5 Ways LLM SEO Services Prepare Your Brand for Generative Search Platforms
Traditional search engines are changing rapidly today. Users now rely on modern AI platforms to find answers. Modern brands must adapt their digital marketing strategies immediately. Implementing professional LLM SEO services ensures your business stays visible. Generative search platforms prioritize direct answers over standard blue links. Professional LLM SEO servicesbridge the gap between traditional ranking [] The post 5 Ways LLM SEO Services Prepare Your Brand for Generative Search Platforms appeared first on Northlines .
Nobel 2026: Francis Halzen Wins Physics Prize; Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel Get Medicine Honour
The 2026 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Physiology or Medicine have recognised landmark advances in understanding the universe and the human brain, with scientists honoured for high-energy neutrino research and the development of optogenetics. The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Belgium-born scientist Francis Halzen for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and [] The post Nobel 2026: Francis Halzen Wins Physics Prize; Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel Get Medicine Honour appeared first on Northlines .
India Needs Integrated Maritime Ecosystem To Boost Defence: Rajnath
Visakhapatnam, Oct 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for a strong and integrated national maritime ecosystem involving the Navy, shipyards, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs and start-ups to enhance Indias maritime power and strengthen its defence capabilities. Singh made the remarks while launching Fleet Support Ship-1, laying the keel for Fleet Support Ship-5 and [] The post India Needs Integrated Maritime Ecosystem To Boost Defence: Rajnath appeared first on Northlines .
Pakistan Pulls Out Of WCL After PCB Refuses NOC Amid Apology Row
NEW DELHI, Oct 6: Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to issue the team a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC), amid a reported dispute over demands for an apology from the Indian side. The Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan Champions were due to participate [] The post Pakistan Pulls Out Of WCL After PCB Refuses NOC Amid Apology Row appeared first on Northlines .
32 Killed As Nigerian Military Plane Crashes
LAGOS, Oct 6: Thirty-two people were killed after a Nigerian military aircraft flying from Benin City to Lagos crashed in southwestern Nigeria, with President Bola Tinubu confirming that there were no survivors. The victims comprised 25 passengers and seven crew members, officials said. Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately launch a thorough investigation [] The post 32 Killed As Nigerian Military Plane Crashes appeared first on Northlines .
INDIA Bloc MPs Stopped From EC March, Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar
NEW DELHI, Oct 6: INDIA bloc MPs, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, were stopped by police while marching from Parliament towards the Election Commission headquarters on Tuesday, following which they staged a sit-in on Parliament Street demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars resignation. The MPs [] The post INDIA Bloc MPs Stopped From EC March, Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumars Resignation appeared first on Northlines .
EU, China to hold talks in Beijing to avert trade war
BRUSSELS: EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will head to Beijing on Thursday for two days of make-or-break meetings with Chinese officials to try to stave off a trade war. The European Union has toughened its stance toward Beijing to defend businesses against what it believes is unfair competition in critical sectors including cars. Increasingly European []
SRINAGAR: India captain Shubman Gill has indicated that Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Nabi remains in contention for the national side despite an expensive outing in the ODI series against the West Indies, saying players given opportunities during the series would continue to be considered. Nabi made his ODI debut in the second match of []
Western Disturbance To Trigger Rain, Snow Across Parts of Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience a fresh spell of rain and snowfall over the next 24 hours as a Western Disturbance influences the region, with thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds also possible at isolated places. Kashmir-based independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather said thundershowers could occur at some places in the []
Kashmir Youth Mental Health Intervention Could Become School Curriculum, Study Says
SRINAGAR: A culturally tailored mental-health intervention being developed for young people in Kashmir could eventually be introduced as a curriculum in schools and colleges to help prevent substance-use disorders, suicide and other mental-health problems, according to a 2025 study protocol by researchers at the University of Kashmir and PGIMER-linked Centre of Excellence in Mental Health. []
by Syed Majid Gilani From kiryana shops and PCOs to Internet cafs, coaching centres and fast-food outlets, Srinagars changing businesses trace the citys social and technological transformation. When I look back at Srinagar today, many memories return through the businesses I saw around me. They were ordinary things then. Somehow, they stayed. I have watched []
Delhi court grants bail to students, freelance journalists arrested during CEC protest
The court directs that the accused be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond with one surety of the like amount, subject to conditions
FSSAI Directs States, UTs to Step Up Food Safety Checks for Festive Season
SRINAGAR: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food safety authorities across states and Union territories to intensify inspections, sampling and enforcement measures during the upcoming Navratri and Diwali festive period to prevent the sale of adulterated, counterfeit and unsafe food. In a directive dated September 29, FSSAI said the seasonal []
Downtown Heroes FC create history with double cship
Srinagar, Oct 5: Downtown Heroes Football Club has achieved a remarkable double championship feat at the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Football Tournament 2026, with both its Under-17 Boys and Under-17 Girls teams emerging as champions in their respective competitions. The achievement marks another significant milestone for Downtown Heroes FC and highlights the clubs continued commitment to youth development, grassroots football and providing competitive opportunities to young footballers in Jammu & Kashmir. The Under-17 Boys team delivered an impressive campaign throughout the tournament, showing consistency, determination and strong team spirit before lifting the championship trophy. The Under-17 Girls team matched that achievement with an equally commendable performance, securing the title and completing a memorable double for the club. Two Teams. Two Championships. One Proud Club. The success reflects the hard work of the players, coaches and support staff who have worked tirelessly to develop young footballers and create a strong football culture within the Downtown Heroes family. Club officials congratulated both teams and praised the players for their discipline, commitment and performances throughout the tournament. Winning two championships with our Under-17 Boys and Girls teams is a very proud moment for Downtown Heroes FC. This achievement belongs to our players, coaches, parents and everyone who continues to support our vision of developing young footballers. We believe that providing opportunities to boys and girls at the grassroots level is the foundation for the future of football in J&K. The club also expressed its gratitude to the organisers of the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Football Tournament, officials, referees, participating teams and supporters for providing young players with a competitive platform. Downtown Heroes FC believes that these victories are not only about trophies but also about building confidence, character and a pathway for the next generation of footballers. With both teams crowned champions, Downtown Heroes FC once again underlines its growing role in the development of youth football in Kashmir.
J&K Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar celebrates 59th Annual Day
Srinagar, Oct 5: The J&K Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), organised a one-day Punjabi Seminar to commemorate the 59th Annual Day of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. The programme brought together eminent Punjabi writers, poets, scholars, intellectuals and literary enthusiasts from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The event highlighted the importance of promoting Punjabi language and literature and showcased the literary and cultural activities undertaken by the Sabha and JKAACL. Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL; R.S. Rajan, President, Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar; Ajit Singh Mastana, renowned Punjabi poet and writer; and Popinder Singh Paras, Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, JKAACL, along with other distinguished personalities, were present on the occasion. Secretary, JKAACL, appreciated the initiatives of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar for the promotion of Punjabi language and literature. She highlighted the various initiatives and support extended by the Academy for literary and cultural activities across Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts for enriching the regional literary tradition. The Chief Guest, S. Jaipal Singh, in his address, said that the Punjabi Sahit Sabha and the Cultural Academy are making significant efforts towards the promotion and development of Punjabi language and literature. He appreciated the initiative of organising such programmes and observed that literary and cultural activities provide the younger generation with meaningful opportunities to remain connected with their language, literature and cultural heritage. In his address, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand said that the Academy is committed to organising Punjabi literary-cum-cultural programmes at regular intervals, including in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, so that the rich Punjabi literary and cultural traditions reach wider sections of society. R.S. Rajan highlighted the activities and achievements of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar and presented an overview of its annual progress. He expressed gratitude to JKAACL for its support and cooperation in organising the annual event. Speaking on the occasion, Ajit Singh Mastana appreciated the efforts of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar and JKAACL in providing a common platform to writers, poets and cultural practitioners. He observed that literary gatherings serve not only as platforms for presenting poetry and ideas but also as important links between generations, helping preserve Punjabi language, literary traditions and cultural heritage. Popinder Singh Paras, appreciated the cooperation extended by the Academy in making the programme meaningful. He said that JKAACL remains committed to promoting literary and cultural activities and providing platforms to writers, poets, artists and young literary enthusiasts. He emphasised that such literary-cum-cultural programmes help encourage wider participation and strengthen the younger generation's connection with Punjabi language and culture. The second session featured a vibrant Punjabi Folk Culture Programme, in which folk artists from the Jammu Division presented traditional Punjabi folk music. Master Kuldeep Sharma and Party, enthralled the audience with their performances, adding a colourful cultural dimension to the celebrations. The cultural programme was followed by a Punjabi Mushaira, in which poets from the Kashmir Division presented their poetry. Dr. Baljit Singh Raina, noted Punjabi poet, writer and literary personality, also participated in the Mushaira. In his literary observations, Dr. Raina highlighted the richness, expressive strength and evolving dimensions of Punjabi poetry. He spoke about the relationship between language, literary creativity and the social and cultural experiences of the people, emphasising that poetry preserves the emotional and cultural memory of society while giving voice to contemporary realities. He also presented his poetry, which was warmly appreciated by the audience. The programme provided a vibrant blend of literary discourse, poetry and Punjabi folk culture, reflecting the diverse dimensions of Punjabi language and its rich cultural heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. The event concluded with appreciation from the literary fraternity for the joint efforts of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar and JKAACL in organising the 59th Annual Day celebrations and providing a meaningful platform for the promotion of Punjabi language, literature and folk culture.
BBBP initiative : Sankalp Hub Shopian organises SHe-Box awareness programme
Shopian, Oct 5: The Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Mission Shakti, Shopian on Monday organized an awareness and sensitisation programme under the banner of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) at Government High School Zampathri, Keller, Shopian. The initiative aimed to sensitise students regarding the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls. During the programme, the District Mission Coordinator, Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Mission Shakti, Shopian, sensitized students about SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box) and its vital role as an online portal for reporting complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace. A detailed interactive session was conducted where students were briefed on the step-by-step process of registering a complaint through--SHe-Box. The District Mission Coordinator explained the procedure involved in accessing the platform, entering required details, providing incident information, attaching supporting documents, and submitting the complaint through the online mechanism for prompt action. The students were encouraged to speak up against harassment, understand their rights, and seek timely assistance. Emphasis was placed on fostering a safe and supportive environment where women and girls feel empowered to report concerns without fear or hesitation. Highlighting awareness as a key tool for empowerment, the District Mission Coordinator urged students to share the knowledge gained with their peers, families and communities, while promoting a culture of respect, equality, dignity, and safety. The event reaffirmed the broader objectives of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, particularly focusing on protection, education, empowerment, and equal opportunities for girls, equipping students with practical knowledge about available support and grievance-redressal mechanisms. The Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Mission Shakti, Shopian, reiterated its commitment to conducting similar awareness programs across educational institutions and communities to foster a safer, more informed and empowered environment for women and girls.
Vitasta School of Law felicitates newly appointed Principal Dr Humera Rehman
Srinagar, Oct 5: The CRs Committee of Vitasta School of Law and Humanities successfully felicitated the newly appointed Principal, Dr. Humera Rehman, on assuming office. In recognition of the occasion, and in discharge of its representative duty, the Committee presented a Calligraphic Frame bearing the sacred inscription alongside a formally executed Letter of Appreciation. The Letter of Appreciation, duly placed on record by the CRs Committee, extends the student communitys heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Humera Rehman. It unequivocally affirms that the student body has always maintained Dr. Humera Rehman to be a person of rare competence, quiet strength, and unimpeachable integrity. The Committee further places on record its firm conviction that under her stewardship, the Principals chamber shall remain a chamber for studentsa space where merit is respected, voices are heard, and the dignity of the institution is upheld. The CRs Committee reiterates its continued cooperation in all endeavours that serve the larger good of the institution and its students. The Committee expresses its unequivocal faith in Dr. Humera Rehmans leadership and wishes her a distinguished and successful tenure ahead.
Green India Mission Perspective Plan approved for Kupwara
Kupwara Oct 5: A meeting of the District Steering Committee (DSC) for the Green India Mission (GIM) was held today at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, to deliberate upon and approve the GIM Perspective Plan for District Kupwara for 202627 to 203132. At the outset, DFO Kamraj made a detailed presentation on the objectives and components of GIM, achievements under the previous Perspective Plan and proposed interventions for the new planning period. The Green India Mission, one of the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, adopts a landscape-based and participatory approach aimed at enhancing forest and tree cover, restoring degraded landscapes, strengthening ecosystem services and improving livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. It was informed that under the previous Perspective Plan, 409.36 hectares had been treated against a target of 541.40 hectares, while 1,48,470 plants had been raised/planted. The meeting also took note of livelihood initiatives under GIM, including distribution of sewing machines among women SHGs, potter wheels to local artisans, wood-carving tool kits to trained youth and honey boxes among members of the tribal community. The new Perspective Plan envisages treatment of 141.50 hectares during 202627 to 203132 with a total financial outlay of 424.53 lakh. Proposed interventions include restoration of degraded open forest ecosystems, rehabilitation of abandoned mining and stone quarry areas, urban and peri-urban plantation, eco-restoration of wetlands, agroforestry and social forestry, and alternative fuel and livelihood support. While deliberating upon the Perspective Plan, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that GIM interventions should be implemented through convergence with ongoing schemes of the Agriculture, Rural Development and other allied departments. He also called for greater focus on urban greening and beautification, particularly at the entry of Kupwara town, along with focused interventions for beautification and eco-restoration of wetlands and water bodies. Emphasising livelihood enhancement, the Deputy Commissioner stressed greater support for tribal and forest-dependent communities through value addition, processing and market linkages for locally available NTFPs and forest-based products. In this context, the Perspective Plan provides for establishment of an NTFP Processing Centre in Kamraj Forest Division, besides Training Centres and Nursery Research Centres in Kamraj and Kehmil Forest Divisions. The Deputy Commissioner also called for measures towards making Lolab Valley plastic-free, including establishment of suitable anti-polythene collection points, preferably near security posts and other strategic locations, through coordinated efforts of the Forest Department, Rural Development Department and other concerned agencies. He further stressed rehabilitation of the stone quarry at Kralpora and directed that GIM micro-plans be prepared in consonance with inputs from allied departments to ensure integrated and site-specific interventions. The District Steering Committee thereafter approved the GIM Perspective Plan for District Kupwara for 202627 to 203132, with the directions and priorities discussed during the meeting to be incorporated in its implementation. The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Development Kupwara, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Chief Agriculture Officer, DFO Langate, Technical Officer to Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir, representatives of DFO Kehmil Forest Division, District Tribal Welfare Officer, Kupwara, besides other concerned officers and officials.
MSME Ministry holds marketing management programme in Anantnag
Anantnag, Oct 5: The Branch MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Srinagar, in collaboration with District Industries Centre (DIC), Anantnag on Monday commenced a five-day Management Development Programme (MDP) on Business Marketing Management for entrepreneurs from the manufacturing and service sectors. The programme is aimed at equipping Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with contemporary marketing knowledge and practical tools to strengthen their businesses, expand market outreach and compete effectively in an evolving business environment. Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir, Head, CIED, IUST, attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, while the General Manager, DIC Anantnag, presided over the programme as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the participants, Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir provided detailed insights into the latest marketing scenarios and emerging trends, highlighting the growing opportunities available to MSMEs. He emphasised the need for enterprises to adopt innovative marketing approaches, leverage technology and build competitive capabilities so that MSMEs can emerge as champions of economic growth and employment generation. The General Manager, DIC Anantnag, while addressing the gathering, welcomed the initiative and termed such programmes a positive and timely step towards the development of the industrial sector. She stressed the importance of capacity building and continuous learning for entrepreneurs to enable them to effectively respond to changing market requirements. Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Srinagar, Saheel Alaqband, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of the five-day programme and its role in strengthening the managerial and marketing capabilities of MSME entrepreneurs. He also expressed gratitude to the General Manager, DIC Anantnag, and the DIC team for their support and cooperation in organising the programme. The programme witnessed participation of 25 entrepreneurs from manufacturing-based MSMEs operating in the industrial estates of Anantnag. During the five-day programme, participants will be exposed to various important aspects of business development and enterprise growth, including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), AI-enabled marketing, contemporary marketing strategies, and major MSME schemes and initiatives for enterprise development. The programme is expected to provide participating entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and insights that can help them improve their market presence, adopt modern business practices and enhance the overall competitiveness of their enterprises.
DC Kulgam reviews implementation of Mission YUVA
Kulgam, Oct 5: Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Monday chaired a meeting at the Conference Hall, Kulgam to review the implementation and progress of Mission YUVA. The meeting was held in connection with the visit of the GDI Team to the district for an assessment of Mission YUVA. A detailed review was undertaken of beneficiary-wise progress, applications under process, loan sanctions, bank linkages, enterprise establishment and the overall implementation of Mission YUVA. The DC directed the concerned officers to ensure effective handholding of beneficiaries, expeditious disposal of pending cases and stronger coordination among SBDUs, BHDs, banks, JKEDI and other implementing agencies so that eligible youth receive timely financial and institutional support. Emphasizing an outcome-oriented approach, the DC stated that the success of Mission YUVA would be measured not merely by the number of applications processed or loans sanctioned, but by the actual establishment of viable enterprises, generation of sustainable livelihoods and creation of employment opportunities for local youth. Tejal Sharma, Officer from the GDI Team made a brief presentation highlighting the implementation status, achievements, progress of beneficiaries and key areas requiring further intervention. As part of the review, Mission YUVA beneficiaries representing different stages of the entrepreneurial journey including fresh applicants, entrepreneurs who have already commenced their enterprises, and beneficiaries whose loans have been sanctioned and enterprises are under establishment, interacted with the GDI Team and shared their experiences, progress and challenges. The meeting was attended by the ADDC, Altaf Ahmad Khan and other officers including Assistant Director, DE&CC Kulgam, DNO, JKEDI, Lead Bank Manager, Kulgam, SBDU/BHD members and other concerned officials associated with the implementation of Mission YUVA.
Jammu Kashmir Govt Approves Land for Mobile Towers in Underserved Areas
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved provision of land for installation of mobile towers in underserved areas of the Union Territory. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said land has been approved in Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, []
Downtown Heroes FC Creates History
Two teams, two championships at Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Football Tournament 2026 SRINAGAR: Downtown Heroes Football Club has achieved a remarkable double championship feat at the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Football Tournament 2026, with both its Under-17 Boys and Under-17 Girls teams emerging as champions in their respective competitions. The achievement marks []
First ever North Kashmir Women
SOPORE: The first ever North Kashmir Womens Sports Festival commenced on Monday at Government Degree College (GDC) for Women, Sopore, with around 900 athletes from 14 Degree Colleges and 5 Higher Secondary Schools participating in the three-day mega event. Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Ram Nivas Sharma, inaugurated the festival while Secretary in Higher Education Safqat []
Pakistan Champions withdraw from WCL Season 3 after PCB NOC row
DUBAI: Pakistan Champions on Monday withdrew from the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 3 after the PCB refused to grant the required No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players. The team had been in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board over its participation in the tournament after owner Kamil Khan requested the board to []
Jammu Kashmir Police Recover 67 Missing Mobile Phones Worth Rs 12.60 Lakh
SRINAGAR: Police in Jammu and Kashmirs Reasi district have recovered 67 missing mobile phones worth around Rs 12.60 lakh during August and September, including 42 phones belonging to pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and Shiv Khori. The recoveries were made through efforts of the district police, with the phones being returned to []
3rd J&K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers begins at Kashmir University
Srinagar Oct 5: The Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir (KU), began its Third J&K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers at the Main Campus on Monday. The conference aims to bridge the gap between fundamental cancer research and clinical application by providing a platform for experts and researchers to deliberate on recent advances in precision oncology, cancer genomics, immunotherapy, artificial intelligence in oncology, early detection, biomarkers, drug discovery and personalized cancer care. The three-day conference is being organised in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Foundation and is sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Ministry of Science & Technology, JKST&IC and J&K Bank. The event brings together leading oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, molecular biologists, public health experts, data scientists and young researchers to exchange recent scientific findings and promote interdisciplinary collaborations. Delegates are participating both in-person and online. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between basic research and clinical practice in the fight against cancer. She stressed on the need to promote early detection, scientific innovation and accessible cancer care, particularly in the context of breast cancer. Research must ultimately translate into better prevention, early detection and care for patients, she said. Vice-Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University, Prof. Rana Pratap, noted the growing importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative research in addressing complex health challenges. He highlighted the need for stronger linkages among universities, research institutions, clinicians and other stakeholders to accelerate advances in cancer research and treatment. Senior Consultant and Oncologist, Dr. Sameer Kaul, stressed on the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment in improving cancer outcomes and the need to increase public awareness about breast cancer, encourage regular screening and strengthen the connection between scientific research and clinical practice. Dean Research KU, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganaie, and Prof. Nazir Dar, Department of Biochemistry, KU, also shared their views on the occasion. An abstract book containing research contributions presented at the conference was also released on the occasion. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Organising Secretary and faculty member, Department of Bioresources KU, said that the event would provide an important platform for scientific exchange, knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of breast and allied cancers. Head, Department of Bioresources KU Dr Riaz-ul- Rehman proposed vote of thanks on the occassion. The three-day conference features a breast cancer screening camp besides paper presentations, panel discussions, oral and poster presentations, and plenary lectures by internationally renowned scientists, clinicians and healthcare leaders. The programme also provides opportunities for young researchers and students to interact with experts and learn about emerging developments in cancer research. Students from various colleges across the districts are also participating in the conference, along with researchers, faculty members, clinicians and delegates from different institutions.
PEMA honours Kashmirs master artisans
Srinagar, Oct 5: The Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation honoured six artisans for their outstanding contribution to Kashmirs traditional Pashmina craft at its annual Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on September 30. The ceremony, attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as the chief guest, recognised artisans whose specialised skills in Kani and Sozni have helped preserve Kashmirs centuries-old textile heritage. Instituted in 2023, the PEMA awards have now entered their third edition, with the Foundation seeking to place artisansnot merely the finished Pashmina productat the centre of the industrys recognition and promotion. PEMA President Tariq Dar said the awards were conceived to recognise the contribution of artisans and create greater respect for the skills sustaining Kashmirs traditional craft. PEMA started these awards in 2023 to recognise the artisans who are the real custodians of Kashmirs Pashmina heritage. The Honourable Lieutenant Governor has supported this initiative from the beginning, and his presence and encouragement have given great confidence to our artisans, Dar said. He expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for attending the ceremony and encouraging the artisan community, while also acknowledging the support of the Department of Handicrafts and Hina Shafi Bhat for their active role in promoting the traditional crafts sector. This journey would not have been possible without the support of the government, particularly the Department of Handicrafts, and the encouragement we have received from Hina Shafi Bhat. Their active involvement has helped us take this initiative forward, Dar said. Ghulam Mohammad Malik received the first prize in Sozni, carrying a cash award of Rs 1 lakh and a certificate, while Mohammad Ismail Shalbaaf won the first prize in Kani, also carrying Rs 1 lakh and a certificate. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat received the second prize in Sozni with Rs 50,000 and a certificate. The second prize in Kani was jointly awarded to Tariq Ah Shaksaz and Manzoor Ah Dar, with a cash award of Rs 50,000 and certificates. Bashir Ah Bhat received the third prize in Sozni, carrying Rs 25,000 and a certificate, while Zahoor Ahmad Dar received the third prize in Kani with Rs 25,000 and a certificate. The Foundation also conferred special honours on veteran craftsmen. Ali Mohd Mir was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also recognised as Wastakar of the Year in Sozni, while Mohd Shafi Kar was named Wastakar of the Year in Kani. Dar said recognising master artisans was particularly important at a time when traditional crafts face the twin challenge of preserving skills and attracting younger generations. An artisan may spend decades mastering a craft. Recognition gives dignity to that skill and also sends a message to the younger generation that traditional craftsmanship can and should be valued as a profession, he said. He said the challenges facing the Pashmina industry included rising production costs, changing market conditions and international trade barriers, making greater market access and sustained demand for genuine handmade products essential. Dar said PEMA would broaden the awards programme next year by introducing dedicated recognition for women artisans. From next year, we will also honour women artisans. Women have made an enormous contribution to Kashmirs traditional crafts, and their work deserves greater visibility and recognition, he said. He said the Foundation would continue working towards greater recognition of genuine handmade Pashmina and the artisans behind it, while encouraging skill development and creating better opportunities for the younger generation to enter the traditional craft sector. The PEMA awards are aimed at ensuring that Kashmirs Pashmina story is not limited to the luxury product itself but also highlights the skilled hands, generations of knowledge and painstaking craftsmanship that give the product its identity.
Gypsum supply halt pushes Kashmirs POP units to brink of closure
Srinagar, Oct 5: The Plaster of Paris (POP) manufacturing industry in Kashmir is facing a severe raw material crisis, with gypsum supplies to Valley-based units remaining halted for the past 15 days, pushing several units towards closure and leaving others operating at a fraction of their installed capacity. The manufacturers have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his intervention, seeking immediate restoration of gypsum supplies and a permanent mechanism to ensure adequate availability of the key raw material to the industry. According to the manufacturers, more than 100 POP manufacturing units have been established across Kashmir on the basis of local raw material availability and market demand. The industry generates direct and indirect employment for more than 10,000 people and has attracted investment of over Rs 200 crore, including bank borrowings. From the past 15 days, our gypsum supplies have stopped, the manufacturers said, stating that the disruption has severely affected production and the viability of the units. They said gypsum is the basic raw material required for POP manufacturing and that the continued shortage has left many units unable to operate. The industry has alleged that J&K Minerals has not been able to provide adequate gypsum supplies to POP units in Kashmir. The manufacturers said the issue was raised a few months back and brought to the notice of the Chief Minister, who assured the industry that necessary steps would be taken to resolve the gypsum supply issue and restore supplies to the affected units. However, they said that despite the assurance, the supply situation has not improved, with the current disruption continuing for the last 15 days. The industry has now appealed to the Chief Minister to personally intervene and direct the concerned authorities, particularly J&K Minerals, to immediately restore and streamline gypsum supplies to Kashmir-based POP units. The manufacturers have also suggested that J&K Minerals be allowed to operate additional identified gypsum blocks, including areas near existing mining sites, to augment supplies and meet the requirements of local industries. They said ensuring adequate local availability of gypsum would not only help revive the POP manufacturing sector but also protect thousands of jobs and safeguard investments made by local entrepreneurs. The industry further pointed out that inadequate local supplies force manufacturers to procure raw material from outside at higher rates, increasing production costs and making local units less competitive. The manufacturers have urged the Chief Minister to intervene urgently, saying that unless gypsum supplies are restored immediately, more POP units could be forced to shut down, putting employment and substantial industrial investment at risk.
Loudspeaker-fitted vendors cause noise, inconvenience in South Kashmir
Shopian, Oct 5:Loudspeaker-fitted auto-rickshaws and other load carriers moving through residential and market areas have become a growing source of noise and inconvenience in south Kashmir. Vendors use them to sell vegetables and other household goods, while some also move around buying windfall apples from growers. Residents of Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama districts said auto-rickshaws and other load carriers fitted with loudspeakers move from one locality to another, announcing goods for sale or seeking buyers for windfall apples, often generating considerable noise. According to residents, the problem has become more pronounced with the beginning of the apple harvesting season, when windfall apples are collected and sold in large quantities. The auto-rickshaws appear in our locality as early as 6 am to buy windfall apples. The ear-splitting sound from the loudspeakers makes it difficult for residents to sleep, said Mohammad Saleem, a resident of Shopian. Abdul Lateef, a resident of Pulwama, said mobile vendors often generate so much noise that residents find it difficult to sit peacefully in their homes. Children cannot study peacefully, while sick people and elderly residents also face considerable inconvenience because of the constant noise, Lateef said. Similar concerns were raised by residents of Kulgam, who said the use of loudspeakers by mobile vendors has become particularly noticeable during the apple harvesting season. Mohammad Ramzan, a resident of the Manzgam area of Kulgam, said auto-rickshaws and mobile vans fitted with loudspeakers frequently pass through residential areas. The vehicles move from one locality to another with loudspeakers playing at high volume. They are selling vegetables and other items, while some are looking to buy windfall apples. The announcements can be heard across the neighbourhood, Ramzan said. Residents said they were not opposed to vendors selling essential goods or buying windfall apples but urged them to keep the loudspeaker volume under control, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. They said the issue was more disruptive in densely populated areas, where sound from loudspeakers carries across homes and residential lanes. With apple harvesting underway across major producing areas of south Kashmir, residents said the movement of vehicles buying windfall apples was likely to continue for several weeks. They urged the authorities to regulate the use of loudspeakers on mobile vending vehicles and ensure vendors do not cause unnecessary disturbance to residents.
The Election Commission (EC) will today hold bypolls for five Assembly seats and one Lok Sabha constituency across Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Counting of votes will take place on Friday.
India to set up three major chemical parks under Bhavya Rasayan scheme
The initiative will provide an ecosystem for the chemical industry to innovate, expand manufacturing and strengthen Indias chemical sector
92% of EWS certificates issued in Jammu, only 8% in Kashmir: Sajad Lone
Kupwara, Oct 5:Peoples Conference Chairman and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Handwara Sajad Gani Lone has questioned the regional disparity in the issuance of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates. Lone said, around 92 percent of the certificates issued so far are from Jammu while only around 8 percent have been issued in Kashmir. Lone passed on these remarks while talking to reporters in Handwara after a review meeting with officers. He said, the issue required examination by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government and called for a review of the existing criteria. If 92 percent of the certificates had been issued in Kashmir and 8 percent in Jammu, I would have raised my voice even then. The question is whether 92 percent of the poor actually live in Jammu and only 8 percent in Kashmir, he said. The issue was not necessarily about wrongdoing but about a policy framework that requires correction. Lone criticised the functioning of the administration alleging that ordinary people are being made to face unnecessary difficulties in obtaining permissions and accessing government services. He said the Assembly Speaker had assured him that a Privilege Motion could be brought if recommendations made by MLAs were ignored by government departments. On the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Lone expressed concern over delays in implementing water-supply schemes in Jammu and Kashmir. JJM is a centrally funded scheme and it has a specific time limit. We have already lost around two years. We will investigate the matter but our immediate priority should be to ensure that water reaches the people. Delays in implementing water-supply schemes had caused difficulties for the public and those responsible would have to answer for depriving people of access to water. Efforts would now be made to expedite the laying of water pipelines and completion of pending schemes, he said. Lone also said efforts had been initiated to maintain close coordination with government departments and officers so that the MLA office could work more effectively with the administration. We have started maintaining liaison with officers and taking reviews of the work being carried out by different departments. We will continue this exercise so that the MLA office and departments can work together closely in the interest of the people, he said.
With Ajit Agarkar's tenure as BCCI's chief selector over, a former India player within the committee has emerged as a potential candidate to take over.
Taylor Swift Rejected Joe Alwyns Reported Request To Meet Before Travis Kelce Wedding
Joe Alwyn reportedly wanted to meet Taylor Swift before her wedding to Travis Kelce to clear the air and find closure, but the pop star was said to prefer keeping her distance from her ex.
Magnitude 4.5 earthquake jolts Assam's Nagaon
An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck Nagaon district in Assam early Tuesday morning. The tremors occurred at 4:23 AM IST and were recorded at a depth of 33 kilometres. Earlier on October 5, a magnitude 2.5 earthquake jolted Una in Himachal Pradesh without causing any reported damage. Both earthquakes were monitored by the National Centre for Seismology, who provided details of the events.
Leanna Lenee faces an emotional motherhood milestone as Travis Hunter helps the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrate another important win.
Jeffrey Archer, bestselling Kane & Abel author and former politician, dies at 86
Jeffrey Archer, a well-known British novelist and politician, has passed away at the age of 86. He is renowned for his best-selling novels, including 'Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less' and 'Kane & Abel'. Archer also served as a Conservative politician and held a senior party position under Margaret Thatcher. His downfall occurred in 2001 when he was imprisoned for perjury and perverting justice.
From Classroom to Orchard: Punjab Youth Finds Promise in Dragon Fruit Farming
What began as a retired fathers wish to own an orchard has grown into The post From Classroom to Orchard: Punjab Youth Finds Promise in Dragon Fruit Farming appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Adelbert seeks CBI probe into raid in Jaiaw
SHILLONG, Oct 5: North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum has demanded a CBI inquiry into the police raid at Jaiaw on August 19, citing excessive force, masked personnel and procedural violations during the midnight operation. In a memorandum submitted to Deputy Chief Minister (Home) Prestone Tynsong on Monday, Nongrum alleged that about 15 tear-gas shells were []
Govt justifies decision to deny Rs 233-cr loan to PIMC
SHILLONG, Oct 5: The Meghalaya government has justified its decision not to extend an interest-free loan to PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC), which is facing a severe financial crisis. Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the state cannot provide an interest-free loan to a private institution. He added that the government is nevertheless []
Punjabs Law and Order in Crisis, Says BJP Spokesperson RP Singh
BJPs RP Singh criticizes Punjabs deteriorating law and order, calling for urgent action from the state government. Punjabs Law and Order in Crisis, Says BJP Spokesperson RP Singh
Australia's ABC rejects AI copyright carveout, believes already been scraped
The Australian national broadcaster rejected a suggestion on
Shooting of The Batman Part II had been underway in London, with the release scheduled for February 18, 2028. It is yet to be seen if the production pause will have an effect on the films release date.
Google, JPMorgan and two governments fixed the same MCP flaw
Security teams at Google, JPMorgan Chase, Weaviate, Frances interministerial digital directorate (DINUM) and the city government of Tangerang in Indonesia have each fixed the same type of flaw in their Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. Independent researcher Syed Anas Mohiuddin reported all five, he wrote in an update published this month. MCP is the standard [] This story continues at The Next Web
New DOJ Report Hammers Biden DOJ
A new DOJ report exposes the Biden administrations DOJ attacks on parents who criticized local officials at school board meetings. ... The post New DOJ Report Hammers Biden DOJs Attack on Angry Parents at School Board Meetings appeared first on The New American .
Pravabati College crowned overall champions in MU Inter College Judo Tournaments
Hosts Pravabati College, Mayang Imphal emerged as overall champions in both Men
J&Ks new policy to end repeated road cutting
Srinagar, Oct 05: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday described the Jammu and Kashmir Common Duct Policy 2026 as a major step towards modernising urban infrastructure, improving utility management and creating cleaner and more orderly cityscapes across Jammu and Kashmir. Following approval by the Council of Ministers, the government has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Common Duct Policy 2026, establishing a framework for shared underground utility corridors for power, water, telecom, gas, sewerage and digital networks. The policy mandates integration of common ducts in the planning and construction of new roads, while also providing for phased retrofitting of existing infrastructure. It introduces a coordinated framework for Right of Way (RoW) clearances through a single-window mechanism and provides for cost-sharing arrangements among utility service providers. The policy also provides for digital asset mapping and real-time fault detection through Smart IoT and GIS-based systems, supported by the Call Before You Dig platform. This will enable agencies and utility providers to identify underground infrastructure before undertaking excavation, reducing the risk of damage and service disruption. CM Abdullah said the policy would help move J&K towards a more coordinated and future-ready approach to urban infrastructure development. The Common Duct Policy is aimed at preventing repeated road cutting for laying and repairing utility networks, thereby protecting public road infrastructure and reducing inconvenience to commuters. The shared infrastructure model will also help optimise operational and maintenance costs for utility providers, enable faster fault detection and repairs through dedicated inspection chambers, and reduce the visual clutter caused by overhead utility networks. The policy is expected to support planned urban expansion, improve the resilience of utility infrastructure and facilitate the growth of digital connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.
Bail conditions must not frustrate bail itself: HC
Srinagar, Oct 05:If a court grants bail, it cannot then impose conditions so heavy that the accused can never actually walk free. That is the essence of a significant ruling by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in Srinagar, which has held that bail conditions must be reasonable, proportionate and should not be so onerous as to frustrate the very benefit of bail. Justice Sanjay Parihar passed the directions while hearing a petition filed by Mohammad Malood through his friend against the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir through the Station House Officer, Police Station Nowgam. The petitioner had been granted bail by the trial court vide order dated August 3, 2026. However, he challenged conditions requiring him to furnish two sureties as well as deposit cash security of Rs 1 lakh. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner, Saleem Gul and Umar Mushtaq, submitted that the simultaneous requirement of two sureties and cash security was unduly burdensome and had effectively deprived the petitioner of the benefit of the bail order. The counsel submitted that the petitioner was ready to furnish two local sureties but sought deletion of the requirement to deposit Rs 1 lakh as cash security. The High Court, after considering the submissions, held that once an accused has been found entitled to the concession of bail, the conditions imposed for his release must be reasonable and have a nexus with the purpose of securing his presence during trial and preventing misuse of liberty. Such conditions ought not to be so onerous as to render compliance difficult or illusory and thereby frustrate the very order granting bail, the court observed. Justice Parihar noted that while a trial court is empowered to impose appropriate conditions while granting bail, such conditions must remain proportionate to the object sought to be achieved. In the present case, once the petitioner has been required to furnish two sureties, the additional requirement of depositing cash security of Rs 1 lakh appears unduly onerous, the court held. The court further observed that insisting upon both requirements would create an unnecessary impediment to the petitioner's release and could render the benefit of the bail order nugatory. Accordingly, the High Court modified the August 3 bail order and directed that the petitioner be released from custody upon furnishing two local sureties of Rs 1 lakh each and a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh, to the satisfaction of the trial court. The trial court has also been directed to verify the identity and antecedents of the sureties in accordance with law. The petitioner will have to remain present before the trial court on every date of hearing unless his personal appearance is specifically exempted. The High Court deleted the condition requiring the petitioner to deposit Rs 1 lakh as cash security, while directing that all other conditions imposed by the trial court would remain in force, provided they are not inconsistent with the High Court's order. The petition was accordingly disposed of.
Karnataka CEO confirms no names removed from voter list on objections
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Kheri case: UP changes PP; SC asks Allahabad HC CJ to decide on trial judge
The Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court about replacing the public prosecutor in the Lakhimpur Kheri case. This decision was made in response to allegations raised against the outgoing prosecutor by a witness involved in the case. As the Supreme Court monitors the trial's progress, it was noted that 86 witnesses have been examined thus far.
Congress to launch Punjab poll campaign following Pargat Singh
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Nearly 6 in 10 fish in Dal Lake are common carp
Srinagar, Oct 05: The fish community of Dal Lake appears to be tilting increasingly towards exotic species, with the common carp emerging as the overwhelming presence while native fish account for a much smaller share of the catch, according to a new study. The study, Diversity and Relative Abundance of Native and Exotic Fishes of Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir, found that the exotic common carp (Cyprinus carpio) constituted 59 per cent of the total fish catch, raising concerns over the changing ecological balance of one of Kashmir's most important urban water bodies. Conducted between March and May 2026, the study surveyed three locationsHazratbal, Telbal Nallah and Char Chinariand recorded 305 fish specimens belonging to five species. The study was conducted by Khunsa Fayaz, an undergraduate student at Government College for Women, Nawakadal, under the guidance of Prof Mohd Shafi Bhat, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, GCW Nawakadal. Three of the species were native to the region: Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax curvifrons and Crossocheilus diplochilus. The two non-native species recorded were common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Carassius Carassius, the study reads. The distribution of the catch revealed a pronounced imbalance. Common carp accounted for 59 per cent, followed by native S. esocinus at 19 per cent, native S. curvifrons at 13 per cent, exotic C. carassius at 6 per cent and native C. diplochilus at only 3 per cent. Taken together, the three native species represented just 35 per cent of the recorded catch, compared with 65 per cent for the two exotic species. The study found that the dominance of common carp was not static during the survey period. Its relative abundance increased from 56 per cent in March to 63 per cent in May. The highest abundance of common carp was recorded at Telbal Nallah, while Hazratbal showed comparatively greater diversity and a more balanced fish assemblage, according to the study. Researchers assessed the fish community using several ecological indicators. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index ranged from 1.0 to 1.3, indicating moderate diversity, while the Simpson's Dominance Index ranged between 0.4 and 0.5, pointing to the dominance of a relatively small number of species. The Margalef Species Richness Index remained at 0.9 during the study period. The researchers said the relatively lower abundance of native Schizothorax species may reflect the cumulative impact of several pressures affecting Dal Lake. These include pollution, eutrophication, sedimentation, habitat degradation and increasing anthropogenic pressure, alongside competition from exotic fish, the researchers said. The findings do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between exotic carp and the decline in native fish abundance, the researchers noted, but the strong dominance of common carp highlights the need for closer monitoring of the lake's fish community. Native fish conservation needs closer monitoring, the researchers advocated. The study recommends continuous monitoring of fish populations, pollution control, habitat restoration, conservation of native species and sustainable fisheries management to protect the lake's aquatic biodiversity. The researchers stressed the importance of maintaining a healthier balance between native and exotic fish populations as part of wider efforts to protect Dal Lake. The findings also point to the need for longer-term studies covering more sampling locations and different seasons to establish whether the pattern observed during the three-month survey represents a broader, sustained change in the lake's fish community. For now, however, the numbers offer a stark snapshot: nearly six out of every 10 fish recorded in the survey were common carp, while three native species together accounted for little more than a third of the catch.
Australian army soldier dies and five others injured during training exercise, ABC News says
An Australian army soldier has died and five others have been injured during a training exercise in the North Territory region of Australia, ABC News reported on Tuesday. The incident happened on Monday but no further details were available, the report said.
BJP Welcomes Former TMC MP Koel Malik Amid Calls for Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal
BJP leader Ritesh Tiwari emphasizes the need for a Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal following the partys welcome of former TMC MP Koel Malik. BJP Welcomes Former TMC MP Koel Malik Amid Calls for Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal
U.S. Military Officer Transferred to Prosecutors Office in Japan for Robbery and Murder Suspicions
A U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa faces allegations of robbery and murder, prompting a strong response from Japanese officials. U.S. Military Officer Transferred to Prosecutors Office in Japan for Robbery and Murder Suspicions
Best-selling British author Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Best-selling British author Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Women-led agri-tech start-ups deserve equal funding: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Oct 05: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said women-led start-ups in agricultural technology should receive financing with the same confidence with which any other start-up is provided the necessary support and facilities. Addressing the 60th Annual Convention of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), co-hosted by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governorunderscored the critical role of women in agriculture and called for their leadership in agricultural technology. He saidnearly 64 to 76 per cent of the rural female workforce is engaged in farming and allied activities, often without wages or land ownership. The LG called for empowering women innovators and ensuring their leadership in agricultural technology, urging institutions and private-sector stakeholders to support women-led start-ups and create laboratories, fellowships and incubation platforms that nurture young women engineers from rural areas. We must ensure that our engineering colleges and agricultural universities actively nurture them to reach positions of technological leadership. Laboratories, fellowships and incubation platforms should be created where a young woman engineer or scientist from a village in Kishtwar or Kupwara can see her idea progress through a credible journey into a market-ready product, he said. Sinha stressed that artificial intelligence and robotics must be developed with affordability and accessibility at their core. He cautioned that innovations should not remain confined to large land-holding farmers but must reach small and marginal farmers, who constitute nearly 86 per cent of India's farming community. He advocated for tools that can operate on ordinary smartphones in low-bandwidth villages and for collective ownership models through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) . I urge the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers, SKUAST-Kashmir, and every young engineer and innovator to develop tools with affordability and access at their core. Create instruments that work not only on cloud infrastructure, but also on an ordinary smartphone in a low-bandwidth village in Reasi. Develop robotic instruments that can be leased through Farmer Producer Organisations or collectively owned by farming communities, he said. The Lieutenant Governor cited examples of drones, IoT-based sensors and machine-learning models already transforming agriculture. He urged innovators to focus on practical solutions that endure in real fields under real conditions, rather than merely impressing conference halls. Create technology that can endure in real fields, under real monsoon conditions, and within the limited budgets of real farmers. Do not measure your success solely by patents or published research papers. Measure it by whether, five years later, a small farmer in Anantnag, Amritsar or Akola is genuinely better off because of your tools, he said. LG Sinha said Jammu Kashmir's Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is a replicable model for other states. He expressed confidence that agricultural scientists and engineers across India would learn from the UT's experience in precision agriculture and sustainable resource management. He also highlighted the significance of the convention's themesWomen-Led Engineering Innovations in Smart Farming and AI and Robotics for Gen-Z Farmingnoting that these subjects underline India's transition from overcoming food security challenges to assuming a leadership role in global agriculture. Reflecting on the journey of agricultural engineering since ISAE's inception in 1960, the Lieutenant Governor recalled how scientists and engineers contributed to the Green Revolution through mechanisation and innovations that reduced post-harvest losses. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the recipients of ISAE awards. Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election; Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production; Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir; Dr S.N. Jha, President, ISAE; Prof V.P. Singh, Texas A&M University; Dr P.K. Sahoo, Secretary General, ISAE; Prof Rohitashw Kumar, Convener, 60th ISAE Convention; Dr Mudasir Ali, Organising Secretary; members of ISAE; researchers, academicians, technocrats, innovators, industry leaders, faculty and students were present.
Woman, 26, Jumps Into Well With 4-Year-Old Son In UP, Both Die: Cops
A 26-year-old woman allegedly jumped into a well along with her four-year-old son on Monday, with police saying they have retrieved both bodies while the reasons behind the extreme step remain unknown.
British novelist and former politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Archer became a prominent Conservative politician before a 2001 conviction for perjury and perverting the course of justice
Delhi government launches single-window clearance for Chhath Puja
The News Mill
In a record, over 10,000 women clear JEE-Advanced
AAP prepares backup leadership for October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar
The News Mill
Legislative privilege vs free speech: Supreme Court 7-judge bench may close case
Nearly 23 years after the Tamil Nadu assembly's breach of privilege resolution, a Supreme Court hearing is scheduled. The resolution imposed a 15-day sentence on some journalists but has since been withdrawn. Senior advocates claimed that the writ petition's cause of action no longer exists and argued the matter has become academic. As a result, the Supreme Court is expected to dispose of the petitions.
World entering age of flux, India will rise to challenges: EAM S Jaishankar
S Jaishankar emphasized the uncertainties facing the world during his speech at the Kautilya Economic Conclave. He expressed confidence in India's ability to navigate challenges such as conflicts and economic volatility. The minister highlighted India's proactive stance during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Jaishankar called for diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly concerning maritime security.
What caused British Airways flight BA295 to plummet 28,000 feet in just seven minutes?
British Airways flight BA295 from London to Chicago faced an emergency due to a technical issue. The Boeing 777 descended 28,000 feet in just seven minutes shortly after takeoff. Passengers used oxygen masks and remained on board for four hours while the plane circled to burn fuel. After the aircraft landed safely back in London, passengers disembarked normally.
Supreme Court may get 3 judges today, to be one short of full strength
The Union law ministry has announced the appointment of three judges to the Supreme Court. Justice Sunita Agarwal, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh have been elevated. These judges were previously chief justices of their respective high courts and will be sworn in soon. With these appointments, the Supreme Court remains one judge short of its sanctioned strength.
Rawat seeks meet with Congress brass as Kumari Selja slams his yatra plan
Harish Rawat's thanksgiving yatra has prompted a strong response from AICC, emphasizing the need for party unity. Kumari Selja has criticized the yatra as a parallel program that undermines Congress interests. The party leadership has expressed concern regarding Rawat's controversial statements and the potential division of support. A meeting between Rawat and Selja is expected to take place later this week.
Delhi BJP chief slams AAP after Punjab HC orders CBI corruption probe
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One of the things I have gradually realised in business is that building a business is not only about investing money, buying machinery or finding a market. It is equally about building people who can take responsibility. And I believe it applies equally to every public and private organisation where people work towards a common objective. In the early years of a business, an entrepreneur tends to be involved in almost everything. I have also experienced this. You want to know what is happening on the floor, whether production is running properly, whether the material has arrived, what the customer is saying, why a machine has stopped and whether today's dispatch has gone out well. At this stage, doing everything yourself may seem necessary. But as the business grows, you begin to understand that you cannot remain involved in every small decision if you want to do it in a big way. Here begins the real challenge. People who are used to wait for instructions in everything they do are actually the weakness of that institution or organisation. A machine develops a minor problem, and the person responsible for maintenance waits for the supervisor. The supervisor waits for the manager. The manager may be busy somewhere else. Meanwhile, the machine remains stopped. Similarly, a distributor raises a routine complaint. The salesperson understands the issue, but instead of taking it forward within reasonable limits, he says, I will ask the management. A material is running short. Someone notices it, but instead of taking action through the established process, he waits for somebody senior to tell him what to do. These may appear to be small things. But when such situations happen repeatedly, they affect the entire organisation. I have realised that the real loss is not only the few minutes or hours lost. The bigger loss is that people stop developing the habit of thinking for themselves. And I also ask myself: who created this habit? It is easy for a businessman to say, My employees should try to avoid it. We can't be everywhere while it becomes important when business expands. I cannot be in the production area, the office, the market, the stores, the maintenance section and the dispatch area at the same time. Even if I work all day, there will always be things happening when I am not there. Therefore, the real question is not whether I can personally control everything. The real question is Can the organisation function properly when I am not standing there? That, for me, is an important measure of whether we have actually built a business or merely created a job for ourselves. People must grow with the business. A person who joins as a worker should have the opportunity to learn. A person who becomes a supervisor should learn to manage people and situations. A manager should learn to build systems and develop the people below him. And eventually, each person should be able to handle a reasonable area of responsibility independently. When this happens, the organisation becomes stronger from within. Leadership cannot belong to one person. I believe that leadership should not be limited to the owner or the top management. Leadership can be seen on the factory floor as well. It is the maintenance person who notices a problem before a breakdown. It is the quality person who refuses to ignore a small deviation. It is the supervisor who resolves a manpower issue instead of simply reporting it. It is the salesperson who understands why a customer is unhappy and tries to retain the relationship. These people may not have the word manager written against their names, but they are showing leadership through responsibility. I believe that an entrepreneur's job is not always to give instructions. The real job is to create a system where fewer instructions are needed. When people get clear responsibilities and reasonable authority, it gives them confidence to do their job well. At the same time, employees need to be held accountable for their results so that they start looking at the organisation as something they are contributing to rather than simply a place they come to work. That is the culture we need to have in our organisations, be it a smaller one or a bigger one. Because ultimately, a business cannot grow if every decision has to come from the boss. A business grows when people at every level understand their responsibility, have the confidence to act, and feel that the success of the organisation is also, in some small way, their own success. (The Author is Managing Director, Zum Zum Food Products. E-mail: tajamul12@yahoo.co.in )
Author and former politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
His last book, Adam and Eve, is set to release this month.
L'Oreal explores unloading chemical-related liabilities, WSJ reports
L'Oreal has
Fighting the Drug Menace with Humanity
Drug abuse is no longer a problem confined to a few neighbourhoods or hidden corners of society. It has become one of the most serious social and public-health emergencies confronting Kashmir. Its victims include young men and women, students, workers and people from families that once believed addiction could never enter their homes. The crisis is spreading quietly, often behind closed doors, while society continues to respond with denial, stigma and occasional outrage. Every report of a young person dying from an overdose, being arrested for drug peddling or entering a rehabilitation centre should force us to ask a larger question: what is happening to a generation that is increasingly turning to substances for escape? Addiction is not born in isolation. It grows where despair, unemployment, family conflict, loneliness, trauma and the absence of meaningful opportunities combine. It thrives in an environment where vulnerable people are left without timely counselling, support or hope. The first mistake in addressing drug abuse is to treat it only as a law-and-order issue. Drug trafficking must certainly be dealt with firmly. Those who manufacture, smuggle and sell narcotics are not merely breaking the law; they are destroying families and putting the future of society at risk. Their networks must be dismantled, their finances investigated, and their political or official protection, wherever it exists, exposed. But arresting users alone, parading them before cameras or treating them as criminals without understanding their condition will not solve the crisis. A person dependent on drugs needs accountability, but also treatment. Addiction changes behaviour, damages health and weakens a persons ability to make rational choices. Many users require medical care, psychiatric support and long-term rehabilitation. They need structured assistance to return to education, employment and family life. Without such support, a person may leave a rehabilitation centre only to return to the same environment, the same pressures and the same unaddressed pain. The shortage of accessible and affordable rehabilitation services is therefore a major concern. Treatment cannot remain concentrated in a few institutions or be available only to families who can afford private care. Every district should have properly staffed de-addiction and mental-health facilities, with trained doctors, counsellors, psychologists and social workers. Rehabilitation must not end when a patient leaves the centre. Follow-up care, peer-support groups, vocational training and family counselling are essential to prevent relapse. Families, too, need guidance. In many homes, addiction is concealed because relatives fear social shame. Parents may interpret warning signs as disobedience, bad company or ordinary teenage rebellion. By the time they seek help, the problem has often become severe. Schools and colleges must be equipped to identify changes in behaviour, declining performance, isolation, aggression and other signs of distress. Early intervention can save lives, but it requires a culture in which seeking help is not treated as an admission of family failure. The education system has an important role beyond lectures and slogans. Students need honest, age-appropriate information about the physical and psychological consequences of substance abuse. They must also be given safe spaces to discuss anxiety, depression, bullying, trauma and peer pressure. A campaign that merely displays frightening images or repeats moral warnings may have limited impact. Young people listen when they are respected, not when they are simply lectured. Employment and recreation are equally important parts of prevention. A young person without work, direction or a sense of belonging is more vulnerable to destructive influences. Kashmir needs stronger investments in sports facilities, libraries, cultural spaces, skill development and local employment. These are not decorative additions to public policy. They are protective measures. A society that denies its young people opportunity cannot be surprised when despair finds dangerous outlets. The digital environment has added another layer to the problem. Social media can help traffickers reach vulnerable users, advertise substances and normalise destructive lifestyles. Law-enforcement agencies must monitor such networks within the bounds of law, while parents and educators should understand the online spaces where young people spend their time. At the same time, surveillance cannot replace trust. A frightened or isolated young person is less likely to seek help from adults who respond only with punishment. Public institutions must also improve coordination. Police, health departments, schools, local administrations, religious leaders and civil-society organisations often work separately, with limited sharing of information or strategy. The response must be integrated and measurable. Authorities should publish regular data on addiction, treatment outcomes, relapse rates and deaths, while protecting the privacy and dignity of patients. Policy cannot be built on rumours, isolated arrests or inflated claims of success. Religious and community leaders can play a constructive role by speaking about compassion, responsibility and recovery. But religious appeals must not become substitutes for medical treatment. Addiction is not cured by shame. Nor is it cured by forcing families to hide their suffering. A person who seeks help should be supported, not branded for life. The media also carries a serious responsibility. Sensational coverage of arrests and deaths may attract attention, but it can deepen stigma and push families further into silence. Reporting should focus not only on the identity of a victim or the quantity of drugs seized, but also on the causes, treatment gaps, trafficking routes and institutional failures behind the crisis. The language used by journalists can either encourage people to seek help or convince them that recovery is impossible. Kashmir cannot arrest its way out of drug abuse. It cannot sermonise its way out of it either. The crisis requires firm action against traffickers, compassionate treatment for users, support for families, honest education and a long-term investment in the mental and social well-being of young people. The greatest danger is not only the substance itself. It is the normalisation of the crisis, the belief that addiction belongs to someone elses family and the habit of reacting only after another life is lost. Every delayed intervention carries a cost. The time has come to treat drug abuse as a collective emergency, and to respond with the seriousness, resources and humanity it demands. (The author is a PhD in sociology and lecturer in HED and a columnist)
DMKs Madurantakam candidate accuses CM Vijay of purchasing MLAs; TVK demands his disqualification
Woman declares Rs 67.4L ancestral jewellery in ITR; gets notice, she wins in ITAT
The assessment threw up two separate issues. The first concerned jewellery worth Rs 67,39,949 that the woman had disclosed in Schedule AL of her income tax return. The tribunal also examined whether the Rs 12 lakh paid to the HUF represented a genuine brokerage expense when the same person, the HUF's Karta/coparcener, had already received another Rs 12 lakh for the same transaction.
Before the Chair Becomes Empty!
There is a chair in almost every home that slowly becomes quieter with time. Once, someone sat there every morning with a cup of tea, asking about everyones day. Someone waited for the sound of the front door, worried when a son came home late, prayed when a daughter was unwell and quietly celebrated every little achievement of the family. Then, one day, that chair becomes empty. And strangely, it is only after the chair becomes empty that we realise how much of the home was actually sitting in it. This is the story of our elders. We live in a world that moves faster than ever. We are busy building careers, paying bills, raising children, pursuing ambitions and trying to keep pace with an increasingly demanding life. Our phones connect us instantly with people thousands of kilometres away, yet sometimes we struggle to sit for ten minutes with the person sitting in the next room. We send messages to strangers, respond to notifications and scroll through hundreds of photographs, but sometimes forget to ask our parents a simple question: How are you feeling today? Perhaps it is not because we have stopped loving them. Perhaps we have simply become too busy to show it. But love that is never expressed can eventually feel like absence. Our elders remember a version of us that nobody else does. A father remembers the first time his son held his finger while learning to walk. A mother remembers the nights she stayed awake when her child had a fever. An elder brother remembers protecting his younger sibling. A grandmother remembers the little child who once ran towards her with open arms. We may have forgotten those moments, but they have not. Years pass. Children grow up. Families become busy. Houses become quieter. Yet somewhere inside the hearts of our elders, we remain the children they once carried. That is why an elderly parent may ask the same question again. That is why a mother may call even when there is nothing important to discuss. That is why a father may wait for his son to come home even when he knows the son is busy. It is not always about dependency. Sometimes, it is simply about belonging. A son may believe that providing financially is the greatest responsibility towards his parents. It is certainly important, but parents do not spend decades raising a child merely to receive money in old age. They want presence. They want respect. They want to know that their son has not become so successful that he has forgotten the people who stood beside him before he had anything to offer the world. A son should be able to provide not only a roof, but reassurance; not only medicine, but companionship; not only money, but dignity. There is a profound difference between keeping parents alive and making them feel alive. The latter requires time, patience and affection. The same responsibility exists between brothers and sisters. Growing up together creates a bond that adulthood should not erase. Brothers and sisters may eventually live in different places, have different professions and build separate families, but the relationship between them carries memories that cannot be recreated. A brother should not remember his sister only when a family function arrives. A sister should not need a reason to call her brother. Sometimes, a simple message saying, How are you? can revive a connection that years of busyness have weakened. Family relationships do not always break with a dramatic event. Sometimes, they simply become silent. And silence, when prolonged, can slowly become distance. Respecting elders, however, does not mean that younger people must surrender their individuality. Every generation sees the world differently. Young people have new ideas, while elders have accumulated experience. There will naturally be disagreements. But disagreement does not require humiliation. We can disagree without raising our voices. We can explain without insulting. We can choose a different path without making someone feel worthless. The maturity of a person is not demonstrated by how loudly they can win an argument. Sometimes maturity is demonstrated by knowing when to lower ones voice. You can prove your point and still protect someones heart. An elderly person should never be viewed merely as a burden. They are living repositories of memories, experiences and lessons. Their wrinkles are pages of a story. Their memories are chapters of a life that existed long before many of us understood what responsibility meant. Their mistakes are lessons, their sacrifices are history and their experiences can offer wisdom that cannot be found in a search engine. We should not look at their slower steps and see weakness. We should look at the distance those steps have already travelled. At the same time, respect within a family must travel in both directions. Elders deserve dignity, but younger members deserve understanding as well. A daughter-in-law deserves respect. A mother-in-law deserves respect. A son deserves understanding. A daughter deserves encouragement. A father deserves dignity. A mother deserves appreciation. A healthy family is not one where one generation controls another; it is one where generations learn to understand one another. The strongest families are not those without disagreements. They are those that know how to disagree without destroying affection. And there is another reason why the way we treat our elders matters so deeply: our children are watching. A child who sees his father respectfully helping his grandfather learns something more powerful than any lecture on morality. A child who sees his mother patiently listening to an elderly relative learns compassion without needing to be taught its definition. Children learn what family means by observing how we treat the oldest, weakest and most dependent members of our homes. One day, those children will grow up. One day, they will become busy. One day, their own parents will grow old. And the values they learned from us may return to us through the next generation. What we teach our children today may become the world we live in tomorrow. Perhaps, therefore, we should stop postponing affection. Do not wait for a hospital room to tell your parents that you love them. Do not wait for a funeral to speak about how good your father was. Do not wait for an old photograph to remember your mother. Do not wait until the chair is empty. Call them today. Sit beside them. Ask about their day. Listen to the same story again. Take them outside. Have tea with them. Put your phone away for a while. Sometimes, the person sitting quietly in front of us is not asking for anything extraordinary. They simply want to know that they still matter. There is something humbling about growing old. The hands that once held ours eventually begin to tremble. The feet that once ran after us eventually move slowly. The eyes that watched over us eventually need our support. This is not a tragedy. It is the natural cycle of life. Today, they need us. Tomorrow, perhaps we will need someone. And when that day comes, we may finally understand something that youth often makes difficult to see: the greatest wealth in old age is not what a person owns. It is who still comes to sit beside them. We often measure success by salaries, houses, vehicles, positions and achievements. But perhaps there is another measure of success that deserves equal importance: Did our parents feel proud of the people we became? Did our brothers and sisters feel that we stood beside them? Did our children learn kindness from us? Did the elders in our family feel respected? Because eventually, the noise of life fades. Ambitions become memories. Houses become quieter. And what remains are relationships. So, before that chair becomes empty, sit beside the person who is sitting there. Put your phone away. Pour two cups of tea. And listen. Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can give an elder is not something we buy. It is the feeling that, after everything they have done for us, they are still loved, still respected and still needed. And perhaps that is what makes a house a home, a relationship a bond, and a family truly a family. (The Author works at a premier Medical College in J&K. Email: waniishfaq0001@gmail.com )
Congress Criticizes BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Controversy
Gulam Ahmad Mir of Congress accuses BJP of misusing Ram Temple donations and announces plans for protests against electoral malpractice. Congress Criticizes BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Controversy
A day after the BJPannounced candidature of former Trinamool Congress MP Rukmini Mallick alias Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha, the actor turned politician on Monday formally joined the saffron party. Ms. Mallick filed her nomination papers for the Upper House in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari andState BJP president.
West Bengal CM Warns Mamata Banerjee Over Injury Claims from Nandigram Incident
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari cautions Mamata Banerjee against exaggerating injury claims from 2021 elections, threatening further embarrassment. West Bengal CM Warns Mamata Banerjee Over Injury Claims from Nandigram Incident
The Legal Transformation of Jammu & Kashmir After 2019
Introduction The constitutional developments of 5 August 2019 marked a watershed in the legal history of Jammu and Kashmir. Public and political discourse has largely focused on the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile State. For the legal community, however, the transformation has been considerably broader. The post-2019 process involved not merely a change in the constitutional relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union of India, but a comprehensive reconstruction of the statutory, administrative and institutional framework governing the territory. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, enacted by Parliament on 9 August 2019, provided for the reorganisation of the erstwhile State into two Union Territories: the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and the Union Territory of Ladakh without a legislature. The appointed day under the Act was 31 October 2019. This was followed by an extensive process of extending Central laws, repealing or adapting existing Jammu and Kashmir legislation, restructuring institutions and modifying administrative arrangements. The result is that the legal architecture of Jammu and Kashmir today is substantially different from that which existed before August 2019. The Legal Transformation of Jammu & Kashmir After 2019: From Constitutional Exceptionalism to a Common Legal Framework Rights, Criminal Law, Judicial Review and the Road Ahead I. Women, Equality and the Changing Legal Framework: The earlier permanent-resident framework had generated considerable legal and political debate concerning the rights of women who married persons who were not permanent residents. Judicial intervention had already altered aspects of the earlier legal position before 2019. Nevertheless, the removal of the former permanent-resident constitutional framework and the introduction of a domicile-based statutory regime fundamentally changed the legal context in which such questions are considered. Many issues that were previously examined through the lens of Jammu and Kashmir-specific constitutional doctrines can now be analysed primarily through: Article 14; Article 15; Article 16; other constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination; and applicable statutory rights. The broader significance is that questions of equality are increasingly situated within the general constitutional framework applicable across India. II. Language and Cultural Recognition: Legal transformation has also extended into the field of language policy. The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020 established a new statutory framework concerning official languages in the Union Territory. The recognition of languages such as Dogri and Kashmiri, alongside the existing linguistic framework, is significant from both legal and cultural perspectives. Constitutional integration need not imply cultural homogenisation. Indias constitutional framework accommodates national unity alongside linguistic and cultural diversity. For Jammu and Kashmir, therefore, the challenge is to strengthen constitutional integration while preserving and promoting the linguistic and cultural traditions associated with Dogri, Kashmiri, Gojri, Pahari and other regional communities. III. From the Ranbir Penal Code to the New Criminal Laws: Few areas demonstrate the speed of the post-2019 legal transition more clearly than criminal law. For decades, Jammu and Kashmir operated under its own substantive criminal code, the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). Following reorganisation, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) became applicable in place of the RPC. That phase itself proved transitional. With the nationwide criminal-law reforms coming into force on 1 July 2024, the IPC was replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). Similarly, the criminal-procedure and evidence regimes transitioned to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA), subject to their respective transitional provisions. Consequently, within roughly five years, criminal-law practitioners in Jammu and Kashmir had to navigate three distinct stages: RPC IPC BNS and corresponding procedural and evidentiary changes. The consequences are not merely academic. For offences committed during different periods, courts must determine the applicable substantive law and transitional provisions. Constitutional safeguards against retrospective penal legislation remain fundamental. The transition has therefore required significant retraining and adaptation by: Advocates; Judges; Prosecutors; Police authorities; and Other criminal-justice institutions. IV. The Judiciary and the Continuing Role of Judicial Review: Institutional transformation does not eliminate the central role of judicial review. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh remains a crucial constitutional institution for protecting fundamental and legal rights and scrutinising administrative action. Its role becomes particularly important during periods of legislative transition. When laws are repealed or adapted, institutions reorganised, and new statutory regimes introduced, questions concerning interpretation and transitional rights inevitably arise. Constitutional courts consequently perform an essential function: they provide the legal bridge between legislative transformation and the rule of law. Integration into a common constitutional framework cannot mean unrestricted administrative authority. On the contrary, constitutionalism requires that administrative power remain subject to legality, reasonableness, judicial review and constitutional rights. The success of legal integration must therefore be measured not simply by uniformity of legislation, but by the quality of constitutional protection available to citizens. V. The Supreme Court and the Constitutional Status of Article 370: The constitutional controversy surrounding Article 370 ultimately reached a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India. In its judgment delivered in December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional measures concerning the cessation of the operation of Article 370. The judgment therefore became the most significant judicial pronouncement concerning the constitutional changes introduced in 2019. Yet the legal transformation cannot be understood solely through the Article 370 litigation. By the time the Supreme Court delivered its judgment, an extensive statutory, administrative and institutional framework had already developed in Jammu and Kashmir. The legal debate had therefore moved beyond the question of Article 370 to the much broader consequences of constitutional and statutory integration. VI. What Has Really Changed? The transformation since 2019 can ultimately be understood as a shift in the starting point of legal analysis. Before 2019, lawyers dealing with Central legislation frequently had to ask: Does this Central law apply to Jammu and Kashmir? Today, the starting assumption is substantially different. Jammu and Kashmir operates predominantly within the general constitutional and parliamentary framework of India, subject to the laws and provisions specifically applicable to the Union Territory. That change in the lawyers starting point itself demonstrates the scale of the transformation. The significance of 2019 therefore lies not merely in the constitutional amendment or reorganisation of territory, but in the creation of an entirely different legal environment. VII. Integration Must Ultimately Mean Justice: The post-2019 legal transformation is undeniably historic. But legislation should not be evaluated merely by counting the number of laws extended, adapted or repealed. The ultimate purpose of law is justice. The more important questions are therefore practical: Has governmental decision-making become more accountable? Has access to justice improved? Have vulnerable communities received stronger legal protection? Have women and historically disadvantaged groups obtained greater equality? Are tribal communities receiving effective implementation of statutory rights? Are administrative authorities applying the new laws fairly and consistently? Do ordinary citizens understand and experience their rights more effectively? These questions require objective assessment. Supporting constitutional integration does not require abandoning critical scrutiny of administration. Indeed, constitutionalism demands the opposite. A mature legal order must combine constitutional integration with accountability, transparency, equality and effective judicial remedies. VIII. The Road Ahead: From Integration to Consolidation: August 2019 did not merely close one constitutional chapter in Jammu and Kashmir. It opened an entirely new legal era. The transformation extends across: Constitutional law; Administrative law; Criminal law; Land law; Service jurisprudence; Tribal rights; Political representation; Language policy; and Institutional governance. For the legal profession, the transformation has been particularly profound. The contemporary Jammu and Kashmir lawyer must understand not only the historical State laws but also: The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019; Adaptation orders; Central legislation; The new criminal laws; Post-reorganisation rules and regulations; and The evolving constitutional jurisprudence of the Supreme Court and High Court. The next challenge is therefore no longer merely legal integration. It is legal consolidation. Laws must be accessible and clearly understood. Transitional ambiguities must be resolved. Administrative authorities must apply statutes consistently. Citizens must be made aware of their rights. Courts must continue to protect constitutional freedoms. Conclusion The legal transformation of Jammu and Kashmir after August 2019 represents one of the most significant constitutional and statutory reorganisations in contemporary India. Its consequences extend far beyond Article 370. The transformation has altered the constitutional structure, reorganised institutions, changed the statutory framework, introduced a new domicile regime, restructured land laws, expanded the application of Central legislation, strengthened the framework of tribal rights and political representation, changed the criminal-law regime and placed Jammu and Kashmir within a substantially more common constitutional framework. For the legal profession, the transition has created opportunities. The challenge is to reconcile historical laws and transitional provisions with the new legal order. The opportunity is to build a legal system that is more accessible, predictable and rights-oriented. Ultimately, the success of the post-2019 transformation cannot be measured simply by whether Jammu and Kashmir now possesses statutes similar to those applicable elsewhere in India. It must be measured by whether those laws deliver the constitutional promise of equality, dignity, accountability, access to justice and the rule of law. Constitutional integration was the beginning. Equal and effective justice must be its ultimate destination. (The author is an advocate and can be reached at: parimokshseth@gmail.com )
Experts call for climate-resilient housing
Srinagar, Oct 5: Experts at a technical talk and panel discussion in Srinagar on Monday called for climate-resilient, affordable and inclusive housing, stressing the need to move beyond constructing housing units towards creating sustainable and liveable communities. The programme, organised by the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre (IEI-JKSC) on the occasion of World Habitat Day-2026, focused on the theme Adequate Housing for All. The discussions covered affordable housing and housing security, disaster-resilient construction, sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, access to basic infrastructure and services, inclusive housing for vulnerable communities, and the use of innovative and cost-effective construction technologies. Participants also emphasised the need for integrated urban planning, better connectivity, community development and stronger governance, financing and institutional mechanisms for ensuring adequate housing. Welcoming the participants, IEI-JKSC Chairman Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat said adequate housing should go beyond providing shelter and include safety, affordability, essential infrastructure, accessibility, environmental responsibility and human dignity. Chief Guest Er. Syed Raza Shah Madni, former Secretary Technical (PHE), stressed the importance of sound planning, essential infrastructure and coordinated institutional efforts in addressing housing needs. Guests of Honour Er. Farooq Ahmad Wani, former Chief Engineer (Mechanical), and Dr Touseef Bhatt, President, Rotary Club Kashmir, appreciated IEI-JKSC for providing a platform to deliberate on the social and developmental aspects of housing. The event was attended by senior engineers, former administrators, academicians, professionals, civil society representatives and members of the engineering fraternity, including former Commissioner SMC Dr G.N. Qasba and other distinguished experts. As an outcome of the programme, IEI-JKSC will prepare a policy brief incorporating the recommendations and key deliberations of the panel discussion. The brief will subsequently be submitted to the concerned government departments for consideration and appropriate policy action.
Rajya Sabha polls: 8 fresh BJP faces for UP, Hardeep Puri among 2 ministers dropped
BJP has chosen not to renominate Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and B L Verma for Rajya Sabha. This decision raises speculation about a possible reshuffle of the council of ministers by PM Narendra Modi. Since several ministers have been given organization roles, it indicates their continuation in government may be unlikely. Puri's term ends in November, and he may be reassigned for the Punjab assembly polls.
The rebel NC MP has started an outreach in J&K ahead of the proposed resignation on November 3 this year from the party
Teachers Shape the Future: Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak
Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak emphasizes the crucial role of teachers in nation-building at the Teachers Federation of India conference in Lucknow. Teachers Shape the Future: Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak
UK author and politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Jeffrey Archer, the best-selling British novelist and former politician who was jailed for lying in a high-profile libel case, has died aged 86, his publisher HarperCollins said on Monday. Archer sold over 300 million copies worldwide and wasknown for pacy thrillers like his 1976 d
Jeffrey Archer, U.K. author and politician, dies aged 86
Mr. Archer was a best-selling author and sold over 300 million copies worldwide
L'Oreal taps advisers to explore unloading chemical-related liabilities, WSJ reports
L'Oreal
Netanyahu Faced Nightmare Choice As Israel Prepared To Shoot Down Hijacked Flydubai Jet? Report
Israel was prepared to shoot down a Flydubai passenger jet carrying more than 170 people, including over 150 Israelis, if authorities concluded the aircraft had been hijacked and was being turned into a weapon, CBS News reports. The crisis erupted after Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv plunged thousands of feet as its Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain. A hijacking signal was transmitted, and attempts to make contact went unanswered. Israel closed its airspace and scrambled fighter jets. Israeli sources told CBS that if the aircraft had continued approaching, fighters would have intercepted it before any potential shootdown decision reached Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Investigators have another reason to examine that scenario: an Israeli official told CBS that the co-pilot allegedly said he intended to crash the jet into Ben Gurion Airport. The investigation remains ongoing, and Flydubai has cautioned against premature speculation. The aircraft ultimately diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Jvscam 3-in-1 150000RPM Rechargeable Compressed Air Duster & Vacuum $23.99
Jvscam 3-in-1 150000RPM Rechargeable Compressed Air Duster & Vacuum $23.99
Shaheen lays foundation for Rs 4.61-cr road projects
Banihal, Oct 5: Banihal-Gool MLA Sajjad Shaheen on Monday laid the foundation stones for two road projects in the Chamalwas-Neel area at a combined estimated cost of Rs 4.61 crore and announced an ambulance for Neel. The projects include the KrachihalTabela Road and the SinigamKawansool Road. Shaheen said improved road connectivity remained a priority, particularly in remote and mountainous areas of the constituency. He said the projects would improve access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities besides facilitating the movement of agricultural and other local produce. Announcing the ambulance for Neel, Shaheen said timely emergency transportation was particularly important for residents of remote areas, especially during medical emergencies and adverse weather conditions. Shaheen said several development projects were also being taken up across the constituency in the education, healthcare, road, bridge, power and water-supply sectors. He said road links and bridges in areas including Khari, Mahoo, Mangit, Pogal, Neel, Gool, Ramsoo and Sangaldan were either sanctioned, tendered or under execution. He said strengthening the power distribution network, augmenting receiving stations, improving water supply and developing tourism infrastructure, playgrounds and public amenities were also receiving attention. The MLA said efforts were being made to ensure balanced development across all seven tehsils of the constituency, with particular focus on remote areas. He urged executing agencies to maintain quality standards and adhere to prescribed timelines so that the projects could be completed at the earliest.
Sajad Lone flags EWS disparity, JJM delays
Srinagar, Oct 5: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference leader and MLA Sajad Gani Lone on Monday raised concerns over regional disparity in the issuance of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates and delays in implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes in Jammu and Kashmir. Lone questioned the issuance of around 92 per cent of EWS certificates in Jammu against about eight per cent in Kashmir, saying the disparity warranted a review of the existing criteria. He said the issue was not necessarily about wrongdoing but about whether the policy framework required correction. The question is whether 92 percent of the poor actually live in Jammu and only 8 percent in Kashmir, he said, calling for the matter to be examined by the elected government. On JJM, Lone expressed concern over delays in implementing water-supply schemes, saying the centrally funded programme had a specific timeline and that around two years had already been lost. First, let us bring water to the people; other issues can be examined later, he said, adding that efforts would be made to expedite pipeline laying and completion of pending schemes. Lone also said he had initiated coordination with government departments and officers to review development works and enable MLA offices to work more closely with the administration. Criticising the functioning of the administration, he alleged that ordinary people were facing unnecessary difficulties in obtaining permissions and accessing government services. Lone said the opposition would continue to raise public issues despite the National Conference-led government having a majority in the Assembly. He also said the Speaker had assured him that MLAs could move a Privilege Motion if recommendations made by them were ignored by government departments.
