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ATM-swapping fraudster with drug peddling links arrested in Poonch

Jammu Tawi, Aug 29: An alleged ATM-swapping fraudster, who was also found to be involved in drug abuse and peddling, was arrested in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district on Saturday, police said. Aejaz Ahmed, a resident of Morha Bachai village, was arrested following investigation in a case related to cheating and theft registered at [] The post ATM-swapping fraudster with drug peddling links arrested in Poonch appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 31 Aug 2026 12:26 am

Jammu Kashmir High Court Quashes PSA Detention Of Kupwara Man Over Vague Grounds

SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed the preventive detention of a Kupwara man, holding that the grounds cited against him were vague and lacked material particulars necessary for him to effectively challenge his detention. Justice Sanjay Dhar passed the judgment on August 29 while hearing a petition filed by []

KashmirLife 31 Aug 2026 12:13 am

Surgical Innovations that have reshaped ENT Care

DR NAZIR AHMAD KHAN Otolaryngology has evolved dramatically from conventional open procedures to precision-driven, minimally invasive and function-preserving surgery. The development of the operating microscope, endoscopes, lasers, image-guided navigation, robotics and advanced reconstructive techniques has fundamentally changed the way diseases of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck are diagnosed and treated. These innovations have not merely made surgery less invasive; they have changed its philosophy. Modern ENT surgery increasingly focuses on achieving effective disease control while preserving normal anatomy, function and quality of life. Procedures that once required large incisions, prolonged hospital stays and significant morbidity can now, in selected cases, be performed through natural anatomical corridors or with much smaller surgical access. From hearing restoration and endoscopic sinus surgery to advanced skull base procedures, modern rhinoplasty and minimally invasive head and neck oncology, these developments represent some of the most important milestones in contemporary ENT care. Landmark Surgical Innovations Microscopic Otologic Surgery: The operating microscope revolutionised ear surgery, enabling precise tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy and ossicular reconstruction with improved functional outcomes. Stapedectomy and Stapedotomy: These procedures transformed the surgical treatment of otosclerosis and remain landmark achievements in functional ear surgery. Cochlear Implantation: A defining milestone in modern otology, cochlear implantation has transformed auditory rehabilitation for patients with severe to profound hearing loss. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): Endoscopic sinus surgery changed sinonasal surgery by providing minimally invasive, anatomy-oriented treatment while reducing morbidity associated with traditional approaches. Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Endoscopic approaches have opened new avenues for minimally invasive management of complex skull base pathology, often avoiding extensive external approaches. Modern Rhinoplasty: Open and functional rhinoplasty have evolved into sophisticated procedures addressing both nasal aesthetics and structural airway function. Laryngeal Microsurgery and Laser Surgery: These techniques allow precise treatment of laryngeal pathology with emphasis on preservation of voice and laryngeal function. Transoral Laser and Robotic Surgery: TLM and TORS have expanded minimally invasive treatment options for selected laryngeal, oropharyngeal and head and neck malignancies. Selective and Modified Neck Dissection: The evolution from radical to function-preserving neck dissection has enabled appropriate oncological treatment while minimising unnecessary functional morbidity. Image Guided and Navigation Assisted Surgery: Navigation technology has enhanced surgical precision and safety, particularly in complex sinonasal, orbital and skull base procedures. From Radical to Refined: The history of ENT surgery reflects a remarkable journeyfrom extensive exposure to targeted access, from tissue sacrifice to tissue preservation, and from purely anatomical correction to restoration of function. Each technological and surgical advancement has contributed to a broader transformation in the goals of treatment. The modern ENT surgeon is no longer simply performing an operation to remove disease or correct an anatomical abnormality. The objective is increasingly to achieve the right balance between disease eradication, preservation of normal structures, functional restoration, aesthetic considerations and the patient's overall quality of life. The future of ENT surgery is likely to be shaped by further advances in artificial intelligence, three-dimensional imaging, robotic platforms, personalised medicine, tissue engineering and regenerative techniques. Yet, despite the rapid pace of technological progress, the fundamental principle will remain unchanged: the best surgery is not necessarily the most extensive surgery, but the one that achieves the desired outcome with the least possible harm. Modern ENT surgery therefore represents not just a story of technological progress, but a continuing commitment to precision, preservation and patient-centred care. As innovation continues to reshape the speciality, the ultimate measure of surgical success will remain the samebetter outcomes, restored function and an improved quality of life for the patient. (The author is a distinguished ENT surgeon and academician, and a pioneer in rhinoplasty. He currently serves as the Principal and Dean of Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, Srinagar)

RisingKashmir 31 Aug 2026 12:11 am

Service, discipline, dedication define Sanatan spirit: LG

SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Sunday addressed the Foundation Day Celebrations of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Annual Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Shrine Board to enhance convenience, safety, and facilities for devotees. He noted that these achievements reflect dedication, [] The post Service, discipline, dedication define Sanatan spirit: LG appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 31 Aug 2026 12:10 am

When Footpaths Lose Their Purpose: Reclaiming Walkability in Srinagar Smart City

No footpath. No street lighting. No safe crossing. And then we ask: Why are pedestrians dying on our roads? Across India, walking is not merely a mode of transport. For millions, it is a daily necessity. People walk to schools, workplaces, markets, hospitals, public transport stops, religious places and neighbourhoods. Children walk. Senior citizens walk. Women walk. Workers walk. Persons with disabilities walk. Every motorist becomes a pedestrian at some point. Yet, despite the obvious importance of walking, pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users. A safe and dignified walking environment requires three simple fundamentals: space to walk, visibility to walk and a safe place to cross. Footpaths, street lighting and pedestrian crossings are therefore not decorative additions to an urban landscape. They are the basic architecture of human mobility. But the story of Srinagar Smart City presents a somewhat different and more complex challenge. Over the past few years, Srinagar has witnessed significant efforts to improve its urban landscape, streetscapes, public spaces and pedestrian infrastructure. Beautifully designed and developed footpaths have emerged in several parts of the city, reflecting an important shift towards walkability and people-centric urban mobility. The underlying idea is commendable: the pedestrian must be given priority. But what happens when the very footpath created for pedestrians is subsequently occupied by commercial activities? What happens when a pedestrian is forced to leave a beautifully developed footpath and walk on the carriageway because the designated pedestrian space has been converted into a commercial extension? What happens when a Smart City investment designed to improve walkability becomes inaccessible to the very people for whom it was created? This is where Srinagar needs to pause, reflect and rethink. The issue is not simply about removing an encroachment. It is about reclaiming the philosophy of a Smart City. The First Rightful Owner of a Footpath Is the Pedestrian. A footpath has one fundamental purpose: to provide safe and continuous movement for pedestrians. It is not an informal marketplace. It is not an extension of a shop. It is not additional display space. It is not a parking bay. It is not a storage area. And it certainly cannot become a permanent commercial platform at the cost of pedestrian safety. The pedestrian is the first rightful user of the footpath. This principle must become the foundation of Srinagar's urban mobility thinking. When a footpath is occupied, the pedestrian does not disappear. The pedestrian is displaced. And where does the displaced pedestrian go? That simple transitionfrom footpath to carriagewaycan transform a safe journey into a dangerous one. A pedestrian walking on a designated footpath is separated, at least conceptually, from moving traffic. Once that pedestrian is pushed onto the carriageway, the equation changes completely. The pedestrian becomes exposed to buses, trucks, cars, motorcycles, auto-rickshaws and other moving vehicles. Therefore, footpath encroachment is not merely an aesthetic or municipal issue. It is a road-safety issue. Srinagar Smart City Must Be More Than Beautiful Infrastructure. Srinagar has immense natural, cultural and architectural beauty. The city does not need to imitate every other urban centre to become smart. It needs to become functional, inclusive, accessible and safe while preserving its own identity. The Smart City concept should ultimately be judged not by the number of projects completed, paved surfaces created or decorative elements installed, but by a much simpler question: Can an ordinary citizen move through the city safely, comfortably and with dignity? If the answer is yes, the city is becoming smarter. If the answer is no, technology and beautification alone cannot make it truly smart. A beautifully paved footpath that cannot be used by pedestrians is not a successful pedestrian project. A modern road without safe crossings is incomplete. A commercial street where pedestrians are forced into traffic is not truly people-centric. And a smart mobility system that ignores the most basic human movementwalkinghas missed an essential part of the Smart City vision. Walkability Must Remain at the Centre. For Srinagar, walkability should not be treated as a secondary component of urban planning. It should be a central pillar. The city's historic character itself provides a powerful argument for this. Many parts of Srinagar have evolved around compact neighbourhoods, markets, lanes, public spaces and pedestrian movement. The relationship between people and place has traditionally been intimate. Modern urban development should strengthen this character rather than eliminate it. A walkable Srinagar can deliver multiple benefits simultaneously: Safer movement for pedestrians; Better access to public transport; Reduced dependence on private vehicles; Improved accessibility for elderly citizens; Safer school journeys; Greater mobility for women and children; I mproved public health; More vibrant public spaces; Better tourism experiences; Cleaner streets; Stronger local commerce; and A more humane urban environment. In other words, walkability is not anti-commerce. It is pro-community. The objective should not be to remove legitimate livelihood opportunities. The objective should be to ensure that commercial activity and pedestrian safety can coexist through proper planning and regulation. Livelihood Is ImportantBut So Is Public Safety. This is perhaps the most sensitive part of the discussion. Whenever authorities attempt to clear footpaths, concerns about livelihood naturally arise. Many small traders, vendors and shopkeepers depend on roadside commercial activity. For some families, a small business is the primary source of income. Therefore, the conversation cannot simply be reduced to: Remove everyone from the footpath. That approach may be administratively convenient but socially incomplete. At the same time, livelihood cannot become an unlimited justification for occupying infrastructure intended for pedestrians. We cannot claim that pedestrian safety must be compromised because commercial space is limited. We cannot justify putting children, elderly citizens and ordinary pedestrians into moving traffic because a footpath has become commercially attractive. The solution lies somewhere between enforcement and empathy. The system needs to identify where commercial activities can legitimately operate, where vending zones can be created, where loading and unloading can occur, and where pedestrian movement must remain absolutely protected. The principle should be simple: Livelihoods must be protected through planningnot protected at the cost of pedestrian lives. The Need for a Different Enforcement Philosophy. Traditional enforcement often follows a familiar cycle. Encroachment develops. Complaints increase. Authorities conduct a drive. Temporary clearance takes place. Photographs are published. A few days or weeks later, the same spaces are occupied again. The cycle repeats. This is not sustainable. Srinagar needs a more intelligent enforcement mechanism. Instead of treating footpath encroachment as an occasional drive, authorities should establish permanent pedestrian corridors with clearly defined rules. Every footpath should have an identifiable status: Pedestrian Priority Zone. Once designated, the space should be protected through regular monitoring. Where technology is available, surveillance can support enforcement. Citizen reporting mechanisms can identify recurring violations. Municipal teams can maintain digital records of vulnerable locations. Repeat violations can attract progressively stronger action under applicable law. The objective should be consistency. A rule that is enforced today but ignored tomorrow eventually loses credibility. The 1.8-Metre Question. One of the most important principles in pedestrian infrastructure is continuity. A pedestrian should not have to repeatedly stop, turn, step onto the road or negotiate around obstacles simply to travel a few hundred metres. The usable pedestrian path must remain reasonably clear and accessible. This becomes especially important for: persons using wheelchairs, elderly citizens, parents with children, visually impaired persons and people carrying goods or luggage. A footpath blocked by merchandise may appear to be a minor inconvenience to a healthy adult. For a person with a disability, it can become an absolute barrier. For a child, it can become a safety hazard. For an elderly person, it can become a serious risk. Therefore, accessibility must become part of the definition of a successful footpath. Street Lighting: The Missing Link. Footpaths alone are not enough. A pedestrian corridor must also be visible and adequately illuminated. Poor lighting creates vulnerability after sunset, particularly around markets, transport hubs, intersections and isolated stretches. A Smart City cannot expect pedestrians to use infrastructure that becomes uncomfortable or unsafe after dark. Street lighting should therefore be planned as part of the pedestrian network rather than as an independent beautification component. The question should not merely be: Is there a light pole? The question should be: Can a pedestrian clearly see the path, obstacles, crossing point and approaching traffic? That is the standard that matters. Safe Crossings Must Connect the Footpaths. Another common failure in urban mobility is the disconnected footpath. A pedestrian may receive an excellent footpath on one side of the road but have no safe means to reach the other side. This creates a fundamental planning contradiction. A pedestrian network is only as strong as its weakest link. If a footpath ends abruptly at a busy junction, the pedestrian is effectively pushed into conflict with traffic. Therefore, Srinagar needs a systematic network of zebra crossings, pedestrian signals, raised crossings where appropriate, refuge spaces, traffic calming measures and accessible crossing facilities. Crossings should be located according to actual pedestrian movementnot merely where road engineers find convenient space. People will cross where they need to cross. Urban planning must understand this behaviour and provide safe facilities accordingly. Commercial Activity Can Be Designed Better. Srinagar's commercial life is part of its identity. Markets, street vendors, small businesses and traditional trading spaces contribute to the city's social and economic character. The answer is therefore not to sterilise the streets. The answer is to organise them. Dedicated vending zones, timed loading and unloading areas, regulated display limits, designated parking arrangements and clearly marked pedestrian corridors can help create a better balance. A shopkeeper should know exactly where commercial activity can extend. A vendor should know exactly where vending is permitted. A transporter should know exactly where loading and unloading is allowed. And a pedestrian should know that the footpath belongs to walking. This clarity reduces conflict. The Pedestrian Must Become a Stakeholder in City Planning. Too often, urban planning is discussed between departments, contractors, engineers, transport authorities and enforcement agencies. But the pedestrianthe ultimate useris rarely represented adequately. Srinagar should consider institutionalising pedestrian audits before and after major urban infrastructure projects. A pedestrian audit should ask: Is the footpath continuous? Is it obstruction-free? Is it accessible? Is it adequately illuminated? Are crossings available? Are intersections safe? Are vendors accommodated appropriately? Are parking violations affecting pedestrian space? Can children and elderly citizens use the corridor safely? Can persons with disabilities navigate it independently? These are practical questions. They can transform the way the city evaluates mobility projects. Smart City Should Mean Smart Enforcement. Technology offers Srinagar an opportunity to move beyond traditional enforcement. A city-wide pedestrian protection system could potentially combine: CCTV monitoring + citizen reporting + GIS mapping + enforcement records + periodic pedestrian audits. Repeated encroachment hotspots could be mapped. High-risk pedestrian corridors could receive priority attention. Citizen complaints could be categorised and tracked. Authorities could identify whether a problem is temporary, recurring or permanent. Such a system would allow decision-makers to move from reactive enforcement to evidence-based urban management. That is what being smart should mean. Do Not Blame the Pedestrian. There is another important behavioural issue. When pedestrians walk on roads because footpaths are blocked, they are sometimes blamed for obstructing traffic. This is fundamentally unfair. If the designated pedestrian infrastructure is unavailable, the pedestrian has limited choices. We should therefore ask: Who displaced the pedestrian? Instead of blaming people for walking on the road, we must examine why they were forced there. Road safety begins with understanding human behaviour and designing infrastructure around real-world movement. Srinagar Needs a Pedestrian-First Charter. The city could consider developing a simple Srinagar Pedestrian Charter. Its central message could be: Every pedestrian deserves a continuous, accessible, obstruction-free and safe walking route. Such a charter could establish clear responsibilities for relevant authorities and provide citizens with a simple mechanism to report violations. It could also create a public understanding that occupying a footpath is not a harmless act. The footpath is public infrastructure. It is built from public resources. It exists for public mobility. Its protection is therefore a collective responsibility. Releasing the Beauty of Srinagar Smart City. There is a deeper dimension to this debate. Srinagar has invested considerable effort in improving its urban appearance. But beauty is not merely about paving stones, lighting fixtures, landscaping or architectural elements. The real beauty of a city is visible when people can use it freely, safely and with dignity. A clean and unobstructed footpath creates an entirely different urban experience. It allows citizens to walk without fear. It allows visitors to appreciate the city. It allows shopkeepers to operate in an organised environment. It allows public spaces to breathe. It makes streets more inviting. It strengthens tourism. It improves civic pride. In this sense, reclaiming footpaths is not an anti-commercial campaign. It is a pro-Srinagar campaign. The City Belongs to Everyone. A road cannot belong exclusively to motorists. A footpath cannot belong exclusively to businesses. A public space cannot belong exclusively to one interest group. The city belongs to everyone. The challenge of urban governance is to allocate space fairly. Vehicles need roads. Pedestrians need footpaths. Cyclists need safe cycling infrastructure. Public transport needs designated space. Vendors need regulated vending areas. Businesses need legitimate commercial space. Emergency services need unobstructed access. When every activity competes for the same piece of public land, conflict is inevitable. The solution is not more conflict. It is better planning. A New Mobility Social Contract. Srinagar now needs a new social contract around mobility. Citizens must respect public infrastructure. Businesses must respect pedestrian space. Drivers must respect vulnerable road users. Authorities must protect the infrastructure they create. Enforcement agencies must act fairly and consistently. Urban planners must listen to actual users. And policymakers must recognise that mobility is not simply about moving vehicles. Mobility is about moving people. That distinction is critical. A city can have smooth traffic flow and still fail its citizens if people cannot walk safely. A road can be technically well-engineered and still be socially unsafe if pedestrians have no place to cross. A city can have modern infrastructure and still be inaccessible to people with disabilities. Smart mobility therefore begins with a simple question: How does this street work for a human being? From Encroachment Drives to Encroachment Management. Srinagar should move from periodic anti-encroachment drives towards a comprehensive Encroachment Management Policy. Such a policy could distinguish between: 1. temporary vending; 2. permanent commercial structures; 3. merchandise displays; 4. parking encroachment; 5. construction material; 6. loading and unloading; 7. unauthorised extensions; and 8. obstructions affecting accessibility. Each category can have an appropriate regulatory response. This is more sustainable than treating every violation identically. At the same time, enforcement must remain firm where pedestrian safety is directly threatened. There should be zero tolerance for obstruction of critical pedestrian crossings, school approaches, hospital access routes, emergency corridors and high-risk road sections. The Economic Argument for Walkability. There is also a misconception that pedestrian-friendly streets hurt businesses. In reality, walkable commercial environments can support local commerce because pedestrians are potential customers. A person walking comfortably along a market street can observe shops, access businesses, and spend time in the area. But when pedestrians are forced into traffic, the street becomes stressful and less attractive. The goal should therefore be to create pedestrian-friendly commerce, not pedestrian-hostile commerce. A properly designed market can have both: a thriving business ecosystem and a protected pedestrian corridor. That is the balance Srinagar should pursue. Children Should Be Our Urban Planning Test. One simple test can reveal whether a street is genuinely safe: Would you allow a child to walk there alone? If the answer is no, the infrastructure deserves another look. A city designed around the safety of children will naturally become safer for everyone. The same applies to elderly citizens and persons with disabilities. If the most vulnerable users can navigate a street comfortably, the city has achieved something meaningful. A Call for Administrative Rethinking. The time has come for Srinagar to look beyond the traditional boundaries of municipal administration, traffic management and urban beautification. Pedestrian safety requires coordination among Srinagar Smart City authorities, municipal institutions, traffic police, transport authorities, planning agencies, enforcement teams, market associations, traders, civil society and citizens. The solution cannot belong to one department. It must become a shared urban responsibility. Every new footpath should be protected. Every major road improvement should include pedestrian connectivity. Every commercial development should consider pedestrian capacity. Every major junction should be audited for safe crossing. Every encroachment complaint affecting pedestrian safety should be tracked. And every successful intervention should be measured by outcomesnot merely by the number of drives conducted. The Real Measure of a Smart City. Perhaps Srinagar should redefine what it means to be a Smart City. Not simply: How many roads were upgraded? But: How many people can walk safely? Not simply: How beautiful is the streetscape? But: How usable is the public space? Not simply: How many encroachment drives were conducted? But: How sustainably was pedestrian space protected? Not simply: How efficiently can vehicles move? But: How safely can every citizen move? This is the real test. Conclusion: Give the Footpath Back to the Footwalker. Srinagar does not lack beauty. It does not lack history. It does not lack public spirit. It does not lack talent. What it needs is a stronger alignment between planning, enforcement, livelihood and public safety. The beautifully developed footpaths of Srinagar Smart City should not become another contested space. They should become symbols of a new urban cultureone where pedestrians are respected, businesses are regulated fairly, public infrastructure is protected, and mobility is designed around people. We must understand that asking a pedestrian to surrender a footpath for commercial activity is not a small compromise. It is a transfer of public safety risk. When a pedestrian leaves the footpath and enters the carriageway, the consequences can be severe. Therefore, the choice before Srinagar is not between livelihood and pedestrian safety. The real choice is between unplanned competition for public space and intelligent urban planning. We can protect livelihoods without sacrificing pedestrians. We can support commerce without surrendering footpaths. We can enforce regulations without ignoring human realities. We can create a Smart City that is both economically vibrant and socially responsible. But it requires courage to rethink the system. It requires coordination. It requires consistent enforcement. And above all, it requires recognising one simple truth: The Footpath Was Built for the Footwalker. Let us give it back to them. Because walking safely is not a privilege. It is not a luxury. It is not a favour from the administration. It is an essential element of a safe, inclusive and dignified city. And if Srinagar truly wishes to reveal the full beauty of its Smart City transformation, perhaps the first step is the simplest one: Clear the footpath. Light the street. Secure the crossing. Let Srinagar walk. (The author is a renowned social reformer & Mobility Expert with over two decades of experience. For feedback, email: umarbhat07@gmail.com)

RisingKashmir 31 Aug 2026 12:05 am

5,000 flats to undergo repair, renovation in migrant camps

JAMMU TAWI: More than 200 building blocks and about 5,000 flats and community halls across migrant camps in Jammu are set to undergo major repair and renovation works soon, with the J&K government having approved Rs 82.45 crore for it, an official spokesperson said on Sunday. The information was given at a meeting chaired by [] The post 5,000 flats to undergo repair, renovation in migrant camps appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 31 Aug 2026 12:02 am

KU announces admission counselling schedule for vacant seats

Srinagar, Aug 30: The University of Kashmir has issued an admission update for candidates seeking admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, announcing the schedule for completing admission formalities, updating marks and participating in online counselling for vacant seats. According to the Directorate of Admissions and Competitive Examinations (DACE), the last date for completing admission formalities for selection lists already issued for all programmes, including General, Self-Finance and NRI/NRI Sponsored Quota (except Home Science, MTM, M.Tech and MBA-NC) is Monday, August 31, 2026. The university said fresh candidates who have not applied online so far and are interested in General, Self-Finance or NRI/NRI Sponsored Quota seats may also apply online by August 31, 2026. The deadline for candidates to update their marks has also been fixed for August 31, 2026, up to 2 pm. The university clarified that updating marks will not create any claim for admission against selection lists that have already been issued. However, such candidates may be considered for admission against vacancies arising on or before August 31. The university has scheduled online counselling for vacant seats on September 1 and 2, 2026. Eligible candidates have been advised to participate in the counselling process. The counselling window will remain open until 10 pm on September 2, and candidates can participate in the process from August 31 onwards. The DACE said that all subsequent lists, except waiting lists, will be prepared and issued on the basis of online counselling conducted on September 1 and 2. Candidates who fail to participate in the online counselling process will not be considered for selection, even if they have higher merit than candidates who participate in counselling and are subsequently selected. For online counselling, candidates have been advised to visit the official University of Kashmir website and click on the Admissions tab on the homepage before following the counselling process. The university has also clarified that candidates who successfully submit the online counselling form should take a printout for reference and records, and there is no need to submit the hard copy.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:55 pm

AIP seeks end to delay in intern stipend hike

Srinagar, August 30: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi today extended the partys full support to MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir who have announced a statewide protest demanding implementation of the long-pending enhancement in their monthly stipend. Inam Un Nabi said it was deeply unfortunate that a matter examined by a government-appointed committee in 2023 continues to remain unresolved. The committee had recommended enhancement of the stipend, but the proposal has remained caught in official processing, with the matter still pending before the Finance Department. How long can a government keep a legitimate recommendation pending? If the government itself constituted a committee, examined the issue and received its recommendations, then there must be a clear reason why interns are still waiting years later for implementation, Inam Un Nabi said. Inam Un Nabi said the present stipend of around 12,300 per month, unchanged since 2019, does not adequately reflect the responsibilities shouldered by medical and dental interns who work in hospitals, wards, OPDs and emergency services as part of their compulsory internship. Medical interns are not asking for charity. They are demanding a fair and reasonable stipend for the clinical responsibilities they undertake. Keeping their stipend unchanged for years, despite rising living costs and the recommendations of a government committee, is neither fair nor justified, Inam Un Nabi said. AIP also questioned the prolonged delay in the Finance Department and urged the government to make the status of the proposal public instead of asking interns to wait indefinitely. The government must tell the interns what exactly is pending, what objections remain and why a recommendation made in 2023 has not been implemented. Administrative procedures cannot become an excuse for denying a legitimate entitlement for years, he said. Inam Un Nabi appealed to the government to engage with the protesting interns immediately and resolve the issue through a time-bound decision, while assuring the interns that AIP stands with their legitimate demand. AIP supports the interns peaceful democratic right to raise their voice. We urge the government to treat this as an urgent matter and ensure that the stipend enhancement is decided without any further delay, Inam Un Nabi added.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:51 pm

Beyond Participation

There is not an iota of doubt in the fact that in recent times Jammu and Kashmir has shown its dominance in the sports arena not only at national level but globally also. It is encouraging that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has observed this aspect and rightly batted for exploring a new possibility, which the [] The post Beyond Participation appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 30 Aug 2026 11:49 pm

Jasrota MLA lays foundation for 14 development works

Jasrota, Aug 30: Senior BJP leader and Jasrota MLA Rajiv Jasrotia laid the foundation stones for 14 development works costing approximately 26 lakh in Panchayat Kishanpur Kandi and adjoining areas, reaffirming his focus on strengthening grassroots infrastructure and ensuring balanced development across the constituency. Of the 14 works, 12 have been taken up in Panchayat Kishanpur Kandi and include the construction and improvement of lanes, drains and other essential civic facilities. The projects are aimed at improving local connectivity, drainage infrastructure and overall living conditions for residents. The MLA also laid the foundation stone for a deep borewell at village Krakhad in Panchayat Palli to address the need for a reliable water source for the local population. Another deep borewell at Barwal, costing 5 lakh, was also taken up to strengthen drinking-water infrastructure and provide relief to residents facing water-related issues. Speaking on the occasion, Jasrotia said the BJPs development agenda was rooted in the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, with particular emphasis on villages and areas requiring improved basic infrastructure. He said development must reach every section of society and every corner of the constituency, adding that rural residents had an equal right to quality roads, proper drainage, reliable drinking water and other essential public facilities. Our priority is to take development to every village and every household. We are committed to addressing genuine public needs and ensuring that development works are executed with transparency, quality and accountability, Jasrotia said. The MLA said the foundation of the projects marked another step towards strengthening grassroots infrastructure in the Jasrota constituency. He directed the concerned agencies to maintain quality standards and ensure timely completion of the works so that residents could benefit from them without unnecessary delay. During his visit, Jasrotia also interacted with local residents and heard their grievances and demands. Residents apprised him of issues related to roads, drainage, drinking water, electricity and other basic amenities. Giving a patient hearing to the people, Jasrotia assured them that their genuine concerns would be taken up with the concerned departments and pursued for time-bound resolution. He said direct interaction with the public was essential for understanding ground realities and ensuring that development initiatives remained aligned with local needs. Jasrotia reiterated that the BJP remained committed to people-centric governance, grassroots development and strengthening rural infrastructure, with a focus on ensuring that the benefits of development reached the last mile. He said the ongoing development works would further improve basic facilities in the area and contribute towards making the Jasrota constituency more developed, prosperous and better connected.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:48 pm

Baba and the Bollywood Belle declare political truce

Kangana-Ramdev reconciliation: Much ado about nothing By TN Ashok The Kangana RanautBaba Ramdev quarrel was a classic case of a political-cultural argument acquiring a very personal edge and then being rescued, rather neatly, by the symbolism of Raksha Bandhan. The important point is that the truce was not brokered by a publicly identified [] The post Baba and the Bollywood Belle declare political truce appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 30 Aug 2026 11:47 pm

From Cottage to Cosmos: Small Industries as the Colossal Force of Viksit Bharat @2047

Prof. (Dr.) Jayadeba Sahoo, Itanagar The Grandeur Concealed within the Small History repeatedly reveals a magnificent paradox: what appears small in physical dimension may be colossal in transformative consequence. A seed contains the possibility of a forest; a rivulet eventually contributes to the grandeur of an ocean; a single lamp can disperse darkness. Likewise, a [] The post From Cottage to Cosmos: Small Industries as the Colossal Force of Viksit Bharat @2047 appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 30 Aug 2026 11:46 pm

Congress holds Chhatron Ki Goonj programme in Pulwama

Pulwama, Aug 30: The District Congress Committee (DCC) Pulwama on Sunday organised a political programme at Town Hall Pulwama under the banners of Chhatron Ki Goonj and Chanda Chori, raising questions over BJP policies and highlighting issues concerning students, democracy and the common people. The programme was attended by senior Congress leaders, party functionaries, NSUI office-bearers and a large number of workers. Speakers criticised the BJP and alleged that the party had failed to address the concerns of students, youth, farmers and ordinary citizens. During the programme, Ashiq Hussain Khanday and Abdul Qayoom, NSUI Block Presidents, along with senior workers and leaders from different political backgrounds, joined the Congress. A former District President of Janata Dal United (JDU) and senior workers associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the party. The new entrants were welcomed into the Congress fold by DCC Pulwama President Umer Jaan, who said the joining of leaders and workers from different political backgrounds reflected what he described as growing confidence in the Congress party and its commitment to democratic values and grassroots politics. Umer Jaan said Congress would continue to raise the voice of students and youth and would not remain silent on issues affecting the people. He said the Chhatron Ki Goonj and Chanda Chori campaigns were aimed at highlighting what Congress described as anti-people policies and financial and political irregularities associated with the BJP. Senior Congress leaders present on the occasion said the party remained committed to strengthening its grassroots organisation and providing workers and young people with a meaningful platform in public life. The programme concluded with a call to Congress workers to remain united, strengthen the party organisation at the booth and block levels, and continue raising public issues through democratic means.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:46 pm

Home Science Not Equivalent To Engineering Degree For Polytechnic Principal Post: High Court

SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed a review petition seeking reconsideration of its earlier judgment that had denied a claimant eligibility for appointment as Principal in a Government Polytechnic, holding that degrees in Home Science cannot be treated as equivalent to an Engineering degree. A Division Bench comprising Acting []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 11:45 pm

US turns talent into targets; Immigration regime

By C Adhikesavan More than 5,200 Indian nationals were deported from the United States in the first 15 days of August, according to reports. The figure marks a sharp acceleration in immigration enforcement. What makes the number significant is that it is not limited to people who entered the country without permission. Many of those [] The post US turns talent into targets; Immigration regimes ever-tightening noose fails working people appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 30 Aug 2026 11:43 pm

JSM discusses Jammu statehood, regional Issues

Jammu, Aug 30: Members of the Jammu State Movement (JSM) participated in the Baba Birpa Nath Ji Bhandara at Kangar in Bhalwal, organised by Arjun Singh of Karni Sena. JSM team members Pawan Manhas, Karnal Singh, Rajdev Singh and Atulya Bakshi were honoured by devotees during the Bhandara. The team expressed gratitude to the organisers, devotees and sevadars for the warm welcome and appreciated their efforts in organising the community-service event. During interactions with devotees and local residents, discussions were held on various issues concerning Jammu, including development, employment, regional representation and the demand for a Separate Jammu State. The JSM representatives reiterated that the demand for a Separate Jammu State should be pursued through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means, with wider public participation and dialogue. They said the JSM would continue its public outreach to highlight what it described as the rights, development needs, representation and future interests of the Jammu region. The team also appealed to people to remain united and maintain peace, brotherhood and social harmony while engaging in discussions on regional issues.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:42 pm

The need for a second revolution to eliminate hunger

By: Omkar Dattatray Hunger remains one of humanitys most persistent contradictions. In an age defined by unprecedented technological advancement, artificial intelligence, sophisticated medical discoveries and extraordinary economic productivity, millions of people continue to go to bed without adequate food. The coexistence of abundance and deprivation is not merely an economic paradox; it is a [] The post The need for a second revolution to eliminate hunger appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 30 Aug 2026 11:42 pm

KPs homecoming vital to shared culture, harmony: Bukhari

Srinagar, Aug 30: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday made a heartfelt appeal to Kashmiri Pandits to return to the Valley, saying their homecoming was essential to reclaiming the shared cultural heritage and restoring the peace, prosperity and harmony that once characterised life in Srinagar. Bukhari made the remarks while addressing a workers convention in Habba Kadal, Srinagar, attended by a large gathering of local residents and party workers. Recalling his childhood memories of living alongside Kashmiri Pandits, Bukhari said Muslims and Pandits had shared a close bond of mutual respect, trust and brotherhood. I vividly remember the days when, as children, we used to attend tuition classes taught by some of the finest Pandit teachers. I also fondly remember the time when Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits lived together happily and prosperously, sharing a bond of mutual respect, trust, and brotherhood, he said. Making a direct appeal to the displaced community, Bukhari said, I urge my Kashmiri Pandit brethren to return so that, together, we can rediscover the past glory of our beautiful shared culture and work towards restoring peace, prosperity, and harmony. His remarks came as he spoke about what he described as the prolonged developmental and economic challenges facing Srinagars Shehr-e-Khaas. He urged residents not to remain dependent on traditional political parties and instead become more aware of their political and democratic rights. Bukhari expressed concern over the condition of Srinagar city and the difficulties faced by its residents, including inadequate basic amenities, housing shortages, unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities. He said that despite the city having around nine lakh residents, many people continue to struggle with basic necessities, while educated youth face unemployment and are often compelled to take up petty jobs. He also criticised the existing reservation policy, claiming that it had adversely affected employment opportunities for residents of the city. Bukhari blamed successive political leaderships for what he termed the prolonged lack of development in Srinagar and cited the filling up of the historic Nallah Mar as an example of damage to the citys natural and historical infrastructure. He said the waterway had historically connected Dal Lake and the Brari Nambal lagoon with the River Jhelum and Anchar Lake, and argued that its filling had damaged Srinagars drainage and waterway system while also eroding an important part of its heritage. Bukhari also urged residents to participate responsibly in the electoral process and vote wisely whenever the Urban Local Bodies polls are held, saying elected representatives should be chosen on the basis of their ability to address developmental concerns. Speaking on the occasion, former Cabinet Minister and Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir said the people of Srinagar were facing severe hardships due to inadequate housing, limited livelihood opportunities and a chronic developmental deficit. Mir also criticised restrictions faced by residents in constructing houses and commercial establishments on their own land, saying such issues had added to the difficulties confronting people in the city. He expressed concern over the problems faced by youth, including limited employment opportunities and difficulties related to passport issuance and verification processes for jobs and passports, Questioning the government over its response to public grievances, Mir said people had placed their trust in elected representatives and expected them to address their concerns. Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir also addressed the gathering and appealed to residents to support the party, saying it was not controlled by any particular family or individual and that its primary agenda was to serve the people. He said strengthening the party would enable it to pursue its stated agenda of peace, prosperity and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:37 pm

Kashmirs olive legacy at risk without irrigation

Srinagar, Aug 30: Kashmirs only olive cultivation belt in Salamabad area of Uri near Line of Control (LoC) is dying a silent death as the plantation continues to suffer from the lack of a reliable irrigation facility, with declining productivity threatening the future of the regions unique olive-growing legacy. To revive the 29-kanal olive plantation, the Horticulture Department is now planning to explore the possibility of lifting water from the Jhelum River to irrigate the orchard in Salamabad area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Officials said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared to assess the feasibility of drawing water from the river and supplying it to the plantation, which has depended largely on rainfall for moisture after its original irrigation system was damaged in the 2005 earthquake. Since there is no irrigation facility in the area, we are exploring the possibility of using water from the Jhelum River. Department will prepare a DPR and submit it to the higher authorities. Lifting water from the river is the only viable option available to restore irrigation to the plantation, a Horticulture Department official told Rising Kashmir. Another senior official said the prolonged absence of irrigation had significantly affected the health and productivity of the olive trees. The growth and productivity of olive trees have reduced considerably. Without a dependable source of irrigation, sustaining the plantation has become increasingly difficult, the official said. The plantation, established in 1987 under an Indo-Italian collaboration, originally had access to a natural stream. Water from the stream was collected in a tank and subsequently used to irrigate the olive orchard. However, the 2005 earthquake damaged the water supply system, leaving the plantation without a dependable source of irrigation. Since then, rainfall has remained the primary source of moisture for the trees, contributing to a gradual decline in their growth and yield. The department also explored other options to restore irrigation. In 2024, the Irrigation Department inspected the site to assess the feasibility of developing a groundwater source. They had proposed digging a borewell, but the plan could not be implemented because of the areas higher elevation, which makes groundwater extraction technically infeasible, the official said. The irrigation crisis has affected not only olive production but also the plantations broader objective of promoting olive oil extraction in the region. Olive cultivation in Kashmir remains largely confined to the Uri region, where relatively warmer climatic conditions and suitable soil have provided a favourable environment for the Mediterranean crop. The Salamabad plantation was established after soil studies by a British team identified the area as suitable for olive cultivation. The project was subsequently taken up in 1987 under an Indo-Italian collaboration, making it an important experiment in diversifying horticulture in the region. Local residents and growers have expressed concern over the gradual deterioration of the plantation, saying immediate intervention is needed to prevent Kashmirs only established olive-growing belt from further declining. Irrigation is the lifeline of olive cultivation. The trees require timely watering for healthy growth and better yields. Without a proper irrigation system, the plantation will continue to suffer, said 80-year-old Azad Khan, a resident of Shadra village in the Kamalkote area. Joint Director Horticulture Kashmir Javaid Bhat told Rising Kashmir that the department has written to the Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department in Uri in this regard. We have requested a detailed assessment of the site and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed lift irrigation scheme to draw water from the River Jhelum. We are awaiting their response, he said.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:18 pm

28 films from 24 countries to feature at IFFK

Srinagar, Aug 30: The International Film Festival of Kashmir (IFFK) will showcase 28 films from 24 countries during its sixth edition, scheduled to be held at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, on September 1 and 2. The festival, which marks 20 years of cinema, culture and conversation since its inception in 2006, received more than 200 entries from across the world for this year's edition. Festival Director Yaqut Mushtaq said the two-day festival aims to provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices and perspectives while bringing filmmakers and audiences together for screenings, discussions and interactions. The Kashmiri feature film Baand, directed by Ali Emran and produced by Yaqut Mushtaq, will open the festival. The 65-minute film explores the traditional Kashmiri folk theatre form of Baand-e-Pather. The organisers said the decision to open the festival with a Kashmiri feature reflects IFFKs commitment to promoting regional cinema and providing local filmmakers with an opportunity to engage with audiences and filmmakers from across the world. The official selection has been divided into four thematic sections - Voices, People & Identity, Landscapes & Memory and Contemporary Shorts. Three sections feature five films and six films respectively, while six additional films take the overall selection to 28. The selected films cover a range of subjects, cinematic approaches and perspectives, reflecting contemporary filmmaking across different cultures and geographical regions. The opening day on September 1 will feature the inaugural ceremony, screening of Baand, selected films and filmmaker interactions. On September 2, screenings will continue from 11 am to 6:30 pm, followed by the closing programme. The festival will also feature Q&A sessions with filmmakers, allowing audiences to interact directly with the creators and discuss their films, ideas and creative processes. Founded in 2006, IFFK has sought to create a space for cinema in Kashmir while connecting local audiences with diverse cinematic voices and encouraging conversations around film, culture and society. The sixth edition will be held under the theme, Real Stories. Real People. Real Impact, with organisers inviting filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts, artists and students to participate in the two-day festival.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 11:14 pm

Manoj Sinha Felicitates Stakeholders For Successful Conduct Of Amarnath Yatra

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday felicitated officers and personnel associated with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), civil administration, Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), medical services and other agencies for the successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. Addressing a gathering in Srinagar, Sinha said the successful pilgrimage []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 11:08 pm

LG Manoj Sinha felicitates officers of SASB, Administration and other stakeholders for successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra-2026

Srinagar, August 30, 2026: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha felicitated officers of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Civil Administration, Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, BRO, medical professionals, service providers, and other stakeholders for successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. He said pilgrimage is a celebration of the collective resolve that transformed hardships into duty, [] The post LG Manoj Sinha felicitates officers of SASB, Administration and other stakeholders for successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra-2026 appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Kashmir Media Watch 30 Aug 2026 11:00 pm

PM Modi arrives in Kyrgyzstan to attend 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek

Bishkek [Kyrgyzstan], August 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday, where he will participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, marking the next leg of his two-country visit after concluding his state visit to Uzbekistan. PM Modi arrived in the Kyrgyz capital at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The 26th SCO Summit will bring together leaders of member states to deliberate on regional and international issues and ways to further strengthen cooperation within the grouping. The Prime Minister's arrival was met with enthusiasm among members of the Indian diaspora and residents. Speaking about PM Modi's visit, Deepak Joshi, an Indian national residing in Bishkek, said the Prime Minister's arrival was a matter of honour and great privilege for Indians living abroad. It is kind of an honour and great privilege that the Prime Minister is coming here. So much transformation has taken place in the last 12 years that it's unbelievable, and PM Modi deserves huge credit for this, Joshi said. Recalling developments in his native Uttarakhand, he said, I come from Uttarakhand. My father's village got electricity in 2017. He also praised the government's defence initiatives, saying, For Defence, he has done wonders. We have seen it in Operation Sindoor. We as NRIs feel absolutely honoured that the value of our passports, the respect, and everything has changed in the last 10-12 years, Joshi added. A Kyrgyzstan national, Zara Beiim Gasanova, who is learning Hindi in the Central Asian nation, also expressed excitement over PM Modi's visit. I am learning Hindi at the Indian Embassy. I am very excited that PM Modi is coming, and we are all standing here, ready to greet and see him. We love India; we love the Indian people. We like India, Gasanova said. Before arriving in Bishkek, PM Modi concluded his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, where he held bilateral and delegation-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the visit, India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed on an ambitious roadmap covering trade and investment, infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, critical minerals, energy, space, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education and culture. The two sides also set a target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030, from the current level of more than USD 1 billion, with a focus on market access, connectivity and banking and payment systems. As he departed Tashkent, PM Modi thanked President Mirziyoyev for his hospitality and personal commitment to strengthening India-Uzbekistan ties. Thank you Uzbekistan! Gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his warmth, attention to detail and personal commitment to the India-Uzbekistan friendship, PM Modi said in a post on X. During his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi also paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent. Paid homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji in Tashkent. We remember a towering statesman whose unwavering commitment to the nation continues to inspire generations, PM Modi said. The visit also saw PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev jointly plant a tree at the Presidential Palace garden under India's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative and Uzbekistan's 'Yashil Makon' green efforts, highlighting their shared commitment to environmental sustainability. PM Modi was also conferred with the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders, for his contribution to strengthening friendship between the two countries. India and Uzbekistan also agreed to cooperate on the restoration and conservation of ancient Buddhist heritage sites in Uzbekistan and expand youth exchange programmes. Following the SCO Summit in Bishkek, PM Modi's participation is expected to further strengthen India's engagement with the SCO and its Central Asian partners as the organisation marks 25 years of its existence. (ANI)

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 10:35 pm

Nepal Flood Toll Rises To 788 As Bhotekoshi Swells, More Than 2,500 Remain Missing

SRINAGAR: The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal rose to 788 on Sunday, while 2,502 people remained missing as rescue teams continued searching flood-ravaged communities and hydropower projects amid renewed fears of more flooding. Authorities issued fresh warnings after water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose, prompting residents in affected areas to move []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 10:04 pm

Mann Ki Baat: Modi Highlights Amarnath Yatra

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the sanitation and scientific waste-management arrangements put in place during this years Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, drawing national attention to a model that saw over 414 metric tonnes of waste processed across the pilgrimage routes. In his latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi praised the cleanliness []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 9:34 pm

Jammu Kashmir HC Rules Govt Cannot Delay Regularisation Of Eligible Ad Hoc Employees

SRINAGAR: The Full Bench of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has held that the government cannot, at its discretion, decide when an eligible ad hoc, contractual or consolidated employee should be regularised, ruling that the right to regularisation accrues once the statutory conditions are fulfilled. The judgment, delivered by Chief Justice (Acting) []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 9:11 pm

Jammu Kashmir HC Denies Bail To Four Accused in Gang Rape Case

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has rejected the bail pleas of four men accused of abducting and gang-raping a 15-year-old girl in Srinagar in 2022, observing that the trial was nearing completion and that the seriousness of the charges and possibility of flight risk weighed against their release. Justice M A []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 8:55 pm

Afghanistan Hit by Earthquake, NCS Confirms

SRINAGAR: A 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said. The earthquake occurred at 9.36 am IST, with its epicentre located near the Hindu Kush range along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. According to the NCS, the tremor originated at a depth of 147 kilometres beneath the Earths surface. There were no []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 8:53 pm

Man Dies After Falling From Walnut Tree in South Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A man was killed after falling from a walnut tree in the Damjan area of Qazigund in south Kashmir on Sunday, reports said. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, son of Mohammad Ramzan Bhat, a resident of Damjan, Qazigund. According to reports, Bhat fell from the tree while carrying out work and []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 8:42 pm

J&K FDA Bans Sale of 10 Ghee Batches After Lab Tests Flag Quality Violations

Srinagar, Aug 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has ordered an immediate ban on the sale, storage, distribution and display of 10 identified batches of ghee after laboratory tests found them to be non-conforming to prescribed food safety standards. The action was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following testing of samples by the Notified Food Analyst at the National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad and the Food Testing Laboratory in Kashmir. The affected products include ghee sold under the brands Dairy Mohan, Apna Dairy Milk, Milk Bite, Nandni, Shahi Taj, Daawat Fresh, Nand Krishna, Vandu, Dairy Milk and Mohan Dairy. The batches were identified through samples collected from various locations across Jammu and Kashmir, including Anantnag, Shangus, Larnoo, Bijbehara, Samba, Kathua, Jammu, Tral and Pampore. The prohibited batches are: Dairy Mohan Desi Ghee Batch No. 5 Apna Dairy Milk Desi Ghee Batch No. DM-6 Milk Bite Cow Ghee Batch No. 137 Nandni Desi Ghee Batch No. ND-28 Shahi Taj Desi Ghee Batch No. 134 Daawat Fresh Batch No. VT09 Nand Krishna Cow Ghee Batch No. PC-05-26 Vandu Cow Ghee Batch No. D143 Dairy Milk Desi Ghee Batch No. OM12 Mohan Dairy Ghee Batch No. 6 According to the laboratory reports, the samples showed several irregularities, including the presence of beta-sitosterol or foreign vegetable fat, positive Baudouin test results, abnormal fatty-acid profiles and variations from prescribed physicochemical standards. Following the findings, the FDA has instructed food business operators, wholesalers, distributors and retailers across the Union Territory to immediately withdraw the specified batches from sale and ensure that they do not remain in circulation. The concerned food business operators have also been asked to submit details of their remaining stocks of the affected batches to the respective Designated Officer within 48 hours. Enforcement officials have been directed to closely monitor the market and take appropriate action to prevent the prohibited products from being sold or distributed further. The administration has stressed that, under applicable food safety regulations, ghee must be derived exclusively from milk or milk products. Ghee containing added material not derived exclusively from milk fat is not permitted for sale. The prohibition has come into force with immediate effect across Jammu and Kashmir as a measure aimed at protecting public health and consumer safety. The FDA has urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing ghee and verify the brand name, batch number and date of packing. Consumers and retailers have also been advised to inform food safety authorities if any of the prohibited batches are found being sold or stocked. The order, however, does not prevent the concerned food business operators from exercising their statutory right to seek re-analysis of the samples through an FSSAI-notified Referral Laboratory, as provided under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related rules.

RisingKashmir 30 Aug 2026 6:51 pm

LG Sinha Bats For Blend Of Tradition, Science At SMVD Gurukul Event

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called for integrating traditional values with modern science and technology while addressing the Foundation Day celebrations of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the annual day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul. Addressing students and faculty at the event, Sinha stressed the importance of curiosity []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 5:14 pm

Paliyekkara toll hike gets NHAI nod, awaits Kerala High Court clearance

Car users may have to pay over 10% more even as revised toll rates remain subject to court approval

The Hindu 30 Aug 2026 5:04 pm

Nancy Grace Roman Telescope launched to find new planets, unravel cosmic mysteries

Nancy Grace Roman Telescope launched to find new planets unravel cosmic mysteries

India Today 30 Aug 2026 4:59 pm

Science says some spiders can launch into the sky using silk and electricity to fly and the physics is wild

Ballooning is a form of aerial dispersal in which a spider climbs to an exposed spot, lifts its abdomen, releases strands of silk and allows the wind to carry it into the air. Some spiders have been recorded at altitudes of around 4 kilometers and are capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers during dispersal.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 4:55 pm

Systemic institutional dysfunction delaying roll-out of key defence equipment points to

India can produce defence equipment on its own, but the long time taken to deploy these indigenous weapons takes the sting out of them

The Hindu 30 Aug 2026 4:55 pm

Could Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope prove our model of the universe wrong?

NASA's Roman Space Telescope is launching soon aboard a SpaceX rocket. This observatory will survey the cosmos for dark energy and dark matter. It aims to test the standard model of cosmology and its expansion rate. Roman will also discover thousands of exoplanets beyond our solar system. Its wide-field view complements other missions for a complete cosmic picture.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 4:55 pm

Economic growth needs to be sustainable and inclusive: B.H. Nagoor

He delivered the Prof. C.B. Tigadi Memorial Lecture on Indian Economy: Journey So Far and Road Ahead in Dharwad

The Hindu 30 Aug 2026 4:54 pm

China's Tencent Releases New Open-source AI Model For Coding, Research Tasks

The model, called Hy4 preview, uses a mixture-of-experts design with 770 billion parameters in total

Deccan Chronicle 30 Aug 2026 4:51 pm

Government Launches Mission Colorful Fish 2031 to Expand Ornamental Fish Farming

New Delhi, August 30: The central government will unveil a strategic action plan, Mission Colorful Fish 2031, aimed at expanding ornamental fish farming. This initiative will provide a comprehensive framework for scientific management, biosecurity, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across the entire ornamental fisheries value chain. This information was shared by the Ministry of Fisheries, ... Read more Government Launches Mission Colorful Fish 2031 to Expand Ornamental Fish Farming

Morningstar 30 Aug 2026 4:50 pm

What is the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope?

It is a follow-on to the Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, and the James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, and has capabilities that can expand on the knowledge gained by those pioneering observatories

The Hindu 30 Aug 2026 4:47 pm

'Killing Your Kids...': Spencer Pratt Delivers Brutal Verdict On Lindsay Clancy Case

Spencer Pratt has unleashed a brutal take on the Lindsay Clancy case, arguing that anyone whose impulses lead them to kill their own children should be permanently removed from society. The former Hills star made the explosive remarks on X as jurors weigh whether Clancy should be held criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children. When a pit bull kills a kid, we exterminate them, Pratt wrote. He then compared the situation to an animal acting on an uncontrollable impulse, arguing that even without judgment, such behavior means the animal can no longer be trusted. Watch the video to know more....

The Times of India 30 Aug 2026 4:46 pm

Defence Minister, UP CM perform

Defence Minister, UP CM perform Bhoomi Pujan for 14 projects worth Rs 100 crore at Lucknow Cantt Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed the Bhoomi Pujan on Sunday for 14 development projects, including two projects being implemented in collaboration with the state government, with an investment of more [] The post Defence Minister, UP CM perform Bhoomi Pujan for 14 projects worth Rs 100 crore at Lucknow Cantt appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 30 Aug 2026 4:36 pm

NIA Court Sentence 7 Years to Man in ISIS-Linked Terror Conspiracy Case

The conspiracy aimed to establish an ISIS/Daesh wilayah (province), the anti-terror agency said. Rehman has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 48,000

Deccan Chronicle 30 Aug 2026 4:31 pm

Lieutenant Governor Addresses Foundation Day Celebration of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Annual Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul

Srinagar, August 30, 2026: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today addressed the Foundation Day Celebrations of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Annual Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Shrine Board to enhance convenience, safety, and facilities for devotees. He noted that these [] The post Lieutenant Governor Addresses Foundation Day Celebration of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Annual Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Kashmir Media Watch 30 Aug 2026 4:28 pm

Mumbai Witnesses Grand Ganesh Aagman Sohala as Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Arrives

Thousands of devotees gathered in Parel for the grand Ganesh Aagman Sohala of Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani. The idols journey towards Chinchpokli was marked by chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya and a vibrant festive atmosphere.

The Times of India 30 Aug 2026 4:25 pm

Police launch probe into smuggling of teak trees

Nearly 15 teak trees, planted as part of a social forestry initiative by the Irrigation Department 20 years ago, were felled and smuggled from the spot by unidentified persons.

The Hindu 30 Aug 2026 4:25 pm

Jammu Kashmir HC Refuses To Quash FIR Against Assistant Professor Over RBA Certificate Fraud

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has refused to quash an FIR against an assistant professor accused of fraudulently obtaining a Reserved Backward Area (RBA) certificate and using it to secure government employment. Justice Sanjay Dhar dismissed a petition filed by Qulsum Akhter challenging FIR No. 9/2025 registered at the Economic Offences []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 4:24 pm

Dissenting creditors alleged family-linked entities cast 61.78 pc votes that cleared Subhash Chandra's insolvency plan

Dissenting lenders have alleged that five entities linked to Subhash Chandras family controlled 61.78% of voting rights and helped approve his personal insolvency plan. The plan proposes paying 6.5 crore against admitted creditor claims of about 22,006.57 crore, though Chandra disputes that claim amount.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 4:24 pm

India to supply advance power to Nepal to cope with flash flood tragedy

Nepal has sought advance import approvals from India after flash floods cut 550 MW of generation capacity; officials see minimal impact on India's domestic supplies

Business Standard 30 Aug 2026 4:23 pm

After Rakhi Celebrations At Rashtrapati Bhavan, Students Visit War Memorial, Science Centre

Raksha Bandhan Celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan: 122 participants, including 89 students and 32 teachers participated in the special celebration.

NDTV 30 Aug 2026 4:22 pm

Former India cricketer opens up on Saransh Jain's performances after Test series against Sri Lanka

The Indian team performed brilliantly as they took on Sri Lanka across two Test matches recently. Winning the first Test, India went on to draw the second Test and won the series 1-0, putting forth...

India TV 30 Aug 2026 4:20 pm

PM Modi Hails India-Uzbekistan Ties, Sets $5 Billion Trade Target and Zero Tolerance On Terror

PM Modi Hails IndiaUzbekistan Ties Sets Billion Trade Target and Zero Tolerance On Terror

India Today 30 Aug 2026 4:19 pm

Istanbul to host first committee meeting of Turkey-Saudi-Pak defence alliance

Top officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan met in Istanbul for a defense accord. This meeting follows the recent signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The pact aims to enhance defense capabilities and interoperability among the three nations. Discussions will focus on collective deterrence and regional security issues. The alliance remains open to expansion with potential new members joining.

The Times of India 30 Aug 2026 4:18 pm

NEET PG 2026 re-exam date announced after technical glitch at Jaipur centres: Check details

After a power outage disrupted the NEET-PG 2026 examination at two centres in Jaipur on Sunday, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced a re-examination for 2,445 affected candidates. According to...

India TV 30 Aug 2026 4:17 pm

CM Fadnavis Responds to Mohan Bhagwats Statement on Hindutva and Tolerance

Nagpur, August 30: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats recent statement. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that he typically refrains from commenting on Bhagwats remarks. However, he affirmed that the underlying principle is indeed correct, as the essence of Hindutva is tolerance. CM Fadnavis stated, Firstly, we never ... Read more CM Fadnavis Responds to Mohan Bhagwats Statement on Hindutva and Tolerance

Morningstar 30 Aug 2026 4:15 pm

In 1972, NASA sealed 3 astronauts inside a 20-foot chamber for 56 days to rehearse Skylab; the ground experiment exposed hardware and medical problems before launch

In 1972, three astronauts conducted a remarkable ground simulation, residing in a sealed chamber for a staggering 56 days. This experiment was pivotal in preparing for the upcoming Skylab space station mission. Unexpectedly, engineers uncovered hardware failures and health challenges, as astronauts unexpectedly lost weight due to erroneous dietary calculations.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 4:10 pm

Israeli strike kills two people including a 3-year-old boy, Gaza medics say

An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed two Palestinians, including a three-year-old child, and wounded several others, according to Gaza health officials.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 4:06 pm

J-K: Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance

Security agencies have uncovered a new operational tactic by terror groups and Pakistan's ISI, who are now using pornography websites and niche encrypted applications to communicate secretly and recruit in Jammu and Kashmir. These platforms, including Tor-based apps and privacy-focused messengers, help them evade surveillance, posing significant challenges for intelligence efforts.

Rediff 30 Aug 2026 4:05 pm

2017 DySP Lynching Case: Jammu Kashmir HC Upholds PSA Detention of Srinagar Man

SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed a petition challenging the preventive detention of a Srinagar man under the Public Safety Act (PSA), holding that there was no ground to interfere with the detention order. Justice Sanjay Dhar passed the judgment on August 29 while hearing a petition filed by []

KashmirLife 30 Aug 2026 4:04 pm

University admission tests for 2026-27: Date clashes emerge as 8 institutions announce schedules

Overlapping exams on December 18, 19 and January 8 could complicate choices for admission seekers

The Daily Star 30 Aug 2026 4:00 pm

Scientists say northern spotted owl is now functionally extinct in many areas

The northern spotted owl, once a revered icon of environmental activism, faces dire circumstances as it becomes functionally extinct in numerous regions. A recent study indicates a severe decline in its populations throughout their historical habitat. Factors such as habitat destruction and rampant wildfires have severely impacted the species over the years, while the encroaching barred owl emerges as a formidable threat.

The Times of India 30 Aug 2026 4:00 pm

Watch Live: Nancy Grace Telescope launches to unravel mysteries of universe

Watch Live Nancy Grace Telescope launches to unravel mysteries of universe

India Today 30 Aug 2026 4:00 pm

Justice Bhuyan Flags 76-Yr Absence of Distinguished Jurists On SC Bench

Justice Bhuyan remarked that It is regrettable that this provision has remained one of our Constitution's unused mandates

Deccan Chronicle 30 Aug 2026 3:53 pm

In 1969, lightning struck Apollo 12 seconds after launch; John Aarons SCE to AUX call restored telemetry and helped save the Moon mission

Apollo 12 astronauts encountered a significant crisis when lightning struck their rocket, not once but twice. A neglected protocol related to the Signal Conditioning Equipment proved to be a lifesaver for their mission. This incident led to important modifications in NASA's storm launch protocols. It underscored the necessity of preparing for unexpected scenarios and highlighted how meticulousness can prevent potential catastrophes.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 3:50 pm

HNGIL seeks insolvency proceedings against Bira 91 maker over payment default

The stock is lying at HNGIL's plants at Bahadurgarh in Haryana, Puducherry, and Rishra in West Bengal.

The Hindu Businessline 30 Aug 2026 3:40 pm

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to hold first defence pact meeting, source says

Top officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan met Monday for a defense accord. This joint defense agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression. Discussions will cover enhancing defense capabilities and interoperability among forces. Cooperation in the defense industry, including joint production, is also planned. The pact is open to expansion, with Egypt as a potential candidate.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 3:38 pm

AAP Leader Shot Dead by Four Armed Men in Punjab

Chandigarh, Aug 30: A 45-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, was shot dead by four armed assailants in Punjabs Mamdot town, police said on Sunday. The incident took place in the main bazaar on Saturday evening when Singh was travelling in a car with 22-year-old Harpreet Singh alias Happy. According to [] The post AAP Leader Shot Dead by Four Armed Men in Punjabs Mamdot appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 30 Aug 2026 3:37 pm

Josh actor Chandrachur Singh sues relatives over father's inheritance

Actor Chandrachur Singh has reportedly filed a complaint against his relatives after he was denied his father's inheritance. The police have registered an FIR after he claimed that his grandfather's will was forged

Mid Day 30 Aug 2026 3:35 pm

Increased scrutiny, market performance What challenges face the next HDFC Bank CEO after Sashidhar Jagdishan's exit

Here's a look at challenges that the next HDFC Bank CEO is likely to face after Sashidhar Jagdishan's surprise exit. The next leader will have to address increased scrutiny, and 27% stock decline this year among other issues.

Livemint 30 Aug 2026 3:32 pm

GST Council may lower mobile phone tax as demand weakens

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council may consider reducing the 18 per cent tax on mobile phones at its September 12 meeting. The proposed rate cut comes amid a slowdown in mobile handset demand. The Council is scheduled to meet after a gap of 374 days. Unlike its previous meeting, which focused largely on Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 30 Aug 2026 3:30 pm

NIA court sentences accused in Bengaluru Al-Hind ISIS conspiracy case to seven years imprisonment

According to the NIA, it has so far filed three chargesheets against 20 accused in the case

The Hindu 30 Aug 2026 3:28 pm

Jharkhand Sounds Swine Flu Alert After 8 H1N1 Cases; Hospitals Ramp Up Testing and Surveillance

Jharkhand has stepped up its preparedness against H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, after eight people tested positive at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, in August. The state Health Department issued an alert on August 29, directing district authorities, medical colleges and hospitals to strengthen surveillance, screening, testing and treatment facilities. Health []

The LogicaI Indian 30 Aug 2026 3:24 pm

NEET PG 2026 Re-Exam Dates Announced For 2,445 Candidates Of Jaipur Centres: Exam Details Here

A total of 2,65,980 candidates appeared for the exam, with the examination successfully completed for approximately 2,63,535 candidates.

NDTV 30 Aug 2026 3:23 pm

SpaceX set to launch Nasa's $4.3 bn dark energy-hunting space telescope

Perched on top of SpaceX's powerful Falcon Heavy rocket, Nasa's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is slated to lift off at 7:26 a.m. local time from Cape Canaveral, Florida

Business Standard 30 Aug 2026 3:19 pm

WHO releases US$150 000 emergency funds to support Nepal's flood response

The World Health Organisation has released US$150 000 from the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to support urgent health and other needs of the communities impacted by the devastating flash floods in Nepal, one of the worst tragedies in the country in recent times.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 3:19 pm

The battle to build a global defence bank

Canada says it is talking with many countries ahead of a charter signing that its lead negotiator for the DSRB, Isabelle Hudon, said on the sidelines of July's Farnborough Airshow was planned for the autumn.

The Daily Star 30 Aug 2026 3:18 pm

Punishing students for dissent is unconstitutional: SC judge Ujjal Bhuyan

Punishing students for dissent is unconstitutional SC judge Ujjal Bhuyan

India Today 30 Aug 2026 3:15 pm

NIA court sentences key accused to 7 years in Bengaluru ISIS case

The News Mill

The News Mill 30 Aug 2026 3:12 pm

Meghalaya: Four alleged interstate gang members killed in encounter in East Garo Hills

Guwahati: Four alleged members of an interstate criminal gang were killed in an early-morning encounter with police near Songsak in Meghalayas East Garo Hills district on Sunday. According to preliminary reports, the encounter took place when police teams were conducting a search operation in the Songsak area. The suspected gang members allegedly opened fire at [] The post Meghalaya: Four alleged interstate gang members killed in encounter in East Garo Hills appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 30 Aug 2026 3:11 pm

In 2019, Buffalo scientists coated aluminum film with a cooling polymer; a small prototype cooled an enclosed box by 11F by day and 20F at night

Scientists have engineered a cost-effective film utilizing aluminum foil combined with a polymer layer. This innovative film actively cools confined areas by emitting heat into outer space. By harnessing the proven method of passive radiative cooling, the product's design as a 'solar shelter' substantially boosts its cooling performance during the day, presenting a promising substitute for conventional air conditioning solutions.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 3:10 pm

Bira 91 faces insolvency push as HNGIL seeks Rs 11.8 crore

Hindusthan National Glass has issued a default notice to Bira 91's parent company. The glass manufacturer seeks recovery of over eleven crore rupees for unpaid dues. This action follows Bira 91's founder stepping down amid financial challenges. Bira 91 has been out of production and faces significant debt. The company may face insolvency proceedings if dues are not settled promptly.

The Economic Times 30 Aug 2026 3:07 pm

Principal hailed a hero during Nepal flash flood disaster

Rajendra Dawadi, the principal of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Nepal's Trishuli Valley, has been hailed a hero for his quick thinking during a devastating flash flood.

NewsBytes 30 Aug 2026 3:06 pm