Trump media firm plans to sell high speed access to Truth Social posts, possibly Trumps own
NEW YORK: President Donald Trumps media company is planning to charge for special high-speed access to Truth Social posts, including possibly his own affecting national security and financial markets. The move announced Thursday would allow Wall Street trading firms and other institutions to get news from Truth Social contributors in milliseconds so they could profit []
DARS-SKUAST K Organizes Field Day for tribal farmers
Kulgam: The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Soybean, Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, SKUAST-Kashmir, organized a Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) Programme at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kulgam. The programme was attended by more than 40 tribal farmers along with subject matter specialists of the Kendra. During the programme, essential agricultural inputs including []
Social Evils and Parental Control
DR ASIF HASSAN In recent years, our society has been engaged in loud debates about politics, economy, and geopolitics, yet some of the gravest dangers to our collective future are unfolding quietly within our homes, schools, and streets. Drug addiction, rising crime among youth, online obscenity, gambling, domestic violence, and a disturbing erosion of basic manners are no longer distant phenomena that we read about in reports; they are realities that many families confront every single day. While it is convenient to blame the government, the education system, or technology, we often refuse to look at the foundational institution that shapes every human being: the family. At the heart of the family stands parental control not as an authoritarian whip, but as a responsible, valuebased guidance that can either protect children from social evils or inadvertently push them towards them through neglect, overcontrol, or misplaced priorities. In Kashmiri society, the family traditionally played the role of a fortress. Children grew up under the watchful eyes of parents, grandparents, and the wider mohalla. Values were not delivered through lectures alone but were lived in daily practices how elders spoke to one another, how guests were treated, how neighbours were cared for in times of illness or grief. Today, this social fabric is fraying. Economic pressures, migration, and the explosion of digital media have reduced the time and emotional energy that parents devote to their children. In many homes, the television, smartphone, or tablet has quietly replaced the parent as the primary educator and entertainer. The result is a generation that is hyperconnected to the world yet increasingly disconnected from its roots, its responsibilities, and sometimes from its own family. Social evils do not emerge in a vacuum. When a young boy slips into substance abuse, when a teenager is caught in cybercrime, when a child begins to speak with shocking disrespect, these are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a deeper moral and emotional deficit that begins early. Parental control, when understood as firm yet loving involvement in a childs life, is the first line of defence against such outcomes. Control here does not mean policing every breath a child takes, but being present enough to know where the child is, who their friends are, what they are watching, and what they are silently struggling with. It means providing a sense of direction and boundaries, without suffocating their individuality. Unfortunately, many parents swing to extremes. On one side is total negligence disguised as modernity: Let the child decide, We do not want to be strict, Everyone is doing it, why should we be different? On the other side is suffocating authoritarianism: You will not question, You will obey without explanation, Honour the family name at all costs. Both extremes are harmful. Negligence leaves the child at the mercy of peers, trends, and algorithms that are indifferent to their wellbeing. Harsh control breeds rebellion, secrecy, and in the worst cases, double lives in which children present obedience at home while indulging in risky behaviour outside. Balanced parental control requires time, patience, and selfdiscipline from adults. It demands that parents become role models rather than just rulegivers. A father who lectures his son about avoiding drugs but returns home drunk, a mother who warns her daughter about social media yet spends hours gossiping and spreading rumours online, cannot hope to inspire respect or obedience. Children are far more influenced by what they see than by what they are told. If we desire a generation that is honest, compassionate, and morally grounded, we must embody those qualities ourselves. The digital world has added a complex layer to the challenge. Social evils have moved from the street corner to the palm of the hand. A child can be exposed to pornography, hate speech, violent content, and fraudulent schemes long before they set foot in a marketplace. The old style of parental control relying on physical proximity and community surveillance is no longer sufficient. Parents must now educate themselves about the online spaces their children inhabit. It is not enough to buy a smartphone because everyone has one and then turn a blind eye. Setting screentime limits, using parental controls, keeping devices out of bedrooms at night, and most importantly, having open conversations about what children see online, are no longer optional they are essential. At the same time, schools and religious institutions cannot wash their hands of responsibility. Teachers often observe early signs of behavioural changes: falling grades, sudden aggression, withdrawal, or inappropriate language. Instead of treating these as mere disciplinary issues, schools must work with parents to understand what lies beneath. Sermons in mosques and religious gatherings, too, should move beyond abstract moralising and address the concrete realities of drugs, domestic violence, and digital addiction that families are facing. Yet, in all of this, parents remain central; no institution can compensate for an absent or indifferent home. There is also a need to recognise the immense stress under which many parents live today. Economic insecurity, unemployment, political instability, and social pressures weigh heavily on adults, often leaving them emotionally drained. In such an environment, childrens questions can feel like an added burden rather than an opportunity for guidance. This is precisely why communitybased counselling, parenting workshops, and support networks are vital. Parenting is a skill that must be learned and refined, not an instinct we are automatically born with. Admitting that we need help does not diminish our authority; it strengthens our ability to guide. Ultimately, addressing social evils is not merely about punishing offenders or banning substances. It is about building strong humans, and that construction begins at home. When a child grows up feeling heard, respected, and guided with firmness and love, their chances of falling prey to destructive temptations diminish significantly. When, instead, the home becomes a place of shouting, comparison, or cold silence, the child will seek comfort and belonging elsewhere often in spaces where social evils flourish. The question before us, therefore, is not whether we want to control our children, but how we choose to do so. Will parental control be a rigid cage that breaks their spirit, or a protective boundary that allows them to grow safely and confidently? Will we continue to outsource our responsibilities to screens, schools, and sermons, or will we reclaim our rightful place as the first teachers and moral anchors of our children? If we truly wish to see a society free of drugs, violence, and moral decay, we must start not with slogans, but with sincere introspection within our homes. The transformation of society begins in the living room, at the dinner table, in the quiet conversations before sleep. Social evils thrive in the absence of meaningful parental presence. Restoring that presence wise, compassionate, and firm may be our most powerful weapon in reclaiming the future. (The Author is an educationist, public speaker, and columnist)
When an Indian Becomes a Tourist in India!
NAIRA MANZOOR I grew up in Kashmir, and like many North Indians, I believed I understood the pulse of Indian cities. Traffic would be loud. Roads would be restless. People would hurry as though time were a creditor waiting at the door. Crossing the street would require nerve, timing, and perhaps the quiet intervention of fate. I mistook this pattern for the country itself. Then I travelled to South India and found myself wondering whether I had stepped into a gentler version of the same story. What struck me first was the silence. Not emptiness, but restraint. The roads were full of cars, buses, bikes, and autos. Life was moving, yet it did not announce itself with horns at every turn. Back home, the horn has long since become more than a sound. It is a language of impatience, a punctuation mark in the middle of motion, a declaration that one exists and would like to be acknowledged. Here, the streets seemed to breathe differently. People drove as though the road belonged to everyone, not just to the loudest among them. At a zebra crossing, I hesitated, prepared for the familiar negotiation between caution and chaos. Instead, the vehicles stopped. Simply stopped. For me. The experience was so unexpected that I looked around, half-convinced I had missed some hidden signal, some invisible authority, some unspoken rule I had not yet learned. But no: the crossing was real, and so was the courtesy. The air felt cleaner too, as if the landscape had been washed by patience. I kept drawing in deep breaths, suspicious of my own lungs, which seemed startled by their new living conditions. The houses, too, carried this same quiet intelligence. They were beautiful, cared for, softened by plants and order, and free from the exhausting theatre of status. They seemed built not to impress the world, but to shelter a life within it. And then there were the roads themselves. Busy, yes, but patient. No one seemed personally wounded by a delay of a few seconds. No one drove as though arriving first at a signal might redeem an otherwise uncertain life. It was astonishing, really, to watch traffic behave with such self-restraint. One begins to realise how much noise we mistake for energy, and how often urgency masquerades as importance. The people, too, carried that same ease. The shopkeeper smiled. The waiter smiled. The security guard smiled. The auto driver smiled. By the third smile, I became alert, as though kindness must surely be leading somewhere. Perhaps a request. Perhaps a favour. Perhaps a hidden invoice. But nothing followed. The smiles were not strategic. They were simply there, as natural as light. What unsettled me most, however, was how unexamined life felt. Conversations remained light, almost mercifully so. No one asked how much I earned, why I was not married, whether I owned land, or what grand plan I had for the next five years. I was not being measured every time I met someone. I was being met. And perhaps that was the real revelation. Not the silence of the roads, or the politeness of strangers, or even the clean air. It was the rhythm beneath all of it. Life felt calmer without being slow, disciplined without being rigid, efficient without becoming cruel. It made me think about how quickly we turn habit into truth, and how easily we call something normal simply because we have lived inside it long enough. India is not one mood, one rhythm, or one personality. There are many languages, many customs, many silences, and many ways of belonging to the same land. What makes it extraordinary is not that these differences dissolve, but that they endure and still learn to speak to one another. Every region carries its own climate of the heart. The North has its mountains, its expansiveness, its warmth, its celebratory excess - the feeling that an entire neighbourhood can become one extended family. The South has another kind of beauty: quieter, steadier, less interested in display, but deeply attentive to the life of the ordinary. Neither is superior. They are simply different ways of being, different tempos of belonging. I believe that is what makes India so endlessly fascinating. You can travel a few hundred kilometres and feel as though you have entered another world, yet remain inside the same country, the same language of belonging, the same unfinished conversation about who we are. There is no single way to be Indian. There are only many ways, each carrying its own music, its own manners, its own truth. India, in the end, is not a single story. It is a vast, living conversation, sometimes loud, often tender, always unfinished, that refuses to be summed up in one sentence, one stereotype, or one version of itself. And perhaps that is exactly how it should be: a country large enough to hold many ideas, and people diverse enough to keep discovering new ones. (The Author is a columnist)
DRDOs New Missile Goes Farther Than BrahMos. Heres Why It Matters
AJAY HALDAR During Operation Sindoor in May 2026, India's very own BrahMos missile played a defining role against Pakistan. But there is something India has, which is said to be even deadlier: LRAShM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile). The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), advanced by Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a next-generation weapon that is attracting growing attention from several countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Will it Replace LRAShM BrahMos? The missile, which has already undergone multiple developmental trials, is expected to complement rather than replace the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile by providing the Indian Armed Forces (IAF) with a significantly longer-range and more cost-effective anti-ship capability. DRDO's LRAShM could strengthen India's maritime defence with longer range, lower costs, and enhanced coastal strike capabilities alongside BrahMos. (Image Source: Ministry of Defense) The LRAShM is intended to reduce reliance on the more expensive BrahMos missile and extend Indias maritime strike capability much beyond the range currently being afforded by the existing anti-ship weapons. While the BrahMos has traditionally been deployed from warships, submarines, aircraft, and mobile launchers, the LRAShM is expected to become the preferred weapon for Indias future coastal defence batteries. In terms of range, the LRAShM outstrips the Brahmos with its ability to hit targets at a distance of around 1,500 kilometres, which would enable the Indian Navy to engage hostile surface combatants, amphibious task groups, and aircraft carrier strike groups well before they approach Indias coastline. The DRDO has also adopted a cost-effective design philosophy with the LRAShM program by integrating technologies and subsystems derived from several existing indigenous missile programmes rather than developing an entirely new missile architecture from scratch. This approach is expected to make the LRAShM more cost-effective than the BrahMos and reduce development costs while maintaining high operational capability.This will also allow larger inventories to be procured for coastal defence formations without imposing the same financial burden associated with high-end supersonic cruise missiles and become the Indian Navys primary land-based coastal defence weapon, providing persistent maritime denial across vast stretches of the Indian Ocean Region. However, the BrahMos missile will nevertheless continue to serve as the Indian Navys principal offensive anti-ship weapon aboard frontline warships. Its combination of supersonic speed, high terminal energy, precision strike capability, and operational maturity ensures that it will remain indispensable for naval surface combatants and multi-domain strike missions. ( https://www.theslate.net/ )
The Last Thread Of Kashmirs Carpet Legacy
Srinagar, Jul 16: The sound of wooden looms once filled the halls of the Three-Way Carpet Factory in Srinagar, where generations of artisans mastered the intricate art of hand-knotted carpet weaving. Today, that sound has almost faded into silence. Forty years ago, the factory was among the Valleys most prominent carpet weaving centres, employing numerous craftsmen and serving as a training ground for aspiring artisans. Today, only four weavers continue to work there, holding on to a craft that once defined Kashmirs artistic heritage. Among them is Noor Mohammad Bhat, whose hands have spent decades tying thousands of knots into carpets admired across the world. Sitting beside an ageing loom, he recalls a time when carpet weaving was a respected profession and a reliable source of income. I started this work in my childhood, Noor says. At that time, carpet weaving was a respected and profitable profession. Almost every skilled artisan started from this workshop. Over the years, some artisans passed away, while others left the trade because of low wages. Now, only a few of us remain. How can the younger generation choose this profession when they already know it will not provide them with a good livelihood? His words reflect the reality confronting one of Kashmirs oldest traditional industries. Despite spending nearly eleven hours a day at the loom from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. the earnings barely meet basic needs. During summer, artisans earn around200 a day. In winter, when shorter daylight hours reduce working time, their daily wage falls to nearly150. The contrast is hard to ignore. Daily wage labourers now earn around600 a day, nearly three times what an experienced carpet weaver receives after years of mastering a highly skilled craft. This wage difference creates another challenge for our already struggling industry, Noor Mohammad says. The poor returns have discouraged youngergenerations from learning the craft. Skills that were once passed down from parents to children are now being abandoned as families encourage their children to seek occupations that offer greater financial security. The decline of the Three-Way Carpet Factory mirrors the wider challenges facing Kashmirs famed carpet industry. Low wages, changing markets, competition from machine-madeproducts, and theabsenceof adequate economic incentives have steadily pushed skilled artisans away from the profession. Inside the factory, the remaining four artisans continue to weave carpets knot by knot, preserving a centuries-old tradition despite an uncertain future. Their work is more than a livelihood; it is a living expression of Kashmirs cultural identity. But with each passing year, the looms grow quieter. If the current trend continues, the Three-Way Carpet Factory may soon become more than an old workshop. It may stand as a reminder of a craft that once flourished in Kashmir, kept alive until the very end by just four determined artisans.
SKUAST-K to establish Indias first Centre of Excellence for AMR
Srinagar, Jul 16: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has secured the Department of Science and Technology (GoI)-funded Centre of Excellence (CoE) for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research under the One Health framework. This will be India's first Centre of Excellence for Exploring Challenges to Identify Antimicrobial Resistance Drivers and Potential Antimicrobial Alternatives in a One Health Approach (CoE-AMRDPAA), placing SKUAST-K at the forefront of one of the world's most pressing scientific and public health priorities. As alead institution, SKUAST-K will function through a strategic partnership withsome of India's premierinstitutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, and the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS),Srinagar, integratingexpertise in microbiology, genomics, biotechnology, engineering, artificial intelligence, clinical sciences and public health. This recognition comes at a time when SKUAST-K has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing innovation-driven agricultural universities. During the past few years, the University has built a vibrant research ecosystem with 134 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), over 120 technology-basedstartups,internationally benchmarked laboratories in plant and animal biotechnology, genomics, molecular diagnostics, stem cell biology, precision agriculture and artificial intelligence. Several breakthrough technologies developed at the University, including novel diagnostics for lung health and rickettsial fever and regenerative stem-cell bandage technologies, have also advancedtowardsinternational patent protection, reflecting the University's growing global research footprint. The Centre will be led by Prof Syed Mudasir Andrabi, Professor andHead,Division of Animal Biotechnology, as the Principal Coordinator. Under his leadership, a multidisciplinary team of scientists from partnering institutions will undertake one of India's most comprehensive research programmes on antimicrobial resistance. The Centre will investigate the emergence, evolution and transmission of antimicrobial resistance across humans, animals, agriculture, food systems and the environment through nationwide surveillance, advanced genomics, metagenomics and molecular epidemiology. Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, the programme will develop predictive models, intelligent surveillance systems and evidence-based decision-support platforms to strengthen national preparedness against antimicrobial resistance. An equally important focus of the Centre will be the discovery and development of next-generation alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Research will encompass antimicrobial peptides, phytochemicals, probiotics, biomaterials, nanotechnology-enabled therapeutics and other innovative interventions aimed at reducing dependence on antibiotics while improving human, animal and environmental health. Welcoming the approval, Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai described the Centre as a defining milestone in SKUAST-K's journeytowardsbecoming a globally recognised research and innovation university. This Centre of Excellence is a national recognition of the scientific capabilities that SKUAST-K has built over the past few years. It reflects our commitment to innovation-led research that addresses real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic threatening human, animal and environmental health alike, he said. The VC added, Through this Centre, we aim to develop science-based, technology-driven and globally relevant solutions that contribute to India's health security while reinforcing the One Health vision. The Centre will also nurture young scientists, strengthen national research networks and position SKUAST-K as a leading global hub for One Health research and innovation.
Third Chinar Book Festival to begin tomorrow
Srinagar, Jul 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will inaugurate the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on July 18, marking the beginning of a nine-day literary and cultural extravaganza on the banks of the Dal Lake. Officials said on Thursday that the Lieutenant Governor will inaugurate the festival in the presence of senior officials from the District Administration Srinagar, the School Education Department, the Higher Education Department, the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), and the National Book Trust (NBT), India. The festival scheduled from July 18 to 26, is being organised by the National Book Trust, India, under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the District Administration Srinagar and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language. Set against the backdrop of Dal Lake, the festival will bring together readers, writers, publishers, artists and scholars from across the country. More than 200 publishers and booksellers will participate, displaying books in English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi and several other Indian languages, offering readers, students and book lovers an opportunity to explore a diverse collection of titles. Addressing a press conference, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Akshay Labroo described the Chinar Book Festival as much more than a book fair, saying it has evolved into a platform for learning, creativity and inspiration. The festival will bring together eminent personalities from literature, art, cinema and science, providing young people with a unique opportunity to interact with them, learn from their experiences and pursue their own passions. I invite the people of Srinagar and across Jammu & Kashmir to visit the festival and experience the very best the country has to offer, he said. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said the third edition has been envisioned as the largest literary and cultural celebration in the region. He said more than 800 artists, including local authors, curators and performers, will participate over the nine days, showcasing their work through literary, artistic and cultural programmes. Inviting people from Srinagar and neighbouring districts to attend, Malik said the festival would serve as a vibrant celebration of books, ideas and culture for readers of all age groups. Chief Convener of the Chinar Book Festival, Dr Amit Wanchoo, said the event has been designed as a platform to inspire the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. Students from districts across the Union Territory will participate in the festival, enabling them to engage with renowned authors, scholars, artists and innovators from across the country. Wanchoo also announced a special Innovators' Meet, which will bring together student innovators from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), and the University of Kashmir. The event will showcase internationally patented innovations, emerging start-ups and young innovators from across the Valley. Director of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, Dr Shams Equbal, highlighted the festival's Urdu literary programming, including Mushairas and dedicated Urdu sessions. He urged young people and Urdu enthusiasts to participate and explore the richness of the language. The nine-day festival will feature literary discussions, author interactions, book launches, workshops, storytelling sessions, creative activities for children and a range of cultural performances celebrating India's literary diversity. A major attraction this year will be the inaugural 5K Reading Run, a flagship event of Shiksha Saptah 2026, aimed at promoting reading alongside fitness and lifelong learning. Thousands of schoolchildren are expected to participate in the event. Ahead of the festival, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo also flagged off the Shikarathon, a unique literary prelude that transformed the iconic shikaras of Dal Lake into floating ambassadors of reading. During the event, officials unveiled the festival's tagline, Together We Read, Together We Lead (Mil Kar Padhenge, Mil Kar Badhenge), underscoring the initiative's vision of fostering a community-wide reading movement. The organisers have invited readers, students, educators, writers and families from across Jammu & Kashmir to participate in the festival and celebrate literature, knowledge and culture in the scenic surroundings of Kashmir.
Bus carrying 47 Yatris catches fire; all safe
Ramban, Jul 16: Forty-seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims had a narrow escape after the sleeper coach they were travelling in caught fire on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Karool in Ramban district on Thursday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation and directed the district administration to provide immediate assistance and arrange for their safe travel back to Rajasthan. Officials said the Rajasthan-registered sleeper coach (RJ27PC-9921), which was travelling from Srinagar to Jammu, caught fire from the tyre side while in motion. The bus was carrying 47 occupants, including the driver and conductor. Swift action by personnel from Fire and Emergency Services, along with J&K Police, CRPF, Army, and local volunteers, ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. During the firefighting operation, Selection Grade Fireman Manohar Kumar sustained injuries after a tyre exploded and was immediately shifted for medical treatment. No pilgrim was injured in the incident. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, I have reviewed the situation with senior officials and Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, after a Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrim bus from Rajasthan returning after Darshan caught fire at Karol due to a tyre burst. By Lord Shiva's grace, all pilgrims are safe. I have directed the Ramban district administration to provide immediate assistance to the Yatris and arrange for their safe travel back to Rajasthan. Firefighters launched an intensive operation to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained disrupted for a brief period before normal movement was restored. The entire rescue and firefighting operation was carried out under the overall supervision of ADGP / Director, Fire and Emergency Services, J&K, Alok Kumar (IPS), with the Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, and other senior officers remaining on the ground to monitor the situation and coordinate the multi-agency response. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
Amarnath Yatra : Over 3.25 lakh pilgrims perform darshan
Srinagar, July 16: The annual 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra continued to witness a steady influx of devotees on Thursday, with 7,959 pilgrims crossing the Domail Access Control Gate on the Baltal route by 7:30 am, reflecting the smooth and well-coordinated movement of yatris towards the holy cave shrine. According to official figures, the pilgrims who crossed the Domail gate included 6,054 men, 1,612 women, 120 children, 17 sadhus, 10 sadhvis, and 146 security personnel, while no transgender pilgrim was reported through the Domail access point during the period. Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 5,201 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Thursday under tight security arrangements for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam. The batch comprised 3,970 men, 1,124 women, five children, 92 sadhus, nine sadhvis, and one transgender pilgrim, travelling in a convoy of 251 vehicles. Of the total, 1,745 pilgrims left for the Baltal base camp in 74 vehicles at 3:00 am, while 3,456 pilgrims proceeded towards the Pahalgam route in 177 vehicles at 3:30 am. Officials said the pilgrimage is progressing peacefully with elaborate security, medical, sanitation and logistical arrangements in place along both routes. So far, more than 3.25 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine during the ongoing 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, underscoring the massive participation of devotees from across the country. Authorities have urged pilgrims to follow all safety advisories and cooperate with security and civil administration to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
Srinagar, Jul 16: The School Education Department and the Higher Education Department have issued comprehensive circulars prescribing a structured institutional framework for the academic evaluation, content verification, and periodic review of books and other educational resources across schools, colleges, universities, and public libraries in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiativehas been taken in view ofrecent concerns regarding books available in institutional libraries and the procurement of educational material, andin pursuance ofgovernment directions. The circularsare aimed at strengtheninginstitutional mechanisms governing the evaluation, recommendation, circulation, retention, and periodic review of educational material to ensure that academic resources possess established academic merit, factual authenticity, pedagogical relevance, and educational value, while remaining consistent with the Constitution of India, the laws in force, the National Education Policy, the applicable regulatory framework, and curricular standards prescribed by competent authorities. Under the framework, all government and recognised private schools, colleges, universities, and public librarieshave been directed toundertake a comprehensive Academic and Content Audit of books, reference material, journals, research publications, dissertations, theses, digital repositories, and other educational resources available in their libraries and academic units, irrespective ofthe year of procurement, adoption, or inclusion. The circulars further provide that no publication or academic material containing factually inaccurate, misleading, distorted, inflammatory, unlawful, or otherwise objectionable content, including material that directly or indirectly promotes, glorifies, legitimises, or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation, or any activity prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity, and security of the nation, shall be procured, prescribed, recommended, retained, circulated, published, hosted, or otherwise made available in educational institutions. To ensure effective implementation, the Government has institutionalised multi-tier academic and content scrutiny mechanisms across the school and higher education sectors, providing for systematic academic evaluation, content verification, quality assurance, periodic review, and institutional oversight through committees constituted at institutional, district, directorate, university, and administrative department levels, while respecting the statutory and academic autonomy of universities within the framework of applicable laws and UGC regulations. The circulars assign clearly defined responsibilities to Vice Chancellors, Principals of Colleges, Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, Heads of Institutions, librarians, School Managements, and other academic authorities to ensure meticulous implementation of the prescribed framework within stipulated timelines. Institutionalheads shall be responsible for ensuring compliance within their respective jurisdictions, and any omission, negligence, or deviation from prescribed procedures shallbe viewed with utmost seriousness. The initiative is intended to reinforce academic standards, strengthen institutional accountability, preserve the integrity of the educational ecosystem, and establish a transparent, objective, and uniform framework for the periodic academic and content review of educational resources across schools, colleges, and universities in the Union Territory.
LG reviews Vaishno Devi offerings, donations system
Jammu, Jul 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with Members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and senior officials to review the Offerings and Donations Management System at the holy Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine, ensuring complete transparency, accountability, and adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures. The meeting was attended by Shrine Board Members Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin, Suresh Kumar Sharma; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; CEO SMVDSB Sachin Kumar Vaishya; Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya; and other senior officials, in person andthrough virtual mode,at the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra. A comprehensive review of the collection, counting, accounting, safeguarding, and utilisation of devotees' offerings was made during the meeting. A presentation highlighted the robust systems and institutional mechanisms put in place by the Shrine Board for the secure and transparent handling of offerings received through donation boxes, donation counters, online platforms, and offerings in the form of precious metals. The Board was apprised of verification processes, surveillance mechanisms, banking safeguards, and periodic audits that govern every stage of the process. It was also highlighted that all financial transactionsaboutofferings and donationsare undertaken strictly in conformity withprescribed banking norms, statutory provisions, and guidelines issued by the Government of India. The Board also noted the stringent security protocols adopted for handling and storage of offerings received in the form of precious metal, as well as its secure transportation, processing, and refinery through reputed Government-approved institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India and India Government Mint, Hyderabad. After a detailed review, the Board expressed satisfaction over the transparency, accountability, and efficiency of the existing arrangements. The Board also appreciated the comprehensive safeguards and monitoring mechanisms adopted to ensure that the sacred offerings made by devotees are managed with the highest standards of integrity, financial discipline, and public trust.
Srinagar, Jul 16: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday declared the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET (UG) 2026, with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and allied courses across the country. According to NTA, nearly 20 lakh candidates appeared in the examination, which was conducted in 13 languages at thousands of centres across India and abroad. More than 58 per cent of the qualified candidates are women. Jammu and Kashmir has registered a remarkable performance in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, with two candidates from the Union Territory securing top spots in the national toppers' list. Official documents confirm that Hadiya Nisar has emerged as the highest-ranked candidate from J&K. She secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 99 with a percentile score of 99.9931, placing her among the country's top 100 medical aspirants. Another talented candidate, Zaidan Wani, also made the Union Territory proud by securing AIR 124 with an identical percentile score of 99.9931, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess. The agency said 138 candidates scored above 690 marks out of 720, reflecting a highly competitive performance at the top end of the merit list. Of these high scorers, over 93 per cent were appearing for NEET for the first time, while around 99 per cent were between 17 and 19 years of age. NTA said 19 candidates secured more than 700 marks. A total of 1,492 candidates scored 650 marks and above, 10,160 candidates scored 600 marks and above, while 90,780 candidates secured 500 marks and above. The highest score of 715 out of 720 was jointly secured by Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana, the agency said. Qualified candidates emerged from all 36 States and Union Territories. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of successful candidates with more than 1.7 lakh qualifiers, while Lakshadweep recorded 43 qualified candidates. According to NTA, 17 State toppers scored 700 marks or above, while 26 State toppers secured more than 690 marks. The top 17 rankers belong to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Category wise data released by NTA showed that 2.91 lakh candidates qualified from the General category, 5.12 lakh from OBC NCL, 1.59 lakh from SC, 63,716 from ST, and 95,026 from the Gen EWS category. Among specially abled candidates, 3,666 PwBD and 303 PwD candidates qualified. The agency also highlighted the strong performance of women candidates. According to NTA, women recorded a higher qualification rate of 56.8 per cent compared to 55.1 per cent among male candidates. NTA said the result was declared after completing all stages of evaluation and verification. The provisional answer key was released on June 25, 2026, while the final answer key and results were published on July 16, 2026. Candidates can access their scorecards through the official NEET portal. NTA has advised students to rely only on official counselling websites and remain cautious of fraudulent admission offers and misleading claims regarding seat allotment or score enhancement.
AIP delegation visits Dr Mustafa Kamal's family
Srinagar, July 16: A delegation of senior leaders of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed, visited the residence of the late Dr Mustafa Kamal to express condolences and solidarity with the bereaved family following his demise. The delegation included AIP General Secretary Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq, PA to MP Baramulla Firdouse Baba, Nazir Ahmad Mir and Parveez Ahmad Bhat. The AIP leaders met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior leader Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, conveyed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the party and prayed for Jannat Ul Firdouse to the deceased and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
NCs July 20 protest plan wont change, venue may: CM Omar
Says party wont hold protest in hiding; will raise voice in national capital Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asserted that the proposed protest plan of his party in Delhi on July 20 over the alleged delay in the restoration of statehood would not change, but said there can be changes []
Congress joins NCs statehood push, urges all parties to unite
Statehood peoples issue, not party matter: Mir Srinagar: AICC General Secretary and Jammu & Kashmir Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Thursday said the Congress will participate in the National Conferences proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, asserting that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood is a peoples issue and not confined to any political []
School, Higher Edu depts issue framework for academic, content audit
Srinagar: The School Education Department and the Higher Education Department have issued comprehensive circulars prescribing a structured institutional framework for the academic evaluation, content verification and periodic review of books and other educational resources across schools, colleges, universities and public libraries in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative has been taken in []
LG Sinha chairs Vaishno Devi Shrine Board meet
Reviews donations management, transparency protocols Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with the Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and senior officials, and reviewed the Offerings and Donations Management System at the holy Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine. The meeting was attended by the Members of the []
Mirwaiz condoles demise of Dr. Mustafa Kamal
Srinagar, July 16: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Thursday visited the residence of the late veteran politician Dr. Mustafa Kamal to offer his condolences to the bereaved family. The Mirwaiz offered Fatiha prayers and prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. He extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, especially Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Muzaffar Shah, and other family members, praying that Almighty Allah grant them Sabr and strength to bear this loss.
LG reviews situation after Yatri bus fire in Ramban
All pilgrims safe Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation after a Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrim bus from Rajasthan caught fire at Karol in Ramban due to tyre burst while returning from the holy cave. The LG spoke with the Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Shri Mohammad Alyas Khan and senior officials, and directed them []
Amarnath Yatra: 3.43 lakh pilgrims pay obeisance in 14 days
Srinagar: The 57-day long Amarnath Yatra continued to witness an overwhelming response from devotees as 19,357 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine on Thursday, taking the total number of yatris who have performed darshan during the first 14 days of the pilgrimage to 3,43,882. According to official figures, those who performed darshan on []
Ease of Living: J&K to adopt outcome-based, citizen-centric governance framework
Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting attended by the former IAS Officer, P.W.C. Davidar, to deliberate over the roadmap for simplifying government processes across departments with the objective of ensuring greater Ease of Living for citizens and creating a more efficient, transparent and technology-driven governance framework in the Union Territory. []
Kashmir's Areko cherries, Scentrose plums exported to Singapore
Srinagar, July 16: Premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu and Kashmir were exported to Singapore for the first time on Wednesday, marking a significant step in expanding global market access for the region's high-value horticultural produce. The first export consignment, sourced from orchards in Shopian and Pulwama districts, was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with M/s Osum Food Solutions LLP and M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Private Limited. APEDA flagged off the shipment at a ceremony held on Wednesday. Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen India's presence in premium Southeast Asian markets while providing better price realisation for fruit growers in Jammu and Kashmir. The exported fruits were cultivated using scientific orchard management practices and processed through grading, sorting, packing and cold-chain handling in compliance with international food safety and phytosanitary standards to maintain quality during transit. APEDA said the export reflects its continued efforts to promote premium horticultural produce from Jammu and Kashmir through quality enhancement, improved logistics and market development. It added that direct access to international markets would encourage growers to adopt export-oriented cultivation and better post-harvest management practices, contributing to higher farm incomes.
Dr Andrabi reviews facilities at Budgam shrines
Srinagar, July 16: Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, on Thursday visited the revered Aasar-e-Sharif at Peth Makhama, Magam, and the shrine of Baba Latifuddin Rishi at Poshkar Khag in Budgam district, where she offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people. During the visit, Dr Andrabi inspected the shrine complexes and reviewed the facilities available for devotees. She assessed the maintenance, cleanliness, public amenities and overall infrastructure, stressing the need to provide a better experience for visitors. Interacting with local residents, devotees and shrine functionaries, she heard their suggestions and concerns regarding the development and upkeep of the shrines. She reiterated the Waqf Board's commitment to preserving the religious and heritage value of shrines while upgrading facilities for pilgrims. Dr Andrabi assured the public that genuine issues raised during the visit would be addressed on priority and said the Board would continue to strengthen shrine infrastructure, improve public amenities and ensure efficient management of Waqf-managed religious institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu outfits protest over Maharaja Hari Singh row
Jammu, July 16: Several social and nationalist organisations on Thursday staged a joint protest near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh in Jammu, alleging disrespect to the Dogra ruler during a recent government programme and reiterating their demand for a separate Jammu state. The protest, organised on the call of Movement Kalki, was joined by the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Karni Sena, Rajput Ekta Manch, Shiv Sena (UBT), Ekkjutt Jammu and other groups. Protesters raised slogans against the government and burnt an effigy of the Chief Minister. The organisations alleged that floral tributes were not paid to the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh during a recent statehood-related event at Maharaja Hari Singh Park, claiming it had hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu. Addressing the gathering, Movement Kalki convenor Thakur Arjun Singh said Maharaja Hari Singh symbolises the pride and identity of the Dogra community and demanded a public apology over the alleged remarks and incident. Other speakers, including representatives of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Ekkjutt Jammu, accused the National Conference of discriminating against the Jammu region and reiterated their demand for a separate Jammu state. They also objected to holding a political programme on the issue of statehood during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. The protest concluded with the burning of the Chief Minister's effigy, as participants vowed to continue their campaign for what they described as the rights and dignity of the Jammu region.
Dr. Farooq gets passport renewal relief in JKCA case
Srinagar, July 16: A Srinagar court on Thursday permitted the issuance and renewal of a passport to National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, while making it clear that he cannot travel outside Jammu and Kashmir or abroad without prior permission from the competent court. The order was passed by the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Srinagar, on a petition filed by Abdullah seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for renewal of his passport in connection with the pending Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) funds misappropriation case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court directed the Regional Passport Officer, Srinagar, to consider issuing or renewing Abdullah's passport for a period of one year, subject to the condition that he is not involved in any other criminal case apart from FIR No. 27/2012 related to the JKCA case. The court further ruled that if Abdullah intends to travel outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir or abroad, he must first obtain permission from the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Srinagar. The passport renewal plea was opposed by the CBI, which argued that Abdullah is facing prosecution in a serious corruption case concerning the alleged misappropriation of JKCA funds. The agency contended that although the operation of the order framing charges had been stayed by the Additional Sessions Court, the criminal proceedings had not been quashed and remained pending. The CBI also expressed apprehension that renewal of the passport could facilitate Abdullah's departure from the country, thereby affecting the ongoing prosecution. It further pointed out that a non-bailable warrant had earlier been issued against him during the proceedings and argued that no compelling reasons had been shown for renewal of the passport. After hearing both sides, the court observed that the Passports Act and the relevant Central Government notifications do not impose an absolute prohibition on the issuance of passports to persons facing criminal proceedings. It noted that the law empowers criminal courts to permit issuance of passports while ensuring adequate safeguards to secure the accused's presence during the trial. Relying on the Supreme Court's judgment in Mahesh Kumar Agarwal vs Union of India (2025), the court held that the right to travel abroad forms part of the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and that possession of a passport does not automatically entitle a person to leave the country. The court clarified that issuance of the passport would only enable the Regional Passport Office to process Abdullah's application and would not dilute the bail conditions already imposed upon him or permit him to undertake foreign travel without prior judicial approval. The court also ordered that the NOC would stand automatically revoked if any proceedings pending before the CJM or the revisional court are modified against Abdullah's interest. With these directions, the court disposed of the petition and directed that a copy of the order be forwarded to the Regional Passport Officer, Srinagar, for compliance.
Speaker reviews flood protection works at Apazyari Nallah
Srinagar, July 16: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Thursday reviewed the flood protection measures at Apazyari Nallah being executed under NABARD besides assessing the restoration of flood-damaged spots under SASCI-II. During the meeting held in this regard, the Speaker was informed that the anti-erosion and urgent flood protection works at Apazyari Nallah have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of over 7.31 crore while the restoration of flood-damaged spots has been taken up an estimated cost of over 1.54 crore. The officers apprised the Speaker that the projects comprising a series of protective interventions include crate works, check crates, reinforced concrete walls and cut-off walls. The special focus is being placed on safeguarding the bridge foundations and preventing erosion caused by flash floods and high water discharge. Emphasizing the importance of protecting the vital public infrastructure, the Speaker said that safeguarding the bridges against erosion and flood damage must remain a top priority, particularly in vulnerable areas. He directed the Executive Engineers to undertake regular field visits to the nallah, identify all the vulnerable stretches and ensure that appropriate preventive measures are implemented well in time. The Speaker stressed that all the works should be executed with the highest standards of quality and completed within the stipulated timeframe so that the intended benefits reach the people without delay. He also instructed the concerned officers to closely monitor the progress of the projects and maintain strict supervision during execution. Highlighting the public importance of these works, the Speaker said that the bridge protection and flood mitigation measures would benefit nearly 40,000 people residing in around 15 villages, including Badipora, Nowpora, Choudrigund, Hafroo, Loolipora, Watkaloo, Chak Banagund and Sogam besides several adjoining habitations. He observed that the projects would significantly enhance the safety and resilience of the road network, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and provide long-term protection to public infrastructure from recurring flood-related damage.
NC protest meant to strengthen Govt, not people: Bukhari
Srinagar, July 16: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday termed the National Conference's proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar over the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as a political drama, asserting that statehood can only be achieved through dialogue with the Centre and not through confrontation. Addressing a workers' meeting at Dak Bungalow in Poonch, Bukhari said the NC failed to raise the issue of statehood when it came to power in 2024 despite securing a strong public mandate. If the NC was serious about restoring statehood, it should have pursued the issue immediately after forming the government. It is raising the demand now only to strengthen its own political position, he said. Reiterating the Apni Party's stand, Bukhari described restoration of statehood as a matter of honour and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but said it must be pursued through sustained engagement with the Central government. Dialogue and political engagement, not protests and confrontation, are the way forward to restore statehood and resolve other issues, he said. During his address, Bukhari also expressed concern over the lack of development in the Pir Panjal region and demanded the creation of a special police battalion by recruiting local youth from border districts. He also sought the construction of a tunnel across the Pir Panjal, connecting Uri and Poonch, to provide all-weather connectivity and boost economic activity. The Apni Party president accused successive traditional political parties of failing to address the people's concerns and criticised the government for delaying Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, alleging that it was preventing decentralisation of power. Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir also addressed the gathering and called for the restoration of the historic Poonch-Uri and Poonch-Tangmarg road links to improve connectivity and revive the region's historical importance. Provincial President Jammu Manjit Singh highlighted the party's role in securing protections for land and government jobs for the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the 2019 constitutional changes.
The overturning of a passenger tempo in Rajouris Chapprian area, leaving eight villagers from Jamula injured, is not an isolated mishap; it is a symptom of a deeper and persistent malaise on our roads. Each such incident, briefly flashing as breaking news, quietly folds into the routine of our collective indifference, even as families grapple with trauma, uncertainty, and economic loss. Initial reports say the tempo overturned between Khandli Bridge and Jawahar Nagar. Police and locals acted swiftly, rushing the injured to the Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital, Rajouri. Yet, beyond the commendable response of bystanders and medical staff lies a set of uncomfortable questions: What caused the accident? Was it speeding, overloading, driver fatigue, poor road engineering, or lax enforcement? Why must we always wait for tragedy before asking what went wrong? The victims include men, women, and children as young as six and twelve. This alone underlines how public transport in our region is not a luxury but a lifeline for entire families. When safety fails, it is not a statistic that suffers; it is a village. Jamula today lives in anxiety, waiting for updates on the condition of its sons and daughters. The authorities owe these families more than routine statements and a vague assurance that cognisance has been taken. Rajouri and other hilly districts have long been familiar with road accidents that follow a predictable script: difficult terrain, ageing vehicles, congested routes, and a culture that too often normalises over-speeding and corner-cutting. The way out is equally predictable, yet rarely pursued with seriousness: regular fitness checks for passenger vehicles, strict licensing and monitoring of drivers, scientific assessment of accidentprone stretches, and visible, consistent policing of traffic norms. This latest incident should trigger more than a file note. There must be a timebound inquiry to establish the exact cause and fix accountability on the driver, the vehicle owner, and, where necessary, on the agencies responsible for road safety and maintenance. Equally important is ensuring that the injured receive not just immediate treatment but also followup care and any compensation they are entitled to under the law. From Srinagar to Rajouri, people have grown weary of perfunctory condolences every time a vehicle skids, overturns, or plunges into a gorge. Road safety is a governance issue and a social responsibility. Unless authorities move beyond rhetoric to measurable action and unless society abandons its tolerance for risk on the roads, the next breaking news alert is only a matter of time.
Scientific Reports , shows that wetlands bearing the brunt of human interference now have poorer soil quality, depleted nutrients and weakened microbial life. In simple terms, the land beneath our wetlands is losing its ability to breathe, filter and regenerate. Where urbanisation, waste dumping, unregulated tourism, grazing and chemical-intensive farming are most intense, the soils are more compacted, less fertile and more contaminated with heavy metals such as iron, copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium and manganese. This is not an abstract laboratory finding. Wetland soils act as natural filters, trapping pollutants, recycling nutrients and storing carbon. They regulate water flow, recharge groundwater and form the base on which fish, birds and vegetation depend. When these soils are degraded, the entire chain of ecological services flood buffering, water purification, fisheries, agriculture and livelihoods begins to unravel. The contrast within the Valley itself is telling. The relatively undisturbed Shallabugh Wetland retains higher moisture, richer organic carbon and stronger microbial communities, including beneficial mycorrhizal fungi that help plants absorb nutrients. Disturbed sites, by comparison, show rising bulk density and toxic build-up. Anchar, once a vibrant freshwater system, is now choked by sewage and urban waste. Hokersar, despite its Ramsar status and global significance for migratory birds, continues to suffer from siltation, pollution and encroachment. What this research makes clear is that our approach to conservation remains dangerously superficial. We draw lines on maps, issue notifications and occasionally remove a few encroachments, but we seldom address the everyday abuse that is poisoning these wetlands from within. Governance remains fragmented, accountability weak, and enforcement sporadic. If wetlands are rightly called the kidneys of the ecosystem, Kashmir is steadily edging towards renal failure. Saving these landscapes now demands more than rhetoric. It requires strict control over waste disposal, scientific regulation of tourism and grazing, curbs on chemical inputs in surrounding agriculture and serious, funded programmes to restore soil health and water quality. Most importantly, it calls for treating wetland soils as living infrastructure, not dumping grounds.
Jammu Kashmir Breaks Into India's NEET Elite as Hadiya Nisar, Zaidan Wani Secure Top-125 All-India Ranks
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): The Next Frontier in Healthcare and Human-Machine Interaction
Once confined to laboratories and speculative science, brain-computer interfaces are now emerging as a powerful tool in healthcare, rehabilitation, and assistive technology, with the potential to change how humans interact with machines. Technology continues to advance at a pace that was difficult to imagine just a few decades ago. Among the most significant developments in this evolution is the brain-computer interface, or BCI a system that enables direct communication between the human brain and an external device. What was once viewed as futuristic is gradually becoming a practical field of research with real medical and technological applications. At its core, a brain-computer interface works by detecting brain activity, analysing neural signals, and converting them into commands that a machine can understand. In simple terms, it allows intention to be translated into action without the need for traditional physical movement. This makes BCI one of the most promising areas in modern neuroscience and assistive technology. The importance of this field is most visible in healthcare. For patients suffering from paralysis, stroke, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or other severe neurological conditions, the ability to communicate or control a device through brain signals can be transformative. For many such patients, the issue is not only mobility but independence, dignity, and the ability to participate in daily life. The roots of BCI technology can be traced to electroencephalography (EEG), which records electrical activity in the brain through sensors placed on the scalp. These signals are weak, complex, and often difficult to interpret. Over time, however, advances in electronics, signal processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence have made it possible to extract meaningful patterns from brain activity and use them for practical control systems. Today, BCIs are being actively explored in rehabilitation. In stroke recovery, for example, brain signals can be used to support movement training and strengthen the link between intention and physical response. In some systems, when a patient attempts to move a hand or arm, the interface detects that intention and triggers feedback through a robotic device or assistive mechanism. Such systems do not replace therapy; rather, they complement it and improve the recovery process. BCIs are also showing promise in communication assistance. For individuals who are unable to speak or move because of severe disabilities, even basic communication can be a major challenge. Brain-based interfaces may allow such users to select letters, issue commands, or interact with digital systems using only neural activity. In this sense, the technology offers more than technical innovation it offers a route back to expression. Artificial intelligence has significantly accelerated the development of this field. Earlier BCI systems were often limited by slow processing speeds, noisy signals, and inconsistent performance. Modern AI and machine learning methods have improved signal decoding, making the systems more responsive and better suited for real-world applications. The integration of neuroscience and AI is now shaping a new generation of adaptive, user-friendly interfaces. Beyond healthcare, BCIs are beginning to influence robotics, mobility aids, and smart systems. Brain-controlled wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, and robotic assistants are no longer theoretical concepts. Although many of these applications remain in development, they point toward a future in which technology responds more directly to human intention than ever before. At the same time, the growth of BCI technology raises ethical and legal questions. Neural data is among the most sensitive forms of personal information. If a system can interpret attention, intention, or brain patterns, then issues of privacy, data security, and ethics become central concerns. The ownership, security, and use of brain data must be addressed carefully before the technology becomes widespread. There are also technical limitations. Non-invasive systems, such as EEG-based BCIs, are safer and easier to deploy, but they generally provide lower accuracy. Invasive systems may provide higher accuracy, but they involve surgical risk, higher cost, and greater complexity. The challenge now is to make the technology reliable, affordable, and practical for broader use. India has significant potential in this field. With growing activity in artificial intelligence, electronics, biomedical engineering, and innovation-led entrepreneurship, the country is well positioned to contribute to advancing BCI research and development. The need is especially relevant in the context of accessible healthcare, where affordable assistive technologies could make a measurable difference. This is also where local innovation becomes important. In Jammu and Kashmir, where young researchers and innovators are increasingly engaging with robotics, embedded systems, and healthcare technology, BCI research offers a meaningful direction for future work. As an innovator working in the field of Brain-Computer Interfaces, I have been exploring practical applications of this technology for rehabilitation and disability support. One area of focus has been a brain-controlled soft robotic glove designed to assist hand movement through EEG-based signals. Another concept under development is a brain-controlled intelligent wheelchair aimed at supporting people with severe motor impairment. Such efforts reflect a shift from theory to application, and from research to real-world impact. The significance of such work lies not merely in the technology itself, but in the problems, it seeks to solve. Innovation has lasting value only when it addresses human needs. In that sense, BCIs represent a field where science, engineering, and empathy can work together to produce meaningful and lasting impact. The future of brain-computer interfaces will depend on how responsibly they are developed. Better clinical validation, stronger ethical safeguards, improved hardware, and more intelligent software will all be necessary. If these elements come together, BCIs may become one of the defining technologies of the coming decades. More importantly, they may change the very idea of access giving people who have lost mobility or speech a renewed way to interact with the world around them. That is where the true significance of this technology lies. In the end, brain-computer interfaces are not just about machines learning to respond to the brain. They are about technology learning, at last, to serve human needs more closely, more intelligently, and more compassionately. And that may be their greatest revolution of all. (The Author is Faculty, Robotics and Automation, MSME PPDC E.C. Srinagar, Ministry of MSME/Top 50 global innovator Japan submit 2024)
SSB DG reviews security, Yatra arrangements at Pantha Chowk
Srinagar, July 16: Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Sanjay Singhal, on Thursday reviewed the security grid and operational preparedness at the Shri Amarnath Yatra Transit Camp at Pantha Chowk here. The DG was received by Commandant 40 Battalion SSB Yetan Negi, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy and other senior officers of the police, SSB and civil administration. During the visit, Singhal inspected the security arrangements, registration centre and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) counters, reviewing the pilgrim processing system to ensure smooth movement, security and efficient tracking. He also visited the Joint Police Control Room and the CRPF Command Post, where he assessed the integrated security mechanism, surveillance network and area domination measures. To review pilgrim welfare, the DG inspected the community kitchen (langar) and checked the quality and hygiene of the food being served. Later, he visited the 40 Battalion SSB Tactical Headquarters, interacted with officers and jawans, participated in a plantation drive and addressed a Sainik Sammelan, appreciating the personnel for their professionalism, dedication and high morale. Singhal expressed satisfaction over the robust inter-agency coordination and the high level of operational preparedness maintained for the smooth and secure conduct of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Govt forms panel to rationalise lecturer posts
Srinagar, July 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high level committee to examine the discipline wise cadre strength of Lecturers in the School Education Department and recommend measures for rationalisation of posts in line with current academic requirements. According to Government Order No. 285-JK (Edu) of 2026 dated July 15, 2026, the committee has been set up to assess the existing lecturer strength, evaluate subject wise requirements and suggest reforms to ensure optimum deployment of teaching staff across government higher secondary schools. The committee will be headed by the Director, School Education Jammu, and comprises senior officials from the School Education Department, including representatives from the Directorate of School Education Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Education Officer Srinagar, and the department's administrative and finance wings. As per the terms of reference, the panel will verify the exact number of sanctioned lecturer posts in comparison with posts reflected in recruitment rules, departmental establishment records and actual positions on the ground. It will also assess the real requirement of lecturers on a discipline wise basis according to institutional needs. The committee has further been tasked with examining and proposing rationalisation of lecturer posts, particularly in subjects witnessing increased demand due to technological advancements and changing academic trends. It will also review the requirement of language teachers while taking regional and local educational needs into consideration. In addition, the panel will identify and earmark posts for vocational subjects in view of their growing importance and institutional requirements. The government has directed the committee to submit its report along with specific recommendations within 30 days from the date of issuance of the order. The exercise is expected to help streamline human resource planning and strengthen subject specific teaching arrangements in schools across the Union Territory.
Canine terror claims life in Tailbal
Srinagar, July 16: A 60-year-old woman of Tailbal area in Srinagar outskirts died almost three weeks after she was bitten by a stray dog in the locality. According to the family, the lady was attacked and bitten by the stray dog in Bhat Mohalla in Tailbal, leaving her severely wounded. We took her to the hospital where she was admitted for a few days and later discharged. Her health deteriorated again yesterday and subsequently we took her to SMHS hospital where she breathed her last, the family said. There seems to be no one to take care of these things. The presence of stray dogs is everywhere and no one dares to allow their children to go out especially in Srinagar localities due to the fear of dogs, the family said. We dont want such an incident to happen again and witness the loss of another precious life. There should be some positive steps in this regard so that the vulnerability within the residential localities will come to an end, they said.
Sonamarg traders, SDA launch dustbin drive
Ganderbal, July 16: In a major step towards improving sanitation and preserving the natural beauty of Sonamarg, the Sonamarg Traders' Union, in collaboration with the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), has started installing stainless steel dustbins across the main market, with plans to extend the initiative to the entire tourist destination. President of the Sonamarg Beopar Mandal, Furkaan Ahmad, said the initiative was launched after months of persistent follow-up with the authorities to address the growing need for proper waste disposal facilities in the popular tourist resort. He said the installation has begun from the main market due to the heavy movement of tourists and visitors and will gradually cover the entire Sonamarg area, including locations beyond the market and up to the stretch beyond the Sonamarg Tunnel. The need for dustbins in Sonamarg was being felt for a long time. We have been pursuing the matter for the last three months, and with the support of the Sonamarg Development Authority, the process has finally materialised. This is only the beginning, and more dustbins will be installed across Sonamarg, Ahmad said. He appealed to tourists, pilgrims, local residents and shopkeepers to make responsible use of the newly installed dustbins and avoid littering roadsides, riverbanks and other public spaces. People visit Sonamarg to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and peaceful environment. It is our collective responsibility to keep this destination clean. Visitors should not throw wrappers, plastic bottles or other waste in the open. Instead, they should collect their waste in a bag and dispose of it in the nearest dustbin, he said. Furkaan noted that litter scattered in the open often gets carried by strong winds, polluting different parts of Sonamarg and damaging its fragile ecosystem. He said proper waste disposal would not only improve cleanliness but also help preserve the area's natural environment for future generations. He further said the newly installed stainless steel dustbins are durable and suitable for Sonamarg's weather conditions, adding that awareness among visitors would play a crucial role in the success of the initiative. The Traders' Union urged all stakeholders, including tourists, pilgrims, transporters, business owners and local residents, to actively support the cleanliness drive by using the dustbins responsibly and encouraging others to do the same. The initiative is expected to significantly improve waste management in one of Kashmir's most visited tourist destinations and reinforce efforts to promote Sonamarg as a clean, eco-friendly and sustainable tourism destination.
Free kitchens support Amarnath pilgrims
Baltal, July 12: As thousands of pilgrims arrive at the Baltal base camp for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, free community kitchens set up by religious and voluntary organisations are playing a vital role in assisting devotees with meals, accommodation, healthcare support and other basic amenities. Operating day and night, these service centres cater to a large number of yatris daily by providing freshly prepared food, resting spaces, clean washrooms and medical assistance, helping pilgrims prepare for and recover from their trek to the holy cave shrine. Vikas Sharma of Delhi, who has been associated with this service for the last 20 years, said their organisation welcomes every pilgrim without any charge. He said providing meals and a place to stay for devotees is their way of contributing to the annual pilgrimage. Among the prominent organisations, Shiv Gauri Sewa Mandal Delhi Tiranga Bhandara has been serving pilgrims at Baltal for nearly two decades. The organisation also manages another service centre near the Neelgrath, where it has been assisting devotees for the past five years. Lakhi Ram from Chandigarh said his camp prepares a wide range of food items, including more than 50 varieties of sweets, besides wholesome meals. He said visitors are also provided with accommodation and other necessary facilities free of cost. Sanjay Kumar Parasari from Uttar Pradesh said his organisation has been associated with the pilgrimage for the past 20 years, extending support through free meals, lodging, medicines and other essential services to pilgrims throughout the Yatra. The dedicated efforts of volunteers and service organisations, along with support from the administration, continue to enhance facilities at Baltal, ensuring that thousands of devotees receive timely assistance during their spiritual journey.
KU's CDOE marks 50 years with golden jubilee alumni meet
Srinagar July 16: The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Kashmir (KU), organised a Golden Jubilee Alumni Meet at the Main Campus to commemorate 50 years of the Centre's contribution to distance and online education. The event witnessed participation of alumni, former directors, faculty members, administrators and students to reflect on the Centre's journey over the past five decades and discuss its evolving role in expanding access to higher education. The programme also provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and share their experiences of learning through the Centre. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said that the Centre has played an important role in making higher education accessible to learners from diverse social and geographical backgrounds. For five decades, the Centre has created opportunities for thousands of learners who aspired to pursue higher education despite various constraints. As higher education continues to evolve, CDOE has an important role in advancing inclusive, flexible and technology-enabled learning, she said. Dean Research KU, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganaie, said the Centre's sustained contribution to academic outreach reflects the University's commitment to widening educational opportunities. Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, and Controller of Examinations, Prof. Majid Zaman, highlighted the Centre's steady growth over the years and acknowledged its contribution to the University's academic ecosystem. Dean, School of Open Learning KU, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, and Director, Admissions & Competitive Examinations KU, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad, also shared their reflections on the Centre's journey and appreciated its role in extending educational opportunities to learners across the region. Earlier, in his welcome address, Director, CDOE, Prof. Altaf Ahangar, traced the evolution of the Centre and highlighted key milestones in its fifty-year journey. He spoke about the Centre's transition from conventional distance education to online and blended learning models, while acknowledging the contributions of former administrators, faculty members and staff in shaping its growth. A highlight of the programme was the felicitation of former Directors and faculty members of CDOE in recognition of their significant contributions to the development and expansion of the Centre over the past five decades. An interactive session with alumni was held during which participants shared their academic and professional experiences, recalled their association with the Centre and offered suggestions for strengthening alumni engagement and further enhancing the quality of distance and online education.
Baramulla Police mandates DIO media IDs
Srinagar, July 16: The Baramulla Police has made it mandatory for journalists to carry valid identity cards issued by the District Information Officer (DIO) to gain access to official functions, VVIP and VIP visits, religious gatherings, public events, and other occasions where security arrangements are in place. According to an order issued by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh, IPS, the directive has been introduced to strengthen security arrangements and streamline access control at venues requiring police deployment. The order states that only media persons possessing valid DIO-issued identity cards will be permitted entry into designated venues, deployment areas, media enclosures, and other restricted locations during such events. It further directs all police officers and personnel deployed on duty to carry out strict verification of media credentials at access control and checking points. Individuals claiming to represent print, electronic, digital, or social media platforms will not be allowed entry unless they produce a valid identity card issued by the DIO Baramulla. The SSP has also instructed supervisory officers to ensure strict compliance with the order by all personnel deployed under their command. Any violation of the instructions or unauthorized access to restricted areas will be viewed seriously, the order said. The directive has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in operation until further orders.
CWC to launch drive against child begging
Srinagar: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, will launch special drives at shrines and other public places across the district to identify and rescue children engaged in begging and child labour. Chairperson of the CWC, Srinagar, Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa, said the initiative aims to ensure the protection, care and rehabilitation of children found involved in begging or child labour. The drives will be conducted in coordination with the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Srinagar, and other concerned departments. The Child Welfare Committee, along with the Assistant Labour Commissioner and other departments, will conduct special drives across Srinagar to identify children involved in begging and child labour and provide them with the necessary support, she said. Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa said Fridays have been identified as a key day for the operation due to the large number of devotees visiting shrines. Many children are found begging outside shrines on Fridays because of the heavy public footfall. Conducting drives on these days will help us reach more children in need of intervention, she said. Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa said the committee has already conducted similar drives at several busy locations in Srinagar, where a noticeable decline in child begging has been observed following the intervention. The CWC chairperson said the committee will continue its efforts in collaboration with the concerned departments to curb child begging and child labour while ensuring the rehabilitation and welfare of affected children. Meanwhile, the CWC on Thursday rescued 16 children from an unregistered Child Care Institution (CCI) operating in Saidpora, Eidgah, and shifted them to a registered facility for their care and rehabilitation. The rescue operation was carried out following a complaint regarding the functioning of the unregistered institution. Acting on the complaint, the CWC Srinagar, with the assistance of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Srinagar and Police Station Sangam, conducted a raid at Shahi Baghdadi Yateem Trust in Saidpora, Eidgah, and rescued the children. Speaking to the Rising Kashmir Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee Srinagar, Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa, said the children have been temporarily rehabilitated at Rahat Manzil J&K Yateem Khana at Chattabal Crossing, Srinagar, where they are being provided with care, protection and other essential support services. She said a total of 20 children had been admitted to the unregistered Child Care Institution, of whom four had already returned to their homes before the rescue operation. Some of the children staying at the institution were below six years of age.
Special NIA Court Frames Charges Against 10 in Narco-Terror Case
SRINAGAR: A Special NIA Court has framed charges against 10 accused in a major narco-terror case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, clearing the way for trial in what investigators describe as a Pakistan-backed network that allegedly financed terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through proceeds from cross-border narcotics smuggling. The case, registered as []
J&K Drafts New Mining Policy to Curb Illegal Extraction, Bring Tech-Driven Reforms
CS Atal Dulloo calls for legally robust framework, digital tracking and stronger enforcement to ensure transparent and sustainable mining governance
NTA Declares NEET (UG) results, Check here
The National Testing Agency Declared NEET (UG) 2026 results. Click Below to check https://examinationservices.nic.in/ResultoService26/Ntnt/Login
NTA Declares Re-NEET UG 2026 Results
SRINAGAR: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday declared the Re-NEET UG 2026 results, with more than 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other allied medical courses. Candidates can check their results and download their scorecards from the official NEET website. The results have been prepared on the basis of []
PM Modi dials Amir of Qatar, conveys condolences over Father Amir's passing
New Delhi [India], July 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Thursday to convey his heartfelt condolences following the passing of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Reflecting on the conversation in a post on X, PM Modi stated that he honoured the late leader's memory, recalling his deep affection for India and his consistent warmth toward the Indian community residing in Qatar. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the late Father Amir's diplomatic legacy and steadfast commitment to India-Qatar relations. He expressed confidence that this enduring legacy would continue to serve as a guiding force as the two nations work to further strengthen their strategic partnership. Spoke with H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar and conveyed heartfelt condolences on the passing of H.H. the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Recalled his deep affection for India, his warmth towards the Indian community in Qatar and his steadfast commitment to India-Qatar relations. His enduring legacy will continue to guide our two countries as we further strengthen our Strategic Partnership, PM Modi wrote. The call follows a period of national mourning in India, during which the government declared July 13 as a day of state mourning as a mark of respect for the late leader. Prime Minister Modi had previously described the Father Amir as a visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity and a rue friend of India, whom he had the honour of meeting during his visit to Doha in February 2024. We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024. I convey my sincere condolences to the Amir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the entire royal family and people of Qatar. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace, PM Modi wrote in a post on X. The father emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan, State of Qatar, said earlier. Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect of the energy-rich country's stunning development. During his reign, the country saw economic, social and cultural development that bolstered its status in the international community, Al Jazeera reported. Sheikh Hamad's tenure also saw the promulgation of Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004 and the introduction of municipal elections, in which women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI)
PMSSS Admissions Begin as AICTE Opens Registration for J&K Students
Higher Education Department orders facilitation and document verification centres to support counselling process
Jammu Kashmir Govt Relieves Two IFS Officers for New Assignments Outside UT
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has relieved two Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from the Union Territory with immediate effect to enable them to take up new assignments outside JK, according to separate government orders. The orders, No. 144-JK(FST) of 2026 and No. 145-JK(FST) of 2026, both dated July 16, 2026, were issued by []
Kashmirs Cherries and Plums Go Global
APEDA facilitates maiden shipment from Shopian and Pulwama, opening new export opportunities for Kashmir's high-value horticulture
PARAS Health Srinagar Condoles Demise of NC leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamal
SRINAGAR: The management, doctors and staff of PARAS Health Srinagar on Thursday expressed profound grief over the demise of veteran Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, extending condolences to his family and all those mourning his passing. In a statement, Dr Murtuza Habib, Associate Vice President and Facility Director of PARAS []
A Void Hard To Fill: NC Pays Homage To Dr Mustafa Kamal
NC leaders recall veteran leader's contribution to public service and organisation; offer Fatiha prayers
Jammu Kashmir Govt Transfers Senior Engineers in PWD
SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a sweeping administrative reshuffle within its Public Works Department, transferring, posting, or adjusting dozens of senior engineers with immediate effect. The comprehensive order follows the promotion of several In-charge Assistant Executive Engineers to the level of In-charge Executive Engineers over the past few months, all of []
ACB Nabs Patwari for Accepting Bribe in Kathua
Jammu, July 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday trapped and arrested a Patwari posted at Patwar Halqa Mahanpur in Kathua district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from a complainant in connection with providing mutation-related documents. According to an official statement, the ACB registered FIR No. 05/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB Jammu against Khajan Chand, Patwari, Patwar Halqa Mahanpur (Kathua) . The case was registered following a complaint alleging that the Patwari had demanded 20,000 as illegal gratification for providing documents after getting a mutation attested in favour of the complainant's sister. The complainant informed the ACB that he had already paid 9,000 , while the accused was insisting on the remaining 11,000 . After negotiations, the amount was allegedly settled at 10,000 . Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau seeking legal action against the accused. Following receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which reportedly substantiated the allegations of bribery. Subsequently, a formal case was registered, and an investigation was initiated. During the investigation, the ACB constituted a trap team, which laid a successful trap. The accused Patwari was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the 10,000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses. The accused was arrested on the spot after completion of the required legal formalities. The tainted bribe money was also recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap proceedings. The ACB further stated that searches are being conducted at the residential premises of the accused in accordance with the law and in the presence of independent witnesses. Further investigation into the case is underway, the ACB added.
Kath Walveran Hinz, Enthrals Audience at Tagore Hall During National Theatre Festival 2026
Srinagar, July 15: A Kashmiri-language theatrical production highlighting the sacrifices of India's freedom fighters was staged to an appreciative audience at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, on Tuesday as part of the National Theatre Festival 2026. The play, Kath Walveran Hinz, was presented by Tulkul Arts and Media Collective in association with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL). The production was directed by noted theatre artist Rayees Wathori, popularly known as Ravice Rashid. Organised under the National Theatre Festival 2026 by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, the event forms part of the nationwide celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and the birth anniversary of Mahakavi Kalidas. The play depicted the courage, struggle and supreme sacrifices of legendary freedom fighters, including Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Baji Rawat, who fought against British colonial rule and dedicated their lives to India's freedom movement. Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, and Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour, attended the programme as chief guests. Addressing the gathering, Sharma praised the performers for their remarkable stage presence and lauded director Rayees Wathori for conceptualising and executing a production that resonated strongly with the audience. He described the play as a significant theatrical achievement and suggested that it should be showcased in other districts of Jammu and Kashmir to reach a larger audience. The event was hosted by Aneeqa Rashid Farash. The performance kept the audience engaged throughout with its powerful acting, meaningful dialogues and effective stagecraft. Presented in Kashmiri, the play successfully blended cultural expression with themes of patriotism, social responsibility and human values. The programme was attended by writers, theatre enthusiasts, artists, students, police personnel and members of the cultural community. Many participants observed that such national-level theatre festivals play an important role in promoting local languages and strengthening the younger generation's connection with their cultural and artistic heritage.
Lieutenant Governor chairs SMVDSB meeting to review offerings and donations management system
Jammu, July 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with the Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and senior officials, and reviewed the Offerings and Donations Management System at the holy Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine. The meeting was attended by the Members of the Shrine Board - Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin, Suresh Kumar Sharma; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, SMVDSB and other senior officials, in person and through virtual mode, at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra. To ensure complete transparency, accountability and adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures in the management of offerings and donations received at the Holy Shrine, a comprehensive review of the collection, counting, accounting, safeguarding and utilization of devotees offerings was made during the meeting. A presentation highlighted the robust systems and institutional mechanisms put in place by the Shrine Board for the secure and transparent handling of offerings received through donation boxes, donation counters, online platforms and offerings in the form of precious metals. The Board, which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, was apprised of verification processes, surveillance mechanism, banking safeguards and periodic audits that govern every stage of the process. Besides, it was also highlighted that all financial transactions pertaining to offerings and donations are undertaken strictly in conformity with prescribed banking norms, statutory provisions and the guidelines issued by the Government of India from time to time. The Board also noted the stringent security protocols adopted for handling and storage of the offerings received in the form of precious metal as well as its secure transportation, processing and refinery through reputed Government-approved institutions including the Reserve Bank of India and India Government Mint, Hyderabad. After a detailed review, the Board expressed satisfaction over the transparency, accountability and efficiency of the existing arrangements. The Board also appreciated the comprehensive safeguards and monitoring mechanisms adopted to ensure that the sacred offerings made by devotees are managed with the highest standards of integrity, financial discipline and public trust.
Amid row over remarks during condolence, Aga Ruhullah says will keep speaking for Kashmiris
Budgam: National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday defended the remarks he made during a condolence visit at the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after the demise of his uncle, Mustafa Kamal, saying he would continue to raise the issues of the people of Jammu and Kashmir despite criticism over []
PC to decide tommorow on joining NC's Jantar Mantar protest: Sajad Lone
Srinagar, July 16 : The Peoples Conference (PC) on Thursday said it will take a final decision on Friday on whether to join the National Conference's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Speaking to reporters, People's Conference President Sajad Gani Lone said the National Conference has invited his party to participate in the protest. The decision on joining it will be announced during a press conference in Srinagar on Friday, he said, as per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) It is noteworthy that the National Conference has called for a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, and has reached out to various political parties seeking their participation(KNO)
Passenger Bus Catches Fire on JammuSrinagar National Highway
SRINAGAR: A major tragedy was averted on Thursday after a passenger bus caught fire on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near the Karol area of Ramban district. According to officials, the incident occurred while the bus was travelling on the highway when flames suddenly erupted from the vehicle, triggering panic among passengers. The driver immediately stopped []
SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has quashed criminal defamation proceedings against Vineet Jain, Managing Director of Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd., holding that a Managing Director cannot be prosecuted for a newspapers publication in the absence of specific allegations linking him to editorial decisions. The court also ruled that mistakenly identifying an []
PC to decide tommorow on joining NCs Jantar Mantar protest: Sajad Lone
Srinagar: The Peoples Conference (PC) on Thursday said it will take a final decision on Friday on whether to join the National Conferences proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Speaking to reporters, Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone said the National Conference has invited his party to participate in the protest. The decision []
Court Grants Farooq Abdullah Passport NOC, Says Foreign Travel Requires Prior Permission
Additional Sessions Court issues NOC for one-year passport renewal in JKCA funds case, clarifies order does not permit foreign travel without prior approval from the trial court
South Kashmir: Police Attach House Worth Rs 23.79 Lakh in Narcotics Case
SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmirs Shopian district on Thursday attached a residential house worth Rs 23,79,669 belonging to an alleged drug trafficker in connection with a narcotics case, officials said. According to officials, the attached property belongs to Abdul Hamid Thoker, son of Abdul Raheem Thoker, a resident of Nusipora Keegam, and was identified during []
Chinar Book Festival to Begin in Srinagar on July 18
SRINAGAR: The third edition of the Chinar Book Festival will begin in Srinagar on July 18, bringing together readers, writers, publishers and artists from across the country for a nine-day literary and cultural event, organisers announced on Thursday. Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education, the festival will be held []
Jammu Kashmir: Govt Railway Police Orders Transfer of 11 Officers
SRINAGAR: The Government Railway Police (GRP) Katra has ordered a reshuffle of 11 officers, including Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors, and appointed three Additional Station House Officers (SHOs) with immediate effect in the interest of administration and the smooth functioning of the force. The transfers were ordered by Senior Superintendent of Police, Railways Katra, Sanjay Kumar Kotwal, []
Dont Come to Offer Condolences if You Want to Do Politics: CM Omar
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said political leaders should not use condolence visits as a platform for politics, saying those who come to offer condolences to his family on Mustafa Kamals demise should refrain from making political statements outside. Speaking to reporters, CM Omar said those who wish to do politics need not []
Venue or mode of protest may change, but Delhi plan stands: CM Omar
Srinagar, July 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the National Conference's programme to travel to New Delhi on July 20 will go ahead as planned, saying that the venue and mode of the proposed protest may change, but the party will not alter its decision. Speaking to reporters, CM Omar, per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said the venue and the manner may change, but the plan to go to Delhi will not. We will not carry out this programme secretly in some corner. We will go to Delhi and raise our voice there, he said. On being asked whether announcements of other programmes ahead of the proposed protest amounted to sabotage or a diversion, the Chief Minister declined to comment, saying that he will not get into whether it is a sabotage or a diversion. He reiterated that the party would proceed with its Delhi programme. If we wanted to hold the programme secretly, we could have done it in the courtyard of our own home. We will go to Delhi and one way or the other, raise our voice there. After that, we will decide the future course of action, he said(KNO)
NCs Jantar Mantar Protest Wont Restore Statehood: Darakhshan Andrabi
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi on Thursday said the National Conferences (NC) scheduled protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 would not restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, she described it as an attempt by the NC to divert peoples attention from its failures. Statehood will not return through a []
Heavy Rainfall Likely Across Jammu Kashmir From July 19: Director MeT
SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Department Srinagar (MeT) has forecast a fresh spell of widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir from July 19, with peak weather activity expected on July 21 and 22, while warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. Director MeT, Mukhtar Ahmad said that the weather is expected to []
Venue or mode of protest may change but Delhi plan stands: CM Omar
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the National Conferences programme to travel to New Delhi on July 20 will go ahead as planned, saying that the venue and mode of the proposed protest may change, but the party will not alter its decision. Speaking to reporters, CM Omar, said the venue and the []
Don't come to offer condolences if you want to do politics: CM Omar
Srinagar, July 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said political leaders should not use condolence visits as a platform for politics, saying those who come to offer condolences to his family on Dr Mustafa Kamal's demise should refrain from making political statements outside. Speaking to reporters, CM Omar, per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said those who wish to do politics need not come to offer condolences. If you want to do politics, then don't come to offer condolences. You come to our home to express sympathy and then step outside to make political statements. Grief and politics should not be mixed, he said, adding that he would not discuss politics during the mourning period. Responding to a query, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 19 days in New Delhi. CM Omar said it was surprising that despite Wangchuk reportedly losing around 9 kg weight during the fast, the government had made no effort to initiate dialogue or persuade him to end the hunger strike. Politics has its place, but humanity and compassion should come first. During Anna Hazare's hunger strike, the then government led by Dr Manmohan Singh sent ministers to hold talks and persuade him to end the fast. But no one has even tried to speak to Sonam Wangchuk. We don't know what the government will do next, but we are concerned about his health, he said(KNO)
Eight injured after passenger tempo overturns in Rajouri
Rajouri, July 16: Eight persons were injured after a passenger tempo overturned in the Chapprian area between Khandli Bridge and Jawahar Nagar in Rajouri town on Thursday. Officials told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the tempo, bearing registration number JK02DB-9194, met with an accident, following which police and local residents rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital, Rajouri, for treatment. The injured were identified as Rubina Kosar (22), daughter of Mohd Asif; Vaid Paresh (70), son of Neta Ram; Pooja Devi (28), daughter of Tilak Raj; Nishu Sharma (12), daughter of Falal Kumar; Misba Kousar (6), daughter of Barshit Hussain; Ablish Sharma (13), son of Falal Kumar; Ashok Kumar (43), son of Vid Parkash; and Mohd Arif (26), son of Abdul Aziz. All are residents of Jamula village. Officials said all the injured are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Their condition was not immediately known. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.(KNO)
Sonam Wangchuk loses over 9 kg after 19 days of hunger strike
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike has reached a critical stage after nineteen days. Doctors warn his organs could be affected as he lost over nine kilograms. Wangchuk ruled out ending his fast without government response and urged a Parliament march. The Delhi High Court directed daily health monitoring and medical intervention when needed. Support for the agitation continues with leaders announcing visits and appeals for dialogue.
Sonam Wangchuk loses over 9 kg after 19 days of hunger strike
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike has reached a critical stage after nineteen days. Doctors warn his organs could be affected as he lost over nine kilograms. Wangchuk ruled out ending his fast without government response and urged a Parliament march. The Delhi High Court directed daily health monitoring and medical intervention when needed. Support for the agitation continues with leaders announcing visits and appeals for dialogue.
New Delhi, July 16: The Delhi High Court on Thursday observed that he life of every citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same, while directing that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's medical condition be clinically monitored on a daily basis during his ongoing hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The Court further directed that any medical intervention required, based on the opinion of government doctors, should be provided. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the directions while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner Rakesh Kumar Sahni, who sought the Court's intervention over Wangchuk's deteriorating health. While dictating the order, the Bench noted that the petition expressed concern over Wangchuk's health and recorded that he had been on a fast at Jantar Mantar for the past 17-18 days in support of certain demands. The Court observed that the petition alleged his health had deteriorated due to the prolonged hunger strike. Appearing virtually for the Centre and the Delhi Government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that Wangchuk's health was already being checked daily and that his medical parameters were being regularly monitored. The Bench asked whether there was an established mechanism to monitor Wangchuk's health. In response, Mehta assured the Court that government doctors and medical experts were conducting regular examinations. Recording the assurance, the Court observed that the life of every citizen is precious and appreciated the stand taken by the Solicitor General. It directed that Wangchuk's health continue to be clinically monitored on a daily basis by government doctors and experts and that any medical intervention required, based on the doctors' opinion, be undertaken without delay. Mehta also assured the Court that if required, another medical team could be sent to examine Wangchuk. In view of the assurance given by the Centre and the Delhi Government, the High Court disposed of the PIL. Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to press for demands concerning Ladakh. The PIL filed by Rakesh Kumar Sahni sought directions to ensure regular medical monitoring and timely treatment in view of concerns over Wangchuk's health during the prolonged fast. (ANI)
Iran claims strikes on US military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait during ongoing operations
Tehran, July 16: Iran on Thursday claimed to have carried out drone and missile strikes on US military facilities in Jordan and Kuwait, saying the strikes were conducted in retaliation for recent US strikes on Iranian territory, according to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB. The current ongoing operations against US strikes are 'Operation Lightning' carried out by the Iranian Army and 'Operation Nasr 2' carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to IRIB, the Iranian Army said that in the ninth phase of 'Operation Lightning,' it targeted he communication systems and fuel tanks of the US terrorist army in Jordan with destructive drones. The statement said the strike targeted the fixed radar site, communication system and fuel tanks at the Al-Azraq base in Jordan, which it called one of the most important strategic and command centres for American aggressive forces in the West Asian region. The army said the operation was launched in response to the child-killing enemy's (US) aggression against areas of our country and the Bampour Iranshahr garrison, which led to the martyrdom of 7 army ground force officers and soldiers. Condemning the strikes on the Payvar and Vazhd staff sanatorium in Iranshahr, the army said, The children of the nation in the army are the sacrifices of the people and defenders of Iran's security, and they will not shrink from the honourable task of defending the nation and Islamic homeland and avenging the blood of the dear martyrs. Separately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in its Announcement No. 15, claimed responsibility for strikes on the US military's Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, in its eighth wave of Operation Nasr 2. According to IRIB, the IRGC said, Following last night's enemy aggression against parts of the country's southern coasts and cities, your brave and heroic sons in the IRGC Navy and Aerospace Force, in the eighth wave of Operation Nasr 2, under the symbol of Mubarak or Zeinab Kubra (S), in a combined operation using their missile and drone power, targeted and destroyed the C-RAM early warning radar system at Ali al-Salem base, as well as the gathering place of the criminal soldiers of the US terrorist army. The IRGC added that the strikes were conducted in response to the use of Kuwaiti land by the US for its military operation. The statement said, Once again, we remind the honourable people of Kuwait that these crimes are being committed by America using your soil against Muslim Iran. We expect you, Muslim brothers and sisters, to cleanse your country of aggressors and, by fulfilling your Islamic duty, preserve your historical honour and dignity, it said. The retaliation came in response to the completion of a new wave of military strikes against Iranian targets, targeting command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities. In a statement, CENTCOM said the strikes concluded at 9 pm ET on July 15 (Wednesday). The operation employed precision-guided munitions against multiple targets, including in Bandar Abbas, an important port city of Iran. US forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners crewing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM used precision munitions to hit targets in multiple locations, including Bandar Abbas, CENTCOM said. (ANI)
Kulgam police solve hit-and-run case in 6 days, arrest accused from UP
Qazigund: Kulgam Police claimed to have solved a hit-and-run case linked to the death of an 11-year-old girl by arresting the accused from Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow area following an extensive investigation. Officials said that the vehicle involved in the incident was also traced and seized from Bareilly, around 250 kilometres from where the accused had []
Kulgam Police Arrest Hit-and-Run Accused from Uttar Pradesh
Kulgam, 16 July 2026: Kulgam Police have achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation of the fatal hit-and-run case registered as FIR No. 176/2026 at Police Station Qazigund by arresting the accused from Uttar Pradesh and seizing the offending vehicle during the course of investigation. The case pertains to a road traffic accident that occurred on 10 July 2026 near KP Colony, Vessu, where an unidentified vehicle struck an 11-year-old girl. The injured child was immediately shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, for treatment but later succumbed to her injuries. Immediately after the incident, Police Station Qazigund registered FIR No. 176/2026 under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and a dedicated investigation team was constituted. During the investigation, Kulgam Police conducted sustained efforts by analysing CCTV footage, examining available evidence, and developing technical leads. Through meticulous investigation and continuous follow-up, the investigating team successfully identified the accused and traced the offending vehicle. Acting promptly on the technical leads, a police team from Police Station Qazigund proceeded to Uttar Pradesh, where the accused namely *Arun Gupta S/O Lalit Ram Gupta R/O Behrinbagh, Barabanki Uttar Pradesh* was arrested with the assistance of the local police. The offending vehicle was also traced and seized during the investigation. Further investigation in the case is underway. The investigation reflects the commitment of Kulgam Police to ensuring that offenders are brought to justice through a professional, technology-driven investigation and coordinated efforts, irrespective of where they attempt to evade the law. SSP Kulgam, stated that the successful arrest demonstrates that offenders cannot evade the law by crossing state boundaries. He emphasized that the effective use of technical investigation and coordinated police action enabled Kulgam Police to identify and apprehend the accused. The SSP further appealed to all motorists to drive responsibly, strictly adhere to traffic regulations, and never flee the scene of an accident. He advised that in the event of any road accident, drivers must immediately stop, render assistance to the injured, and promptly inform the nearest police station or emergency services. Leaving the scene of an accident not only attracts stringent legal consequences but can also deprive injured persons of timely medical assistance that may save lives. Kulgam Police reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for victims and taking strict legal action against those involved in hit-and-run incidents.
Forest Dept bans camping in Pir Panjal
Srinagar, July 15: In a major initiative to safeguard forests and ecologically sensitive meadows in Budgam district, the Forest Department has reiterated a complete ban on camping, tent pitching, off-road driving, bonfires and the use of plastic and polythene bags across the Pir Panjal Forest Division. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam, Syed Waseem Gul said the restrictions have been enforced in accordance with government directions to preserve the fragile forest ecosystem and prevent environmental degradation. To protect the forests and meadows within the Pir Panjal Forest Division, the use of plastic and polythene bags has been completely prohibited. We appeal to visitors and local residents to cooperate in maintaining the ecological balance of these areas, he said. The DFO said that with the increasing tourist footfall to the popular destination of Doodhpathri, the Forest Department, in collaboration with the Doodhpathri Development Authority, has intensified enforcement measures. Regular checking of vehicles is being carried out at Raiyar, the gateway to Doodhpathri, where tourists are asked to surrender plastic and polythene bags before entering the area. The objective is to keep these forest areas free from pollution and ensure they remain clean and environmentally sustainable, Gul said. He further said that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has already prohibited off-road driving by all types of vehicles in forest areas, meadows and pastures. No individual will be allowed to drive vehicles off designated roads without prior permission from the competent authority. To strengthen enforcement, the department is also planning to establish anti-polythene check posts on roads leading to major tourist destinations in Budgam. These checkpoints will help prevent the entry, sale, storage and use of banned plastic and polythene materials in forest areas. As part of its conservation campaign, the Forest Department will organise weekly cleanliness drives every Wednesday with the participation of Forest Department officials, Forest Protection Force personnel, municipal authorities, tourism stakeholders, local residents and volunteers. The department will also install awareness signboards at key tourist locations highlighting the prohibition on littering, use of plastic, camping, off-road driving and lighting of fires in reserved forest areas. The Forest Department has warned that pitching tents, camping, lighting bonfires, off-road driving or engaging in any activity that disturbs or damages the forest ecosystem within reserved forests is strictly prohibited. It cautioned that violations of these directions will invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
Govts failure to revise rates will cost Kashmir its short working window: Sajad Lone
Srinagar, July 16: Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone has raised concerns over the stalled execution of developmental works in Kashmir, particularly road macadamisation, cautioning that the region's already limited working season is at risk of being squandered due to an unresolved dispute over contractor rates. In a statement, Lone pointed out that Kashmir's short working season for undertaking developmental works, especially road-related projects & macadamisation, is being further constrained by external economic pressures. He noted that global market disruptions inevitably trigger price volatility, and that the ongoing IranUS conflict has disrupted supply chains, including petroleum-linked inputs, driving up the cost of materials essential for road works. Despite the Government having earmarked funds under various R&B and other development schemes, Lone said execution on the ground is yet to commence even as the season is already well into July. He attributed the delay to a standoff between contractors, who are demanding a revision of rates to reflect rising input costs, and the Government, which has so far remained unwilling to revise them, a deadlock that has brought road macadamisation and related development work to a complete standstill. Lone was critical of the Government's apparent reliance on budgetary figures and statistics to project progress, asserting that such data cannot substitute for tangible outcomes on the ground. The Government should not hide behind budgetary allocations and statistics to mask the failure to deliver tangible outcomes, he said, urging authorities to act without further delay to break the impasse. He appealed to the administration to resolve the rate dispute urgently and ensure that developmental works begin immediately, warning that any further delay risks losing the limited working season altogether, a setback that could push crucial infrastructure projects into the next year.
Amarnath Yatra: Fresh Batch of 5,201 Pilgrims Leaves Jammu for Holy Cave Shrine
SRINAGAR: The 15th batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu during the early hours of Thursday under multi-layer security arrangements, officials said. A total of 5,201 pilgrims left for the twin base camps in Kashmir in a convoy of 191 vehicles. Of []
SRINAGAR, July 16: The Kashmir Valley is likely to witness dry and hot weather for the next three days, with Srinagar city expected to record its highest temperature of the season, according to an independent weather forecaster. A prolonged spell of dry, hot and stable weather is expected to persist across the Valley over the next 72 hours, till July 18, as per Kashmir Weather Forecast, an independent weather monitoring service. Maximum temperatures in Srinagar are likely to touch 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, with most plains of Kashmir expected to remain 5 to 8 degrees above the seasonal average, significantly increasing heat stress in the Valley. Independent weatherman Adil Maqbool Mir told Rising Kashmir that the current spell is one of the more intense stretches of the season so far. We are looking at a sustained dry and hot phase over the next three days. There is a high probability that Srinagar records its season's highest temperature during this period. People should take precautions, especially during afternoon hours, Mir said. He added that dry conditions are expected to continue until July 18, with no significant rainfall likely across the Valley during this period. The Jammu region, however, is not expected to see any significant rise in day temperatures, as monsoon-like conditions are likely to continue there, the forecast said. The fresh spell comes after the Valley already witnessed a series of unusually hot days through June and early July, with the India Meteorological Department recording maximum temperatures several degrees above normal at multiple stations, including Srinagar, Qazigund, Kupwara and Kokernag, during that period. That earlier spell had prompted the Directorate of School Education Kashmir to announce an extended summer vacation for schools across the Valley.
Jammu Kashmir: Admin Retrieves Eight Kanals of State Land from Alleged Drug Peddler
SRINAGAR: The District Administration, in coordination with Chenani Police, has retrieved eight kanals of prime state land from the possession of a known drug peddler in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. Officials said the land, measuring eight kanals under Khasra No. 315, is situated []
SKUAST-K promotes tribal livelihoods through Backyard Poultry Program at KVK Budgam
Budgam, Jul 15: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), under the All India Coordinated Research Project (ICAR-AICRP) on Poultry Breeding, organized an awareness-cum-distribution program for tribal farmers at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam, under the DAPST (Tribal Sub-Plan). The initiative aimed to promote scientific backyard poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood option and to encourage the production and consumption of safe, residue-free organic eggs. Prof. Rehana Habib Kanth, Director Research, SKUAST-K, attended the program as the Chief Guest. She highlighted the potential of backyard poultry to enhance nutritional security, generate supplementary income, and strengthen rural livelihoods. Stressing the rising demand for fresh, residue-free organic eggs, she encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable backyard poultry integrated with value addition, organic manure production, and entrepreneurship. She also called for reducing excessive use of chemical pesticides and promoting organic, eco-friendly farming to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability. Earlier, Prof. (Dr.) Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-K, and Principal Investigator, ICAR-AICRP on Poultry Breeding, outlined the objectives of the DAPST (Tribal Sub-Plan). He explained how improved backyard poultry breeds can significantly enhance egg and meat production under village conditions and described scientific backyard poultry farming as a low-investment, high-potential enterprise capable of generating self-employment and strengthening rural livelihoods. He urged farmers to adopt improved management practices to produce high-quality organic eggs and establish profitable backyard poultry units. Welcoming the participants, Prof. Bilal Ahmad Lone, Head, KVK Budgam, introduced the activities of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra and highlighted its farmer-centric programs and developmental initiatives. He underscored the importance of integrating poultry farming with other agricultural enterprises to improve farm income and livelihood resilience. The technical sessions featured Dr. Zulfqarul Haq and Dr. Kavita Rani, who delivered practical lectures on scientific backyard poultry management, covering housing, feeding, brooding, vaccination, disease prevention, biosecurity, and flock health. The interactive sessions also addressed farmers' queries and provided practical guidance for successful poultry rearing under local conditions. As part of the DAPST initiative, 300 improved backyard poultry chicks were distributed among 30 tribal farmers, with each beneficiary receiving 10 chicks and 5 kg of poultry feed to support the establishment of backyard poultry units. The intervention is expected to improve household nutrition, promote the production of fresh organic eggs, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal families. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from tribal farmers across Budgam district. Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to ICAR-AICRP on Poultry Breeding and SKUAST-K for providing scientific know-how and quality poultry germplasm. The program concluded with an interactive discussion, reaffirming the university's commitment to promoting sustainable, entrepreneurship-driven backyard poultry farming for the socio-economic upliftment of rural and tribal communities.
DC Srinagar inspects construction of Foot Over Bridge near Children Hospital Bemina
Srinagar, Jul 15: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Wednesday conducted an extensive inspection of the ongoing development works on the Foot Over Bridge (FOB) near Children's Hospital Bemina and the Attendant Sarai/Accommodation being constructed within the hospital premises. He also took onsite review of the works on construction of Revenue Complex Shalteng. The visit was aimed at reviewing the progress of these key public infrastructure projects and ensuring their timely completion. At Children Hospital Bemina, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the ongoing construction of the Foot Over Bridge (FOB) near the hospital. He reviewed the physical progress of the project and stressed the need to expedite the works so that the bridge can be made operational at the earliest. He noted that the FOB, equipped with escalators, will provide a safe and convenient passage for pedestrians, particularly patients, attendants and local residents, while also helping regulate traffic movement in the busy hospital area. The DC also inspected the construction site of the Attendant Sarai at Children's Hospital Bemina and reviewed the status of the facility being developed to provide comfortable accommodation and essential amenities for attendants accompanying patients from different parts of the Kashmir Valley. He directed the executing agency to ensure the timely completion of the project so that the facility can be dedicated to the public at the earliest. Earlier, at Revenue Complex, Shalteng, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the construction of the new Tehsil Office and the Office building of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) West. He assessed the quality of construction works and the pace of work being carried out by the executing agency. On the occasion, the DC was apprised that the upcoming Tehsil Office will house key functional spaces, including the Tehsildar's Room, Tehsildar's Courtroom, Waiting Area, Naib Tehsildar's Room, Staff Room, Meeting Room, Computer Room, Establishment Section, and Record Room, among other facilities. He was informed that the building is nearing completion and will soon be ready for official use. The DC also inspected the proposed construction site for construction of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) West, being constructed adjacent to the new Tehsil Office. The DC emphasized the importance of expediting the construction works and directed the executing agency to accelerate the pace of work while ensuring strict adherence to quality standards. He underscored that the project is vital for enhancing public service delivery and strengthening the revenue administration in the area. He observed that the new Revenue Complex will significantly strengthen the administrative infrastructure by providing modern office space and improved facilities for Government Officials as well as the general public. While interacting with the Officers and Engineers on site, the Deputy Commissioner instructed them to maintain close coordination for the smooth execution of all projects. He stressed strict adherence to approved construction specifications and safety protocols while ensuring the efficient utilization of public resources. He further urged all executing agencies to maintain the momentum of work and complete the projects within the prescribed timelines for the benefit of the public. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Joint commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Superintending Engineer, R&B, Shabir Ahmad, SDM West, Irfan Bahadur, Executive Engineer PCD-Ist, Nasir Ahmad, Executive Engineer R&B, Yasir Ahmad, Medical Superintendent Children Hospital, Dr A.R Para and other concerned Officers.
DC Anantnag visits Shiva Bhagwati Asthapan Akingam
Anantnag, Jul 15: Ahead of the auspicious Shiva Bhagwati Jayanti (Ashad Ditya), Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Wednesday visited Shri Shiva Bhagwati Asthapan, Akingam to take first hand stock of the arrangements and review the facilities that have been put in place for smooth celebration of the religious event. The DC was accompanied by SDM Kokernag, ACR, senior officials from Health, PHE, PDD and other line departments, During the visit, the DC took a detailed assessment of the facilities, for providing a smooth experience to the scores of devotees expected to arrive for paying obeisance and participating in the rituals. He issued several key directions to the concerned departments like PDD, Jal Shakti and Health regarding provision of hassle-free services during the festive days. He instructed them to ensure uninterrupted electricity, clean drinking water supply and dedicated healthcare services throughout this period. Dr. Bilal called for carrying out intensive sanitation drives inside and around the temple premises, installing dustbins and deploying adequate cleaning staff. He asked the concerned authorities to regulate the traffic properly besides establishing parking spaces for visiting devotees. While assessing the preparations, the DC interacted with the members of the Shri Shiva Bhagwati Asthapan Akingam Trust, who expressed satisfaction with the district administration's proactive approach for seamless celebrations. He assured them of the district administrations full support, emphasizing the importance of harmony, plural ethos and smooth celebration of traditional, cultural and religious events. Inspecting the under construction Dharmashala (Pilgrim Rest House) at the temple site, the DC instructed the concerned officials to expedite construction work while ensuring quality and durability of the structures. He said the district administration is committed to renovating and preserving such places of cultural heritage besides fully upgrading the infrastructure and facilities. Concluding the visit, the Deputy Commissioner extended his warm greetings to the devotee community on the eve of Shiva Bhagwati Jayanti, advising them to coordinate with the deployed staff for immediate redressal of any issues.
Former Jammu Kashmir Governor Urges Sonam Wangchuk to End Indefinite Hunger Strike
SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Karan Singh on Thursday appealed to Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike, expressing concern over his deteriorating health. In a statement issued from New Delhi, Karan Singh urged Wangchuk to resume a normal diet, warning that continuing the prolonged fast could endanger his life. Wangchuk []
Vance says Trump administration screwed up communications around Epstein files
WASHINGTON: Vice President J D Vance says the Trump administration absolutely mishandled the communications surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. During a lengthy podcast interview with Joe Rogan released Wednesday, Vance pointed largely to former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who infamously stated that an alleged client list of Epsteins was sitting on my desk right now. []
Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1
ATLANTA: Lionel Messi sent in the cross that sent Argentina to the World Cup final after another improbable comeback. Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Messi fed a pinpoint ball to substitute Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of injury time to give the defending champions a 2-1 victory over []
No change in plan for statehood protest in Delhi: CM Omar
Says uncles death wont stop Jul 20 programme NC leaders to leave for Delhi on Jul 19; alternate plan ready Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that the National Conference will proceed with its plan to protest the delay in restoring statehood in Delhi, despite the recent death of his []
NC should seek reinstatement of special status to J&K under Art 370: Congs Soz
Srinagar: Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday said the National Conference should not confine its protest to Jantar Mantar for only the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir but also raise the demand for the reinstatement of special status under Article 370 for the erstwhile state. Soz, who was a member of the Lok []
BJP terms Sozs call anti-national, asks Congress to clarify stand
New Delhi: The BJP on Wednesday termed Saifuddin Sozs suggestion for raising demand for restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as anti-national, and asked the Congress to either clarify if its leaders remark was the official line of the party or take action against him. The BJPs response came after Soz said the []
