India Does Not Need Loyalty Tests For Its Muslim Citizens
India does not need Muslims to prove anything to anyone, and that is what the Indian Constitution says, and that is what I believe. When an entire community is constantly accused of being anti-national, it makes us question the very idea of patriotism itself. A Muslim should be able to criticise the government as any []
Why Teacher Eligibility Test Is A Step Towards Quality Education
TET should not be considered merely as an examination that teachers are required to pass. Rather, it should be understood as a process through which a teachers basic understanding of teaching methods, child psychology, and educational principles is assessed. It should be seen as an opportunity for teachers to improve themselves, update their knowledge, and []
Falls From Walnut Trees: Experts Call for Safety Nets, Protective Gear
SRINAGAR: As the walnut harvesting season gets underway across Kashmir, falls from tall walnut trees are once again emerging as a serious occupational safety concern, with experts warning that the traditional methods can result in devastating injuries and even death. The harvesting period, particularly during August and September, witnesses a rise in incidents involving people []
National Nutrition Week 2026: Building A Healthier India Through Better Food Choices
A healthier India does not require everyone to follow the same diet. It requires people to understand their nutritional needs, choose a greater variety of nutritious foods, limit excessive sugar, salt, and highly processed foods, remain physically active, and make informed decisions. Small changes that can be maintained over time are more useful than extreme []
Sometimes, the moment I tell someone that I am from Kupwara, their attitude changes. Before knowing anything about me, they assume that I must be from a backward or poor area and therefore must also be backward. This is something that genuinely feels bad. How can a district determine a persons status? How can someones []
Intern Doctors Delegation to Meet CM Omar Over Stipend Hike Demand
Srinagar, September 4: A delegation of intern doctors from across Jammu & Kashmir is set to meet the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today to discuss their long-pending demand for a revision of the internship stipend. The delegation is currently at the office of the Advisor to the Chief Minister and is being led by AIMSA All India Medical Students Association Leader Dr. Tasaduk, along with Joint Secretary Dr. Akib, Dr. Shahnawaz, Dr. Tanish Mansotra and Dr. Faraz. The interns are seeking an immediate revision of their stipend and have maintained that their peaceful protest will continue until the hike is formally approved and issued through a written Government Order. Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, AIMSA State In-Charge, said that he received a call from government officials last night requesting that an intern doctors delegation be sent for discussions. Last night, I received a call from the government requesting us to send an intern delegation for dialogue. We welcome this initiative and hope the government will take a concrete decision on the long-pending stipend issue, Dr. Khan said. He added that the interns would firmly place their concerns and demands before the government and seek an early and concrete resolution. Dr. Khan reiterated that there would be no compromise on the demand and that the protest would be called off only after the stipend hike is formally approved and a written Government Order is issued. The delegation is expected to strongly present the concerns of intern doctors from across J&K and seek immediate action from the government.
MHA Warns Himalayan States, Jammu Kashmir Over GLOF, Avalanche Risks
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed Himalayan states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, to intensify monitoring of vulnerable glacial lakes and avalanche-prone areas and strengthen early-warning and evacuation mechanisms to minimise loss of life and property. The directions were issued by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan while reviewing preparedness for []
CM Omar Abdullah to Meet Intern Doctors Over Stipend Demand
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to meet representatives of MBBS and BDS interns on Friday afternoon to discuss their demand for a revision of the monthly stipend. The meeting comes amid an ongoing strike by interns across Jammu and Kashmir, who are seeking an increase in the stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs []
District Police Poonch organize Police Martyrs T20 Cricket Tournament
Poonch, Sep 3: District Police Poonch on Thursday inaugurated the Police Martyrs T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 at Sports Stadium, Poonch, as a tribute to the brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The inaugural ceremony was graced by SSP Poonch Shafqat Bhat who highlighted the importance of remembering and honouring the sacrifices of police martyrs. Additional SP Poonch Dr. Ajay Sharma DySP DAR Shashikant Sharma and SHO Poonch Insp Aejaz Wani were also present on the occasion. The ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, senior citizens and members of civil society, including Jasbir Singh, Principal, Degree College Poonch; Tariq Khan, President, Shaheed DySP Manjeet Singh Memorial Volleyball Club Poonch; Mohd. Qasim, District Youth Services & Sports Officer, Poonch, Khetarpal Sharma, President, Sanatan Dharam Sabha Poonch; Taj Mir; Surjan Singh; Sardar Dilbag Singh, Social Activist; Advocate Iftikhar Ahmed Bazmi and Rajesh Raina. A large number of players, police personnel, sports enthusiasts and members of the public participated in the inaugural programme, reflecting strong community support and the spirit of sportsmanship. The event also highlighted the strong bond between District Police Poonch and the local community. The tournament is aimed at commemorating the supreme sacrifices of police martyrs while providing a constructive platform for youth to showcase their sporting talent. It seeks to promote discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle, besides encouraging greater youth participation in sports and strengthening community engagement. District Police Poonch reiterated its commitment to promoting sports and meaningful youth engagement as a means of fostering positive values, camaraderie, discipline and a spirit of unity in society.
Over 800 students participate in KU Inter-Department Cricket Tournament
Srinagar, Sep 3: Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES), University of Kashmir (KU), concluded its 40-day-long Inter-Department Mens Cricket Tournament at Ground A of the Main Campus, with enthusiastic participation from students representing various teaching departments and satellite campuses. The tournament witnessed an overwhelming response, with 52 teams and over 800 students participating in the competition, making it one of the largest inter-department cricket tournaments organised by the University in recent years. The final between the Institute of Technology (IOT), Zakura Campus KU, and North Campus KU, turned into a thrilling contest. Batting first, IOT, Zakura Campus, posted a target of 128 runs in the allotted overs, with Arsalan contributing 27 runs to the teams total. In turn, North Campus also scored 128 runs in the stipulated overs, taking the match into a Super Over. In the decisive contest, North Campus scored 22 runs, while IOT, Zakura Campus, managed 10, enabling North Campus to clinch the title by 12 runs in a nail-biting finish and dethrone the defending champions. The concluding ceremony was presided over by Director, DPES KU, Prof. Raies Qadri, and attended by Dean and Director, IoT, Zakura Campus KU, Prof. Muhammad Tariq Banday, and Director, North Campus KU, Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad, as Guests of Honour. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Qadri congratulated both finalists for their impressive performances and commended all participating teams for displaying sporting spirit and discipline throughout the tournament. He also announced that the Directorate would organise a coaching camp for selected probables from the tournament to prepare them for participation in the forthcoming Inter-Collegiate Cricket Tournament. Prof. Banday highlighted the importance of sports in the overall development of students and urged them to actively participate in sporting activities with enthusiasm and passion. Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad also congratulated both the teams. Earlier, Assistant Director, DPES KU, Dr. Nadeem presented a brief report about the tournament. Medals and trophies were subsequently distributed among the winners and runner-ups. The tournament was coordinated by Assistant Director, DPES KU, Dr. Nadeem Ahmad, with assistance from Cricket Coaches DPES KU, Sakeena Akhter and Amjad Qadir. The proceedings of the concluding ceremony were conducted by Football Coach DPES KU, Sajid Yousuf Dar.
IUST holds orientation programme for Newly Appointed Non-Teaching Staff
Awantipora, Sep 2: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Thursday commenced a two-day Orientation Programme for newly appointed non-teaching staff, organised by Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGG&PA) at Campus I, Awantipora. The programme aims to familiarise the newly recruited staff with administrative procedures, institutional systems, professional conduct, and effective workplace practices. The inaugural session of the programme was presided over by Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, IUST, as the Chief Guest, who highlighted the important role of non-teaching staff, stressing professionalism, accountability, adaptability, and ownership of responsibilities. Welcoming the participants and the experts, Dr. G.N. Itoo, Director, CGG&PA, emphasised coordination, professionalism, and ethical conduct for the effective functioning of the University. Dr. Abid Hussain Shalla, Dean Research, IUST, was the Guest of Honour and highlighted the significance of the programme in enhancing professional capabilities and institutional efficiency. A series of technical sessions covered key aspects of administration and institutional functioning. Waseem Raja, Joint Director, Tourism, spoke on administrative practices, focusing on coordination, teamwork, and communication. Qazi Irfan Rasool, RTO Kashmir, delivered a session on Good Governance to Smart Governance, covering digital governance, e-Office, ERP/OEMS, RTI, cyber security, and data privacy. Mohd. Yaqoob, Retired Deputy Secretary, conducted a session on Secretarial Practices, focusing on file management, case processing, interpretation of rules, note preparation, and record maintenance. Syed Suhail, Deputy Registrar, Establishment, provided an overview of the organisational structure and functioning of IUST.
SDM Uri inspects medical camp in Boniyar village
Uri, Sep 3: SDM Uri Prince Kumar on Thursday visited Chorkhud, a remote area of Boniyar tehsil, where a medical camp was organised under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) for TB screening and other health check-ups. A team of doctors and health staff from PHC Boniyar conducted the camp with the Chief Medical Officer, BMO Boniyar and BMO Tangmarg. The area has a seasonal Dhok where villagers stay during summer with their livestock for grazing. During the visit, the SDM also visited the seasonal school, interacted with the students and teachers, and spoke to local villagers about their day-to-day issues and requirements. The SDM appreciated the efforts of the doctors and staff of PHC Boniyar for taking healthcare services to this remote area and providing essential services to the people at their doorstep.
AICTE approves Rs 245 cr Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Programme
New Delhi, Sep 3: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved the AICTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Programme (AIEDFP). The programme was launched by Prof. Yogesh Singh, Chairman, AICTE, in the presence of Prof. Shyama Rath, Member Secretary, AICTE, and other senior officials of the Council. The programme has been envisaged to strengthen the innovation-driven research ecosystem in the country by promoting high-quality, problem-driven and application-oriented doctoral research. With a projected financial outlay of 245 crore over a period of five years, the programme will support 150 PhD fellowships. The initiative will focus on doctoral research that demonstrates tangible outcomes in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, commercialisation and societal impact. The AIEDFP will support both technological and non-technological pathways of innovation and promote multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research addressing identified national and global priorities. The programme seeks to facilitate the translation of research outcomes into products, processes, services, policy solutions, social innovations, technology transfer and entrepreneurial ventures. Each fellow under the programme will be eligible for financial support for a maximum period of five years, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions and satisfactory academic and research progress. The proposed fellowship structure provides: 60,000 per month plus applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the first three years; and 70,000 per month plus applicable HRA for the subsequent two years. In addition to the fellowship, each scholar may be provided an Innovation Grant of up to 10 lakh to support activities such as prototype development, process, practice, policy or service innovation, testing and validation, field trials, data collection, consumables, contingency, travel and other research-related activities necessary for translation of research outcomes into deployable solutions. The programme has been designed to strengthen the linkage between doctoral research and real-world applications. It will encourage research addressing industrial and societal challenges and facilitate the progression of promising research outcomes towards higher Technology Readiness Levels. The programme will also support activities related to intellectual property, technology transfer, innovation translation and commercialisation. Relevant AICTE mechanisms, including KAPILA and YUKTI, may be utilised for support relating to patent filing and innovation translation. A key component of the AIEDFP is the development of a collaborative ecosystem involving industry, startups, research organisations, incubators and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders. The programme also provides for optional industrial exposure of 612 months, enabling scholars to participate in research and development activities, prototype development, testing, validation, field trials and data collection at partner organisations. The AIEDFP places emphasis on measurable outcomes from doctoral research. Depending on the discipline and nature of the research, outcomes may include intellectual property assets, technology development, user validation, incubation or startup pathways, industry engagement and other appropriate translational outputs. While launching the programme, Prof. Yogesh Singh said that the initiative is expected to foster a stronger culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within higher education institutions by promoting industry-relevant research. The expected outcomes of the programme include industry-ready research outputs, patents and prototypes, technology transfer, innovation translation and commercialisation, market-ready innovations, startup and entrepreneurship development, and a pool of doctoral researchers equipped with capabilities relevant to both academia and industry.
NIT Srinagar joins prestigious national consortium for MAHA-2D mission
Srinagar, Sep 3: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has been selected as a spoke institution under the national MAHA-2D Material Research Fab and Innovation Hub, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, marking its entry into a major national initiative focused on developing two-dimensional (2D) materials and semiconductor technologies. NIT Srinagar is the only National Institute of Technology among the institutions participating in the consortium, which includes leading IITs and IIITs. The initiative has been launched in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Government of India. The national project is spearheaded by Prof. Mayank Shrivastava of IISc Bengaluru, with participation from academic institutions and industry partners working towards strengthening Indias capabilities in 2D semiconductor technologies. At NIT Srinagar, Dr Sheikh Aamir Ahsan will lead the institutes contribution to the mission. His team will focus on developing compact models for emerging 2D semiconductor devices developed through the hub and supporting the creation of research Process Design Kits (PDKs). The models and PDKs will enable researchers and circuit designers to simulate, evaluate and test indigenous 2D semiconductor technologies, helping bridge the gap between device research and circuit-level applications. Dr Aamir Ahsan said the Institutes participation would strengthen its contribution to advanced semiconductor research. Our focus will be on translating emerging 2D device research into usable compact models and research PDKs. This will help accelerate circuit-level innovation and strengthen Indias indigenous semiconductor ecosystem, he added. Director NIT Srinagar, Prof Anurag Misra said the institutes selection as the only NIT in the consortium reflects its growing research capabilities in emerging technologies. NIT Srinagar is committed to contributing to nationally important research in advanced materials and semiconductor technologies. Participation in MAHA-2D will provide our researchers an opportunity to work with leading institutions and industry partners on next-generation electronic systems, he added. Dean Research & Consultancy, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Roohie Naaz said the project would create new opportunities for collaborative research and technology development. MAHA-2D brings together expertise across materials, devices, modelling and circuit design. Our participation will strengthen interdisciplinary research at NIT Srinagar and create opportunities for impactful collaborations and technology translation, she added. Registrar, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman said the Institute would continue to support research initiatives aligned with national priorities. The MAHA-2D initiative is aimed at building a comprehensive R&D ecosystem around 2D materials-based technologies for electronic applications.
CS reviews disposal of migrant property grievances across Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 3: Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting to comprehensively review the quality and disposal of grievances lodged by Kashmiri migrant property holders across all ten districts of Kashmir Division under The Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R), Chandraker Bharti; Secretary, Revenue; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners; Relief Commissioner (Migrant), besides senior officers of other concerned departments. The Chief Secretary directed the Divisional and District Administrations to ensure quality, thorough and time-bound disposal of every grievance, with particular emphasis on cases pending for long periods. He stressed that every complaint must be examined comprehensively and decided strictly on merit, ensuring satisfactory resolution for the concerned property owners. The CS directed the remaining districts to expedite completion of geo-tagged inventories of migrant properties. He observed that comprehensive digital inventories would provide a reliable asset database and strengthen monitoring, protection and management of such properties. During the meeting, the Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, gave an overview of the statutory framework governing migrant properties and the various Government orders and circulars issued from time to time to safeguard the interests of migrant property holders and bring greater clarity and efficiency in implementation of the Act. A detailed presentation by the Relief Commissioner (Migrant) highlighted the progress achieved in strengthening the institutional, administrative and technological framework for protection of migrant properties and disposal of related grievances. The review revealed significant field-level action for retrieval and protection of migrant land under the statutory powers vested with District Magistrates as legal custodians. Between January and July 2026, 522 Kanals and 15.9 Marlas of migrant land were retrieved and secured under Superdari or handed over to the original owners. Adding that Bandipora emerged among the leading districts with retrieval of 146 Kanals and 7 Marlas, followed by Baramulla with 82 Kanals and 10 Marlas, Kulgam with 80 Kanals and 0.5 Marlas, Ganderbal with 53 Kanals and Srinagar with 50 Kanals and 16.9 Marlas. The meeting was informed that the Online Migrant Grievance Portal (RRCM) has so far registered 12,223 complaints, covering various categories of violations, including 5,341 encroachment cases, 2,874 trespassing cases and 442 cases relating to record tampering. Of these, 10,038 cases have been closed by the District Magistrates, while 7,605 cases have received final approval through the RRCM mechanism. The administration has also instituted an independent Telephonic Quality Verification mechanism through the office of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to assess quality of disposal of cases shown as closed. Of the 4,918 applicants successfully contacted during the verification exercise, 4,605 expressed satisfaction with the disposal of their cases. The remaining grievances have been flagged for further administrative scrutiny and necessary remediation. The Chief Secretary appreciated the quality-verification mechanism and stressed that disposal figures must be matched by actual, satisfactory and legally sustainable resolution on the ground. The review also highlighted a series of institutional and technology-driven reforms introduced to improve transparency, monitoring and accountability. The districts of Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara have completed geo-tagged digital inventories of migrant properties, providing a comprehensive technology-enabled mechanism for identification and monitoring of such assets. The administration has strengthened direct engagement with migrant property holders through grassroots outreach camps. Dedicated Additional Deputy Commissioners conducted extensive public outreach camps at Jammu during the first quarter of 2026, through which 1,878 complaints were received directly and 484 offline grievances were brought onto the unified digital platform. The meeting was also apprised of the reforms introduced following implementation of a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from October 2025, resulting in complete migration of the process to the e-Office platform. The streamlined mechanism has enabled disposal of 129 complex alienation cases in the last 11 months, as against 6,258 cases processed during the preceding 28 years, reflecting a significant improvement in the efficiency and responsiveness of the system. The Chief Secretary directed all concerned officers to maintain sustained focus on protection of migrant properties and expeditious disposal of grievances.
Govt forms panel to review artisan, weaver wages
Srinagar, Sep 03: The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing wage structure for artisans and weavers and recommend suitable amendments to the minimum wage framework, including the incorporation and classification of notified handicrafts and handloom crafts. As per the order, the committee will examine the provisions of S.O. 513 of 2022 dated October 12, 2022, and assess the need for revision with regard to the handicrafts and handloom sector. The committee will also undertake a comprehensive study of the existing wage patterns of artisans and weavers and analyse prevailing wage disparities. It will evaluate the socio-economic conditions of artisans and weavers and assess the impact of market dynamics, raw material costs and fluctuations in demand on their earnings. Another key mandate of the panel is to identify notified handicrafts and handloom crafts that require inclusion in the statutory framework governing minimum rates of wages in Jammu and Kashmir and recommend their appropriate classification. The committee will engage with artisans, weavers, cooperatives, trade unions, exporters and other stakeholders and undertake field visits to major artisan clusters to obtain first-hand inputs on wage-related issues. It will also conduct a comparative analysis of wage structures prevailing in major handicrafts and handloom clusters across the country. The committee has been constituted through government order no. 1459-JK(GAD) of 2026 issued by the General Administration Department. The committee will be headed by the Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, as Chairperson, while the Labour Commissioner, J&K, has been appointed as a member. The Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir/Jammu, Managing Director, J&K Handicrafts & Handloom Development Corporation, and Additional Secretary to the Industries and Commerce Department will also be members of the panel. A representative of the Labour & Employment Department not below the rank of Additional Secretary, will be a member. The committee will also include two representatives of recognised artisan and weaver communities to be nominated by the Chairperson, besides one representative each from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu/Kashmir, having expertise in handicrafts and handlooms. The Chairperson has also been authorised to co-opt any other member or technical expert considered necessary for the effective discharge of the committees mandate. The government has directed the committee to submit its recommendations within three months for a fair, equitable and sustainable minimum wage structure, keeping in view the unique skills, craftsmanship, cultural heritage and historical significance of Jammu and Kashmir handicrafts and handloom sector.
Ladakh gets Autonomous Hill Dev Councils in all 7 districts
Leh, Sep 03: In a major step towards decentralising governance and strengthening grassroots administration in the Union Territory, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday approved the notification for the creation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) in all seven districts of the Union Territory. The landmark decision comes after the creation of five new districtsSham, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Changthangin April this year and the Centres subsequent decision on July 13 to extend the LAHDC system to all seven districts of Ladakh. Announcing the development, LG Saxena described it as a historic day for Ladakh and said the move would further empower local institutions and strengthen governance at the grassroots level. The notification paves the way for the establishment of LAHDCs in the newly created districts, in addition to the existing councils. With the formal notification now in place, the process for holding elections to the councils is expected to begin in due course, marking a significant expansion of the regions elected local governance framework. Saxena said the decision would help decentralise administration, provide greater autonomy to local bodies and ensure that development and governance decisions are more closely aligned with the aspirations and requirements of people at the grassroots. The Lieutenant Governor credited the proactive leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the move, saying it would contribute towards empowering Ladakh and strengthening its institutional framework. This landmark move will decentralise and strengthen local governance, ensure true autonomy for our local bodies, and fulfil the long-standing aspirations of our people at the grassroots level, Saxena said. The creation of the five new districts earlier this year had significantly expanded Ladakhs administrative structure. The subsequent decision to extend LAHDCs to all seven districts is being viewed as an important step towards ensuring greater representation and participation of local communities in governance and development. Saxena expressed confidence that the new arrangement would enable the people of Ladakh to play a greater role in charting the regions development trajectory while promoting inclusive growth. He said the decision reaffirmed the collective resolve to build a stronger, developed and more empowered Ladakh and congratulated the people of the Union Territory on the occasion. The notification is expected to set the stage for the next phase of institutional development in Ladakh, with the election process for the councils to follow in accordance with the prescribed legal and administrative framework.
J&K Govt appoints 480 Medical Officers
Srinagar, Sep 03: The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has accorded sanction to the appointment of 480 Medical Officers (Allopathic) in J&K Health and Family Welfare (Gazetted) Service, following completion of their character and antecedents verification. The appointments have been made against the Medical Officer posts referred by Health and Medical Education Department to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) in December 2025. The JKPSC had forwarded a selection list of 416 candidates to the department in May and June this year. According to the appointment order, character and antecedents verification reports from the J&K Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have so far been received for 335 selectees, paving the way for their appointment. The appointed Medical Officers will be placed in Level-9 of the pay matrix (Rs 52,7001,66,700) and will have to submit their joining reports physically before the Health and Medical Education Department at Civil Secretariat in Jammu/Srinagar within 21 days of issuance of the order. The order makes it clear that failure to join within the stipulated period will result in cancellation of the appointment ab initio without any further notice. A key condition of the appointment is that the selected doctors will not be permitted to continue PG or tenure postings such as Senior Residency, Junior Residency, Registrarship, Demonstratorship, Tutorship or Fellowship. The appointees will have to choose between accepting the Medical Officer appointment or opting out to pursue higher studies or training. In case a candidate opts out, the department may consider candidates from the waiting list for appointment. The government said the restriction was necessary in view of earlier recruitments, where a substantial number of selected doctors were pursuing PG or tenure postings. This resulted in sanctioned posts remaining physically vacant and adversely affected the availability of doctors, particularly in rural and peripheral health institutions. The appointment order also refers to a State Administrative Council decision of November 14, 2018, under which future selections and appointments of Medical Officers were to be made subject to the condition that selectees would not be allowed to continue PG or tenure postings after appointment. They will also have to submit affidavits attested by a First Class Judicial Magistrate confirming compliance with the terms of appointment. The order states that submission of fake or forged qualification, date-of-birth or category certificates would lead to cancellation of appointment and legal action. The doctors will remain on probation for two years, while their inter-se seniority will be determined according to the merit secured in JKPSC selection list. Their appointments will also be governed by the New Pension Scheme notified under SRO-400 of 2009. The order further requires the appointees to declare that they are not undergoing any higher study or training course. If it is subsequently found that an appointee continues to remain on the rolls of any medical college within or outside J&K, the appointment may be cancelled and criminal proceedings initiated under relevant provisions of law.
JERC retains green power tariff at Rs 0.50/unit in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 03: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has retained the green power tariff at Rs 0.50 per unit for consumers in Jammu and Kashmir, while directing the power distribution companies to step up efforts to improve revenue collection and reduce shortfalls. The decision was taken while considering the tariff petitions filed by the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL). According to the documents accessed by Rising Kashmir, the utilities informed the Commission that they were undertaking several measures to minimise revenue shortfalls and improve collection efficiency. These include plans to implement prepaid smart meters across 100 per cent of the consumer base. According to the petitioners, the prepaid metering system would require consumers to pay for electricity upfront, thereby reducing the risk of unpaid bills. They said smart metering had already been initiated to reduce unmetered consumption and address distribution losses. The utilities also highlighted amnesty schemes for defaulters, allowing consumers to settle outstanding dues with reduced penalties. They said the measure would help bring down accumulated receivables. Other measures include strengthening the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF), expanding online bill payment facilities and conducting public awareness programmes on smart meters, timelypayment of billsand energy conservation. The JERC acknowledged the measures and directed the petitioners to continue their efforts. On green energy, the Commission noted that the Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India (GoI), has notified the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, which enable consumers to procure and consume renewable energy. The Commission observed that green tariff is a relatively new concept in J&K and renewable energy development remains at a nascent stage. It, therefore, decided to continue the green power tariff at Rs 0.50/kWh, payable by interested consumers over and above the applicable tariff. Both high-voltage and low-voltage consumers will be eligible to opt for green power. Consumers can choose green power for 25, 50, 75 or up to 100 per cent of their consumption. The requestwill have tobe made for a minimum period of one year, while the distribution licensee will be required to process applications within 30 days. The JERC has also directed JPDCL and KPDCL to give wide publicity to the scheme and submit its outcome in their next tariff petition.
LG, CM greet people on Janmashtami
Srinagar, Sep 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have extended heartiest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, which will be celebrated on Friday, September 04, 2026. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said, On the joyous occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all. The life and teachings of Lord Krishna carry a universal message celebrating the ultimate victory of righteousness and virtue. His timeless wisdom to action guide us to fulfill our duties without attachment to the outcome. May Lord Shri Krishna guide us toward righteousness, and may his divine blessings bring joy and prosperity to all. CM Abdullah, in his message, said the festival of Janmashtami symbolises the triumph of righteousness, truth and compassion over evil. He expressed hope that the occasion would strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister prayed that the festival brings peace, prosperity and happiness to all, and strengthens the spirit of unity and harmony in society.
Cant give govt jobs to everyone: CM Omar
Srinagar, Sep 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for greater focus on skill development and vocational education, saying that preparing youth for the future job market must go hand in hand with formal education. We cannot give government jobs to everyone. If we have to prepare our children for the future, we have to give them the skills to compete in the job market, whether in Jammu and Kashmir, elsewhere in the country or abroad, he said. Omar laid the foundation stone for developmental works at Kashmir Government Polytechnic, Srinagar, and e-inaugurated infrastructure upgrades worth Rs 4.20 crore across Government Polytechnics in Kishtwar, Ramban, Kulgam and Kupwara. He emphasised that skill development programmes must be aligned with emerging market requirements and the employment opportunities being created in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare and technology. The Chief Minister called for regular review of courses and training programmes in ITIs and polytechnics so that outdated skills and equipment are replaced with training relevant to contemporary industry requirements. He said the level of attention given to universities should also be extended to the skill-development network of ITIs and polytechnics, including improvement of infrastructure, training quality and modern equipment. Highlighting the employment potential emerging from major projects in J&K, he said the skill-development ecosystem must be designed around the requirements of upcoming investments and industries. The Chief Minister also said the government would work to strengthen the network of skill-development institutions over the next three years and improve their infrastructure and quality. He further stressed the need to ensure greater employment opportunities for local youth in industries and projects coming to J&K, saying companies should be encouraged to employ trained local youth before looking outside the region for skilled manpower. The Chief Minister said J&Ks objective should not be merely to send labour outside but to prepare skilled professionals capable of securing better-paying employment and competing in international markets. He also felicitated students who secured overseas placements, underscoring the Governments commitment to strengthening technical education and creating meaningful employment opportunities for J&Ks youth. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, MLA Karnah Javed Ahmed Mirchal, Secretary Skill Development Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Director Skill Development Department Dr Owais Ahmed, Principal Kashmir Government Polytechnic Srinagar Shafqat Ara, faculty members and students were present on the occasion.
7 Autonomous Hill Councils created in Ladakh UT
Has term of erstwhile Kargil Hill Council ended? Jammu Tawi, Sep 03:In a significant move, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Wednesday established seven Autonomous Hill Development Councils for the Union Territory. Close on the heels of the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, taking the total to seven, the [] The post 7 Autonomous Hill Councils created in Ladakh UT appeared first on Northlines .
J&K, Himalayan States directed to speed up GLOF mitigation projects
New Delhi, Sep 03: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the capital to review the preparedness of five Himalayan states and Union territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, against Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and snow avalanches, directing officials to strengthen early warning systems and accelerate a Centre-sanctioned mitigation project. The meeting brought together Chief Secretaries and State Disaster Management Authority officials from Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, along with senior representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Disaster Management Authority, the Central Water Commission, the India Meteorological Department and the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment. Discussions centred on the growing risk of GLOFs across the Himalayan region, with officials reviewing monitoring of vulnerable glacial lakes and snow-covered zones, identification of high-risk sites, flood flow-path mapping, evacuation planning and response mechanisms. Each state and UT presented its own preparedness and mitigation strategy, detailing steps taken to monitor at-risk glacial lakes, upgrade early warning systems, improve last-mile alert dissemination, and mobilise response resources in vulnerable areas. Officials also discussed state-specific vulnerabilities, with a focus on ensuring mitigation measures are implemented at the district and local levels. Mohan called for continuous, proactive monitoring of glacial lakes and avalanche-prone areas, especially during high-risk periods, and asked states to maintain close coordination between state agencies, district administrations and technical institutions to ensure warnings translate into timely action. He said preparedness must shift from a response-oriented approach to risk-informed planning, preventive mitigation and community-level readiness, and directed states to regularly review their plans, identify gaps in early warning and evacuation arrangements, and take corrective steps ahead of any extreme event. Mohan also pressed states to speed up implementation of a GLOF mitigation project the Centre had sanctioned in 2024. The meeting concluded with directions for sustained inter-agency coordination, regular exchange of risk information, and strengthened early warning and response systems to reduce loss of life and property in vulnerable Himalayan areas.
CM calls for planned urban growth
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired the 91st Board of Directors meeting of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and 85th Board of Directors meeting of Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), to discuss proposals regarding amendments to be made in the Master Plans of Jammu and Srinagar. Chairman SDA Shabir Hussain Bhat and Chairman JDA Rupesh [] The post CM calls for planned urban growth appeared first on Northlines .
CS reviews rollout of Water Transport, PM E-DRIVE initiatives
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Thursday reviewed the status and implementation status for introduction of inland water transport on the rivers Jhelum and Chenab, besides the rollout of electric mobility infrastructure under the Government of Indias PM E-DRIVE scheme in J&K. The meeting besides ACS, PWD was attended by Secretary, Transport; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; [] The post CS reviews rollout of Water Transport, PM E-DRIVE initiatives appeared first on Northlines .
Bangladesh High Commissioner calls on CM
SRINAGAR: High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, on Thursday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat here. The Chief Minister welcomed the High Commissioner to Jammu and Kashmir and held discussions on areas of mutual interest, including horticulture, medical education and other potential areas of cooperation. The post Bangladesh High Commissioner calls on CM appeared first on Northlines .
Yasin Malik denies involvement in KP murder case
SRINAGAR: Jailed Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Mohammad Yasin Malik has denied involvement in the murder of Kashmiri Pandit woman Sarla Bhat and submitted a 25-page affidavit before a special court here, pleading not guilty while refusing to contest the trial and seeking capital punishment. Malik, 60, who is lodged in Delhis Tihar [] The post Yasin Malik denies involvement in KP murder case appeared first on Northlines .
Govt unveils defence diplomacy blueprint for next decade
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday released Raksha a strategic blueprint on defence diplomacy which carries a comprehensive framework outlining Indias strategic roadmap and vision for global partnerships over the next decade. As defence diplomacy is a core pillar of Indias foreign policy, this document provides a clear, actionable vision for the [] The post Govt unveils defence diplomacy blueprint for next decade appeared first on Northlines .
Rajwar advocates protest dilapidated Handwara-Rajwar road
Srinagar, Sep 3: A group of advocates from Rajwar held a silent protest at Mian Chowk on Thursday, expressing strong resentment over the poor condition of the Handwara-Rajwar road. The protesters said the road has remained neglected for years despite repeated assurances from elected representatives, officials and concerned departments. They said residents have continued to face serious difficulties due to the poor condition of the road, while promised development work has failed to take shape on the ground. The advocates said the issue has continued across generations, with successive MLAs and officials making commitments to address the problem. However, they alleged that little has changed despite repeated assurances. The protesters also questioned claims regarding budget allocations. They said MPs, MLAs and officials of the Roads and Buildings Division had given assurances over the past two years that funds would be made available for the road. Despite these assurances, they alleged that there has been no visible progress. Speaking to reporters, Advocate Imran criticised local political leadership for focusing on social media posts and press statements instead of completing development work. He said people need action on the ground and not repeated political promises. He said the deteriorated condition of the Rajwar road has created serious risks for commuters and described the stretch as a major safety hazard. The protesters demanded immediate intervention from the administration and the concerned authorities. Another advocate, Javid Ahmad, also criticised the functioning of officials and urged the administration to follow established service rules while addressing public issues. He alleged that administrative machinery should work independently and focus on the needs of residents. The advocates said Thursday's silent protest was intended as a peaceful warning to the government and local authorities. They said they would continue to raise the issue if their demands remain unaddressed. The protesters urged the administration to initiate work on the Handwara-Rajwar road at the earliest and provide residents with safe and reliable connectivity.
Bangladesh High Commr calls on CM Omar
Srinagar, Sep 3: High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah on Thursday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat here. The Chief Minister welcomed the High Commissioner to Jammu and Kashmir and held discussions on areas of mutual interest, including horticulture, medical education and other potential areas of cooperation.
CM reviews Sgr, Jmu Master Plans
Srinagar, Sep 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired the 91st Board of Directors meeting of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and 85th Board of Directors meeting of Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), to discuss proposals regarding amendments to be made in the Master Plans of Jammu and Srinagar. Chairman SDA Shabir Hussain Bhat and Chairman JDA Rupesh Kumar made separate presentations on the proposed plans. The discussions covered proposed amendments, public feedback, regulatory requirements and measures for planned and sustainable urban development. For Srinagar, the meeting discussed Town Planning Schemes, safeguards for Dal, Nigeen and other water bodies, alignment with J&K Unified Building Bye-Laws-2021, and reforms to simplify land-use zoning and building permissions. The Revised Jammu Master Plan-2032 was also discussed for 15 planning zones, rationalisation of land-use categories, geo-referenced mapping and aligning major infrastructure projects in the plan document Environmental and heritage safeguards, including protection of the Tawi riverbed and watercourses, were also deliberated upon. The Chief Minister stressed the need to balance planned urban growth, reforms for ease of doing business, addressing public concerns and ensuring environmental protection while finalising the proposed Master Plans. The meetings were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, ACS Finance Shailendra Kumar, ACS PWD Anil Kumar Singh, Commissioner Secretary Planning, Monitoring & Development Department Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mandeep Kaur, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary Law, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar, Commissioners of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Jammu Municipal Corporation and other concerned officers. Jammu-based officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
The growing incidence of man-animal conflict in Kashmir Valley is a reminder that the relationship between people and wildlife is under severe strain. What was once viewed as an occasional disturbance has now become a recurring source of fear, loss and resentment across both rural and semi-urban areas. From crop damage and livestock killings to injuries and deaths, the impact of this conflict is being felt deeply by communities that already live with economic and geographic vulnerability. At the heart of the problem lies a combination of ecological disturbance, habitat degradation and human expansion into wildlife corridors. As forests shrink, natural food sources diminish and settlements expand closer to animal movement routes, wild creatures are pushed into human spaces in search of sustenance. In Kashmir, this has become particularly visible in areas bordering forests, orchards and agricultural fields, where encounters with bears, leopards and other animals have become alarmingly frequent. The issue cannot be reduced to a mere law-and-order or forest department problem. It is a governance challenge that demands a coordinated response from multiple agencies. The forest department, wildlife authorities, disaster management bodies, local administration and community representatives must work together in a sustained manner rather than only after an incident occurs. Reaction after tragedy is no substitute for preparedness before it. The human cost of this conflict is often underestimated. For a family that loses livestock, the loss is not just financial; it is also emotional and livelihood-related. For a farmer whose standing crop is destroyed overnight, the setback can be devastating. For those injured in surprise encounters, the trauma can last far longer than the physical wound. When such incidents multiply, they erode trust in the states ability to protect both people and property. Yet the answer does not lie in viewing wildlife only as a threat. Kashmirs ecological balance depends on the preservation of its forests, wetlands and natural habitats. Animals are not intruders by choice; they are responding to pressure. That is why lasting solutions must focus on habitat restoration, protection of wildlife corridors, improved waste management and scientific land-use planning. Unchecked construction, deforestation and poor management of vulnerable zones only worsen the problem. Equally important is the need for a robust early warning and compensation system. People living in conflict-prone areas should receive timely alerts, and rapid response teams should be available to intervene where possible. Compensation for losses must be swift, fair and transparent. If the state expects communities to coexist with wildlife, it must first assure them that their hardships will not be ignored. The man-animal conflict in Kashmir is not merely about encounters in the woods. It is about how development, conservation and human survival can be balanced in a fragile mountain ecosystem. If the Valley is to remain both habitable and ecologically secure, the response must be humane, scientific and urgent. The longer this problem is treated as routine, the higher the cost will be for both people and wildlife.
Lumpy skin disease fears rise in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Sep 3: Concerns have mounted among livestock owners in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district following reports of suspected Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) affecting more than 350 cattle in several areas of Shallabugh-Sherpathri, with residents also claiming that around 20 animals have died. The reported cases have triggered apprehension among cattle owners, who are seeking immediate intervention and effective containment measures to prevent the suspected disease from spreading further in the area. Bilal Ahmad, a resident of Shallabugh, said that over 350 cattle had reportedly developed symptoms associated with LSD in the area. He further claimed that nearly 20 animals had succumbed to the suspected infection. The figures and reported deaths could not be independently verified. Residents said the recurrence of the disease has caused anxiety among livestock owners, particularly in view of previous instances of Lumpy Skin Disease reported in Kashmir. Some residents also said that cattle had been vaccinated during an earlier outbreak and questioned how the disease could have resurfaced despite vaccination efforts. They urged the concerned authorities to intensify surveillance, conduct veterinary examinations of the affected animals and take necessary preventive measures to contain any possible transmission. Taking note of the reports, teams from the Animal Husbandry Department have reportedly been deployed to the affected areas to assess the situation and examine the cattle showing symptoms. The veterinary teams are expected to determine whether the animals are infected with LSD, assess the extent of the suspected outbreak and verify reports regarding cattle deaths. Further containment and treatment measures are likely to be taken based on the findings of the veterinary assessment. Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease primarily affecting cattle and buffaloes. It is generally characterised by fever and the appearance of firm nodules or lumps on the animals skin. Other symptoms may include reduced appetite, swelling of limbs and other body parts, weakness and a decline in milk production. The disease is primarily transmitted through blood-feeding insects, including mosquitoes, flies and ticks, which can facilitate its spread between infected and healthy animals. While LSD can cause significant economic losses for livestock owners due to reduced milk production, illness and mortality in severe cases, it is generally not considered a disease that infects humans.
MHA Sounds Alarm on GLOFs in Himalayan Region
The Ministry of Home Affairs has done the right thing by sounding the alarm on glacial lake outburst floods and snow avalanches in the Himalayan region. But warnings, however timely, are only as useful as the systems that carry them to the ground. In a landscape where climate volatility is no longer an abstraction but a recurring reality, the difference between life and death often lies in whether alerts travel fast enough, plans are rehearsed well enough, and agencies respond as one. The meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan brings into focus a truth that the region has learned many times, often the hard way: the Himalayas are not waiting to be prepared for at some future date. They are changing now. Glacial lakes are expanding, snow patterns are shifting, and the risk of sudden, destructive events is growing. From Uttarakhand to Jammu & Kashmir, the mountain states and Union Territories are sitting on a fragile frontline where one missed warning can unleash devastation downstream. What stands out in the MHAs direction is its emphasis on proactive monitoring, early warning and evacuation readiness. That is the correct language. Disaster management in such terrain cannot remain trapped in the old cycle of post-event response, compensation and reconstruction. It must become a culture of prevention. That means continuous surveillance of vulnerable glacial lakes, mapping of flow paths, community drills, and real-time coordination between scientific institutions and district administrations. It also means that warnings must not merely be issued; they must be understood, trusted and acted upon by those closest to danger. Yet the challenge in the Himalayas is not only technical, but institutional. Too often, agencies work in silos. Technical alerts do not always reach local officials in usable form, and local vulnerabilities are not always reflected in central planning. The MHA is therefore right to insist on inter-agency coordination, regular sharing of risk information and correction of gaps in evacuation arrangements. But these directions must now translate into visible ground action, especially in remote and difficult-to-access areas where state capacity is weakest. The mention of GLOF mitigation projects sanctioned in 2024 is also important. Too many disaster-response initiatives in India remain stuck between announcement and execution. In the Himalayas, delay is not a bureaucratic inconvenience; it is a risk multiplier. Projects meant to strengthen early warning systems, improve monitoring and reduce exposure must be fast-tracked with clear accountability, timelines and public oversight. Preparedness cannot be seasonal or ceremonial. It must be sustained, funded and tested. The larger lesson is that Himalayan disasters can no longer be treated as isolated natural events. They are part of a broader climate and development crisis that demands foresight, humility and urgency. The mountain states need support, but they also need to act with seriousness and speed. The cost of complacency will be measured not in statistics, but in lost homes, broken roads, and shattered lives.
How NML-ERMED Is Bringing the Worlds Medical Knowledge Closer to Indian Healthcare
A clinical guideline can change. A new drug can emerge. A diagnostic technique can transform the management of a disease. A research paper published thousands of kilometres away can, within days, influence how a doctor approaches a patient in a hospital in India. This is why access to reliable and current medical literature is no longer a luxury for healthcare institutions. It is an essential component of modern medical education, research and evidence-based healthcare. India has been steadily strengthening this knowledge ecosystem through the National Medical Library (NML) and its Electronic Resources in Medicine (NML-ERMED) Consortium, an initiative of the Directorate General of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. What makes NML-ERMED particularly significant is its philosophy: bringing high-quality electronic medical information within the reach of institutions across the country through a nationally coordinated mechanism. From shelves to screens For generations, the medical library was identified with shelves filled with textbooks, reference books and bound volumes of journals. Those resources remain important. But the nature of medical knowledge has changed dramatically. A textbook may take years to be written, edited, published and updated. A medical journal article, on the other hand, can present new findings almost immediately. In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, the ability to discover and evaluate current evidence can be as important as possessing a large physical collection. NML-ERMED represents this transition from the traditional library to the digital knowledge environment. The consortium was conceived to develop nationwide electronic information resources in medicine and support effective healthcare through access to current medical literature. The initiative has grown into a network serving state and centrally funded government institutions, including AIIMS institutions. Importantly, the consortium model has enabled participating institutions to access resources without a separate membership fee, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare supporting the procurement of electronic resources. This is a powerful example of how collective procurement and national coordination can expand access to knowledge. A doctors question can begin with a library Consider a young resident preparing for a clinical case. The question may be simple: What is the latest evidence? Which treatment is recommended? What does the current literature say? What are the outcomes reported by recent studies? Which diagnostic approach has the strongest evidence? The answer may not be found in a single textbook. It may require searching several journals, databases, clinical resources and reference works. This is where a modern medical library becomes much more than a physical space. It becomes a gateway to evidence. Through NML-ERMED, participating institutions can obtain access to a range of electronic journals, books and medical information resources. The consortiums current resource listings include material from major academic and medical publishers, while its database-specific offerings include resources such as AccessMedicine and MedOne, among others. The significance is not simply the number of resources available. It is the possibility of connecting a healthcare professional in one part of India with the same contemporary body of medical literature being consulted by professionals around the world. From examination preparation to medical research The beneficiaries of such a system are not limited to senior doctors or researchers. Medical students use electronic books and journals to supplement classroom teaching. Residents search literature while preparing cases and presentations. Faculty members require current evidence for teaching and research. Researchers depend upon literature databases to identify previous work, establish research gaps and place their findings in the context of existing knowledge. The medical library therefore becomes a common platform serving the entire academic ecosystem. For a young researcher, access to literature can be the beginning of a research idea. For a postgraduate student, it can help transform a clinical observation into a research question. For a teacher, it can bring the latest evidence into the classroom. And for a clinician, it can help answer a question that arises during patient care. In that sense, the journey of information can be visualised as: Research Evidence Library Healthcare Professional Patient Care. The library may be the quietest part of this chain, but its contribution can be profound. Breaking the limitations of geography One of the most important contributions of digital library initiatives is their ability to reduce geographical barriers. Medical knowledge should not become inaccessible simply because an institution is located far from a major metropolitan academic centre. A national consortium changes that equation. NML-ERMED has included government medical institutions across different parts of India, and its institutional listings include the Medical colleges from J&K also, among participating institutions for specified resources. For institutions in geographically distant regions, such connectivity can be particularly meaningful. A medical student in Srinagar, for instance, can search contemporary medical literature without needing to physically travel to Delhi, Mumbai, London or New York to consult a particular journal. The physical distance remains. The knowledge gap does not have to. The hidden work behind digital access There is sometimes a misconception that digital resources mean simply clicking a link. In reality, an effective electronic library ecosystem requires considerable coordination. Publisher negotiations, subscriptions, authentication, access management, resource selection, user awareness, technical support and training all form part of the process. NML-ERMED maintains dedicated training resources to help users understand the platforms provided by different publishers. This is important because access without awareness can become underutilisation. A database may contain thousands of valuable resources, but if students and healthcare professionals do not know how to search effectively, filter results, identify relevant literature and use the available tools, much of its potential remains untapped. Therefore, the future of medical libraries is not only about acquiring electronic resources. It is also about developing information-literate healthcare professionals. Beyond journals: a broader knowledge ecosystem The modern NML ecosystem extends beyond conventional journal access. NMLs services include document delivery and article-request facilities, while its wider digital initiatives have included electronic resources, training and information dissemination. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also documented NMLs article-request service and other library services. The NML-ERMED platform also provides information about new journals, electronic books, training resources and trial access to selected databases and clinical information services. This demonstrates an important principle: a digital library is not simply a collection of links. It is a service. Its real value is measured by how effectively those resources are transformed into knowledge. A quiet contributor to evidence-based healthcare The phrase evidence-based medicine is frequently used in healthcare. But evidence-based medicine requires access to evidence. The strongest clinical expertise cannot remain isolated from contemporary research. Likewise, research cannot fulfil its potential if healthcare professionals are unable to access the literature necessary to understand and apply it. This is why initiatives such as NML-ERMED deserve attention. They operate largely behind the scenes. There is no dramatic moment when a database subscription is renewed. There is no applause when a researcher downloads a paper at midnight before completing a manuscript. There is no public ceremony when a resident finds the article needed to understand a difficult clinical problem. Yet these small moments collectively contribute to a stronger academic and healthcare system. Libraries are changingbut their mission remains the same The medical library of the twenty-first century may look very different from the library of the twentieth century. Its shelves may be accompanied by computer terminals. Its catalogue may extend into digital repositories. Its journals may increasingly appear on screens rather than in bound volumes. But its fundamental mission remains unchanged: to connect people with reliable knowledge. The librarians role is changing as well. Modern medical librarians are increasingly information professionals, trainers, research-support partners and guides through an increasingly complex digital information landscape. The challenge is no longer merely finding a book on a shelf. It is finding the right evidence, from the right source, at the right time. An investment in knowledge is an investment in healthcare Healthcare systems require hospitals, equipment, medicines, laboratories and skilled professionals. But behind all of these is knowledge. A new medical procedure begins with knowledge. A new research project begins with knowledge. A better clinical decision often begins with knowledge. And knowledge becomes powerful when it is accessible. The NML-ERMED Consortium represents an important national effort in this direction. By bringing electronic medical information resources together through a coordinated government-supported platform, it helps create a bridge between global medical literature and Indias healthcare and academic institutions. The journey from a research paper to a patient may seem long. Sometimes, however, it begins with something as simple as a search box in a medical library. That is the quiet power of NML-ERMED. It does not replace the doctor, the teacher, the researcher or the librarian. It empowers themwith something medicine can never afford to run short of: current, credible and accessible knowledge. (The author works at a premier medical college in Jammu & Kashmir)
Vande Bharat gets experimental halt at Anantnag
Anantnag, Sep 3: The Ministry of Railways has approved an experimental halt for the Jammu TawiSrinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag railway station, a move likely to improve rail connectivity for south Kashmir and provide a boost to the regions tourism and local economy. The decision has been welcomed by local stakeholders, who said the long-pending demand for a stoppage at Anantnag would benefit not only tourists but also taxi operators, hoteliers, restaurant and dhaba owners, and other businesses dependent on tourist movement. Vice President of the Ekta Tourist Association of South Kashmir said the association had raised the demand with the government around three to four months ago, seeking a halt of the Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag. We had strongly demanded that the Vande Bharat train should be halted here. The tourism-related business in the area had suffered, as many tourists arriving by train would stay in Srinagar, he said. He said tourists travelling onwards to different destinations in south Kashmir were often transported from Srinagar by local tourist vehicles, limiting the direct economic benefit to Anantnag and neighbouring areas. This is very good news for Anantnag, particularly for tourism. The taxi stands, hotels, dhabas and other businesses around the railway station will benefit. It will create more opportunities and provide livelihood support to people associated with the tourism sector, he said. The stakeholder said the experimental stoppage would also benefit residents of several districts in south Kashmir who previously had to travel to Srinagar to board the Vande Bharat Express for journeys towards Jammu and Delhi. Earlier, if we wanted to travel to Jammu or Delhi by Vande Bharat, we had to go to Srinagar. Now people from four districts can come to Anantnag railway station and board the train directly, he said. He termed the decision a significant development for the people of south Kashmir, saying that improved accessibility to the premium train service could encourage greater tourist movement and make travel more convenient for residents. The halt is also expected to strengthen Anantnags position as an important transit point for tourists visiting south Kashmir, including destinations such as Pahalgam and other tourist areas. Local tourism stakeholders have maintained that better rail connectivity can help distribute tourist footfall beyond Srinagar and provide direct economic opportunities to communities along the railway network. The experimental halt, therefore, is being viewed as an important step towards improving connectivity while simultaneously supporting tourism-related businesses and livelihoods in south Kashmir.
The Rise of Indias Electric Vehicles Ecosystem
In August 2025, Suzuki inaugurated the e VITARA, its first made-in-India global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle. The vehicle has been exported to over 100 countries, including Europe and Japan illustrates how India is embracing electric vehicles and building them for the world. With this single milestone, India became Suzuki's global manufacturing hub for EVs. This transformation is the outcome of more than a decade of determination and consistency in building infrastructure needed to develop it. Indias journey of electric mobility began in 2015 with the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan and the FAME scheme. The ambition has been driven by three clear priorities: (a) cutting the country's rising petroleum import bill, (b) tackling worsening urban air pollution, and (c) lowering greenhouse gas emissions from transport, which accounts for roughly 9% of India's total emissions. A decade down the line, what started as a policy intervention has evolved into a national priority, aided by government incentives and rapid technological progress. Today, the shift to EVs in India is understood not merely as an environmental necessity but as a great economic opportunity. The Growing Numbers The numbers have grown from a modest figure of 50,000 EVs sold in 2016, to a 46-fold increase within a decade in 2025 India sold 2.3 million units, quite an impressive rise. This growth has outpaced the global EV market, which grew multiple folds from 918,000 units in 2016 to 18.78 million in 2024. India's EV penetration, which stood at just one-fifth of the global average in 2020, has now risen to over two-fifths of the global figure by 2024. EV adoption itself has surged from a mere 0.08% in 2016 to 8.26% in 2026, with electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers leading the charge last year. The figures of export have also risen from just USD 1.2 million in 2020 to USD 84 million in 2024, among which Nepal, Indonesia, and Japan are among the top destinations. Amidst the growing momentum is a rapidly expanding charging network: as of July 2026, over 52,000 public charging stations exist across the country, nearly a third of them fast-charging enabled. Investment is flowing in the industry. India's EV ecosystem raised over USD 1.4 billion in 2025, a 27% jump from the previous year, with manufacturers capturing the bulk of this funding. The Policy Behind the Growth This outcome wouldnt have been possible without sustained government intervention. Especially the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, with an outlay of INR 10,900 crore, has already supported the sale of 22.12 lakh EVs against a target of 28 lakh, while channeling thousands of crores into electric buses and charging infrastructure. Similarly, the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components has disbursed over INR 2,377 crore in incentives, majority of it directed toward EV manufacturers. Recognizing that batteries make up 35-40% of an EV's total cost, the PLI ACC Scheme has committed INR 18,100 crore to build 50 GWh of domestic battery manufacturing capacity. States have become equal partners in this push. As many as 29 states and Union Territories had notified EV policies as of December 2025, offering capital subsidies, land allotments, and tax waivers to attract investment. A concessional 5% GST rate on all electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the newly launched National Mission on Manufacturing has named EVs a key seed sector for India's industrial future, and the India Electric Mobility Index now tracks how states are performing on this journey. What Lies Ahead As of now, India's EV market is valued at USD 3.71 billion, and by 2024 it is projected to grow to USD 191.04 billion. The government aims for 30% of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, backed by a planned 1.32 million charging stations nationwide. With nearly 400 EV startups now driving innovation in batteries, charging, and AI-enabled features, India is positioning itself as an upcoming manufacturing and export hub. That is precisely the reason the e VITARA rolling off an Indian assembly line for global markets should not be seen as an isolated story. It is the manifestation of a reimagined road ahead for India while slowly moving away from fossil fuel dependency. (Courtesy: PIB Srinagar)
Padmakar Ranipse promoted as Special DG, CISF
Padmakar S Ranipse, IPS (Odisha:1995), ADG, CISF, has been promoted as Special Director General in CISF on in-situ basis by temporarily upgrading the post held by the officer from the date of assumption of charge of the post and for a tenure upto his superannuation i.e. 31 .05.2028. The post Padmakar Ranipse promoted as Special DG, CISF appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Jag Mohan promoted as Special Director, IB
Jag Mohan, IPS (Bihar: 1995). Addl. Director, IB, has been promoted as Special Director, IB, from the date of assumption of charge of the post and till date of his superannuation i.e. 30.06.2031. The post Jag Mohan promoted as Special Director, IB appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Saving a Life Begins with a Conversation
Every year, September arrives with a familiar calendar of awareness days. We share posters, change profile frames, attend webinars and post helpline numbers. Yet some conversations remain painfully difficult to have. Suicide is one of them. This year, the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, and Suicide Prevention Month is Changing the Narrative on Suicide, accompanied by a deceptively simple call to action: Start the Conversation. Simplebut not easy. Because in most Indian homes, we have learnt how to talk around pain, not through it. We ask our children, Did you eat? but rarely, Are you okay? We ask our spouses, What happened? but often mean, Why are you behaving like this? We tell distressed friends, Be strong, when perhaps what they need most is permission to admit, I am tired. And when someone dies by suicide, the conversation becomes even more uncomfortable. There is speculation, blame, gossip, moral judgement and, eventually, silence. Perhaps changing the narrative begins precisely therewith our willingness to replace silence with listening. The numbers tell us this is not someone else's problem. According to the latest available National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, India recorded 1,70,746 deaths by suicide in 2024. Numbers can sometimes make tragedy feel abstract. But pause for a moment. These are not merely 1.7 lakh entries in a statistical report. They were someone's daughter who had stopped talking at the dinner table. Someone's father who was worried about next month's rent. A student who believed one examination had decided the value of an entire life. A homemaker whose emotional labour was visible to nobody. A young professional who appeared successful on LinkedIn but felt profoundly lonely after logging out. A farmer, worker, entrepreneur, elderly parent, teenager or friend. One of the most striking findings in the 2024 data is that daily wage earners accounted for 52,910 suicide deathsaround 31% of the national total. This is particularly significant because it reminds us that suicide prevention cannot be reduced to asking people to think positively or meditate their way out of distress. Economic insecurity, precarious employment, debt, family pressures and uncertainty about tomorrow can become deeply entwined with psychological suffering. This is an important correction to one of our most persistent misconceptions: that suicide is always caused by a single mental illness or a single bad event. Human distress is rarely that simple. Suicide is complex and multi-dimensional. Psychological pain may intersect with financial stress, relationship difficulties, academic pressure, illness, loneliness, substance use, trauma, social isolation and a sudden sense of hopelessness. The question, therefore, is not merely: Why did this person do it? Perhaps a more meaningful question is: What pain did we fail to see? India's silence has its own language. We Indians are not incapable of emotional expression. We cry at films. We write poetry about heartbreak. We pray when life becomes difficult. We sit beside friends during bereavement. And yet, emotional vulnerability remains surprisingly difficult. Especially when the person suffering is expected to be strong. Men are told, often subtly, that providing is more important than feeling. Women are taught endurance and sacrifice, sometimes mistaking emotional suffering for a natural part of adulthood. Young people are told they are privileged and therefore have no right to be unhappy. Older people are often expected to quietly adjust to loneliness, illness and changing relevance. Students are told that competition is preparation for life. But what if life itself becomes unbearable in the process of preparing for it? Changing the narrative on suicide means challenging these cultural scripts. It means moving away from the language of weakness, attention-seeking and shame. When someone says, I don't want to live anymore, our instinct is often panic. We immediately try to contradict them. Don't say such things. Others have bigger problems. But pain does not disappear because we compare it with someone else's suffering. Sometimes the most therapeutic response is not an answer. It is a presence. Does talking about suicide put the idea into someone's mind? This is one of the most damaging myths surrounding suicide. People are often afraid to ask a direct question: Are you thinking about hurting yourself? They worry that mentioning suicide might somehow plant the thought. Evidence-based suicide prevention messaging rejects this myth. Sensitive, compassionate and direct conversations can help people feel seen and can facilitate access to support. The WHO's 2026 campaign explicitly calls for moving from silence and misunderstanding towards openness, empathy and support. Not every behavioural change indicates suicidal risk. But neither should persistent distress be dismissed casually. We need to become better emotional observers. Not suspicious of one anotherbut attentive. Beyond the student suicide headline In India, student suicides often make headlines after a tragedy in a coaching hub or an educational institution. We debate academic pressure for a few days, demand counselling centres and then move on. But perhaps we need to ask a more uncomfortable question. What exactly are we teaching young people about failure? A child grows up hearing that marks determine college, college determines career, career determines success and success determines respect. Where, in this equation, do we teach them that failure is survivable? That changing direction is allowed? That being unsuccessful at something is not the same as being a failure? India's young people inhabit a particularly complicated world. Their competition is no longer limited to the classroom. They compete with curated lives on Instagram, productivity gurus on YouTube, entrepreneurs on LinkedIn and now increasingly with AI systems that can seemingly write, code, design and analyse in seconds. The AI paradox: Always available, but not always able to care We are entering an era where, at 2 a.m., a person may find it easier to talk to an AI chatbot than wake up a family member. There is something understandable about this. AI does not look shocked. It does not interrupt. It does not say, You are overthinking. It is available when the world is asleep. For someone struggling with loneliness, that availability can feel deeply comforting. But this is also where we must exercise caution. AI can support mental health conversations in limited ways: encouraging reflection, providing general information, helping someone articulate feelings or directing them towards professional resources. But AI is not a substitute for a trained mental health professional, emergency support system or human relationship. A 2026 review of evidence on AI chatbots and suicide risk found potential for clinically designed systems as adjuncts, while also identifying serious limitations in commercially deployed chatbots, including inadequate crisis responses and difficulty assessing nuanced or intermediate levels of risk. An algorithm may generate empathetic language, but it does not sit beside a grieving mother, notice a tremor in someone's hands or take responsibility for physically ensuring that a person in immediate danger is not left alone. Perhaps the new challenge of suicide prevention in the AI age is this: How do we use technology to connect people to care rather than allowing technology to become a sophisticated substitute for human connection? AI should become a bridge, not a destination. Suicide prevention is not only the work of psychiatrists One of the most important shifts we need is to stop treating suicide prevention as the exclusive responsibility of mental health professionals. Yes, trained professionals are essential. But prevention begins much earlier than a clinical consultation. It begins in schools where teachers can recognise distress without labelling every struggling child as weak. It begins in workplaces where burnout is not celebrated as ambition. It begins in families where emotional expression is not treated as disrespect. It begins in newsrooms where suicide reporting follows responsible guidelines instead of sensationalising methods or romanticising deaths. It begins in communities where seeking psychological help is considered as normal as consulting a physician for persistent physical pain. India has taken important policy steps. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy, launched in 2022, aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030 and emphasises multi-sectoral action, crisis support, awareness and interventions for vulnerable populations. Listen without judgement. Do not leave a person in immediate danger alone. Involve trusted family members or friends where appropriate, and seek urgent professional or emergency assistance. Most importantly, do not promise secrecy if someone's life may be at risk. Safety is more important than secrecy. We need a new vocabulary for pain. Perhaps Changing the Narrative on Suicide ultimately asks us to change the language we use around suffering. Because suicide prevention is not only about intervening at the edge of a crisis. It is also about creating societies in which fewer people reach that edge feeling completely alone. This September, let us not reduce suicide prevention to a social media hashtag. And in an age when artificial intelligence can converse with us endlessly, let us remember the irreplaceable value of a real human voice saying: The theme this year asks us to change the narrative. The call to action asks us to start the conversation. Perhaps that conversation begins today. Not with a lecture. Not with advice. Not with a motivational quote. Just a question asked sincerely. How are youreally? (The author is a mental health expert. Co-founder, Bharat Dialogues National President, WICCI Media Council. For Mental health related Queries call the 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline Kiran (1800-599-0019). Reach the author for counselling at: poojapriyamvada@outlook.com )
Cybersecurity: Concerns and threats
MUSKAN SALAM Imagine a young woman orders clothes from an Instagram page. The clothes never arrive. When she contacts the seller, she is asked to share a verification code. She refuses. What appears to be an ordinary online shopping experience suddenly becomes a potential cyber- fraud attempt. Her experience is hardly unusual. For India's young digital population, the internet has become a marketplace, classroom, workplace and social spacebut the ability to navigate it safely has not kept pace with its rapid expansion. As we navigate the 21st century, technology has become a cornerstone of daily life. From communication and education to shopping and banking, digital tools offer immense convenience. However, this digital boom has also brought about complex challengesthe most pressing being cybercrime. India, the second most populous nation, is facing an increasing number of cyber threats. What makes the situation more alarming is the speed of digital adoption coupled with a widespread lack of cyber awareness. Young people, in particular, are highly engaged with digital platforms but remain vulnerable. With the surge in smartphone usage, online learning, and social networking, safeguarding the digital experiences of the youth has never been more crucial. Millions of Indian youngsters are online every day, using the internet for education, entertainment, and social interaction. While digital connectivity offers opportunities, it also exposes them to multiple risks: Cyberbullying: Persistent online harassment through social media or messaging platforms. Phishing: Deceptive attempts to steal sensitive data like login credentials or banking information. Pornography: Exposure to and distribution of adult, child, revenge, or deepfake pornography. Online Defamation: Spreading false or malicious content that damages a persons reputation. A 2021 report by Child Rights and You (CRY) revealed that one in three Indian teenagers has encountered cyberbullying. Young users are vulnerable because of: 1. Increased Access to Technology. 2. Limited Parental Oversight. 3. Financial Pressures. 4. Peer Influence. These risks are not confined to statistics or distant reports; they can emerge in the most ordinary aspects of a young persons digital life. A simple online purchase, a message on social media, or an apparently routine request for verification can quickly become a potential gateway to fraud. The incident, as in the opening, appears insignificant compared with large-scale cyber frauds, but it reflects a much larger vulnerability. Young people increasingly use social- media platforms not only for communication and entertainment but also as marketplaces. Yet many remain unfamiliar with common fraud techniques, such as requests for OTPs, verification codes or other sensitive information. Such experiences highlight an important gap: cybersecurity is not merely about having laws on paper. Young people must also know how to recognise a scam, where to report it, and what assistance is actually available when something goes wrong. Digital literacy, therefore, must include cyber-safety and awareness as an essential life skill. The difficulty in combating cybercrime, however, does not end with the existence of laws. One of the greatest challenges lies in enforcing them. In conventional crimes, investigators often begin with a physical scene, witnesses, documents or other tangible evidence. Cybercrime is fundamentally different. The offender may be thousands of kilometres away, may conceal their identity behind false accounts or compromised devices, and may leave behind digital traces that are difficult to locate, preserve and interpret. The collection of evidence itself presents another challenge. Digital evidence can be deleted, altered or moved across jurisdictions within seconds. Establishing who was actually behind a particular device, account or digital transaction may therefore require specialised technical investigation. This creates an unusual situation in which the law may clearly prohibit an act, yet proving who committed it and establishing the evidentiary chain can be considerably more difficult. There is also a significant gap in technical expertise. Cybercriminals often employ sophisticated methods of hacking, encryption, spoofing and anonymisation, while the effectiveness of an investigation depends on the ability of law-enforcement personnel to understand and trace such techniques. Police officers cannot be expected to independently possess every specialised technological skill required to investigate increasingly complex cyber offences. This makes cooperation with trained forensic experts, cybersecurity professionals and specialised cybercrime units essential. The answer, therefore, is not merely to enact more laws. What is required is an equally sophisticated investigative infrastructurebetter-trained personnel, specialised cybercrime units, modern forensic capabilities, timely preservation of electronic evidence and effective cooperation between investigators and technology experts. The real test of the cybercrime framework will ultimately be whether the law can move at the same speed as the technology being used to defeat it. The growing threat of cybercrime also raises a fundamental constitutional question: how much of our private lives can remain private in an increasingly digital society? In Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court unanimously recognised the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The judgment gave particular significance to informational privacythe ability of individuals to exercise control over information concerning themselves. For young people, this principle has become increasingly important. Social-media profiles, photographs, private conversations, location data, passwords, financial information and even seemingly insignificant personal details can become valuable targets for cybercriminals. Once such information is misused, the consequences may extend from identity theft and financial fraud to cyberstalking, blackmail and reputational harm. Puttaswamy therefore gives cybersecurity a dimension beyond preventing economic loss. Protecting people in cyberspace is also about protecting their dignity, autonomy and personal sphere. At the same time, the State's efforts to combat cybercrime must itself respect privacy and cannot become an excuse for unchecked surveillance. The challenge is to create a digital environment in which security and privacy reinforce rather than undermine each other. What needs to change? For Individuals: Share personal data online cautiously. Use strong, regularly updated passwords. Avoid suspicious emails and links. Stay informed about cyber laws and reporting mechanisms, such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Parents should monitor and educate their children about internet safety. Schools and colleges should run awareness programs on cybersecurity. For the Government: Frequently revise laws to address emerging threats. Establish specialised cyber courts to expedite justice. Enhance global cooperation in data protection. Launch educational initiatives focusing on cybersecurity for youth and small businesses. Just as a child is first taught to stand before being expected to walk, and taught the ABCs before being asked to read and write, digital literacy too must begin with the basics. Young people cannot be expected to navigate an increasingly complex digital world safely if they are never taught how to recognise a phishing attempt, protect their personal information, identify online fraud, or respond when they become victims of cybercrime. Cybersecurity awareness must therefore become a fundamental part of education, rather than a lesson introduced only after something goes wrong. At the same time, awareness alone cannot be the answer. A person entering the digital world without the necessary knowledge and protection is much like a warrior sent into battle without the tools needed to defend himself. Our laws must therefore move beyond merely defining and penalising cyber offences and focus equally on effective enforcement. Investigative agencies need better training, stronger cyber-forensic capabilities, specialised personnel, timely preservation of digital evidence and technological infrastructure capable of keeping pace with increasingly sophisticated offenders. The legal system must be equipped to operate at a level comparable to the technology being used against it. (The author is a student of Law, University of Kashmir)
People need statehood with dignity: Hakeem Yaseen
Srinagar, Sep 03: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Thursday accused the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of playing with the emotions of the people by creating unnecessary drama around the issue of restoration of statehood. Yaseen said the people of Jammu and Kashmir want statehood with dignity, constitutional guarantees and respect, and not as a political slogan or electoral tool. People need statehood with dignity. They do not need political parties to repeatedly exploit their emotions in the name of statehood. The people have been hearing such promises and political rhetoric for decades, Yaseen said. He said that while restoration of statehood remains an important aspiration of the people, it should not be used to divert attention from issues that directly affect their daily lives. Unemployment should be the first priority. Our educated youth are desperately looking for jobs and opportunities. Instead of engaging in political blame games, the government and political parties should come forward with a concrete employment policy, he said. Yaseen called for immediate steps to fill vacant government posts and promote employment in the private sector, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, small industries and entrepreneurship. He said the government must also focus on improving healthcare, education, roads, electricity, drinking water and other essential public services. The youth want jobs, students want quality education, patients want better healthcare, farmers and fruit growers want remunerative markets, and traders want a conducive business environment. These concerns cannot be ignored in the name of political theatrics, he said.
Rafiabad set for education, health & civic infrastructure boost
Baramulla, Sep 3: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar laid the foundation stones of several important development projects in Rafiabad, covering education, healthcare, public amenities and recreational infrastructure. The projects, involving a cumulative sanctioned cost of Rs 3.29 crore, are aimed at strengthening essential infrastructure and ensuring improved facilities and services for the people at their doorsteps. At Nowpora (Tujer Sharief), the Minister laid the foundation stone for the development of a Childrens Park, to be executed by PW(R&B) Division Sopore, at a sanctioned cost of Rs 80 lakh. The facility will provide children with a dedicated space for recreation and outdoor activities while adding to the public amenities available in the area. At Bomai, Javid Dar laid the foundation stone for the construction of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Laboratories besides an Additional Classroom Room (ACR) at Boys Secondary School Bomai under Samagra Shiksha. The project, to be executed by PW(R&B), has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1.44 crore. The Minister also laid the foundation stone for construction of a Mini Super Bazar at Bomai Zaingeer, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 55 lakh. The facility is envisaged to strengthen local market infrastructure and facilitate convenient access to essential commodities for the residents. In the health sector, the Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of a Sub-Centre at Goripora, Darapora, at a sanctioned cost of Rs 50 lakh. The health facility will enhance access to basic healthcare services and further strengthen the rural healthcare network in the area. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that strengthening grassroots infrastructure is central to the governments development agenda, with focused attention being given to ensuring that people in rural and underserved areas have access to quality public facilities in their vicinity. He said that development is meaningful only when it brings visible and tangible improvements to the lives of people, adding that infrastructure in sectors such as education, healthcare, recreation and basic amenities is being strengthened in a planned and phased manner. Javid Dar emphasized that the projects being undertaken in Rafiabad reflect the governments commitment to balanced, inclusive and people-centric development, with priority being accorded to improving public infrastructure and enhancing the quality of services at the grassroots level. He directed the concerned executing agencies to ensure strict adherence to quality specifications, prescribed timelines and financial discipline, stressing that public-funded projects must be completed efficiently and to the satisfaction of the people. The Minister further underscored the need for close monitoring of ongoing works and effective coordination among departments to ensure timely completion and optimal utilization of resources. He reiterated that the government remains committed to accelerating development in rural areas and creating a stronger infrastructure base that contributes to improved quality of life, better public services and greater socio-economic opportunities for the people.
Sajjad Shafi attends Urs-e-Mubarak at Boniyar
Srinagar, Sep 3: MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi on Wednesday attended the Urs-e-Mubarak at Ziyarat Sharif in Gali Banali in Boniyar tehsil of north Kashmirs Baramulla district as the chief guest. During his visit to Boniyar, Sajjad also toured the route from Boniyar to Churkhuda, the last village in Boniyar and located close to the Line of Control (LoC). He reviewed the ongoing and proposed development works along the route and highlighted its importance for improving connectivity and promoting tourism in the area. The MLA stressed the need for timely development of the road, saying improved connectivity would help unlock the areas tourism potential and enable local residents to benefit from increased tourist activity and better access to essential services.
Dr Farooq extends Janmashtami greetings
Srinagar, 03 Sept: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah extended greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Maha Janmashtami, saying that religious festivals teach us the values of brotherhood, fraternity, communal harmony and, above all, humanity. He said that, thankfully, Jammu and Kashmir has for centuries remained a land of communal harmony and peace. He added that the Valley of Kashmir is a land of saints, sages, monks and Rishis, where people belonging to different communities have traditionally celebrated their festivals together with followers of other faiths. Dr Farooq Abdullah prayed that Almighty Allah may enable people to remain steadfast in the great principles of humanity and that peace and tranquillity may return to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest, enabling the displaced Pandit community to return to their homes and live a peaceful life once again. Party Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Jammu Provincial President Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, Bhushan Lal Bhat, Dr Sameer Kaul and Jagdish Singh Azad also extended greetings to the people on the occasion.
Budgams Haijan Brenwar set for tourism boost
Srinagar, Sep 3: Tourism development at Haijan Brenwar in Budgams Chadoora area received a boost on Thursday with the tendering of infrastructure works estimated at 68 lakh. The development has been welcomed by local residents, youth and tourism stakeholders, who said improved infrastructure could help establish the picturesque meadow as an emerging offbeat tourist destination and create employment opportunities for local youth. Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Chrar-i-ShariefAbdul Rahim Rather said the initiative was part of his efforts to transform the constituency into a model constituency, with focus on tourism promotion, infrastructure development and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Rather said Haijan Brenwar had significant potential to attract visitors because of its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, while stressing the need to preserve its ecological character. Located near Brenwar village, around 36 kilometres from Srinagar, Haijan is known for its green meadows, open landscapes, pine and conifer forests and a stream flowing through the area. Local stakeholders expressed hope that the proposed infrastructure would put Haijan on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir while contributing to the socio-economic development of Chadoora and the wider Budgam district.
NC to observe Sheikh Abdullahs 43rd death anniversary on Sept 8
Srinagar, Sep 3: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar on Thursday chaired a meeting at the party headquarters, Nawai Subah, to finalise preparations for the 43rd death anniversary of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. In a statement, the party said that the National Conference will observe the death anniversary on September 8 with programmes planned across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Sagar said Quran Khwani and Fateh Khwani would begin at dawn at Sheikh Abdullahs mausoleum in Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal. Party leaders and workers will offer Fateh Khwani, pay floral tributes and lay a floral chadar at the mausoleum. National Conference MPs, ministers, legislators, senior leaders, office-bearers and workers are expected to participate in the programme. Similar events will be organised at district and tehsil levels across the three regions. A programme will also be held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, where senior party leaders will speak about Sheikh Abdullahs political and social contributions. The meeting was organised by Srinagar District President Peer Afaq Ahmed and attended by MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar and Srinagar district block presidents. Meanwhile, the meeting passed a resolution condemning the alleged use of excessive force, arrests and misbehaviour by police during the National Conferences protest rally at Rajbagh on Wednesday.
30 MLD STP underway to curb Dal pollution: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 3: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the prevailing pollution concerns in Dal Lake besides assessing measures being undertaken for its protection, conservation and restoration. The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman, J&K Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA); Chief Engineer, PHE/I&FC Kashmir; Chief Engineer, UEED Kashmir; Regional Director, J&K Pollution Control Committee, Kashmir and Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic Circle, Srinagar. Emphasising that protection of Dal Lake is a shared responsibility of all concerned agencies as well as the public, the Minister directed the authorities to adopt a coordinated and sustained approach to control pollution and safeguard the ecological health of the lake. He stressed the need for both immediate interventions and long-term measures to address the various sources of pollution. Dal Lake is an invaluable ecological, cultural and tourism asset of Kashmir. Its protection is a shared responsibility, and all concerned agencies must work together to control pollution and ensure its long-term conservation and restoration, Javed Rana said Dal Lake is one of Kashmirs most iconic water bodies and a major attraction for tourists visiting the Valley. It also has significant ecological importance, supporting aquatic biodiversity and fish species. The Minister underscored the need to preserve the lakes natural ecosystem and ensure that increasing human activity does not adversely affect its ecological balance. During the meeting, the officers briefed the Minister that sewage water is being properly treated through the existing arrangements before it flows into Dal Lake. They further informed that, under AMRUT, a 30 MLD sewage treatment plant is presently under construction and is expected to be completed within the next two years. The facility will further strengthen wastewater treatment and help reduce pollution pressure on the lake. The meeting also reviewed various short-term measures being undertaken by the authorities. These include regular removal of encroachments, daily collection and removal of waste, deweeding operations and conversion of aquatic weeds into bio-fertilisers. The authorities also informed the Minister that proper enforcement measures are being carried out regularly to check activities contributing to pollution and degradation of Dal Lake. Javed Rana directed the concerned authorities to further strengthen pollution-control measures and ensure effective coordination among all agencies involved in the management of the lake. He called for regular monitoring of water quality and identification of pollution hotspots so that corrective measures could be taken promptly. The Minister emphasised that the conservation of Dal Lake requires a multi-pronged approach, encompassing wastewater treatment, solid-waste management, removal of encroachments, deweeding, pollution monitoring and strict enforcement. He also stressed the importance of sustained public awareness and participation, particularly among communities and stakeholders living around and dependent upon the lake, to make conservation efforts more effective and enduring. He directed the concerned departments to remain closely engaged and ensure that both short-term measures and long-term interventions translate into tangible improvement in the ecological health of Dal Lake.
CM Omar reviews audit, energy infrastructure in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met several individuals and delegations at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed matters concerning governance, financial oversight and energy infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister met Sunilraj Somarajan, who recently assumed charge as Principal Accountant General (Audit), Jammu & Kashmir. Discussions focused on institutional audit practices, financial oversight and measures to further strengthen transparency and accountability in governance. The Chief Minister also received a delegation led by Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). The delegation included PNGRB Secretary A.K. Mishra, Director (Monitoring) Lt. Col. Abhishek Kumar and senior representatives of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The meeting discussed measures to accelerate oil and gas infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks and promotion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), besides creating a conducive ecosystem for growth of the natural gas sector.
Govt steps up hailstorm protection for Kashmir orchards
Srinagar: In a major step towards protecting traditional apple orchards from hailstorms, the Horticulture Department Kashmir is implementing an anti-hailnet scheme under the centrally sponsored Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Under the scheme, orchardists across the Kashmir Valley are being provided financial assistance for the installation of anti-hailnets along with the required support system to minimise damage to apple crops caused by hailstorms. Mission Director, MIDH, and Director of Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand, said the department is providing 5.50 lakh square metres of anti-hailnet along with support systems to traditional apple orchards under the MIDH Plan 2026-27. The main aim of this scheme is to protect traditional apple orchards from hailstorms. Under the MIDH Plan 2026-27, we have provided 5.50 lakh square metres of anti-hailnet along with the support system, Anand said. He said the Government of India is providing a subsidy of Rs 28.75 per square metre towards the anti-hailnet, while an additional subsidy of Rs 11.50 per square metre is being provided for the support system. According to Anand, farmers are required to install anti-hailnets in their traditional orchards, with 11 bamboo sticks per kanal to provide the necessary support to the netting system. The demand for anti-hailnets has increased among orchardists in the Kashmir Valley, as they have suffered considerable losses due to hailstorms. The MIDH scheme is proving very helpful to farmers in protecting their traditional apple orchards, he said. Anand said the department has revised its target to 23.50 lakh square metres, against which around 5.50 lakh square metres of anti-hailnet, along with support systems, have already been installed by farmers in their traditional apple orchards. Farmers are required to submit their details through the online portal, along with all the necessary documents and information. Alternatively, farmers may visit the nearest Horticulture Office, where they can receive proper guidance and detailed information regarding the scheme, including the application process and required documentation, he added The scheme is expected to provide greater protection to traditional apple-growing areas of Kashmir and help orchardists minimise crop losses caused by hailstorms.
FDA tightens checks on meat labelling violations
Srinagar, Sep 3: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified enforcement against misbranding and labelling violations, with particular focus on meat and meat products across the Union Territory. A team headed by the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Kashmir, inspected several establishments, including a hospital canteen in Kupwara, where officials found violations of food safety regulations, including failure to declare the nature and type of meat being served to consumers. The concerned Food Business Operator (FBO) was issued a show-cause notice, and the case was filed before the Adjudicating Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara. Officials also inspected the premises of M/s Paak Foods at Regipora, Kupwara, and found violations of prescribed labelling requirements. A notice was issued to the FBO, with a complaint to be filed before the competent court under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Following the inspection, authorities also inspected the manufacturing unit of M/s Paak Foods at Wahdatpora, Budgam. Examination of product labels found the product Minced Kabab to be misbranded and misleading, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. A complaint has accordingly been filed against the proprietor of the unit, Amjad Ali Bhat, before the Adjudicating Officer, Budgam, under Sections 52 and 53 of the Act. Under Section 52, misbranding of food attracts a penalty of up to 3 lakh, while Section 53, dealing with misleading advertisements, provides for a penalty of up to 10 lakh. The FDA said misbranding, misleading labelling, misrepresentation of food products and other violations of prescribed food safety requirements would be dealt with strictly in accordance with law. Field officers have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance and initiate prompt regulatory action against violations to safeguard consumer health and ensure compliance with food safety standards across J&K.
KNS holds annual media workshop in Gulmarg
Gulmarg, Sep 03 : The Kashmir News Service (KNS) group of publications on Thursday held its annual media workshop at the Convention Centre, Gulmarg, with correspondents from Kashmir and Jammu divisions, Srinagar city, senior editors and other journalists associated with the organisation participating in the day-long programme. In a statement, the group said that the workshop discussed the changing media environment and the challenges before professional journalists, particularly the spread of unverified information through social media. Speakers said the growing number of Facebook pages and anonymous news handles, many operating without any editorial mechanism, had made it difficult for readers to distinguish between verified news and unverified claims. They stressed that this had placed an added responsibility on professional news organisations to maintain accuracy and credibility. The participants emphasised that the rush to be first should not come at the cost of verification and that information circulating on social media should not be treated as news unless properly established. South Kashmir Bureau Head Tasaduq Rashid, while opening the session, spoke about the journey of KNS over the past three decades and the challenges faced by the organisation during this period. He said KNS had continued its work despite different pressures, financial difficulties and changes brought about by the digital media. Tasaduq said credibility remained the biggest strength of the organisation and had helped it sustain its position in the media landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. North Kashmir Bureau Head Mohammad Lateef Bhat spoke about KNS's contribution to journalism in J&K and the journalists who had started their careers with the organisation and were now working with different major media platforms. He suggested that similar workshops should be held at the district level so that reporters working in different parts of the region could benefit from regular interaction and training. Online Editor Sagar Firdous said traditional media needed to respond to the growing flow of unverified information by strengthening its own reporting and verification processes. He said the answer to social media noise was not to compete with it on speed but to offer readers information that was checked and reliable. Executive Editor Rahim Rizwan, Correspondent Aqib Khan and senior correspondents also participated in the workshop and shared their experiences. They discussed various aspects of reporting, newsroom functioning and coordination between field reporters and the editorial desk. During the open session, correspondents raised issues related to training, field coordination and logistical support, particularly for those working in remote areas. They also suggested regular interaction between the editorial team and district correspondents to improve the flow and quality of news. The Editor-in-Chief assured the participants that the issues raised during the workshop would be looked into and necessary steps taken. Addressing the gathering, Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Aslam Bhat said a correspondent had a demanding job and that the quality of a news report depended largely on the accuracy of the information provided by the reporter. He said credibility had always remained a priority for KNS and that the organisation had maintained the practice of verifying facts before publishing news. Bhat asked reporters to first establish the facts of an incident on the ground and then approach the concerned authorities for their official version. He also stressed the need for better coordination between correspondents and the editorial desk, saying this was necessary to avoid factual errors and ensure that only verified information reached readers. The workshop concluded with discussions on strengthening reporting practices, improving coordination between the field and newsroom and maintaining the credibility of the organisation.(KNS)
Kashmir Gears Up for Maiden International Film Festival, Div Com Stresses Coordination
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has stepped up preparations for the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJ&K), with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg directing officials to ensure seamless coordination and prompt information sharing for the mega event. Garg chaired a high-level meeting at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and []
By Dr. Neha Lohamaror My land Rajasthan is full of stories; whatever I have written is just a drop in the ocean. Perhaps no sentence captures Vijaydan Detha better than this. On his 100th birth anniversary, Rajasthan should not merely remember Bijji, as he was affectionately known, as a celebrated writer. We should remember him [] The post The Folklore Stories and the Storyteller of Rajasthan: Remembering Vijaydan Detha on his 100th Birth Anniversary appeared first on Northlines .
J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar outlines key agrarian reforms and administrative priorities
Kailash Mansarovar Tragedy: Man Made Disaster or Nature
Puran Chand Sharma The recent tragedy on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route has shocked millions of devotees across the world. Hundreds of pilgrims and tourists were reported dead or missing after devastating flash floods and mudslides struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on August 29, 2026. The disaster occurred on one of the most sacred pilgrimage [] The post Kailash Mansarovar Tragedy: Man Made Disaster or Natures Fury appeared first on Northlines .
MHA Sub-Committee to Hold Meeting on Ladakh in New Delhi on September 9
SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will hold the next meeting of the Sub-Committee constituted for the Union Territory of Ladakh in New Delhi on September 9, 2026. According to an official communication issued by the Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs under the MHA, the meeting has been scheduled to discuss []
Jammu Kashmir Plans 106-Km Jhelum Cruise Corridor, 200 Electric Buses Under PM E-DRIVE
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the progress of proposed inland water transport projects on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers and the rollout of electric mobility infrastructure under the Centres PM E-DRIVE scheme in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Secretary Transport Avny Lavasa, divisional []
Two Former Jammu Kashmir-Cadre IPS Officers Among Six Promoted to Special DG Rank
SRINAGAR: Two IPS officers of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre, Rajesh Kumar and Satish Shriramaji Khandare, are among six 1995-batch IPS officers promoted by the Centre to the rank of Special Director General. Kumar, presently serving as Additional Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been elevated to Special DG, while []
Two Srinagar Residents Injured in Ganderbal Road Accident
SRINAGAR: Two Srinagar residents sustained injuries after a Toyota Fortuner met with an accident at S-Mode near Hariganwan in the Kangan area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Thursday, officials said. The accident occurred after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, according to an official. The injured were identified as Irshad Ahmad Para, []
Can Rs 50,000 Be Too Much for the Poor While Thousands of Crores Can Be Written Down?
byQuaseen Jahan A street vendor struggling to rebuild after losing his shop highlights unequal access to credit, risk and institutional support in India. A recent conversation with a street vendor in Kharghar left me thinking about the unequal architecture of credit, risk and economic opportunity in India. The vendor sells cigarettes from a makeshift stall []
Gunshots Heard in Central Kashmir During Search Operation, Cordon Tightened
SRINAGAR: Gunshots were reportedly heard on Thursday evening during a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the upper reaches of Yusmarg in central Kashmirs Budgam district, officials said. Official sources said that following the initial gunfire, additional reinforcements were rushed to the area to plug escape routes. Due to darkness and the dense forest cover, []
Omar Abdullah Reviews Proposed Changes To Jammu, Srinagar Master Plans
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired separate board meetings of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) to review proposed amendments to the Master Plans of Jammu and Srinagar. Omar chaired the 91st Board of Directors meeting of the JDA and the 85th meeting of the SDA, where the proposed []
Srinagar Man Drowns While Fishing In Jhelum
SRINAGAR : A 60-year-old man from Srinagar drowned while fishing in the Jhelum River in the Bijbehara area of south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Thursday, officials said. The deceased was identifed as Farooq Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Aziz Dar, a resident of Banpora, Batamaloo, Srinagar. Officials said Dar had gone fishing in the Jhelum []
Srinagar Man Drowns To Death While Fishing In Jhelum At Bijbehara
Srinagar: A 60-year-old man from Srinagar drowned to death while fishing in Jhelum River in Bijbehara area of south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Thursday. Officials said that Farooq Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Aziz Dar resident of Banpura Batmaloo Srinagar had gone for fishing in Jhelum at Khasiteng Zirpara Bijbehara when he drowned. His body []
MHA directs Himalayan states to step up early warning, monitoring against GLOFs and avalanches
New Delhi [India], September : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday warned Himalayan states and Union Territories (UTs) against the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and snow avalanches, directing them to continuously and proactively monitor vulnerable glacial lakes and avalanche-prone areas, particularly during periods of heightened risk. The states and the UTs were also advised to maintain close coordination among state agencies, district administrations and scientific and technical institutions so that warnings are acted upon promptly and effectively. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan made the direction while reviewing a meeting here in the national capital, suggesting the states and the UTs review their preparedness plans, identify gaps in early warning and evacuation arrangements, and undertake necessary corrective measures in advance of any extreme event. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretaries and State Disaster Management Authorities of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, along with senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Central Water Commission (CWC), India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE). According to MHA, the meeting reviewed the evolving risk of GLOFs in the Himalayan region, with particular emphasis on early warning, monitoring of vulnerable glacial lakes and snow-covered areas, identification of high-risk locations, flow paths, timely dissemination of alerts, evacuation preparedness and strengthening of response mechanisms. The Union Home Secretary stressed that preparedness for GLOFs and snow avalanches must move beyond response-orientated measures towards risk-informed planning, preventive mitigation and community-level preparedness. States and UTs were advised to regularly review their preparedness plans, identify gaps in early warning and evacuation arrangements, and undertake necessary corrective measures in advance of any extreme event, said the MHA. The Home Secretary also highlighted that states need to expedite the progress of GLOF mitigation projects sanctioned for the states by the Central government in 2024. The meeting concluded with directions for continued inter-agency coordination, regular sharing of risk information and strengthening of early warning and response mechanisms to minimise loss of life and property in vulnerable Himalayan areas. (ANI)
India, Belgium Stress Dialogue, Diplomacy to Address West Asia Crisis
New Delhi, September 3 : India and Belgium on Thursday called for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address the escalating challenges in West Asia, while stressing the need to ensure the safety of maritime routes and uninterrupted commercial shipping in the region. The issue figured prominently during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi, where the two leaders also discussed the latest developments in Ukraine and other major international issues. According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and underscored the importance of resolving regional challenges through peaceful means. On West Asia, they discussed recent developments of concern in the region and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address challenges in a peaceful manner, the statement said. The leaders also emphasised the importance of protecting maritime routes and maintaining safe and unimpeded shipping, amid continuing concerns over security in the region. On Ukraine, Modi and De Wever reaffirmed their support for efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. The discussions also focused on strengthening the India-Belgium partnership across a range of areas, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and a rules-based international order. The two Prime Ministers stressed the importance of stronger people-to-people ties and improved connectivity, particularly through more efficient visa services. The joint statement said visa processing capacity at diplomatic missions in India and Belgium would be significantly increased in view of growing exchanges between the two countries. The leaders also welcomed the ongoing strengthening of Belgian visa delivery services in India. They further welcomed the European Union's Memorandum of Understanding on a Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility and the launch of a pilot EU Legal Gateway Office in India. The initiatives are expected to create more legal pathways for the movement of professionals, skilled workers and students between India and the European Union. Modi and De Wever also called for greater mobility of skilled professionals, students, researchers and business travellers and encouraged airlines to explore establishing direct air connectivity between India and Belgium. Healthcare cooperation was another area of focus, with both sides welcoming ongoing collaboration, including initiatives supporting the mobility of qualified Indian nurses to Belgium. The leaders also acknowledged broader cooperation between civil society organisations in the healthcare and education sectors and encouraged continued discussions towards concluding an MoU on Mobility and Migration. As bilateral ties continue to expand, De Wever invited Modi to visit Belgium for a bilateral visit at a mutually convenient time. The two sides expressed confidence that the growing India-Belgium partnership would deliver tangible benefits for both countries and contribute to stronger cooperation between India and Europe in addressing shared global challenges. If you want, I can also reshape this into a more concise agency-style copy with a stronger headline and SEO-friendly intro.
Things to Check Before Purchasing Car Insurance Online
Purchasing car insurance online can make policy selection faster, but a quick purchase does not always mean a suitable choice. Policies can differ in important ways, even when their premiums appear similar. The differences may affect the protection available when you need to raise a claim. Therefore, looking beyond the quoted price can help you []
Arms, ammo recovered from hideout in Reasi
Reasi: Security forces on Thursday recovered arms and ammunition from a hideout in the Khataji area of Mahore in Reasi district, officials said. An official said that the recovery was made during a joint search operation launched by the Armys 58 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOG) and Jammu and Kashmir Police based on specific []
Govt transfers 3 AGMUT cadre IAS officers posted in J
The Union Govt on Thursday transferred three IAS officers of the AGMUT cadre posted in Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. Those officers transferred are Mohd Aijaz (IAS AGMUT: 2012), Harvinnder Singh (IAS AGMUT: 2019) and Shishir Gupta (IAS AGMUT: 2020). The post Govt transfers 3 AGMUT cadre IAS officers posted in J&K to Arunachal Pradesh appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
VVS Laxman Appointed Head Coach for Indian Mens Cricket Team at 2026 Asian Games
New Delhi, September 3: VVS Laxman, head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Center of Excellence, has been confirmed as the head coach for the Indian mens cricket team at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports alongside the declaration ... Read more VVS Laxman Appointed Head Coach for Indian Mens Cricket Team at 2026 Asian Games
South Kashmir Cricketer Javid Lone Dies of Heart Attack
SRINAGAR: A well-known cricketer and paint artist, Javid Ahmed Sofi, popularly known as Lone, died of a suspected heart attack at his home in Anzwalla village of Anantnag district on Thursday morning. Sofi, a resident of Lone Mohalla, was known in the area for his humble, kind and helpful nature. He was also a familiar []
LAHDCs to Be Established in All 7 Ladakh Districts, LG Ladakh Approves Notification
Leh, September 3: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai kumar Saxena today approved the notification for the creation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) in all seven districts of the Union Territory, paving the way for the establishment of elected local councils across Ladakh. The decision follows the creation of five new districtsSham, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Changthangin April this year and the Centres subsequent decision on July 13 to extend the LAHDC system to all seven districts. Announcing the move, the LG said the creation of councils across all districts would help decentralise and strengthen local governance and provide greater autonomy to local bodies. With the notification in place, the process for elections to these councils shall begin in due course, the LG said in a post on X. The LG described the decision as a landmark step towards fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people of Ladakh at the grassroots level. The administration expressed confidence that the move would empower Ladakh and its people to play a greater role in shaping the regions development and promote more inclusive governance. The LG also congratulated the people of Ladakh on what he termed a historic occasion.
Govt unveils strategic blueprint on defence diplomacy that outlines India's vision for next decade
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released India's strategic blueprint for defence diplomacy. This document outlines a comprehensive framework for global partnerships over the next decade. Key pillars include strategic partnerships, capacity building, indigenous exports, and maritime security. India aims to deepen security cooperation and enhance joint military exercises with friendly nations. The blueprint promotes Make-in-India defence platforms and strengthens India's regional security role.
Indias Uttar Pradesh government caps mill-level sugar prices at 5,000 a quintal
District authorities will take action on any mills selling the commodity at a higher prices
Filatex India to invest 300 cr in polyester textile recycling plant in Gujarat
The investment marks the companys expansion as demand for recycled polyester continues to grow globally amid increasing emphasis on sustainable textile manufacturing.
Pranos unveils India's first private compact nuclear fusion reactor Pragya
Pranos unveils Indias first private compact nuclear fusion reactor Pragya
Indian envoys explore global partnerships in tech, investment, innovation in Karnataka
The meetings covered Karnataka's strengths in technology, innovation, industry and human capital, besides opportunities for deeper engagement with key economic and technology centres across the world
Ex-Tehsildar Among Two Charge-sheeted in Land Record Fraud Case
JAMMU, Sep 3: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Jammu, has filed a chargesheet against two accused, including a former Tehsildar, in a case involving alleged cheating, forgery and manipulation of revenue records. The chargesheet was filed before the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge (Anti-Corruption Court), Udhampur, against Allah Din, a resident [] The post Ex-Tehsildar Among Two Charge-sheeted in Land Record Fraud Case appeared first on Northlines .
WhatsApp gets bill payment feature in India, lets you pay utility bills from app
WhatsApp gets bill payment feature in India lets you pay utility bills from app
World Banks Neelkanth Mishra rejects claims that Indias 7.8% GDP growth was inflated
Mishra cited vehicle sales, tax collections, credit growth and construction activity as evidence supporting the economys stronger growth momentum
Three IAS Officers Transferred From Jammu Kashmir To Arunachal Pradesh
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has transferred three IAS officers of the AGMUT cadre from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh with immediate effect. As per an order issued by the MHA on September 3, 2026, Mohd Aijaz, IAS (AGMUT: 2012), Harvinder Singh, IAS (AGMUT: 2019), and Shishir Gupta, IAS (AGMUT: 2020), have []
Why India Celebrates Teachers' Day On Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's Birthday
Teachers' Day 2026: The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the distinguished philosopher, scholar, and statesman who served as India's first Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and its second President from 1962 to 1967.
VVS Laxman to step in as India head coach for Asian Games in Gambhirs absence
VVS Laxman will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games. Gautam Gambhir will remain with the senior team for the West Indies ODI series. The Indian men's team will defend its T20 title under Shreyas Iyer. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the defending champion Indian women's team. Both teams are set to compete in the upcoming Asian Games.
V V S Laxman to coach India men's team at Asian Games
VVS Laxman, BCCI's Centre of Excellence chief, will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He will be assisted by Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh. Gautam Gambhir, the regular head coach, will be with the senior team for the West Indies ODI series. Amol Muzumdar will continue as the head coach for the Indian women's team, who will also defend their title.
PM Narendra Modi Congratulates Belgium For Hosting Hockey World Cup, Praises Indian Teams
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Belgium for co-hosting the recently concluded Hockey World Cup 2026, while also praising the Indian men's and women's teams.
India unveils 10-year RAKSHA roadmap to expand global defence & security ties
Defence minister Rajnath Singh unveiled India's ten-year defence diplomacy roadmap. The RAKSHA document outlines strategic partnerships and capacity building initiatives. It promotes indigenous defence exports and strengthens maritime security cooperation. This framework aligns national security with proactive international engagement. India aims to be a key defence manufacturing hub and regional stability anchor.
Fund review: Franklin India Small Cap Fund
Fund review: Franklin India Small Cap Fund
Piyush Goyal says India will finalise US trade deal only after securing preferential tariff terms
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India's nine free trade agreements (FTAs), spanning economies representing about USD 60 trillion of GDP, would provide preferential access to nearly two-thirds of global trade.
How to Renew Maruti Suzuki Car Insurance Online
Car insurance renewal is an important part of keeping your vehicle protected and legally compliant. For Maruti Suzuki owners, online renewal can make the process easier and more convenient. However, renewal should involve more than simply paying the previous premium. Your coverage, Insured Declared Value (IDV), deductibles, add-ons, and No Claim Bonus (NCB) may need []
