled to be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with an additional hour for PwD/PvBD candidates. As per the directive accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) a 200-meter perimeter around all examination centers will be a restricted zone. Unauthorized individuals are strictly barred from entering this radius. Candidates will be allowed entry only after thorough identity verification and production of their hall tickets, while examination staff must present valid photo ID and undergo biometric verification where applicable. To maintain the sanctity of the exam, the use of mobile phones, electronic devices, calculators, books, or any other unauthorized material is completely prohibited inside the examination halls. Candidates are also not permitted to leave the hall before the scheduled time without prior authorization. Additionally, to prevent any untoward incidents, the gathering of more than five persons within the 200-meter radius is prohibited, and the use of public address systems or loudspeakers will be disallowed between 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM. The order, however, exempts law enforcement agencies, magistrates, and personnel directly associated with the examination. Any violation of these directives will invite punitive action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)-2023. The District Magistrate has forwarded copies of the order to senior police officials, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and all concerned magistrates for necessary compliance and information. (KNS)
HME Orders Probe Into GMC Anantnag Cardiologist Over Alleged PMJAY Fraud, Pacemaker Scam
SRINAGAR: The Health and Medical Education (HME) Department has initiated major departmental proceedings against a cardiologist posted at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag over allegations of fraudulent PMJAY-SEHAT claims, manipulation of medical records, unauthorised cardiac procedures, patient exploitation and violations of procurement norms, official documents reveal. The departmental action against Dr Syed Maqbool, a cardiologist []
NEET-UG re-exam: Security tightened, administrative prep intensified across country
New Delhi , June 20 : Ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, scheduled to take place across the country on Sunday, administrative and security preparations have been intensified nationwide to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the high-stakes medical entrance examination. In the national capital, inspection rounds are underway to finalise arrangements at various centres. An observer visiting the Government Boys Senior Secondary (GBSS) school in Ashok Vihar, Delhi, expressed satisfaction with the readiness of the facilities. Everything has been checked and found fit for the exam. Five schools have been designated as centres here. This is the first centre, and we now have to visit the others, the observer told ANI. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, District Magistrate of Prayagraj, Manish Kumar Verma, detailed the extensive arrangements made for the district. Speaking on the security arrangements, Verma told ANI, The NEET exam is scheduled to be held at 47 centers in Prayagraj district, and approximately 23,000 students will participate. Considering the sensitivity of this exam, we have made adequate preparations. Static and sector personnel have been deployed at each center, under whose supervision the entire exam will be conducted. Adequate police and paramilitary forces have also been deployed to assist them. Personnel will be present from the time the question paper reaches the center to the time it is collected and returned. The DM further emphasised the logistical support provided to students, particularly regarding transportation and the prevailing weather conditions. To ensure there is no inconvenience at the railway and bus stations, appropriate instructions have been issued after meetings with railway and roadways officials. The reduced fare rates announced by the state government for students are being strictly followed. Everyone has been sensitised to ensure that students do not face any inconvenience while returning. An ARTO team has been deployed to ensure there are no transportation problems within the city. Considering the heat, medical teams and ambulances have also been deployed... we are fully prepared, he added. The Ajmer district administration has completed all security arrangements for the NEET-UG re-examination, with around 300 police personnel set to be deployed across examination centres to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the exam. Speaking on the security preparations, Ajmer Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Himanshu Jangid said that extensive measures have been put in place across the district's examination centres. According to the ASP, police personnel have been instructed to remain alert and enforce examination guidelines strictly. Armed guards will accompany the transportation of question papers and answer sheets, while strong rooms at all examination centres will remain under police supervision. The NTA has advised candidates to reach their examination centres between 11 am and 1:30 pm, noting that entry gates will close at 1:30 pm. The examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test on June 21. (ANI)
Modi tough cookie, great leader who has been in power for over 12 years: Trump
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is a great leader and tough guy, who has been in power for more than 12 years. In an interview with Axios, Trump referred to Chinas President Xi Jinping and Modi as the two greatest leaders he likes the most in []
Around 9,000 pilgrims depart from Nagrota for Annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela amid tight security
Nagrota , June 20 : Around 9,000 pilgrims on Saturday departed in nearly 200 buses from Nagrota in Jammu for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and other yatras to Tikker in Kupwara, Logripora in Anantnag, Devsar and Manzgam in Kulgam districts. The administration has put in place elaborate security and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth and hassle-free transit of devotees to their respective destinations. Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Karwani said that multiple agencies, including the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Army, were working in coordination to ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout the journey. We tried to make security arrangements better than the previous year. The Yatra is leaving today, and until the pilgrims reach their destinations safely, everyone, including the CAPF, the J&K Police, and the Army, is working together to ensure this is a great arrangement, deploying every standard gadget and all the required forces, Karwani told ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Devyani Rana flagged off devotees from the old toll post in Nagrota, located at the foothills of the Kol Kandoli Mata Temple, and extended her best wishes to the pilgrims. We are sending people off for darshan from the Old toll post in Nagrota, which is at the foot of the Kol Kandoli Mata Temple. I hope that all the devotees leaving from here have a successful and pleasant journey, Rana told ANI. She further highlighted the arrangements made for devotees through a community service initiative. It is fortunate that today, through the 'Jeeyo Geeta Sansthanam', with the blessings of our revered Gyan Ji Maharaj, a grand langar is being organised here. Through this, food and drink arrangements have been made for all the devotees leaving today. I hope that our devotees will begin their journey this morning with an open mind and open heart, she said. The Mata Kheer Bhawani annual mela takes place at the famous Ragnya Devi temple in the village Tulmulla, 25 kilometres off Srinagar. 'Kheer', a milk and rice pudding, is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as 'Milk Goddess'. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir; most of them worship her as their protective patron deity, Kuladevi. (ANI)
A debut novel frames Kashmirs trauma and displacement through intimate human stories, recovering a cultures lost melody in three chapters of winter, writes Mehreen Firdous RJ Umair Ahmad Khans choice of title for his debut novel is itself an act of quiet precision. The Valley of Unfinished Songs names Kashmir not as a political geography []
Classics: Trump names PM Modi as one of two greatest leaders he likes on world stage
Washington DC , June 20 : Describing them as classics, US President Donald Trump has named Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping among the world leaders he most admires, praising their leadership styles, political strength, and global influence. During an interview on The Axios Show on Friday, when asked to name the two leaders he most admires internationally, the US President responded by pointing to Xi Jinping and PM Modi. Yeah, I think in terms of leadership, I think that's true, Trump said when prompted about Xi. When asked for the second name, he added, Well, I think Modi is very good. He stays out of wars, which is smart. He's 1.5 billion people. He's actually the biggest. India is actually the biggest. And Modi's a great leader, and we do a lot of business with them, but now we do fair business, Trump said. Modi's great. President Xi is great. Classics, you know? I mean, if you were going to make a movie about either one of them, you wouldn't be able to find the man in Hollywood, I'm telling you, he added. Trump praised PM Modi's long tenure in office, completing 12 years and counting and political stability, saying the Indian Prime Minister had remained in power for over a decade despite a turbulent political landscape. He also credited PM Modi's governance style, describing him as someone who maintains calmness while being a very tough guy, adding that he has known him personally for years. All my life I've watched India; they just kept changing, changing, changing. Somebody would be there for six months and then for a year. And then all of a sudden, Prime Minister Modi ends up there. He's been there for more than 12 years. Very solid. And he does it through like this great calmness, Trump said. And yet he's not a calm person. He's a very tough guy; I know him very well, the US President added. On India-US economic ties, Trump said trade relations had improved under his leadership, claiming the US now conducts fair business with India. The US president also spoke in broad terms about global leadership styles, contrasting different leaders' temperaments while reiterating his view that both Xi and PM Modi stand out for their influence and authority on the world stage. (ANI)
Over 9,000 pilgrims leave from Jammu for Kheer Bhawani Mela
Over 9,000 pilgrims, predominantly Kashmiri Pandits, embarked on a journey from Jammu to the revered Kheer Bhawani temple on Saturday. This year's significantly higher participation signals a robust turnout for the Kheer Bhawani Mela, a pivotal religious event. Elaborate security and logistical arrangements are in place for the devotees' spiritual journey, underscoring the enduring connection to their cultural heritage.
Private Hospitals Reaffirm Exit from Ayushman Bharat Scheme from July 1
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Private Empanelled Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDA) has reaffirmed its decision to proceed with a mass de-empanelment of private hospitals and dialysis centres from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and SEHAT Scheme from July 1, 2026, citing the governments failure to address long-pending issues despite []
'Operation Sheruwali' enters Day 29 in Rajouri forests, search and cordon operation continues
Rajouri , June 20 : Operation Sheruwali entered its 29th consecutive day on Saturday in the dense forests of the Gambir Mughlan area in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. Security forces have intensified cordon and search operations across the challenging terrain, which is characterised by steep slopes and dense vegetation. Despite the difficult conditions, troops remain on high alert, employing surveillance and area domination tactics to monitor and track suspected movements. The prolonged operation underscores the ongoing efforts of security forces to ensure peace and stability in the border district. Operation Sheruwali is a large-scale multi-agency counter-terrorism mission launched in late May to locate and neutralise armed infiltrators believed to be hiding in the rugged mountainous terrain of the Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan sector. Earlier, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and three Army personnel were injured in an accidental mine blast during a patrol near the Line of Control (LoC) in the forward Kalal area of the Nowshera sector on June 16, according to Jammu and Kashmir Police officials. According to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Nowshera Police Station, the incident took place at around 11 am when troops of 4 Kumaon were conducting a routine patrol in the forward LoC area. During the operation, an accidental mine blast occurred, injuring one JCO and three soldiers. The injured personnel were immediately evacuated from the site and provided initial medical assistance before being shifted to the Army's Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment. Officials said the Kalal sector is a sensitive stretch along the LoC where troops regularly conduct patrols to maintain operational vigilance and prevent infiltration attempts. The condition of the injured personnel is being closely monitored, while authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the blast. (ANI)
PM Modi disburses 2,400 cr under Rozgar Yojana
In J&K, 74 lakh to 1,522 employees, 25 cr to 304 employers Embodies Viksit Bharat resolve: LG Manoj Sinha Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday disbursed incentives amounting to Rs 2,400 crore to more than 15 lakh beneficiaries across the country, under Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. As part of a nationwide outreach []
Separate Jammu state BJPs pipe dream: Minister
Satish Sharma says J&K needs statehood, not division Kupwara: Minister Satish Sharma on Friday said the demand for a separate state for Jammu does not reflect the aspirations of the people and is confined to a handful of individuals, mostly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to reporters here, Sharma said the people of []
