RIL Shares Rise 2% as Jio Platforms IPO Fully Subscribed in 100 Minutes
New Delhi, Oct 21: Shares of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) rose around 2 per cent on Wednesday after its digital arm, Jio Platforms, saw its 30,213-crore initial public offering (IPO) fully subscribed within just 100 minutes of opening, setting a record for the fastest subscription of a public issue. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), [] The post RIL Shares Rise 2% as Jio Platforms IPO Fully Subscribed in 100 Minutes appeared first on Northlines .
Valour Of Martyrs Inspires Us To Strengthen Peace, Security: LG Sinha On Police Commemoration Day
Srinagar, Oct 21: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid tributes to police personnel who laid down their lives for the nation, honouring their courage, duty and sacrifice. On Police Commemoration Day, I pay heartfelt tribute to the brave police personnel who laid down their lives in service of the nation. [] The post Valour Of Martyrs Inspires Us To Strengthen Peace, Security: LG Sinha On Police Commemoration Day appeared first on Northlines .
SBI Confirms Cyberattack, 3,897 Customer Records Found on Dark Web
New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI) has confirmed a cyber incident after 3,897 customer records containing personally identifiable information were identified during a preliminary analysis of data available on the dark web. In a statement to stock exchanges on Wednesday, the bank said it received alerts on October 16 from its Threat Intelligence Service [] The post SBI Confirms Cyberattack, 3,897 Customer Records Found on Dark Web appeared first on Northlines .
CBI Registers FIR, Takes Over Probe Into Anti-Drug Activist
New Delhi, Oct 21: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR and taken over the probe into the alleged murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjabs Mansa, with a special team reaching the district to investigate the case, officials said on Wednesday. The CBI team, comprising experts in forensics, drug [] The post CBI Registers FIR, Takes Over Probe Into Anti-Drug Activists Killing in Punjab appeared first on Northlines .
PM Modi Pays Homage To Policemen Who Sacrificed Life In Line Of Duty
NEW DELHI, Oct 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to the brave police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day. He said it is an occasion to express the deepest gratitude to the countrys police personnel, who serve with remarkable [] The post PM Modi Pays Homage To Policemen Who Sacrificed Life In Line Of Duty appeared first on Northlines .
Former Srinagar MTS Employee Dismissed Over Alleged Forgery, Fraud
Srinagar, Oct 21: The Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Jammu and Kashmir, has ordered the dismissal of former Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employee Fozia Afzal following departmental proceedings over allegations of financial fraud, forgery of official documents and misuse of official position in connection with purported land and shop allotments in Srinagar. The dismissal was ordered through Government [] The post Former Srinagar MTS Employee Dismissed Over Alleged Forgery, Fraud appeared first on Northlines .
Ten injured as bus skids off road, rolls down in Udhampur
Udhampur, Oct 21: At least ten people were injured after a bus skidded off the road and rolled down in the Latti-Basantgarh tehsil of Jammus Udhampur district on Wednesday, officials said. An official said that the accident took place at Gulli Gala in the Pachound area along the Basantgarh-Ramnagar road. Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said he had spoken to Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Ananth Dwivedi after receiving news of the accident. In a post, Singh said all passengers were promptly evacuated with the timely intervention of local residents. He added that the rescue team had reached the spot and that nine to ten injured passengers were being shifted to the Sub-District Hospital, Ramnagar. No casualties have been reported so far, Singh said, adding that all necessary assistance was being provided and his office was in constant touch with the administration. Meanwhile, further details regarding the exact number of injured persons and the circumstances of the accident are awaited.(KNO)
Passenger Bus Meets With Accident in Udhampur
SRINAGAR: At least 12-15 passengers were injured when a bus travelling from Pechound to Ramnagar met with an accident at Gulli Gala Latti in Udhampur district on Wednesday. The bus, bearing registration number JK02AL-3477, was involved in the accident at Gulli Gala, according to reports. The injured passengers were shifted to a nearby hospital for []
Ramnagar: At least 10 people were injured after a bus met with an accident at Gulli Gala Latti in Ramnagar area of Udhampur district on Wednesday. No casualties have been reported so far. Reports said that a bus bearing registration number JK02AL-3477, which was on its way from Pachiound to Ramnagar, met with an accident []
No Additional Cables Required for Smart Meter Installation, Clarifies KPDCL
Srinagar, Oct 21 : Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Wednesday clarified that consumers are not required to purchase additional cables as a mandatory condition for smart meter installation, maintaining that the project provides necessary installation cables, including additional lengths wherever technically required. The clarification followed Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone's allegation that consumers were being forced to pay between ?4,000 and ?5,000 for additional cables to get smart meters installed, imposing an extra financial burden on poorer households. In a statement, KPDCL said existing service lines remain the responsibility of consumers under applicable electricity regulations, but replacement or upgradation of service cables is optional and cannot be made a condition for installing smart meters. No consumer should be compelled to purchase cables or incur unnecessary expenses for smart meter installation, KPDCL said, reiterating its commitment to transparent, hassle-free and consumer-friendly implementation of the smart metering programme. The corporation urged consumers to report any instance of being compelled to purchase cables or incur unnecessary expenses to the concerned authorities for appropriate action.(KNS)
Missing Rafiabad girl traced with help of technical, human intelligence: Police
Baramulla, Oct 21 : The 15-year-old girl from Rafiabad, who went missing after appearing for her Class 10 board examination, was traced safely in Srinagar district on Wednesday, officials said. A police officer told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the girl was traced with the assistance of technical and human intelligence and efforts had been underway to establish her whereabouts following her disappearance on October 19. He said the girl, identified as Uzma Irshad, a resident of Laiser village in Rafiabad went missing after appearing for her examination at Government Higher Secondary School, Dangiwacha. According to her family, the girl left the examination centre and reached Watergam village, after which her whereabouts became unknown, he said. The officer said her disappearance prompted the family to appeal to the public for assistance. The matter also drew attention on social media, with people sharing her photographs to help trace her. On Wednesday morning, following her safe recovery, the family appealed to social media users to delete her photographs and refrain from sharing them further, urging them to respect the minors privacy. The family also expressed gratitude to the public, well-wishers and everyone who extended support during the search.(KNO)
Death Toll in Houthi Strike on Yemen Camp Climbs to 73, Over 200 Injured
SRINAGAR: A Houthi missile strike on a government military training camp in southern Yemen killed 73 recruits and wounded more than 200 others, Shabwa Governor Awad Ibn al-Wazir told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The death toll made Mondays attack on the al-Alam training camp in Shabwa province the deadliest strike since fighting in the []
Missing 15-Year-Old Rafiabad Girl Traced in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: A minor girl from Rafiabad area of Baramulla who had been missing since October 19 has been found at Dargah Hazratbal in Srinagar. Officials said that the girl was traced on Wednesday after massive search was launched by Sopore police along with her family. Meanwhile, the family has appealed to the general public and []
DC Kulgam attends Dussehra celebrations at K.P. Colony Vessu
Kulgam, Oct 20: Vijayadashami (Dussehra) was celebrated on Tuesday with great enthusiasm and religious fervour at K.P. Colony, Vessu. On the auspicious occasion, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, visited the colony and took part in celebrations with the residents. He also extended heartfelt greetings to the people. Besides, the DC also inspected the ongoing infrastructure development works and took stock of the progress being made. He also interacted with the residents and listened to their various issues and concerns. The Deputy Commissioner assured the residents that their genuine concerns would be looked into by the concerned authorities. As part of the Dussehra celebrations, a prize distribution ceremony was organised for children to encourage their participation and recognise their talent. The celebrations culminated with the traditional burning of the effigy of Ravana by a large gathering of colony residents, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Vessu Welfare Committee expressed its gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner for visiting the colony, reviewing the ongoing development works, and interacting with the residents. The Committee also conveyed its warm greetings to all residents on Vijayadashami, emphasising the values of truth, righteousness, unity, brotherhood, and humanity.
DC Poonch reviews waste remediation work
Poonch, Oct 20: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik on Tuesday visited the waste remediation site in Poonch to review the progress of ongoing solid waste management initiatives. During the visit, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Khalil A. Banday briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the progress achieved at the site, informing him that more than 12,000 metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste have been remediated as part of the ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and environmental conditions in the town. The CEO also apprised the officers of the measures being undertaken to strengthen solid waste management practices, with special emphasis on household-level waste segregation to ensure the proper separation of wet and dry waste at the source. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the ongoing remediation work and stressed the importance of public participation in maintaining cleanliness and promoting sustainable waste management practices. He appealed to the people of Poonch to extend their full cooperation to the Municipal Council by segregating wet and dry waste at the household level, avoiding littering and ensuring proper disposal of waste. He emphasized that effective waste management is a shared responsibility and that the active involvement of every household is essential for achieving a cleaner and healthier environment. Household-level segregation also facilitates better waste processing, recycling and scientific disposal, thereby reducing the burden on waste management facilities. The Municipal Council Poonch reiterated its commitment to improving sanitation services, promoting source segregation and ensuring the scientific management of solid waste. The general public was urged to actively support these initiatives and adopt responsible waste disposal practices. The initiative reflects the continued efforts of the District Administration and Municipal Council Poonch towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Poonch through effective waste management and community participation.
Dussehra celebrated with devotion in Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah, Oct 20: Dussehra was celebrated with great religious fervour, devotion and enthusiasm here, marking the triumph of good over evil and commemorating Lord Ramas victory over the demon king Ravana. Traditionally, Dussehra celebrations in Bhaderwah have been held at Sehri Bazaar. However, keeping in view space constraints and changing developmental requirements, major celebrations have also been organised at the New Bus Stand, Kotli, Bhaderwah, providing space for the gathering of devotees and the smooth conduct of the festivities. The highlight of the celebrations was the burning of large effigies of Ravana and his associates, which were prepared by specialised artists. The effigies were set ablaze amid fireworks and traditional arrow-shooting rituals performed by participants portraying Lord Rama, creating an atmosphere of religious devotion and festive enthusiasm. A large number of devotees, locals and visitors participated in the celebrations, reflecting Bhaderwahs rich cultural heritage and longstanding religious traditions. The occasion also served as a reminder of the enduring message of righteousness, truth and the ultimate victory of good over evil. MLA Bhaderwah Daleep Singh Parihar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, Additional Superintendent of Police, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Station House Officer and other officers of the civil administration, police and concerned departments were also present on the occasion. The ADC, in coordination with the police and other concerned departments, ensured comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the celebrations. Necessary measures were put in place for security, traffic management, sanitation and the uninterrupted supply of power and drinking water to facilitate the public.
DC Srinagar participates in Dussehra celebrations, Bhandara at Magarmal Bagh
Srinagar, Oct 20: On the occasion of Dussehra, celebrated with great reverence, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a devotional Bhandara celebrations were organised at Kali Mata Mandir Magarmal Bagh with all fervor and rituals. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo also paid a visit to the Mandir and participated in the Hawan and bhandara. The event witnessed the presence of devotees from various parts of the district and paid their reverence at the temple. The bhandara was also organized with devotees coming together at the temple to mark the festival. The gathering highlighted the importance of traditions and community participation in celebrating this auspicious occasion of Dusherra.
Basohli Utsav 2026 : JJM collaborates with JKAACL, Natrang to promote water conservation
Kathua, Oct 20: Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), organised a Nukkad Natak by Natrang, Jammu, at Basohli Utsav 2026 to promote water conservation, cleanliness and judicious use of water. Organised under the Jal Utsav framework for continuous engagement and cultural connect with water, the initiative used live theatre to spread awareness and encourage collective responsibility towards protecting water resources. Based on the devotional narrative of Mata Ki Kahani, the Nukkad Natak highlighted the contrast between the reverence accorded to water in Indian spiritual traditions and the challenges posed by pollution, wastage and unsustainable practices. The performance conveyed that preserving water resources requires responsible human action. It emphasised that water-supply infrastructure alone cannot ensure long-term water security. Protection of natural springs and streams, conservation of catchment areas, rainwater harvesting, prevention of pollution and judicious water use are equally essential. In line with the vision of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the initiative highlighted community participation, local ownership of drinking-water systems and protection of water sources for future generations. It reiterated that water conservation is a shared responsibility of government departments, households, communities and individuals. A digital screen installed at the festival venue is also showcasing JJMs efforts and achievements, along with messages on water conservation and sustainable water management. Being celebrated from October 19 to 21, Basohli Utsav 2026 showcases the regions rich cultural heritage, traditional art forms, tourism potential and local economy. The festival features Basohli miniature paintings, Ramleela, folk performances, traditional sports, local cuisine and Ravi Aarti, among other attractions. The collaboration highlights the role of cultural platforms and traditional storytelling in promoting public awareness and reinforcing the message that access to safe drinking water must go hand in hand with protecting natural resources.
54 Bn CRPF holds grand Bhandara at Gupt Ganga Temple Complex on Navratri
Srinagar, Oct 20: Prioritising social harmony alongside national security, the 54 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) undertook a commendable community initiative on Tuesday on the auspicious occasion of Navratri. The battalion organized a grand community feast ('Bhandara') at the historic Gupt Ganga Temple Complex (Nishat, Srinagar), which saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, security personnel, and members of the academic community. The spiritual and community event was formally inaugurated by Shri Ravi Prakash, Commandant of the 54 Battalion, alongside Dr. Paresh Gotpagar, AC Shri Ashwani Kumar, and other senior officers and jawans, who began the proceedings by respectfully distributing 'Prasad' to the devotees. The hallmark of this event was the dignified presence of people from diverse walks of life. The event was attended by esteemed faculty members from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), including Prof. Khokhar and Prof. Gautam, along with a large number of university students who partook in the Prasad. Concurrently, local residents from the Nishat area actively participated in the Bhandara, presenting an unbreakable example of peace, goodwill, and mutual brotherhood in the region. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Commandant Ravi Prakash said, The core mission of the CRPF is not just to provide security, but also to work hand-in-hand with the local populace to build a strong and harmonious society. The holy festival of Navratri teaches us the values of unity and selfless service, and today's Bhandara is a reflection of that very solidarity. The local residents and guests present highly appreciated this heartwarming gesture by the 54 Battalion CRPF and expressed their deep gratitude to the force. The entire event concluded in an atmosphere filled with immense joy, piety, and flawless discipline.
DC Kupwara finalizes action plan under Aspirational Block Program for Keran
Kupwara, Oct 20: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Abhishek Sharma on Tuesday convened a meeting of district and sectoral officers to formulate a comprehensive Action Plan under the Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) for the border block of Keran. During the meeting, threadbare deliberations were held on key developmental parameters, civic amenities, livelihood generation, and tourism infrastructure aimed at transforming Keran into a model block. Addressing the officers, the DC emphasized that developmental interventions must cover every village within the block and be based on ground-level need analysis to deliver tangible, outcome-oriented results. Focusing on the visual and ecological profile of the area, the DC instructed the line departments to renovate all government buildings across the block to create. He further directed officers to proactively institute scientific waste management systems to safeguard the local environment, alongside installing proper street lighting, standardized signages, and ensuring regular maintenance and upkeep of existing public assets. To tap the border regions scenic potential, the DC stressed the identification and development of additional tourist attractions and directed the Chief Executive Officer, Lolab-Bangus-Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA), to collaborate with relevant departments to explore landscape development and aesthetic enhancement throughout the block. Concluding the meeting, the DC directed all participating departments to submit their sector-specific, need-based proposals without delay so that a consolidated, outcome-oriented Action Plan can be finalized for prompt execution. The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer LBDDA Farooq Ahmad Baba, Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad, District Programme Officer (DPO) ICDS Aijaz Ahmad, Chief Planning Officer (CPO), along with senior officers and engineers from Education, Health, Public Works (PWD), National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), and Youth Services & Sports (YSS).
CEO SSCL inspects Lal Chowk, directs repairs to Smart City Assets
Srinagar, Oct 20: Reaffirming the focus on sustained maintenance of Smart City assets and improved public convenience, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), conducted a late-night inspection of Srinagars Central Business District (CBD) on Monday, covering Ghanta Ghar, Sheikh Bagh Car Parking and mechanised car parking facility at Lal Chowk. The inspection aimed to assess the condition of civic infrastructure and public amenities developed under the Smart City Mission, identify maintenance gaps and ensure prompt corrective action. During the inspection, Dr. Basharat directed the concerned officers to address identified deficiencies on priority, initiate necessary repairs and restoration measures without delay, and ensure the timely completion of pending works, with particular emphasis on illumination, parking management and the functionality of public conveniences. At Lal Chowk, the CEO directed regular maintenance and timely repair of streetlights, illumination systems and faade lighting to maintain the areas visual appeal and ensure adequate illumination. At Sheikh Bagh, he instructed the concerned officers to restore and maintain the community sanitary complex near the car parking facility and expedite the completion of the public convenience facility on the first floor, ensuring that both facilities are made operational for public use. He further directed the officers to examine the feasibility of an alternative access route at Sheikh Bagh Car Parking to streamline vehicular movement and ease congestion. At the mechanised car parking facility in Lal Chowk, the concerned officers were instructed to undertake necessary repairs and restore the high-mast lighting system to ensure adequate illumination. Emphasising the need for sustained upkeep of Smart City assets, Dr. Basharat called for regular field inspections, preventive maintenance and swift resolution of operational deficiencies. He directed the concerned officers to closely monitor the progress of corrective works and ensure that all public facilities remain functional, accessible and properly maintained. The inspection underscores SSCLs commitment to asset sustainability, reliable public services and citizen-centric urban management, ensuring that infrastructure developed under the Smart City Mission continues to serve the people of Srinagar efficiently and effectively. The CEO was accompanied by the Chief Engineer, SSCL; Superintending Engineer, Drainage Circle, SMC; Executive Engineer, SSCL; and other officials of SMC and SSCL.
Jammu Kashmir Police Warns Against Unsafe Public Wi-Fi Networks
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police has cautioned people against connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, warning that cybercriminals could exploit them to steal personal information, banking details and passwords. In a public safety advisory, the police highlighted the risks associated with open Wi-Fi networks available at public places, including airports and cafes, urging users to []
J&Ks biomedical waste mounts as 9.34 tonnes generated daily
Srinagar, Oct 20: As hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, clinics and other healthcare establishments across Jammu and Kashmir generate more than nine tonnes of biomedical waste every day, a major regulatory compliance gap has emerged, with 6,725 healthcare facilities operating without applying for the mandatory authorisation, according to the annual report of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC). The report, covering January to December 2025, puts the total number of healthcare facilities and other occupiers at 9,028 across the Union Territory, including 4,710 in Jammu and 4,318 in Kashmir. Of these, 6,725 facilities were listed as operating without applying for authorisation under the biomedical waste management framework. The figure includes 3,587 facilities in Jammu and 3,138 in Kashmir, the report reveals. The findings highlight the scale of the regulatory challenge in managing waste generated by the healthcare sector, where improper handling, segregation, storage, transportation or disposal can expose sanitation workers, healthcare staff and the public to infectious and hazardous materials. Biomedical waste includes contaminated dressings, pathological waste, laboratory materials, sharps such as needles, and other waste generated during medical diagnosis, treatment and research. Its safe management requires segregation at source, appropriate treatment and disposal through authorised systems, it states. The report, however, does not establish that every facility operating without authorisation has improperly disposed of its waste. The figures point to a substantial compliance gap that requires regulatory attention. According to the report, Jammu and Kashmir generated 9,342.77 kg of biomedical waste per day during 2025. Kashmir accounted for 7,252.77 kg daily, compared with 2,090 kg in Jammu. Bedded hospitals generated 7,652.564 kg per day, while non-bedded hospitals and other listed establishments accounted for 1,690.29 kg daily, it reads. The figures underline the importance of ensuring that waste from large hospitals, smaller clinics, diagnostic centres and laboratories enters an authorised collection and treatment chain. The report records three common biomedical waste treatment facilities in operation across the Union Territoryone in Jammu and two in Kashmir. Another facility was listed as under construction in Jammu. These common facilities treated a reported 8,926 kg of biomedical waste daily. In areas where common treatment facilities were unavailable, 416.606 kg per day was reported as being treated through deep burial at healthcare facilities, it said. The report also records 1,733.391 kg of treated biomedical waste being disposed of through authorised recyclers each day. The treatment figures broadly correspond with the reported daily generation, although the totals show a small numerical difference that would require clarification from the Committee. The report records 2,303 applications for authorisation, including 1,123 from Jammu and 1,180 from Kashmir. Of these, 1,006 authorisations were reported as granted, while 786 applications remained under consideration. Another 511 applications were listed as rejected, not granted or having shortcomings. The figures indicate that authorisation and compliance monitoring remain important areas for regulatory action, particularly given the number of establishments listed as operating without applying. The Committee reported issuing 730 show-cause notices or directions to healthcare facilities595 in Jammu and 135 in Kashmir. One direction was recorded against a common biomedical waste treatment facility. The report also lists closure orders against defaulters, although the district-wise figures in the available text require reconciliation before a definitive total can be quoted. On infrastructure and capacity-building, the Committee reported conducting 555 workshops or training programmes during the year. It also recorded 154 effluent or sewage treatment plants among occupiers, comprising 84 in Jammu and 70 in Kashmir. The report further lists 111 common biomedical waste treatment facilities or installations with continuous online emission monitoring systems, including 70 in Jammu and 41 in Kashmir. The findings place the focus on the need to bring healthcare establishments within the authorisation framework, strengthen inspections and ensure that biomedical waste is segregated, collected, treated and disposed of in accordance with prescribed norms. With 9.34 tonnes of biomedical waste generated daily across Jammu and Kashmir, the challenge is not merely to expand treatment capacity but to ensure that every healthcare establishment follows the rules governing the waste it produces.
Interns across J&K hospitals strike again over stipend
Srinagar, Oct 20: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir hospitals have resumed their strike demanding an increase in their monthly stipend, alleging that the government has failed to issue a formal order despite repeated assurances. On Tuesday, interns at various medical colleges across the Union Territory held a candlelight march, reiterating that they would continue their agitation until the government issued a written order implementing the stipend hike. President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, said the interns wanted the government to issue the formal order without further delay. No written order, no end to the strike, Dr Khan said, adding that repeated assurances from the authorities had failed to inspire confidence among the protesting interns. The agitation intensified after the expiry of the stipulated 30-day period without the issuance of the promised government order Referring to government record notes dated September 4 and 9, 2026, the interns said the authorities had committed to finalising the matter within 30 days but had failed to meet the deadline. The protesting interns maintained that the issue was no longer about holding meetings or receiving assurances but about implementing a commitment that had already been made in writing. Dr Khan said the interns appreciated the confirmation regarding the proposed stipend enhancement but stressed that the association could not call off the agitation solely on the basis of an announcement. He said the interns had received similar assurances in the past and were now seeking a formal government order clearly specifying the implementation of the enhanced stipend. On September 8, the Jammu and Kashmir Government had stated that the stipend of MBBS and BDS interns, who had been on strike for more than a week, would be finalised within a month based on the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee. The assurance came after a delegation of medical interns from various medical colleges across J&K met Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo and sought an enhancement in their monthly stipend. However, the interns had initially rejected the proposed one-month timeline and continued their agitation, insisting that the enhancement be formally notified through a government order. The interns have been demanding an increase in the monthly stipend paid during their one-year mandatory internship after completing their MBBS or BDS degrees. In July last year, the Health Minister had stated that the stipend would be increased very soon and that the file was under process. Since then, medical students and associations have repeatedly raised the issue with the authorities, pointing out that the stipend had not been revised for the past seven years. The matter was also raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in February 2026. The government had acknowledged that a committee constituted in 2023 had recommended an enhancement, but the proposal was still awaiting the required financial concurrence.
Darbar Move: Offices to reopen in Jammu on Nov 2
Srinagar, Oct 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the annual Darbar Move from Srinagar for the winter season 2026-27, with all offices scheduled to reopen in Jammu on November 02, 2026. According to the order issued by Commissioner Secretary to the Government, M. Raju, accessed by Rising Kashmir, offices observing a five-day week will close in Srinagar after office hours on October 30, while those following a six-day week will close on October 31. The order provides for two categories of offices moving to Jammu: those moving in full and those moving in camp. All departments of the Civil Secretariat will move to Jammu in full including Chief Ministers Secretariat; Personal Staff of Advisor to Chief Minister; Department of Civil Aviation; Civil Secretariat Dispensary; Security Staff of the Civil Secretariat; Civil Secretariat Treasury; Executive Director, Rehabilitation Council (Social Welfare Department); Accounts Officer, G.P. Fund Moving Cell; Financial Commissioner, Revenue (including Joint Director, Statistics in camp); Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K; Chief Electoral Officer, J&K; Director, Youth Services & Sports; Director, Information, J&K; Director, Motor Garages; Director, Hospitality & Protocol Department, with catering staff; Director General, Accounts & Treasuries; Director, Employment, J&K; Director, Forest Protection Force; Director, Skill Development, J&K; Director, Forest Research Institute; Director, Tribal Affairs; Labour Commissioner, J&K; Custodian General, J&K; Transport Commissioner, J&K; Chief Executive Officer, J&K e-Governance Agency; Project Director, AIDS Control Society; J&K Board of Technical Education; J&K Advisory Board for the Development of Pahari Speaking People; J&K Water Resources Regulatory Authority; J&K Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjars & Bakerwals; One Man Forest Authority; Chief Engineer, Procurement & Material Management Wing, J&K; Chief Engineer, Planning & Design Wing, J&K; Director, Training, Testing, Inspections & Commissions, J&K; J&K Advisory Board for the Welfare & Development of Kissan; J&K Advisory Board for the Welfare & Development of Other Backward Classes; CEO/Secretary, J&K Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board; Director, Samagra Shiksha, J&K; Managing Director, J&K Women Development Corporation; Mission Director, J&K Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM); Controller, Drug & Food Control Organization; Mission Director, ICDS, J&K; Chairman, Committee of Fixation of Fee Structure of Private Educational Institutions; Director, Rural Sanitation, J&K; Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, J&K; Office of Chairperson, JKRERA; Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K and J&K Employees State Insurance Society. The office that will move in camp include Commissioner, State Taxes Department; Excise Commissioner, J&K, with skeletal staff; Director General, Economics & Statistics; Director General, Audit & Inspection; Director, Family Welfare MCH & Immunization; Director, AYUSH, J&K; Director, Soil Conservation, J&K; Director, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K; Director, Sericulture, J&K; Director, Horticulture (P&M), J&K; Director, Geology & Mining, J&K; Director, Libraries & Research, J&K; Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums, J&K; Chief Architect, J&K; Director, Financial Organization, PDD; Mission Director, Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), J&K; Nucleus Staff of Funds Organization; Gazette Section of J&K Government Press; Registrar, Cooperatives, J&K; Subordinate Office of Science & Technology Department; Director, Social Forestry, J&K; J&K Services Selection Board, with staff to be determined by the Chairman; Board of Professional Entrance Examination, with staff to be determined by the Chairman; Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Committee; J&K Socially & Economically Backward Classes Commission; J&K Special Tribunal, with marginal staff; Managing Directors of all PSUs, with skeletal staff; J&K Commercial Taxes Tribunal, with marginal staff; DFO, Photo Interpretation Division (Forest Department), with marginal staff; J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board, with staff to be determined by the Industries & Commerce Department; J&K Housing Board; Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K; Chairman of the Committee for Fixation of Fee Structure of Professional Colleges in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir; Chief Engineer, Commercial and Survey Wing; J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, with 26 employees; Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants); Director, Fisheries, J&K; Empowered Officer, PMGSY (JKRRDA); Directorate of National Health Mission, J&K; Office of the J&K Medical Supplies Corporation; Chief Engineer, J&K UEED; Mission Director, J&K Skill Development Mission (as per past practice); Chief Executive Officer, ERA, J&K; Chief Executive Officer, Mission Youth, J&K; Directorate General, Women & Child Development, J&K; Mission Director, ICPS, J&K; Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K; Directorate of Local Funds, Audit & Pensions, J&K; Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, J&K and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). Offices moving in camp will carry only 33 per cent of their staff strength or 10 officials, whichever is less, unless specifically indicated otherwise. The government has fixed a uniform Special Move Travel Allowance of Rs 25,000 for each employee moving with the Darbar Move. However, employees who do not move before or within the prescribed date will not be entitled to the allowance. The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has been directed to arrange sufficient buses in good condition for transporting employees on October 31 and November 1. Tickets will be available in advance from October 27 at the Civil Secretariat and the corporations main booking counters, with bookings to employees destinations wherever feasible. Each convoy will be accompanied by one crane and two empty buses to deal with breakdowns, while mobile workshops will also accompany the convoys. The J&K Police will provide escort throughout the journey and ensure that the move convoys receive precedence while crossing the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel and the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel. The Health and Medical Education Department has been directed to establish medical aid facilities at Qazigund, Banihal, Ramsu, Ramban, Chenani, Udhampur and Jhajjar Kotli on the days employees travel to Jammu. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department will set up ration counters at suitable locations around residential colonies of move employees in Jammu to ensure adequate supplies. The Estates Department will provide accommodation to officers and officials moving with the Darbar Move as per past practice. However, employees will not be permitted to occupy government, Estate Department, municipal or residential accommodation without a proper allotment order. They may retain government accommodation allotted to them in Srinagar for the bona fide use of their families, subject to approved terms and conditions and intimation to the Estates Department. The government has also authorised advance pay for non-gazetted employees who apply for it, recoverable in instalments as per rules. October salaries of employees working in move offices will be drawn on October 29. No leave will ordinarily be admissible in combination with or in continuation of the move days, except under very exceptional circumstances. Five days of Special Casual Leave will, however, be allowed to Kashmir-based employees moving to Jammu who wish to avail of it, irrespective of whether accommodation is available to them in Jammu. The General Administration Department will establish a Winter Secretariat at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to facilitate the functioning of the administration during the winter session. All Administrative Secretaries have been asked to furnish details of one gazetted and four non-gazetted employees to be retained at the Srinagar Civil Secretariat. No employee can be retained without prior approval of the competent authority. Departments have been asked to give preference, wherever feasible, to female employees and those with serious medical conditions. Each department will also identify a room at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar for the retained employees and submit the details to the General Administration Department for allotment orders. Departments have further been directed to detach staff, if any, deployed from subordinate offices in Kashmir Division by October 27. The SSP (Security), Civil Secretariat, will withdraw temporary identity cards issued to such staff and submit a report to the General Administration Department before the offices close in Srinagar. On reopening in Jammu, the Civil Secretariat and Heads of Departments located within its premises will function from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Moving Heads of Departments located outside the Civil Secretariat and observing a six-day week will work from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Dussehra celebrated with traditional fervour
Srinagar, Oct 20: Dussehra was celebrated in Srinagar with traditional fervour on Tuesday at S K Stadium, with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community participating in the festivities marking the victory of good over evil. The festival, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and symbolises the triumph of righteousness over evil. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, following the nine-day Navratri festival. The celebrations brought together members of the community to observe the occasion through religious rituals and traditional festivities. Dussehra holds particular cultural and religious significance for Hindus, commemorating the victory of truth, justice and righteousness. In Srinagar, the festival also reflects the communitys efforts to preserve its religious traditions and cultural heritage. The occasion provides an opportunity for people to come together and pass on longstanding customs to younger generations. Across the country, Dussehra is celebrated in different ways, with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran forming a major attraction in several places. The festival also marks the culmination of Ramlila performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana. Dussehra conveys the timeless message that good always triumphs over evil. The festival is an occasion to come together, preserve our cultural and religious traditions, and pass on the values of truth, righteousness and mutual respect to the younger generation, an organiser said. The celebrations are followed by Diwali, the festival of lights, which is observed to mark Lord Ramas return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Dussehra conveys the message that good ultimately triumphs over evil, while encouraging people to uphold truth, compassion and righteousness in their lives.
Rural workers in J&K earn Rs 162/day vs Rs 554 urban
Srinagar, Oct 20: Unskilled rural workers in Jammu and Kashmir earned an average daily wage of Rs 162 during the 202324 financial year, compared to Rs 554 in urban areas, highlighting a significant disparity in labour earnings across the Union Territory. According to NITI Aayogs latest report, titled Reassessment of National Parameters for Appraisal of Public Investment Programmes/Projects in India, rural unskilled workers earned less than one-third of the average daily wage of their urban counterparts, despite rural areas accounting for 81.01 per cent of J&Ks population, while urban areas account for 18.99 per cent. The data also highlights differences in the Shadow Wage Rate Factor (SWRF), an indicator used to assess the social opportunity cost of employing labour in public development projects. The general SWRF stood at 0.36 in rural areas and 0.96 in urban areas, with the overall UT figure recorded at 0.47. The figures indicate a substantial difference in the assessed economic cost of employing unskilled labour across rural and urban areas. A different pattern emerges in the figures for female unskilled workers. Rural female workers recorded an average daily wage of Rs 343, compared to Rs 498 for their urban counterparts. The SWRF for female workers stood at 0.78 in rural areas and 0.96 in urban areas, with the overall figure at 0.81. The rural female wage figure is higher than the general rural unskilled wage figure of Rs 162, while the urban female wage figure is lower than the general urban figure of Rs 554. Pertinently, a lower factor can indicate that labour has a lower estimated opportunity cost in the relevant setting, potentially reflecting underemployment or surplus labour capacity. The data points to the need to consider regional and gender-based differences in labour markets while assessing public infrastructure and development projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
J&K trips pricier than Himachal, Uttarakhand
Srinagar, Oct 20: Domestic overnight trips to Jammu and Kashmir cost households an average of Rs 19,625, higher than comparable trips to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but transport accounts for the largest separately recorded share of expenditure, while pilgrimage rather than leisure dominates travel in the Union Territory, according to a government survey accessed by Rising Kashmir. The National Statistics Office's (NSO) Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey, conducted between July 2025 and June 2026 under the 80th round of the National Sample Survey, provides a detailed picture of how much households spend on trips to Jammu and Kashmir, where the money goes and what brings travellers to the region. The findings show that although Jammu and Kashmir records higher average trip expenditure than two major Himalayan destinations, a substantial portion goes towards transport, including journeys undertaken outside the Union Territory. The figures, therefore, do not necessarily reflect the amount earned by local tourism businesses. According to the survey data, average expenditure on an overnight household trip to Jammu and Kashmir stood at Rs 19,625, compared with Rs 19,314 for Himachal Pradesh and Rs 15,695 for Uttarakhand. A trip to Jammu and Kashmir thus involved approximately Rs 3,930 more expenditure than one to Uttarakhand, a difference of around 25 per cent. The gap with Himachal Pradesh was considerably smaller at Rs 311, or about 1.6 per cent. Jammu and Kashmir stood 13th among 34 states and Union Territories in a comparison restricted to destinations with at least 100 matched sample trips. The position was derived from the survey records and does not represent an official ranking published by the NSO. The expenditure calculations covered 2,698 sampled overnight household trips to Jammu and Kashmir, compared with 1,921 for Himachal Pradesh and 4,461 for Uttarakhand. A closer examination of expenditure reveals that transport accounted for Rs 5,495 per overnight household trip to Jammu and Kashmir, representing approximately 28 per cent of the overall expenditure. Accommodation cost an average of Rs 2,411, while food and beverages accounted for Rs 2,673. Households spent another Rs 2,623 on shopping and purchases, while recreation, religious activities, health-related services and other activities covered under the relevant expenditure category accounted for Rs 1,856. The survey separately recorded an average package-tour expenditure component of Rs 4,339 per household trip, with package spending treated separately from individual categories to avoid double counting. Transport expenditure on trips to Jammu and Kashmir was Rs 833 higher than Himachal Pradesh's Rs 4,662 and Rs 1,692 higher than Uttarakhand's Rs 3,803. However, the pattern was different for accommodation. Households travelling to Himachal Pradesh spent an average of Rs 2,960 on accommodation, compared with Rs 2,411 for Jammu and Kashmir and Rs 2,292 for Uttarakhand. Food expenditure was also marginally higher in Himachal Pradesh at Rs 2,750, compared with Rs 2,673 in Jammu and Kashmir and Rs 2,076 in Uttarakhand. The figures suggest that Jammu and Kashmir's higher overall trip expenditure is not accompanied by higher spending across every category of tourism-related services. Importantly, the transport estimates include expenditure incurred during the entire journey, including travel to the destination and the return trip. Consequently, the amount cannot be interpreted as revenue earned exclusively by transport operators based in Jammu and Kashmir. Beyond expenditure, the survey reveals a striking difference in the purpose of domestic travel to the three Himalayan destinations. Pilgrimage and religious activities accounted for 54.8 per cent of overnight household trips to Jammu and Kashmir within four major travel-purpose categories, compared with 22.8 per cent for holidaying, leisure and recreation. Health and medical travel accounted for another 19.9 per cent, while shopping-related trips represented 2.4 per cent.This means that religious travel accounted for more than twice the share of leisure travel within these categories, indicating that Jammu and Kashmir's domestic travel composition extends considerably beyond conventional holiday tourism. The corresponding figures for Himachal Pradesh presented a different picture. Holidaying and leisure accounted for 44.7 per cent of trips, while pilgrimage and religious activities represented 35.3 per cent. Uttarakhand recorded an even greater share of religious travel than Jammu and Kashmir, with pilgrimage accounting for 63.3 per cent of trips in the same categories, compared with 24.7 per cent for leisure. Medical travel also accounted for a relatively substantial share in Jammu and Kashmir at 19.9 per cent, compared with 18.2 per cent in Himachal Pradesh and 11.7 per cent in Uttarakhand. The percentages, however, relate only to the four specified travel purposes and do not represent the distribution of every domestic trip undertaken for all purposes. The survey separately examined business, social, educational and other overnight travel using a different reference period, revealing another important dimension of domestic movement to Jammu and Kashmir. Social visits, including journeys to meet relatives and friends or attend marriages and other functions, accounted for 88.7 per cent of trips within this separate group. Business-related travel accounted for 7.9 per cent, while education and training represented 1.3 per cent and other activities accounted for 2 per cent. The business-travel share in Jammu and Kashmir was nearly 1.8 times that of Himachal Pradesh, where it stood at 4.5 per cent, and marginally below Uttarakhand's 8 per cent. Social visits remained the dominant purpose across all three destinations, accounting for 93.7 per cent of trips in Himachal Pradesh and 88.1 per cent in Uttarakhand within the corresponding group. The estimates for these categories were based on 1,846 sampled overnight household trips to Jammu and Kashmir, including 115 classified as business-related. The corresponding sample covered 1,122 trips to Himachal Pradesh and 1,141 to Uttarakhand. However, the survey recorded business, social, educational and other trips completed during the preceding 30 days, while holidays, pilgrimage, medical treatment and shopping were covered separately using a different reference period. As a result, the 7.9 per cent business-travel figure cannot be interpreted as the share of business travel among all domestic overnight trips to Jammu and Kashmir during the year. Similarly, the social-travel percentage cannot be combined directly with the pilgrimage and leisure figures to construct an overall distribution of travel purposes. The NSO conducted the survey using a multi-stage stratified sampling method and applied statistical multipliers to derive estimates from household responses.
J&K, Ladakh face 623 MW peak power shortfall in Nov
Energy deficit estimated at 189 million units Regional power panel seeks measures to bridge gap Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are projected to face a peak electricity shortfall of 623 megawatts (MW) in November, with anticipated power availability falling 16.3 per cent below requirement, according to the latest Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC) agenda, raising concerns over electricity supply as winter approaches. The figures, contained in the agenda for the NRPC's 248th Operation Coordination Committee meeting scheduled for October 22, show that the two Union Territories are expected to require 3,813 MW of electricity at peak demand against an anticipated availability of 3,190 MW. The document, issued on October 16 and examined by Rising Kashmir, also projects an energy deficit of 189 million units (MU) during November, with an estimated requirement of 1,999 MU against availability of 1,810 MU. This translates into a 9.5 per cent energy shortfall, indicating that the projected gap is not confined to periods of maximum electricity demand. The figures are particularly significant because November marks the beginning of the colder period in Kashmir, when electricity consumption increases with the use of heating appliances and other seasonal requirements. The NRPC document shows that the anticipated shortage comes against a relatively comfortable overall power position in the northern region. While Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are projected to face a 16.3 per cent peak deficit, the northern region as a whole is expected to have 82,400 MW available against a requirement of 67,600 MW, representing a projected peak surplus of 14,800 MW. In energy terms, the northern region is projected to have a marginal surplus of 151 MU, with availability of 39,000 MU against a requirement of 38,849 MU. The November projections also place Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh among the northern region's constituents facing anticipated shortages. Punjab is projected to face an energy deficit of 556 MU, while Rajasthan is expected to record a shortfall of 324 MU. Himachal Pradesh, despite a projected energy surplus of 89 MU, is expected to face a peak power deficit of 395 MW under its revised forecast. Unlike some other northern states, the NRPC agenda records that no revised November power-supply position had been submitted for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at the time the document was prepared. The regional committee has asked State Load Despatch Centres to update their anticipated power-supply positions and submit measures proposed to bridge gaps between electricity demand and availability. The figures come after provisional September data showed that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh had recorded an energy requirement of 1,506 MU against actual availability of 1,493 MU, indicating a shortfall of 13 MU. September's actual peak demand also exceeded the anticipated level. Against an estimated peak requirement of 2,500 MW, the two Union Territories recorded 2,735 MW, an increase of 235 MW or 9.4 per cent over the forecast. The NRPC has sought explanations from constituents reporting significant differences between anticipated and actual electricity requirements. With the NRPC meeting scheduled for October 22, the measures proposed to address the projected deficit will be central to assessing the region's preparedness for the coming winter.
Health Education Is a Public Necessity
Health education is often treated as a secondary concern, discussed only during outbreaks, vaccination drives or awareness campaigns. Yet it is among the most important foundations of a healthy society. Hospitals and medicines are necessary, but they cannot by themselves address the growing burden of preventable illness. A population that understands basic health practices, recognises warning signs and seeks timely treatment is better equipped to protect itself and reduce pressure on an already stretched healthcare system. In Kashmir, health education deserves far greater attention in schools, colleges and communities. Children should learn about nutrition, hygiene, mental health, first aid, reproductive health and the dangers of substance abuse in an age-appropriate and scientifically sound manner. Such education is not an optional addition to the curriculum. It is a life skill that can influence decisions long after formal schooling ends. The absence of reliable health information creates space for myths, stigma and dangerous self-treatment. Many families still delay medical consultation because of social hesitation, financial concerns or dependence on unverified advice. In rural and remote areas, limited access to trained professionals makes the situation more difficult. Clear, accessible and locally relevant health education can help people distinguish between minor ailments and serious symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. Women and adolescents must remain at the centre of this effort. Maternal health, menstrual hygiene, anaemia, vaccination and mental well-being require open and sustained discussion. Silence around these issues does not protect society; it increases vulnerability. Schools and primary health centres should provide safe spaces where young people can ask questions without fear or embarrassment. Health education must also address the changing nature of public health. Lifestyle-related illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension and obesity, are increasingly affecting families. Sedentary habits, poor diets and tobacco use can produce serious consequences over time. Simple guidance about physical activity, balanced nutrition and regular screening can prevent many complications and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Digital platforms offer a powerful means of reaching people, but they must be used responsibly. Health departments should produce information in clear language and circulate it through trusted channels. Misinformation spreads quickly, particularly during emergencies, and official communication must be timely, consistent and comprehensible. Doctors, teachers, religious leaders, local institutions and civil society organisations can together create a culture of prevention. Health education should not be confined to occasional lectures; it must become a continuous public programme supported by adequate funding and monitoring. A healthy society is not built only in hospitals. It is built in homes, classrooms, workplaces and neighbourhoods where people make everyday choices. Investing in health education is therefore an investment in human dignity, productivity and social resilience. Kashmir needs not merely more healthcare facilities, but better-informed citizens capable of using those facilities wisely and protecting their health before illness becomes a crisis.
There was a time when people could sit for hours watching a movie, reading a book or listening to someone talk without feeling the need to do anything else. A good story could keep us interested for hours. We would wait for our favourite television programme, read a newspaper slowly and sometimes spend an entire evening talking to friends. Today, things seem to have changed. We want everything quickly, and if something does not catch our attention within a few seconds, we move on to something else. The biggest reason behind this change is the growing habit of watching short videos on social media platforms. Reels, shorts and similar content have become a part of our daily lives. We open our phones for a few minutes, but those few minutes often turn into an hour or more. One video leads to another, and before we realise it, a considerable part of our day has passed without us doing anything meaningful. There is nothing wrong with watching short videos once in a while. They can be entertaining, informative and even useful. The problem begins when we become so accustomed to short content that we start losing interest in anything that requires more time and attention. Today, many people find it difficult to watch a full movie without checking their phones in between. Some start a film and, within ten minutes, begin scrolling through reels. Others watch a video while eating, check their phones while talking to someone and feel uncomfortable when they have nothing to look at on a screen. Even a few minutes of silence can make us restless. This raises an important question: have we really become so busy, or have we simply lost the patience to give our attention to one thing at a time? The problem is not limited to entertainment. It is slowly affecting the way we read, study, work and communicate. A student who is used to watching thirty-second videos may find it difficult to sit with a chapter for an hour. A person who wants to learn a new skill may lose interest when the process becomes difficult, or progress is slow. We want quick results, but we often forget that most worthwhile things in life require time, effort and consistency. Even reading has started to feel like a burden for some people. A long article seems boring, a detailed explanation feels tiring, and anything that requires concentration is often postponed. We prefer a short summary over a complete explanation, a few lines over a detailed discussion and instant entertainment over something that asks us to think. Gradually, we may begin to lose the habit of thinking deeply. We see a headline and form an opinion without reading the complete story. We watch a short clip and believe we understand the entire situation. We hear one side of an argument and immediately decide who is right and who is wrong. The time required to understand something properly is replaced by the desire to react quickly. Every time we scroll, there is another video waiting for us. Modern technology has become so advanced that algorithms learn our interests, moods and viewing habits, suggesting content based on what we watch and how we react. If we watch something funny, more comedy appears; if something makes us angry or emotional, similar videos follow. There is always something designed to hold our attention for a few more seconds. Before we realise it, those seconds turn into an hour. The difficult part is that we believe we are choosing what to watch, while technology keeps deciding what to show us next. Our phones may be in our hands, but are we really in control of our time? Another thing that seems to be disappearing is our ability to tolerate boredom. Earlier, especially in Kashmir, when people had nothing to do, they would sit outside, observe their surroundings, think about their lives or simply let their minds wander or gossip with neighbors/friends to relieve stress and burden. Children would find ways to entertain themselves. People could travel without constantly looking at a screen. Waiting for someone or standing in a queue was not always an excuse to take out a phone. Now, the moment we have nothing to do, our hands automatically reach for our phones. We check notifications even when there is nothing important to check. We open social media without any particular reason, scroll for a while and close it, only to open it again a few minutes late. Perhaps we have become uncomfortable with our own thoughts. We no longer give ourselves enough time to sit quietly, reflect on our decisions or think about what is happening around us. Every empty moment must be filled with something. And most of the time, that something is another video. Patience is not only about watching a movie or reading a book. It is an important part of almost everything we do in life. Building a career takes years. Preparing for an examination requires months of discipline. Learning a skill involves making mistakes and trying again. None of these things can be achieved simply by swiping a screen. But when we become used to getting entertainment within seconds, ordinary life can start feeling slow. We want success without the struggle, results without the waiting and happiness without having to deal with discomfort. The moment something becomes difficult, we look for an easier alternative. Sometimes, a person is sharing something important, but the listener is looking at the screen. A friend is talking, but we are thinking about the next notification. Family members sit together at the dinner table, yet each person is occupied with a different digital world. We may be more connected through technology than ever before, but that does not necessarily mean we are giving each other more attention. There is also a difference between being informed and being constantly entertained. Social media can expose us to new ideas, current affairs and useful knowledge. But endlessly scrolling from one random video to another does not always leave us wiser. We may spend hours consuming content and still struggle to remember what we watched. Our eyes remain busy, our minds keep receiving information, but very little of it stays with us Of course, short videos are not the only reason behind our declining attention. Stress, lack of sleep, work pressure and other distractions also play a role. Technology itself is not the enemy. The real concern is whether we are using it according to our needs or allowing it to control our habits. The answer does not lie in abandoning smartphones or social media completely. That would neither be practical nor necessary. What we need is a little more control over how we use them. We can put our phones aside while eating, listen properly when someone speaks, read a few pages every day and watch a movie without constantly checking notifications. We can also make an effort to do one thing at a time instead of dividing our attention between several things. These may appear to be small changes, but habits are built through small actions repeated every day. We should also remember that not everything valuable in life is designed to entertain us immediately. A good book may take time to become interesting. A difficult subject may require several readings before it makes sense. A meaningful conversation may not be exciting every second. And a worthwhile goal may demand months or years of hard work before we see any result. If we abandon everything the moment it stops entertaining us, we may miss some of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Perhaps we will realise the importance of patience only when we need it most. A career cannot be built by watching motivational videos alone. An examination cannot be cleared simply by saving study tips, and a problem cannot always be solved by searching for the quickest answer. Real progress often happens quietly, without excitement or immediate results. There are days when we must keep working even when nothing seems to be changing. If we become accustomed to instant rewards in everything we do, how will we learn to continue when life offers us no immediate reward at all? Perhaps the greatest loss is not that we are watching too many reels. It is that we are slowly becoming less comfortable with things that require patience. We are learning to skip, swipe and move on, but life does not always work that way. We cannot expect everything to happen at the speed of a short video. Real life has its own pace, and learning to accept that pace is an important part of growing up. The next time we pick up our phone to watch one more reel, perhaps we should ask ourselves a simple question: am I watching this because I genuinely want to, or because I have forgotten how to spend a few minutes without it? The answer may tell us more than we expect. Technology has made entertainment faster and information easier to access. But we should be careful not to confuse speed with progress or constant stimulation with happiness. A mind that is always occupied does not necessarily become a mind that understands more. We do not need to stop enjoying short videos. We simply need to make sure that we do not lose the ability to enjoy the longer things in life. Because a good movie still deserves our attention, a good book still deserves our time, and the people sitting beside us deserve more than a distracted glance. Perhaps the real challenge of this generation is not learning how to scroll faster, but learning how to slow down again. (The Authors can be reached at: junaidmwani110@gmail.com )
The arrival of artificial intelligence in education has changed the meaning of the classroom. A student can now ask a machine to explain a difficult concept, summarise a book, solve a mathematical problem, translate a passage or even write an essay within seconds. Information, once carefully gathered from libraries, teachers and textbooks, is now available at the touch of a screen. But while AI can make learning faster, it cannot make education meaningful on its own. The central question before us is not whether artificial intelligence should enter the classroom. It already has. The more important question is what will happen to the relationship between teachers and students when a machine becomes capable of answering almost every academic question. For generations, education has rested on a human relationship. A teacher does not merely deliver facts. A teacher observes hesitation in a students eyes, notices a sudden silence, recognises a loss of confidence and sometimes understands a problem that the student has not expressed in words. This human attentiveness cannot be replicated by an algorithm, however advanced it may become. A machine can provide an answer. A teacher helps a student understand why the answer matters. This distinction is becoming increasingly important. AI tools can produce fluent essays, generate presentations and complete assignments. But education is not simply the production of correct sentences or impressive answers. It is the development of judgment, curiosity, discipline, empathy and responsibility. If students begin to depend on AI for every intellectual task, they may acquire information without developing the ability to think independently. The danger is not technology itself. The danger lies in allowing convenience to replace effort. Teachers, therefore, must not view AI only as a threat to their authority. Nor should they treat it as a shortcut that can replace teaching. AI should be used as an aid, not as a substitute for the teacher or the students own intellectual labour. It can help teachers prepare lessons, identify learning gaps, create examples and offer different explanations for difficult subjects. It can help students practise, revise and explore beyond the limits of the textbook. But its use must remain guided by human judgment. The teachers role in the AI age is not diminished; it is made more demanding. Earlier, a teachers responsibility was largely to provide knowledge and explain concepts. Today, teachers must also teach students how to evaluate information, recognise bias, protect privacy, question machine-generated answers and use technology ethically. They must help students distinguish between assistance and dependence, between learning and copying, and between originality and imitation. This requires a new kind of digital literacy. A student should know that an AI-generated response may sound confident while being factually wrong. They should understand that technology can reflect the biases present in the data on which it has been trained. They should also learn that feeding personal information, private conversations or sensitive academic records into unknown platforms can create serious risks. The classroom must become a place where such questions are discussed openly. There is also a moral dimension to the issue. The relationship between a teacher and a student is built on trust. When a student submits work entirely produced by AI as their own, that trust is weakened. The concern is not merely about cheating in an examination. It is about the gradual weakening of honesty as a value. Education loses its purpose when marks become more important than learning and appearance becomes more important than effort. At the same time, institutions must be careful not to respond with fear alone. A blanket ban on AI may appear decisive, but it will not prepare students for the world they will enter. Artificial intelligence is already shaping workplaces, public services, research and communication. Students must learn to use it responsibly rather than remain unaware of its possibilities and dangers. Schools and colleges should formulate clear and practical policies. Students should be told when AI assistance is permitted, how it must be acknowledged and which tasks require independent work. Assessments should increasingly test reasoning, discussion, creativity and personal understanding rather than only the reproduction of memorised content. Oral presentations, classroom debates, project work and reflective writing can help teachers determine whether a student has genuinely understood a subject. The teacher-student relationship must also become more conversational. In a world where information is abundant, the teachers greatest contribution may be the ability to ask the right questions. A good teacher encourages a student to examine assumptions, defend an argument, listen to an opposing view and connect knowledge with lived experience. These are not mechanical processes. They are part of the formation of a thoughtful human being. For students, AI should be treated as a questioning partner, not an invisible author. They can ask it to explain a concept in simpler language, suggest alternative viewpoints or identify weaknesses in an argument. But the final judgment, interpretation and responsibility must remain their own. A student who uses AI to avoid thinking may complete an assignment, but a student who uses it to deepen thinking may genuinely learn. In this transformation, emotional connection will matter even more. Young people are not only seeking information; they are also dealing with anxiety, competition, loneliness and uncertainty about the future. A digital tool may respond instantly, but it cannot replace the encouragement of a teacher who believes in a students potential. It cannot take responsibility for a vulnerable child, mediate a conflict or inspire courage during failure. The future classroom should not be a battle between teachers and machines. It should be a space where technology supports human teaching and human values direct technology. The teacher must remain the mentor, the student the learner, and AI the instrument. Education will succeed in the age of artificial intelligence only when it remembers that learning is not the same as receiving information. It is a relationship through which knowledge becomes wisdom, discipline becomes character, and curiosity becomes purpose. The machine may know more answers. But the teacher must continue to show students how to live responsibly with them. (The Author is a lecturer in HED and a columnist)
Social Responsibility: The Foundation of a Humane Society
A society is judged not merely by the height of its buildings, the speed of its roads or the size of its economy. Its real character is revealed in the way people behave when no one is watching, in how the powerful treat the weak, how citizens respond to public problems and how communities stand with those facing hardship. Social responsibility is, therefore, not an abstract moral idea. It is the foundation on which a peaceful, just and humane society is built. In recent years, public life has increasingly become centred on individual rights, personal ambitions and private gain. People are quick to demand better roads, clean neighbourhoods, efficient services, employment opportunities and accountability from institutions. These demands are legitimate and necessary. But a healthy society cannot be built on demands alone. Alongside rights, there must be a corresponding sense of duty. Citizens must ask not only what the administration, the government or society can do for them, but also what they can do for the common good. Social responsibility begins with recognising that individual actions have collective consequences. Throwing waste on a roadside may appear to be a minor act, but when repeated by thousands, it turns public spaces into dumping grounds. Jumping a traffic signal may save a few minutes, but it places other lives at risk and weakens respect for the law. Spreading an unverified message may seem harmless, but it can create fear, damage reputations and disturb social peace. Every careless act contributes to a larger culture of indifference. The crisis today is not always the absence of laws. In many cases, it is the absence of civic discipline. Rules exist, institutions function, and public campaigns are conducted, yet the desired change remains limited because citizens often view public property and public spaces as nobodys responsibility. A road, park, school, hospital or government building belongs to the community. Damaging, misusing or neglecting such spaces is not merely an administrative issue; it is an injury to society itself. Social responsibility must first be cultivated within families. Children learn more from observation than instruction. If they see adults respecting public rules, speaking courteously, helping neighbours and treating workers with dignity, they are likely to absorb those values. If they witness dishonesty, discrimination, aggression and disregard for the law, moral lectures will have little effect. The family is the first school of citizenship, and the values developed there eventually shape public life. Educational institutions also have an important role. Education should not be confined to examinations, degrees and employment. It must prepare young people to become responsible citizens. Students should learn about empathy, equality, environmental protection, democratic values and community service. A student who excels academically but lacks respect for others cannot be regarded as fully educated. Knowledge becomes meaningful only when it is accompanied by character and a sense of responsibility. The role of young people is particularly important in a changing society. The youth possess energy, creativity and the ability to influence public opinion. Through social media, they can raise awareness about civic problems, mobilise volunteers and challenge injustice. But the same platforms can also be used to spread hatred, rumours and humiliation. Digital citizenship has become an essential part of social responsibility. Freedom of expression cannot mean freedom to abuse, threaten or circulate falsehoods. The media, too, carries a significant responsibility. Journalism is not only about reporting events; it is also about protecting the public interest. Responsible journalism brings neglected issues to light, gives voice to the voiceless and holds institutions accountable. At the same time, sensationalism, unverified reporting and the exploitation of tragedy can deepen social divisions. The credibility of public discourse depends on the medias commitment to truth, fairness and restraint. Businesses and private institutions must also look beyond profit. Corporate social responsibility should not be reduced to occasional donations or publicity-driven campaigns. Businesses benefit from societys infrastructure, workforce and purchasing power. They must therefore contribute to the welfare of the communities in which they operate. This includes fair treatment of employees, environmental responsibility, support for education and health, and honest dealings with consumers. A companys success should be measured not only by its earnings but also by its social footprint. Social responsibility becomes most visible during moments of crisis. Natural disasters, health emergencies, accidents and economic distress reveal the strength or weakness of a community. In difficult times, people often come forward with food, medicine, shelter and financial assistance. Such solidarity is encouraging, but it should not remain limited to moments of disaster. Compassion must become a regular part of social life. The elderly, persons with disabilities, widows, orphans, migrant workers and economically weaker families should not be remembered only when their suffering becomes publicly visible. A responsible society is also one that rejects discrimination. Social responsibility demands respect for every person, regardless of religion, region, language, gender, caste, economic status or political opinion. The dignity of a society is determined by how it treats those who have the least power. Exclusion and prejudice damage not only the victims but also the moral fabric of the wider community. No society can claim progress while sections of its people are denied equal respect and opportunity. Environmental responsibility is another urgent dimension. Climate change, pollution, water scarcity and the destruction of green spaces are no longer distant concerns. They are affecting daily life. The responsibility to protect nature lies with governments, industries and citizens alike. Saving water, reducing waste, protecting trees, avoiding unnecessary plastic and keeping public spaces clean may appear to be small steps, but collective action begins with such habits. The environment is not an inheritance to be consumed without thought; it is a trust that must be passed to future generations. However, social responsibility cannot be used as an excuse for governmental failure. Citizens have duties, but institutions have greater responsibilities. Governments must provide essential services, enforce laws fairly, protect vulnerable groups and create conditions in which responsible behaviour is possible. It is unreasonable to ask people to maintain public spaces when waste collection is irregular, or to demand traffic discipline when roads are poorly designed, and enforcement is selective. Public responsibility and institutional accountability must reinforce each other. There is also a danger in placing the entire burden on ordinary citizens. Those with power, wealth and influence carry a greater responsibility because their decisions affect larger numbers of people. Political leaders, administrators, public representatives and corporate authorities must lead by example. When powerful individuals violate rules with impunity, the message sent to society is deeply damaging. The law must be visible not only in speeches but in action. Ultimately, social responsibility is a habit of mind. It means understanding that we are connected to one another. The cleanliness of one neighbourhood affects the health of another. The safety of one road user depends on the discipline of others. The education of one child strengthens the future of the whole community. The suffering of one section, when ignored, eventually weakens society as a whole. The task before us is not impossible. It begins with simple acts: obeying rules, respecting public property, helping those in need, speaking responsibly, protecting the environment and refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice. These actions may not always receive recognition, but they create the conditions for trust and peace. A society does not become humane through slogans alone. It becomes humane when responsibility becomes part of everyday conduct. Rights give citizens dignity, but duties give society stability. If we want cleaner cities, safer roads, stronger institutions and more harmonious communities, we must move beyond the culture of complaint and cultivate a culture of participation. The future of society will not be shaped only by official policies. It will also be shaped by the countless choices ordinary people make every day. (The Author is a research scholar and columnist)
The Child Who Knew the Answer but Not the Question
In a Class VI classroom somewhere in Kashmir, a teacher asks, What is photosynthesis? A girl rises and recites the definition flawlessly, word for word. The teacher nods, satisfied. Minutes later, the same girl glances at the walnut tree outside the window and wonders why its leaves turn yellow in October. She does not ask. She is unsure whether the question belongs in a science class, and she fears being wrong in front of her peers. She knows the answer. She has no idea she is standing in front of the question. This small moment holds a large contradiction. Are we educating children to understand the world, or training them primarily to reproduce what they have been told? Can we transform education by changing curricula, textbooks, assessment patterns, and administrative instructions if the mindsets shaping everyday schooling remain unchanged? Policy Vision and Classroom Experience The National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 are, at their core, a call to think differently about children. They speak of the holistic development of learners, of conceptual understanding in place of rote memorisation, of competency-based, experiential, and inquiry-based learning, and of assessment that supports learning rather than merely classifying learners. They emphasise critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, constitutional values, and responsible citizenship. They also recognise that children come to school with diverse languages, cultures, and experiences, and that this diversity is a resource for learning, not a problem to be managed. The vision is compelling. Yet anyone who has spent time in schools knows how stubbornly everyday practice resists it. Syllabus completion, examination results, record-keeping, and familiar routines can quietly outrank the question of whether children are actually learning. Why do reforms so often change the language of schooling faster than its experience? Perhaps because we have treated reform as a matter of documents rather than of beliefs. A new vocabulary of competencies and learning outcomes can be adopted in a week. A belief about what a child is, and how a child learns, takes years to change. Teachers, parents, leaders, and administrators carry assumptions about authority, discipline, intelligence, and success that no circular can rewrite. The task is not to abandon schooling as we know it. Schools hold immense value: they provide structure, continuity, shared knowledge, and a community of peers. The task is to question those practices that prevent schooling from fulfilling its educational purpose. The Child as Active Learner For generations, the dominant image has been of the child as a vessel waiting to be filled. Yet any parent who has watched a toddler dismantle a toy knows better. Children observe, question, explore, imagine, and construct understanding from their experiences. They arrive at school as thinkers. The difference between remembering and understanding is visible everywhere. A child may memorise the formula for the area of a rectangle yet be unable to work out how much carpet a room needs. Another may reproduce the definition of evaporation without being able to explain why wet clothes dry faster in the summer sun than in a damp Srinagar winter. Real learning happens when children connect new ideas with what they already know, test their thinking, meet different perspectives, and gradually refine their understanding. This does not mean the adult should step back. Child-centred education is not education without guidance. Children need knowledgeable teachers who can explain difficult concepts, provide scaffolding, correct misconceptions, and introduce them to bodies of knowledge they could never rediscover alone. A child cannot invent algebra or the periodic table through curiosity alone. The aim is to build children's capacity to think, not merely their ability to repeat what others have thought. The Teacher's Changing Question At the heart of the change lies a simple shift in the question a teacher asks at the end of the day. From Have I taught this chapter? to What have my students understood? The first measures coverage. The second measures learning. With this shift come others. A question from a student becomes a starting point for inquiry rather than an interruption of the lesson. A mistake becomes evidence of developing understanding rather than a failure to be punished. Silence and obedience are no longer the only signs of a good student; thoughtful participation matters as well. Teachers begin to notice that children differ in pace, language, experience, and need, and that teaching every child in precisely the same way is not equality but oversight. Assessment turns from a final verdict into continuous feedback. We must be honest about the conditions in which teachers work. Prescribed curricula, large classes, limited resources, examination pressure, and administrative demands are real. A teacher in a remote school with multi-grade classes, or one posted in a high-altitude area where the school year is cut short by snow, cannot be blamed for choosing efficiency over experiment. Teachers are not the obstacle to reform; they are its most important agents, and they need support worthy of that role. Teacher development must be sustained, reflective, and rooted in real classroom problems. Teachers need time to examine children's work together, to learn from colleagues, to try something new and discuss what happened, and to exercise professional judgment within the curriculum. Nor does purposeful facilitation replace explicit instruction. The skill of good teaching lies in knowing when to explain, when to demonstrate, when to question, when to guide, and when to step back and let children explore. Curriculum and Life The curriculum is humanity's accumulated knowledge, offered to the young. Its purpose is not merely to be completed but to equip children with concepts, skills, values, and intellectual tools for understanding life. It becomes powerful when children can use it to interpret the world around them. Consider what Jammu and Kashmir offers. A local market is a classroom for arithmetic, measurement, economic exchange, language, and social relationships. An apple orchard invites questions about plant growth, seasonal change, estimation, biodiversity, agricultural practice, and sustainability. A stream or lake raises questions about ecosystems, pollution, public responsibility, and scientific evidence. Traditional crafts such as papier-mch, carpet weaving, and woodwork connect geometry, design, material science, history, and the dignity of work. Concerns such as waste management, road safety, and water conservation can become age-appropriate projects. This is the movement from problems to projects: children identify a question, gather information, examine evidence, work together, propose solutions, and reflect on what they have found. But let us be clear. Contextual learning must complement, not replace, systematic teaching. Mathematics, science, languages, and the social sciences demand conceptual depth, deliberate practice, and academic rigour. Connecting learning with life is meant to make knowledge more meaningful, not less demanding. From Fear to Feedback Nothing shapes classroom culture as powerfully as assessment. When marks become the dominant measure of achievement, teachers feel compelled to teach to the test, parents begin to equate marks with intelligence, and children learn to associate learning with fear. A child who is afraid of being wrong will not ask the question that matters. Good assessment gives a clearer picture of what children know, understand, can do, and still need help with. Questioning, observation, portfolios, project work, rubrics, peer interaction, and constructive feedback all contribute to that picture, and they align with the competency-based and holistic vision of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. This does not mean abandoning examinations or lowering expectations. It means ensuring that examinations measure worthwhile learning and lead to improvement. Assessment must serve the learner's progress; it must never become an instrument of humiliation, comparison, or exclusion. From Pressure to Partnership Children's relationship with learning is formed long before they reach a classroom, and it continues to be shaped at home. Many parents sincerely want their children to succeed, and many are responding to genuine anxieties about examinations, jobs, and the future. Yet anxiety travels. It reaches children through constant instruction, comparison with cousins and neighbours, sarcasm, and approval that depends almost entirely on performance. There is a vital distinction between unconditional respect for a child and accountability for a child's actions. Parents can set boundaries, insist on responsibility, and correct wrong behaviour without making a child's dignity or sense of belonging conditional on marks. Listen before instructing. Welcome questions, even when the answers are not at hand. Offer age-appropriate choices and responsibilities. Respond to mistakes with reflection rather than ridicule. Resist comparisons that turn learning into a contest for adult approval. Talk about friendships, experiences, and interests, not only homework. Children need emotional security as much as academic guidance. When parents and teachers work as partners rather than as rival authorities, children gain curiosity, resilience, and a healthy relationship with learning. The Community and the Learning Space Education cannot remain the sole responsibility of schools and families. Communities hold knowledge that no textbook contains: the farmer who understands soil and weather, the artisan whose hands carry generations of skill, the health worker, the writer, the local entrepreneur. Such people should be more than occasional chief guests at annual functions. Children should learn with them and from them, understanding livelihoods, local history, environmental challenges, and civic responsibility. Community knowledge deserves respect, and it also deserves examination through evidence, critical thinking, and ethical reflection. The regions of Jammu and Kashmir each offer their own languages, landscapes, and traditions, and the aim is to engage that diversity thoughtfully, not to reduce it to postcard stereotypes. The spaces in which children learn speak just as clearly. A classroom communicates a philosophy through its seating, displays, resources, and routines. If children are only expected to listen, copy, and reproduce, the room reinforces passivity. If they are invited to investigate, discuss, create, and question, the room supports thinking. Flexible seating where feasible, walls that display children's questions and developing work, accessible books, and purposeful use of libraries, playgrounds, school gardens, and the neighbourhood do not require expensive infrastructure. They require imagination and the willingness to see ordinary spaces as sites of learning, which is exactly the experiential vision of NCF-SE 2023. From Compliance to Enabling Change None of this will endure if the system around schools continues to reward only compliance. Teachers cannot be expected to nurture curiosity if the system measures only procedural conformity. Parents cannot be expected to value deep learning if public measures of success are marks and ranks. Schools cannot sustain innovation if every departure from routine is viewed with suspicion. Several directions follow. Teacher education should be aligned with the classroom practices NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 envision. Professional learning communities and peer observation should become regular features of school life. School-based projects should connect curricular goals with local contexts. Academic monitoring should become supportive and reflective, focused on children's learning rather than on the neatness of registers. Teachers should enjoy reasonable professional autonomy within curricular requirements. Educational progress should be judged through multiple forms of evidence, not records of compliance alone. And parents and communities should be drawn into honest conversations about what schooling is for. Mindset change cannot compensate for teacher shortages, poor infrastructure, or excessive workloads. Sustainable transformation needs both changed attitudes and enabling conditions. Small Steps, Larger Purpose Where might we begin? A teacher can choose one meaningful question or local problem and design a structured learning experience around it. A parent can replace some routine instructions with attentive listening and give a child a decision to make. A school head can create time for teachers to discuss classroom experiences and examine student work together. An administrator can encourage responsible experimentation, reduce avoidable procedural burdens, and make monitoring about the quality of learning. A community can offer its knowledge and invite children into real concerns. These are starting points, not substitutes for policy support, professional development, adequate resources, or accountability. The Girl and the Walnut Tree Return to the girl in Class VI. Imagine her teacher pausing after the definition and asking, Where have you seen this happening? Imagine her question about the yellowing leaves being welcomed, tested, and followed through a small investigation in the school garden. Imagine her parents asking at dinner, What did you wonder about today? rather than How many marks did you get? Imagine a local orchardist visiting to explain what he observes in autumn, a classroom whose walls display her questions, and a school leader who trusts her teacher to teach this way. She would not know less. She would know more, and know it more deeply, because her knowledge would be connected to the tree outside her window. Transformation begins when adults reconsider not only what children must learn, but how they learn, what they are capable of becoming, and what a society expects its schools to achieve. A child's mind is not a container to be filled but a flame to be tended. And flames, as every Kashmiri who has sat by a kangri in winter knows, are kept alive not by commanding them, but by caring for them. (The Author is a Senior Academician, Content Creator and a Teacher Educator writing on educational research, policy, and reform. He can be mailed at: sheikhgulzar1970@gmail.com)
Ruhullah flags growing public discontent
Srinagar, Oct 20:- National Conference MP from Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday questioned the performance of the Jammu and Kashmir government, alleging a lack of progress on key political commitments and public concerns, including employment, reservation, electricity and the protection of local jobs. Speaking to reporters, Ruhullah said people had placed their trust in the elected government with expectations of progress on the restoration of constitutional guarantees and other pressing issues, but were now disappointed with its performance. He questioned what the government had achieved on its political agenda and governance, asking whether it had delivered on promises concerning Article 370, employment, students, interns, prisoners and reservation. On the restoration of Article 370, Ruhullah said merely describing its abrogation as a wrong decision was insufficient, and called for concrete institutional, democratic and peaceful efforts to reverse the decision of August 5, 2019. He also criticised the government's handling of student protests over reservation and the grievances of interns, alleging that assurances to resolve their concerns within a month had not resulted in a satisfactory outcome. Students are back on the streets. Interns are back on the streets, he said, claiming that those who had raised their concerns were left disappointed after the promised deadline passed. The Srinagar MP further alleged that the political situation since 2019 had contributed to hostility towards Kashmiris within Jammu and Kashmir and in other parts of the country. Referring to verification measures and an incident in Karnal, Haryana, he said Kashmiris continued to face suspicion and harassment. Ruhullah also raised concerns over prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir who, he claimed, had remained in detention for years without trial. He criticised the treatment of protesters and activists and expressed concern over restrictions affecting democratic rights. On electoral accountability, he called for allegations concerning the Election Commission to be examined seriously and sought the resignation of the election commissioner facing allegations, along with criminal proceedings if wrongdoing was established. Ruhullah said political leaders should be judged by their actions rather than statements, urging the government to demonstrate tangible progress on constitutional guarantees, employment, reservation, electricity supply and other public concerns. He maintained that peaceful protests and demands for accountability remained important to protecting democratic and constitutional rights.
Six drug peddlers arrested in South Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested six alleged drug peddlers and recovered charas, cannabis and heroin in separate operations across Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts, officials said on Tuesday. In Shopian, a police team from Heerpora Police Station intercepted an Alto car during routine checking at Circuit House. Two occupants, identified as Mashooq Ahmad Hajam and Bilal Ahmad Hajam, both residents of Sedow in Heerpora, were allegedly found in possession of 60 grams of charas-like substance each. Police registered FIR No. 115/2026 at Police Station Heerpora and initiated an investigation to establish the source of the contraband and trace its supply links. In Kulgam, a police team from Mir Bazar Police Post intercepted an auto-rickshaw near Lalipora Crossing on NH-244 during naka checking. Police said 860 grams of cannabis-like substance and 12.05 grams of charas were recovered from a polythene bag inside the driver's cabin. The driver, identified as Fazil Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Kapran, Verinag, Anantnag, was taken into custody. A case under Sections 8/20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered at Qazigund Police Station, and further investigation is underway. In Anantnag, police from Kokernag Police Station apprehended Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, a resident of Panzgam, Kokernag, during patrolling at Soaf Shali. Approximately 119 grams of charas powder-like substance were allegedly recovered from his possession. Police registered FIR No. 175/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act. In a separate operation, police from Dooru Police Station apprehended Adil Ahmed Wani of Malikpora and Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh of Verinag. Police said approximately seven grams and eight grams of heroin, respectively, were recovered during their personal searches. Cases have been registered under relevant legal provisions, and investigations are in progress. Police reiterated their commitment to combating drug trafficking and appealed to the public to share information about drug peddling and related activities to help curb the menace.
Power curtailments raise concern in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Oct 19:- With winter approaching and temperatures dropping across the Valley, residents of Ganderbal have expressed concern over the electricity supply, saying they continue to face power cuts despite paying monthly bills of 2,000 or more on time. Locals pointed out that the district hosts three major power projects in areas including Sumbal Surfraw, Kangan and Ganderbal, besides three mini power projects in Kullan, Rayil and Lashpathri in Sonamarg. Despite these projects, residents said they were struggling to receive a reliable power supply. The issue has become particularly concerning for students as examinations have begun, while falling temperatures have increased the need for electricity in households. We are poor people, yet we pay electricity bills of 2,000 or even more every month, and we pay them on time. We are not begging the government to provide us with free electricity; we are simply asking for a reliable power supply in return for the money we pay, a local resident Meer Muhammad said. The Power Development Department (PDD) has already issued a fresh curtailment schedule for 11 kV feeders under the jurisdiction of STD Sub-Division Ganderbal, with Receiving Station Surfraw, effective from October 17. According to the schedule, the feeders serving Ganiwan (F1), Gund (F2), Fraw (F3) and Gadribal (F4) have designated power curtailment slots throughout the day, with different combinations of feeders affected during specified periods. Residents said the announcement of a fresh schedule had raised expectations of better planning and clarity regarding electricity supply, particularly as winter approaches. As our examinations have started, uncertainty over electricity supply is affecting our studies and preparation. We appeal to the authorities to ensure that students do not suffer, said Mohammad Ramzan, a local resident. Residents of Gund, Haknar, Fraw, Ganiwan and Mamer said the situation was adding to their hardships as temperatures continue to fall across the Valley. They said repeated appeals and protests had failed to provide lasting relief. Locals have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the minister in charge of the Power Development Department to intervene and ensure a dependable electricity supply. They urged the authorities to address consumer grievances and ensure that residents receive reliable electricity during the approaching winter months.
Ajaz Jan lays foundation for two Poonch roads
Poonch, Oct 20: MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in Mandi block of Poonch district, with a combined sanctioned cost of around 21.01 crore. The projects are aimed at improving rural connectivity and providing residents of remote and hilly areas with better access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services. The first project involves the construction and maintenance of the 5-kilometre L027 Link Road from NABARD Road at Jallian towards Gujjaran. Sanctioned under Package No. JK114043, PMGSY-IV, Batch-I of 202627, the project has been allocated 11.6823 crore. The second project covers the 4.15-kilometre L041 Link Road from Rajpura PS Road at kilometre 1.600 to Ziarat Arai Gali. The project, listed under Package No. JK11-4053, PMGSY-IV, Batch-I of 202627, has a sanctioned cost of 9.3293 crore. Both projects include provisions for road construction and subsequent maintenance to ensure long-term usability and improved transportation facilities. The roads are expected to benefit residents of adjoining villages by easing travel difficulties, improving access to essential services and supporting local economic activities. The development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen road infrastructure across the Haveli Assembly Constituency, particularly in remote and hilly areas where connectivity remains a key concern. Road projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees are being undertaken across the constituency to address longstanding infrastructure needs and improve access to public services, according to the information provided.
Targeting Kashmiris has become very easy: MP Ruhullah
Says Kashmiris branded, harassed inside & outside J&K Srinagar, Oct 20: Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday said there is a hostile atmosphere for Kashmiris in other parts of the country, citing the recent stoning of Jammu and Kashmir-bound buses in Haryana, and alleged that making Kashmiris scapegoats has become very easy in []
Ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly, collectively
Says no place for those who finance, support, or shelter terrorists Dushanbe, Oct 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively dismantled, underlining that there can be no place for those who finance, support, or shelter terrorists. Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of []
Identify, defeat enemies of India: PM Modi
New Delhi, Oct 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon citizens to adopt a Nation First pledge to jointly identify and defeat the enemies of Maa Bharati, especially forces that harm national honour, divide society and harbour hatred toward Indian culture. Participating in the Vijaya Dashami celebrations in the national capital, Modi also []
Weather to remain dry for next 3-days: MeT
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness generally dry weather till October 23, while rain in the plains and light snowfall over higher reaches are possible on October 24, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said on Tuesday. According to the weather forecast, conditions are expected to remain largely dry across the Union Territory []
Kashmiri Pandits, tourists celebrate Dussehra in Valley
Srinagar, Oct 20: Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindus living in Kashmir on Tuesday celebrated Dussehra, a festival that marks the victory of good over evil, officials said. Hundreds of people, including tourists, thronged the Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium to celebrate the festival organised by Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, they said. Giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran and []
Police arrest six in anti-drug operations
Srinagar, Oct 20: Continuing its drive against the menace of drugs, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday arrested six drug peddlers in Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts and recovered contraband substances from their possession. In Shopian, a police party from Police Station Heerpora, during routine naka checking at Circuit House, intercepted an Alto car bearing []
23 teaching posts vacant in Kupwara
Kupwara, Oct 20: Government schools in Kupwara constituency are facing a shortage of teaching staff, with 123 posts lying vacant against 403 sanctioned posts of teachers, masters and lecturers, according to official figures. The data shows that 206 government schools, from primary to higher secondary level, cater to 20,591 students across the constituency. Of the 252 sanctioned teacher posts, 204 are filled, leaving 48 vacant. At the master level, 31 of 74 posts remain vacant, while the lecturer cadre has 44 vacancies against 77 sanctioned posts. The shortage at the master and lecturer levels stands at 75 posts. The constituency has 102 primary schools, 85 middle schools, 13 high schools and six higher secondary schools. The overall pupil-teacher ratio stands at 1:20. Subject-wise vacancies are also reported in several disciplines, including Education, Mathematics, Chemistry, English, Political Science and Sociology, highlighting staffing gaps across different levels of schooling. The figures further show that 200 schools function from government-owned buildings, while two operate from rented buildings and four from rent-free buildings. Meanwhile, the Education Department is considering a proposal to upgrade high schools in rural and far-flung areas to higher secondary level. However, no immediate proposal is in place to upgrade primary schools to middle schools or middle schools to high schools. Infrastructure gaps, including inadequate classrooms, damaged buildings, boundary walls and toilet facilities, are also being assessed for phased improvement under existing education schemes.
New tehsils, district reorganisation reshape Ladakhs administration
Leh, Oct 20: In a significant development, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has notified the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2026, effective October 19, paving the way for the establishment of Hill Development Councils in all eight districts of Ladakh, including newly created Sankoo district. The amendment follows the Union Cabinet's approval on October 14 and the President's promulgation of the regulation on October 16. According to the Lieutenant Governor, the process was completed within six days. Adding to the series of developments, the administration has reorganised tehsils and revenue villages across five districts by creating Aryan Valley in Sham, Sodh in Kargil, Phey in Zanskar, Thasgam in Drass and Himya in Changthang. The changes are aimed at improving administrative accessibility and bringing government services closer to residents, particularly in remote areas. Earlier, 17 new tehsils had been created, taking the total number of tehsils from 15 to 32. The latest reorganisation further reshapes the region's revenue administration. Another major development came with the formal notification of Sankoo as Ladakh's eighth district on October 16, with Sankoo designated as its headquarters. The new district comprises four tehsilsSankoo, GM Pore, TSG and Taisuruand has been carved out of Kargil district. The decision is expected to improve administrative access for residents of the Suru Valley and surrounding areas. The amended LAHDC regulation provides for a revised council structure, with elected seats ranging from a minimum of seven to a maximum of 24, compared with the earlier 26 seats in each council. It also provides for the nomination of four members representing women and unrepresented communities, with the stated objective of broadening participation in local decision-making and strengthening inclusive governance. The series of administrative changes is intended to bring decision-making closer to the public, improve access to government offices and create a stronger framework for delivering development programmes across Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their support for the amended regulation, stating that it would strengthen grassroots democracy, local representation and inclusivity.
India eyes nuclear energy expansion by 2047
New Delhi, Oct 20: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said India's nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful purposes and not warfare, stressing that nuclear energy will play a crucial role in meeting the country's growing electricity requirements, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026, Singh said India's nuclear programme has remained committed to peaceful applications and national development since its inception. Recalling the vision of Dr Homi Bhabha, regarded as the architect of India's nuclear programme, the minister said the country would continue to pursue nuclear technology for developmental purposes. Singh said India aims to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of its long-term energy strategy, alongside its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He said nuclear power would complement other energy sources by providing a continuous and reliable supply of electricity, particularly as emerging technologies increase power consumption. Referring to the rapid expansion of AI and data centres, Singh said these sectors require uninterrupted electricity supplies and nuclear energy could help meet their growing demand. The minister also spoke about the expanding applications of artificial intelligence across sectors, including space research, life sciences and other scientific fields. One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence, he said, emphasising that human judgement remains essential for the responsible application of emerging technologies. Singh said AI offers considerable benefits but preventing its misuse remains a challenge. He stressed that regulations alone would not be sufficient without individual and institutional responsibility. The minister also highlighted the government's decision to allow greater private sector participation in strategic and technologically sensitive sectors, saying the move had opened new opportunities for innovation and industrial development. He said reliable energy infrastructure, responsible adoption of emerging technologies and wider industry participation would be important for India's development goals in the coming decades.
Young Kashmiris explore smartphone filmmaking
Srinagar, Oct 20: A 10-day smartphone filmmaking workshop aimed at nurturing young filmmaking talent in Kashmir has begun in Srinagar, offering 16 selected participants an opportunity to learn the craft and produce their own short films under the guidance of acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker Onir and a team of industry professionals. The workshop is an initiative of Anticlock Films, led by Onir, in partnership with Kani Home, Srinagar. It seeks to encourage young Kashmiris to tell their own stories through cinema, drawing on their experiences, surroundings, culture and everyday lives. It began on October 17 and will conclude October 27. The programme combines practical filmmaking sessions with mentorship, masterclasses and hands-on experience in developing and producing films using smartphones. National Award-winning filmmaker Onir is leading the initiative, while filmmaker Kabir Khan, filmmaker Payal Kapadia and actor-producer Sanjay Suri conducted masterclasses as part of the programme. The mentor team includes Urmi Juvekar for scriptwriting, Arun Varma for cinematography and Jabeen Merchant for editing. Participants will also receive guidance from a professional team comprising writers, cinematographers, casting professionals, producers and actors from across India. During the workshop, participants will work in groups of four, with each group developing and producing one short film of 10 to 15 minutes. The films can be either fiction or documentaries, allowing participants to explore subjects and narratives that resonate with their experiences. The programme covers the entire filmmaking process, including scripting, location recce, casting, acting workshops, shooting, editing and sound post-production. It also includes film screenings, culminating in a screening of the first cuts of the films produced during the workshop. The participants will continue working on their films online in November, finalising the edits with their respective group mentors and Onir. As part of the initiative, two participants will also be offered internships on feature films, subject to applicable conditions. The organisers have announced special financial support to make the programme accessible to Kashmiri students. Two Kashmiri women participants below the age of 25 will receive full scholarships, while eight discounted seats have been earmarked for Kashmiri students. The initiative seeks to create opportunities for young people to explore filmmaking without requiring expensive equipment, with a smartphone and a compelling story serving as the starting point.
Gulf situation a matter of deep concern: EAM Jaishankar in talks with UAE peer
S Jaishankar met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the concerning situation in West Asia. They discussed potential US actions against Iran and the Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia. Jaishankar expressed India's commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomacy in the region. The two leaders highlighted the successful Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the UAE.
Grand Dussehra Shobha Yatra draws crowds in Jammu
Jammu, Oct 20: Jammu witnessed grand Dussehra celebrations as the Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj organised a Shobha Yatra under the leadership of its chairman and Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi, drawing large crowds and showcasing the regions cultural and spiritual traditions. The celebrations marked the victory of good over evil, featuring a colourful procession with decorated chariots and tableaux depicting Lord Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman, followed by the traditional burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnad at Parade Ground. The Shobha Yatra began at Deewan Mandir after traditional prayers performed by Sethi. It passed through Moti Bazar, Sabzi Mandi, Rajtilak Road, Purani Mandi, Old Hospital Road, City Chowk, Shalamar Road and Raghunath Bazar. Devotees also offered prayers at the historic Raghunath Temple before the procession moved towards Parade Ground amid chants of Jai Shri Ram. Local artists who had participated in the nine-day Ramleela at Deewan Mandir joined the procession, bringing scenes from the Ramayana to life. The main attraction was the burning of the three effigies at Parade Ground, where thousands gathered to witness the spectacle. Artists portraying Lord Rama and Lakshman ignited the effigies, which went up in flames amid cheers from the crowd. According to the organisers, the effigies were prepared by artists from Uttar Pradesh over nearly a month. Elaborate security and traffic arrangements were put in place to facilitate the celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, Sethi said Dussehra conveyed the enduring message that truth and righteousness ultimately prevail. He said the large public participation reflected the people's devotion and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. He also highlighted the values of harmony, compassion and unity associated with Sanatan Dharma, calling for these principles to be passed on to younger generations. Sethi appreciated the Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj for organising the event and providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent. He also extended Vijayadashami greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to uphold righteousness and social harmony. Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj president Anil Masoom, general secretary Bharat Bhushan and other members of the organisation were present. Masoom highlighted the festival's cultural significance and its role in bringing people together while familiarising younger generations with the Ramayana. The celebrations concluded with the symbolic burning of the three effigies, reaffirming Dussehra's traditional message of the triumph of good over evil.
PDP slams NC govt over unfulfilled promises
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) General Secretary (Organisation) Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura on Tuesday criticised the National Conference-led government, alleging that it had failed to fulfil its election promises despite completing two years in office. Hanjura said people were facing numerous difficulties while commitments made in the government's election manifesto remained unfulfilled. He called for accountable governance, a responsive administration and concrete action on issues affecting people's daily lives. He stressed that electoral promises must translate into tangible results on the ground rather than remain political commitments. Hanjura made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of district and zonal presidents of the PDP's Kashmir Province, convened to review organisational matters, assess grassroots functioning and strengthen coordination among party units. The meeting was attended by PDP General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam, spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo, former state secretary Arif Laigroo, district presidents Mohammad Afzal Wani, G.M. Shahoori, Abdul Qayoom Bhat, Zaffar Ullah Wani, Adv. Sheikh Javaid, Zahoor Ahmed Rather, Mohammad Yaseen Bhat and Aijaz Ahmed Mir, along with zonal presidents. Addressing party representatives, Hanjura emphasised the need for regular public interaction and greater accessibility at the grassroots level. He urged district and zonal leaders to listen to people's grievances, understand their day-to-day challenges and raise their concerns through appropriate channels. He said political organisations must remain connected with the public and consistently highlight issues affecting different sections of society. The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen the party's organisational network across Kashmir Province, improve coordination between district and zonal leadership, and intensify public outreach. It concluded with an emphasis on maintaining a sustained grassroots presence and ensuring that party activities remain responsive to public concerns and aspirations.
Er. Gulam Ali Khatana slams OIC over Kashmir remarks
Srinagar, Oct 20: BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Er. Gulam Ali Khatana on Tuesday strongly condemned the resolutions adopted at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad on October 1718, describing the remarks against India as politically motivated and an interference in the countrys internal affairs. Khatana accused Pakistan of using the OIC platform to advance its political agenda and malign India, questioning the organisations position on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were integral parts of India and said no international resolution or external intervention could alter the countrys position on its territorial integrity. Highlighting developments in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, Khatana said the region had witnessed a renewed focus on infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, investment and development under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved peace, progress and economic opportunities, rather than being drawn into what he described as Pakistans geopolitical agenda. Khatana also criticised Pakistan over its human rights record in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), citing allegations of repression and the use of force against protesters. He said Pakistan should address concerns within areas under its control instead of raising allegations against India at international forums. He maintained that the outstanding issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir included Pakistan vacating territories under its occupation and ending support for cross-border terrorism. Reacting to the OICs remarks, including allegations concerning Islamophobia, Khatana said India had a long tradition of pluralism, coexistence and respect for different faiths. He contrasted this with allegations of minority persecution and sectarian violence in Pakistan. Khatana urged the OIC to adopt a balanced approach and avoid becoming a platform for what he described as Pakistan-sponsored anti-India narratives. He said the organisation should respect the sovereignty of states and focus on dialogue, peace and international cooperation. Reaffirming Indias position, Khatana said the country would not accept interference in its internal affairs and would continue to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ravan effigies go up in flames in Jammu, Srinagar and districts; Farooq, Sharma call for righteousness, unity and social harmony Jammu Tawi, October 20: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday with traditional gaiety, religious fervour and enthusiastic public participation, as the burning of effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarn [] The post Dussehra celebrated across J&K with religious fervour, grandeur appeared first on Northlines .
BJP appoints MLA Shagun as National Vice President of BJYM
NEW DELHI, Oct 20: In a significant organizational rejig, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced the appointment of Jammu and Kashmir MLA Shagun Parihar as the National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the partys youth wing. Shagun Parihar, who represents the Kishtwar Assembly segment, has steadily risen as a prominent [] The post BJP appoints MLA Shagun as National Vice President of BJYM appeared first on Northlines .
Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Strikes Off Vanuatu
SRINAGAR: A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean off Vanuatu on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicentre was located about 204 kilometres west-north-west of Port-Olry, the agency said. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the USGS.
Navratri: A Celebration of Feminine Power and Energy
Worshipping Goddess Shakti must go beyond rituals to ensure dignity, equality and respect for women in everyday life By Omkar Dattatray Navratri is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, celebrated with deep devotion and traditional fervour. As the auspicious festival begins, greetings to all countrymen, with the hope that Goddess Shakti [] The post Navratri: A Celebration of Feminine Power and Energy appeared first on Northlines .
Maharaja Gulab Singh: The Founder of Jammu and Kashmir
A tribute to the visionary ruler who laid the foundations of the princely state and expanded its frontiers By Ravi Rohmetra As Jammu and Kashmir observes the 234th birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh on October 21, 2026, it is an occasion to recall the life and legacy of the ruler who founded [] The post Maharaja Gulab Singh: The Founder of Jammu and Kashmirs Dogra Dynasty appeared first on Northlines .
UK to Deploy Fighter Jets Over Saudi Arabia for Defensive Missions
SRINAGAR: Britain will deploy Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets on defensive missions over Saudi Arabia to help protect cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks, media reports said, as the conflict in Yemen escalates. The UK Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that the aircraft would defend Saudi airspace but []
Dushanbe [Tajikistan], October 20 : Even as the West Asia conflict continues to impact the global economy, India continues to grow at 7.2 per cent, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday as he attended a cultural event organised by the Indian Diaspora in Tajikistan. Addressing the community during his second visit to the Central Asian nation since 2021, Singh said India remains among the world's fastest-growing economies despite adverse circumstances. There was a time when the world claimed that India's economy was a lost cause, he said, adding that the strength and determination of the Indian people had made the difference. Singh said India contributes 16 per cent to the global economy while accounting for 18 per cent of its population. He said India's standing in the international community has grown under the present NDA government. Contrasting the present with the past, he said the people called it an era of policy paralysis, but it had been transformed through reforms under the current government. Since our government took office, Indias standing within the international community has grown. Today, when India speaks on the global stage, the world listens with seriousness. Indias economy has seen rapid improvement; it is now among the fastest-growing economies in the world. We contribute 16 per cent to the global economy, while our population accounts for 18 per cent. Despite the challenges arising from conflicts in West Asia, our economy continues to grow at a rate of 7.2 per cent, even in such adverse circumstances, he said. Singh said India has signed Free Trade Agreements with about 38 countries, keeping in view uncertainties in global trade over the last few years. He further said that Defence production stands at Rs 1.8 lakh crore, and India is now manufacturing submarines. A semiconductor ecosystem is taking shape, with the country set to build both ships and chips. He said India now has more than 2,50,000 startups, over 45 per cent of which have a female director or partner. India has also lifted 250 million people out of poverty over the last decade, he said. He also hailed the success of UPI in India, stating that in August alone, it saw 23.66 billion transactions worth Rs 29.88 lakh crore, ten years after its inception. He also said that 1213 years ago, Indias Current Account Deficit was over 4 per cent of its GDP. Last year, it declined to about half a per cent, specifically, 0.61%. Now our country has signed FTAs with about 38 countries, which is a unique milestone in India's trade history. These FTAs have opened up the markets of large economies for India's manufactured products. Currently, our defense production stands at 1.8 lakh crore rupees, and we are now manufacturing submarines. A semiconductor ecosystem is taking shape in India. The country is set to build both ships and chips. India has become a global hub for real-time digital transactions. In the month of August alone, there were 23.66 billion UPI transactions, amounting to 29.88 lakh crore rupees. It has been ten years since the inception of UPI, and it has shattered all previous records, he said. Highlighting the growth in the last decade, he said, In the past, there was talk of policy paralysis, but today, reforms are taking place everywhere. Our foreign exchange reserves have now surpassed $7 billion. We are reforming with a clear policy direction. I do not need to go into great detail regarding the changes we have introduced in the GST. However, I would only like to say that whatever reforms are taking place, all these reforms are not out of compulsion; this is our conviction. Singh said that until 12 to 13 years ago, access to mobile phones and the internet was considered a position of great power, and after 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government focused on making mobile data affordable. Until 12 to 13 years ago in India, there was also a time when access to mobile phones and the internet was in itself considered a position of great power. It was thought that simply having access to mobile and internet was a massive achievement. Whoever had access possessed information, possessed knowledge, and along with that, also had opportunities. After 2014, when the NDA government was formed in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and we were given the opportunity to serve, India placed a special focus on making mobile data affordable. This means that in India, connectivity didn't just connect people, it also worked to connect opportunities. This miracle has taken place in India, he said. Singh urged Indians in Tajikistan, whether students or workers, to act with the utmost care so that India's credibility is never questioned. A gap between one's words and actions leads to a crisis of credibility, he said, while noting there had been no complaints against any Indian. He described the diaspora as India's cultural ambassadors and an extension of our family. Singh, who said he has addressed the diaspora in 3035 countries, called the cultural program unlike any I have seen. (ANI)
4 lakh pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi Shrine During Shardiya Navratras
Daily footfall remains above 30,000; Oct 17 records highest single-day rush at 48,470 Yogesh Jammu Tawi, Oct 20: More than four lakh pilgrims visited the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir during the nine-day Shardiya Navratra festival, reflecting the deep faith and devotion of devotees who undertook [] The post 4 lakh pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi Shrine During Shardiya Navratras appeared first on Northlines .
In 71 years; CD Hospital fails to acquire much needed Ventilator
Patients suffering the most Arvind Sharma JAMMU Tawi, Oct 20: The official neglect in respect of patient care in Jammu region could well be gauged from the fact that despite the passage of more than seventy one (71) years, the regions only Chest Diseases (CD) Hospital has so far not been able to acquire the [] The post In 71 years; CD Hospital fails to acquire much needed Ventilator appeared first on Northlines .
Rubio Meets Jaishankar in Mumbai to Discuss Bilateral Ties
SRINAGAR: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday to discuss regional and global issues, including developments in the Middle East. During the meeting, Rubio highlighted the potential of expanded energy trade between the United States and India to diversify Indias supply chains and meet its []
Hold terror sponsors, financers accountable: India tells SCO
Rajnath calls for dismantling entire terror-ecosystem, for united approach against terror without selective standards New Delhi, Oct 20: Asserting that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that those financing, supporting or sheltering terrorists must be held accountable. Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council [] The post Hold terror sponsors, financers accountable: India tells SCO appeared first on Northlines .
Over 250,000 Displaced in Yemen as Hostilities Intensify: UNHCR
SRINAGAR: More than 250,000 people have been displaced across Yemen between August 1 and October 17 as hostilities intensified, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday, warning that thousands of families remain in need of shelter amid severe funding shortages. The figure has risen from nearly 213,000 reported earlier, with Taiz accounting for []
MP Ruhullah Mehdi Questions Normalcy in Jammu Kashmir, Blames BJP for Hostility Since 2019
SRINAGAR: Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday questioned claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that people from the Union Territory continue to face suspicion, hostility and restrictions both within the region and in other parts of the country. Addressing a press conference, Ruhullah cited the recent incident involving a bus carrying Kashmiri []
Hand Grenade Found in Rajouri, Destroyed
SRINAGAR: A hand grenade found near Hanuman Temple in the Chityar area of Rajouri district was safely destroyed by a Bomb Disposal Squad after children playing nearby spotted the suspicious object and alerted the police, officials said. Police personnel reached the spot after receiving the information and cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure. []
North Kashmir: 15-Year-Old Girl Goes Missing After Appearing for Exam, Police Begin Probe
SRINAGAR: A family from Layser village in Rafiabad has appealed to the public to help trace their 15-year-old daughter, Uzma Irshad, who has been missing since October 19 after appearing for her Class 10 board examination at Government Higher Secondary School, Dangiwacha. The family said Uzma left the examination centre and later reached Watergam village, []
Ladakh Admin Orders Transfer, Posting of JKAS Officers
SRINAGAR: The Ladakh Administration has appointed Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer Imteeaz Kacho as Deputy Commissioner of the newly created Sankoo district as part of a reshuffle involving three officers. According to Government Order No. 510-LA(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department on October 20, Kacho, who was serving as Deputy []
Srinagar Admin Suspends Classwork at Six Colleges for JKSSB Exam
Srinagar, October 20 : Classwork will remain suspended at six educational institutions in Srinagar on Wednesday to facilitate the smooth conduct of an OMR-based written examination being conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), officials said. The JKSSB is scheduled to conduct the written examination for the posts of Attendant General Cadre (AGC) G-II and Barber G-III in the Health and Medical Education Department on October 21, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. As part of the arrangements for the examination, the District Magistrates office has ordered the suspension of academic activities at the designated centres. The institutions affected by the order include S.P. College, M.A. Road; AAA Memorial Degree College, Bemina; Government College for Women, M.A. Road; Government College of Education (IASE), M.A. Road; Government Polytechnic for Women, Bemina; and Kashmir Government Polytechnic, Gogji Bagh. According to an official communication, the Additional District Magistrate, Srinagar, has directed the heads of the institutions to ensure that only staff members assigned examination duties are permitted to enter the premises during the examination hours. The measure has been taken to ensure the smooth and hassle-free conduct of the examination.
BJP Appoints Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar BJYM National Vice President
SRINAGAR: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Jammu and Kashmir MLA Shagun Parihar as national vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the partys youth wing. Parihar represents the Kishtwar Assembly constituency in Jammu and Kashmir. Her appointment places her in a key national organisational position within the BJYM. She is the []
Ladakh Admin Orders Transfer and Posting of IPS, JKPS Officers
SRINAGAR: The Ladakh Administration has ordered the transfer and posting of 14 police officers, including IPS and JKPS officers, with immediate effect, assigning new responsibilities across the Union Territory. The transfers were ordered through Government Order No. 88-Home of 2026, dated October 20, issued by the Home Department of the Ladakh Administration in the interest []
PM Modi burns Ravana effigy at Dussehra celebrations in Delhi
New Delhi ,October 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday participated in Vijaya Dashami celebrations at the DDA Utsav Ground in IP Extension, Delhi. During the celebrations, PM Modi participated in the traditional Ravana effigy-burning ceremony, marking the festival that symbolises the victory of good over evil. Ramrajya signifies a system of governance free from discriminationa realm where justice prevails, and everyone is afforded equal opportunities. In such a system, the purpose of authority is not merely to rule, but to ensure the welfare of the people... Serving the poor and the marginalized must remain our highest priority. The life of Lord Ram offers us a profound lesson: no matter how great the crisis or how daunting the challenge, we must not rely on others. We must recognise our own potential, trust in our own resources, transform our resolve into strength, and forge solutions through our own hard work... Today, we too must move forward, guided by this very mantra. We have set before us the goals of a Viksit Bharat and an Atmanirbhar Bharat...., PM Modi said at the Dussehra celebrations. Earlier today, PM Modi wished the people of the country on the occassion, calling for everyone's happiness, prosperity and success. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, Heartfelt greetings of Vijayadashami to you all. May this festival of victory, filled with joy and faith, imbue everyone's resolve with renewed strength. May every life be enriched with happiness, prosperity, and successthis is my sincere wish. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called upon people to follow the ideals of Lord Shri Ram to eliminate social evils, including corruption, substance abuse, crime, discrimination and atrocities against women, while addressing Dussehra celebrations attended by President Droupadi Murmu at Dwarka Sector 10 in the national capital. Addressing the gathering at Delhis Ramlila celebrations, Gupta said Vijayadashami was not merely a celebration of Lord Rams victory over Ravana but also a reminder that truth triumphs over falsehood, righteousness over unrighteousness, and justice over injustice. Welcoming President Droupadi Murmu, the Chief Minister said, Today is a moment of great joy for us. On the grand stage of Delhis largest Ramlila -- a stage now made even more magnificent by her presence -- we are honoured to welcome the First Citizen of our nation, Her Excellency the President. On behalf of the people of Delhi, I extend a very warm welcome to her. Emphasising the significance of Vijayadashami, the Chief Minister said the festival had inspired people for centuries by reinforcing the victory of good over evil. For centuries, this day has inspired us, reminding us that truth always triumphs over falsehood, righteousness prevails over unrighteousness, and justice overcomes injustice. Virtue always triumphs over arrogance, she said. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated across the country with religious ceremonies, cultural programmes and the burning of effigies of Ravana, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over evil. (ANI)
Ladakhs First Medical College to Open in 2027-28
Leh, Oct 20: Ladakhs first government medical college is expected to become operational from the 2027-28 academic session after the Union Health Ministry granted a one-time relaxation allowing recruitment of faculty and support staff before completion of 80 per cent of the required infrastructure, officials said. The relaxation will enable the Union Territory administration to begin recruitment against 103 sanctioned regular posts while construction of the Government Medical College at Stipuk Pharka continues. According to officials, the approval was conveyed through a letter dated October 13, following a request by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena to Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Saxena welcomed the decision, saying it would help ensure that the institution begins academic activities as scheduled. I sincerely thank Health Minister J P Nadda ji for taking cognisance of my request and granting a one-time relaxation from 80 per cent completion of the infrastructure before initiating recruitment of faculty and support staff, Saxena said in a post on X. The ministry's communication said the Department of Expenditure had examined the proposal and agreed to the relaxation subject to certain conditions. The 103 regular posts were sanctioned on November 27, 2024, and recruitment will be undertaken in phases according to academic requirements from the 2027-28 session. The ministry has directed that all appointments be made on a regular basis in accordance with approved recruitment rules. It has also stipulated that any temporary arrangements made to start the college must be shifted to the permanent campus once the infrastructure at Stipuk Pharka is completed. The administration has been asked to establish reasonable timelines for completing the infrastructure and inform the Department of Expenditure when the transition takes place. The proposed institution is expected to provide medical education opportunities within Ladakh, where students currently face limited local options for pursuing professional medical courses. Officials said the college would also help strengthen healthcare services in the region, where difficult terrain, harsh winters and geographical isolation often affect access to specialised treatment. Saxena said the administration would make the necessary arrangements to receive the first batch of medical students in the 2027-28 academic session. The relaxation is expected to allow staffing and infrastructure development to proceed simultaneously, helping the administration prepare the institution for its scheduled opening.
Medical interns resume strike in J&K government hospitals over stipend hike
Demand increase from 12,300 to 30,000; refuse to call off agitation without official order
Medical interns resume strike in J&K government hospitals over stipend hike
Demand increase from 12,300 to 30,000; refuse to call off agitation without official order
Veteran Jumbo Prashantha To Feery Golden Howdah On the Finale Of Mysuru Festivities, Mahout Happy
The jumbo savari is scheduled to start at around 4 pm as per auspicious timing
Qualcomm plans worldwide job cuts in performance-focused layoffs
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said the company would begin notifying affected employees in November as it seeks to strengthen its performance culture amid slowing smartphone demand
Long Pending Demand Fulfilled: MBBS, BDS Interns In J
Srinagar: In a significant decision for medical trainees in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved a substantial hike in the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS interns, from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000. The revision marks an increase of Rs 12,700 per month. The support of Health and Medical Education Minister Ms. []
Body of 33-Year-Old Man Found in West Bengal Jungle, Police Launch Investigation
A 33-year-old mans body was discovered hanging in a jungle near a temple in Bardhaman, West Bengal. Police are investigating the case. Body of 33-Year-Old Man Found in West Bengal Jungle, Police Launch Investigation
Jaishankar, UAE counterpart discuss West Asia crisis, stress dialogue and diplomacy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UAEs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed regional concerns in West Asia. Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to promoting peace through dialogue and diplomacy during their meeting. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the UAE has significantly boosted bilateral trade and investment. Both countries continue to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including defense and technology.
JNUSU ends 17-day hunger strike after JNU agrees to revoke rustication of students
In a notice dated October 19, the university said Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit had directed the administration to revoke the rustication of five students with immediate effect
Qualcomm to cut jobs worldwide in performance-focused layoffs, internal memo shows: Reuters reports
Qualcomm will begin notifying employees of job cuts in November as a part of its annual reviews. CEO Cristiano Amon mentioned the aim is to enhance the company's performance culture. The company faces challenges due to declining consumer electronics sales and soaring memory prices impacting demand. Qualcomm forecasts a shift in revenue sources towards non-handset businesses in the coming years.
How Does Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi Operate His Network From Jail?
How does Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly run his crime network from behind bars? Investigators say smuggled phones, intermediaries and encrypted communication may help connect jailed gang leaders with associates outside. The network is described as using freelance shooters for specific jobs, with those carrying out attacks not necessarily knowing who ordered them. A US federal indictment unsealed in July 2026 accused Bishnoi of accessing contraband communication devices to direct alleged criminal activities. Investigators have also cited extortion, illegal mining, land grabbing and other reported income sources. Overseas associates and interstate alliances are said to extend the networks reach. The allegations highlight the challenge facing law enforcement: tracing the links between prison, intermediaries and people on the ground. Allegations in legal cases are not findings of guilt.
CJPs Abhijeet Dipke invokes Gandhi, rejects comparisons with protests in France
In a video statement, Dipke rejected attempts to link the activists protests with violent unrest and regime-change movements abroad. He said Das and Ranka had chosen to face imprisonment peacefully, maintaining their commitment to Gandhian Satyagraha despite what he described as unlawful detention
Digvijay Singh Launches Truth and Pride Journey from Ujjain to Ayodhya
Former MP Chief Minister Digvijay Singh embarks on a spiritual journey from Ujjain to Ayodhya, promoting values of truth and transparency. Digvijay Singh Launches Truth and Pride Journey from Ujjain to Ayodhya
Idefix startet zum Marsmond Phobos Japan schickt deutsch-franzsischen Rover ins All
Trending Topics auf Google als bevorzugte Nachrichtenquelle festlegen. Eine japanische H3-Rakete hat die MMX-Raumsonde (Martian Moons eXploration) erfolgreich vom Weltraumbahnhof Tanegashima ins All befrdert, berichtet heise. []
On Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party escalated its attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of taking a trip to Vietnam amid important political discussions. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit stood up for Gandhi, contrasting his foreign engagements with Prime Ministers travels during parliamentary sessions. The opposition, meanwhile, is calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging procedural irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.
Amit Shah Meets Families of Punjab Drug Victims; Bhagwant Mann Announces CBI Probe Into Jhota Murder
Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets the families of those whose deaths have fueled allegations of drug trafficking and law-and-order issues in Punjab on Tuesday, October 20. Shah met the family of Bikramjit Singh in Gurdaspur and Gulzar Singh's family in
Qualcomm to cut jobs worldwide in performance-focused layoffs
The cuts are part of an effort to build a stronger performance culture and address situations where the company has consistently fallen short of expectations, CEO Cristiano Amon said.
Qualcomm Layoffs: Thousands Of Jobs To Be Trimmed 'Globally' Starting November, Says Report
Qualcomm's job cuts will reportedly be based on the employees' performance.
