BSF Recovers Suspected Pakistani Drone Near International Border In Samba
Jammu: Border Security Force personnel recovered a drone from an agricultural field near the International Border in the early hours of Thursday in Samba district. Officials said that the recovery was made during a search operation launched by the BSF in the border area falling under BOP Lalphamkima in Samba. During the search, troops spotted []
AIIMS Awantipora Gets New Medical Superintendent on Three-Year Deputation
SRINAGAR: Dr Kewal Krishan Pandita on Wednesday assumed charge as Medical Superintendent of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, on deputation for a period of three years. Prior to his appointment, Dr Pandita was serving as a faculty member at AIIMS Bhopal. He has also previously served as a Medical Officer in []
Two missing SPOs found dead in Kishtwar forest; terrorists suspected of killing
The bullet-riddled bodies of two Special Police Officers (SPOs), who went missing while proceeding for duty in Kishtwar's Dachhan-Marwah belt, were recovered from a forest area on Thursday. Their service rifles are also missing, raising suspicion of a terrorist ambush. Security forces have launched an intensified operation to track down the perpetrators.
Srinagar: Several higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh light to moderate snowfall on Thursday, leading to a dip in temperatures across the Valley. Reports said that Sadna Top, Ferkin Top, Karnah Valley, Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top and Zojila Pass received light snowfall, while Phase 1 and Phase 2 Apharwat Hills of Gulmarg []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Extends Deadline for ST Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarships
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of Tribal Affairs has extended the deadline for submitting online applications for Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students for the academic year 2026-27 to 20 November 2026. According to a notice issued by the Directorate, the extension also provides additional time for educational institutions and district []
Man Held, Two Hand Grenades Recovered in North Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Police on Thursday apprehended a man and recovered two hand grenades during a joint operation with security forces in the Baderkote forest area of Tangmarg in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. The apprehended person was identified as Ghulam Jeelani Reshi, a resident of Baderkote, Tangmarg. According to police, one hand grenade was recovered from his []
Bullet-riddled bodies of two missing SPOs recovered in Kishtwar, weapons missing
Kishtwar, Nov 12: The bullet-riddled bodies of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) who had gone missing in Kishtwar district have been recovered, officials said on Thursday. Officials said that the deceased have been identified as SPO Rashpal Kumar, Belt No. 65, Age 45 years and SPO Bobby Chand, Belt No. 920, Age 57 years. Both were residents of Kiyar Dachhan and were posted with SOG Kiyar Sector Dachhan, District Kishtwar. The duo had gone untraceable on November 10 after they were detailed for rotation duty at army Camp Dharna, Sector Marwah. They had failed to report to the said TOB for duty. Officials said their bodies, bearing bullet injuries, were recovered from the forest area in Dachhan sector. Their service weapons were not found at the spot. A massive search and cordon operation had been launched after they went missing. Security forces have now intensified the operation in the area to trace the attackers. Further details are awaited.(GNS)
Ladakh Police Remove Sonam Wangchuk from Protest Site
SRINAGAR: Ladakh Police on Wednesday removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site and escorted him to his residence, advising him to remain at home in view of prohibitory orders regulating public gatherings amid the ongoing election exercise. In a public intimation, Ladakh Police said the preventive action was taken in compliance with orders []
Bullet-riddled bodies of two missing SPOs recovered in J-K
JAMMU: The bullet-riddled bodies of two missing Special Police Officers (SPOs) were recovered from Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district early Thursday, a day after they went missing from the remote Dachhan belt, officials said. However, the service weapons of the slain personnel were not found, raising suspicions of a possible militant angle, the officials said. []
Teen killed after vehicle rams scooty in Jammu 's Nagrota
Jammu, Nov 12 : A 17-year-old boy was killed after the scooty he was riding was hit by another vehicle in the Nagrota area of Jammu district late Wednesday night, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the teenager was injured after the scooty he was travelling on was hit by another vehicle in Nagrota, Jammu. He was shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased was later identified as Nihal (17), a resident of Nagrota. Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated into the incident, while the body will be handed over to the family after medico-legal formalities.(KNO)
LEH: Ladakh Police on Wednesday removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site and escorted him to his residence, advising him to remain indoors, an official said. The action comes barely a few hours after Wangchuk, along with leaders of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), expressed resentment over the holding of []
Teen Killed in Jammu Road Mishap
SRINAGAR: A 17-year-old boy was killed after the scooty he was riding was hit by another vehicle in the Nagrota area of Jammu district late Wednesday night, officials said. An official said that the teenager was injured after the scooty he was travelling on was hit by another vehicle in Nagrota, Jammu. He was shifted []
Teen killed after vehicle rams scooty in Nagrota
Jammu: A 17-year-old boy was killed after the scooty he was riding was hit by another vehicle in the Nagrota area of Jammu district late Wednesday night, officials said. An official said that the teenager was injured after the scooty he was travelling on was hit by another vehicle in Nagrota, Jammu. He was shifted []
Srinagar, Nov 11: On National Education Day, Kashmir Womens Organisation (KWO), in collaboration with Makhdoomia Model High School, Warpora, Sopore, on Wednesday organised a seminar on the theme Contributions of Women in Education on the occasion of National Education Day, bringing together students and teachers to discuss and highlight the significant role women have played in shaping the educational landscape of India. The seminar witnessed active participation from students and teachers, who shared their perspectives on the contributions of women in promoting education and creating opportunities for future generations. The Chief Guest, Dr Darakshan Hassan Bhat, addressed the gathering and highlighted the contributions of prominent women who played a remarkable role in advancing education and empowering society. She recalled the contributions of historical figures such as Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Arnimal, Pandita Ramabai and Savitribai Phule, whose lives and contributions continue to inspire generations. Dr Darakshan also recalled the vision of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India's first Education Minister, who strongly believed in the spirit of unity in diversity. She emphasised that every section of Indian society, irrespective of caste, gender, religion or community, has contributed to the development and progress of the nation. She stressed the need to uphold this inclusive vision while working towards the goal of Viksit Bharat. Highlighting India's educational journey since Independence, she spoke about the remarkable progress in literacy. From a literacy rate of approximately 89 per cent in the early years of Independence, India has made considerable progress, with female literacy witnessing significant improvement over the decades. She further highlighted how various government schemes, programmes and policies have created new opportunities for girls and women in education. Kashmir, too, is witnessing a positive transformation, with increasing awareness, access to educational opportunities and growing participation of women in different fields. The seminar emphasised that women's contributions to education have been instrumental in shaping society, strengthening communities and building a progressive nation. It also highlighted the importance of recognising historical contributions while encouraging the younger generation to take an active role in the educational and social development of the country. Through this initiative, Kashmir Womens Organisation reiterated its commitment to promoting women's education, awareness and empowerment, while creating platforms for meaningful discussions on issues that contribute to an inclusive and developed society.
DC Ganderbal presides over public outreach programme at Sherpathri
Ganderbal, Nov 11: The District Administration Ganderbal on Wednesday convened a Public Outreach Programme at Block Headquarters Sherpathri. The camp was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shreya Singhal, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, Harshal Rajesh Mahajan, ADDC, ACR, CPO, ACD, Divisional Forest Officer Sindh Forest Division, and other district and sectoral officers. The camp witnessed overwhelming participation of ex-PRI members, and locals of Block Sherpathri, who apprised the administration of various long-pending demands and issues pertaining to their respective areas, seeking intervention for timely redressal. On the occasion, the locals and PRI members raised various demands and issues like upgradation of water and power infrastructure, development of roads, electricity supply, better healthcare and other issues of public importance. The locals also demanded strict measures to curb the menace of drug abuse. The Deputy Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the grievances and demands raised by the participants and appreciated their active participation in highlighting issues concerning their communities. She assured that all genuine grievances would be addressed in a time-bound manner and directed the concerned officers to take prompt and necessary action to resolve the issues before the next Block Diwas. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also distributed educational kits, arranged by the Social Welfare Department, Ganderbal, among students of Government schools under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
DC Pulwama reviews arrangements, stresses strict SOP compliance
Pulwama, Nov 11: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Wednesday chaired a review meeting to assess the arrangements for smooth, fair and transparent conduct of OMR-based written examination for post of Accounts Assistant (Finance Department), scheduled to be conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) on November 15, 2026. During the meeting, a detailed presentation was made covering the deployment of staff, Magistrates and Observers, management of examination centres, security arrangements and adherence to the prescribed SOPs. The presentation also covered the procedures for collection, transportation, opening, sealing and deposition of examination-related material on the day of the examination. The meeting was informed that the requisite training for examination staff had already been conducted at GDC Boys, Pulwama. Arrangements being put in place by various stakeholder departments were also reviewed. Sidha directed to ensure management and sanitisation of all examination centres, including verification of deployed personnel and arrangements for drinking water and washroom facilities. He emphasised that candidates with disabilities must be provided all necessary assistance, with their examination rooms preferably allotted on ground floor to ensure ease of access and avoid inconvenience. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the fairness, credibility and confidentiality of the examination must be maintained at all costs. He directed the Police Department to ensure adequate security inside and outside every examination centre and maintain strict vigil throughout the examination process. At the same time, he stressed that security protocols must be implemented professionally, without causing unnecessary inconvenience or harassment to candidates. He further directed that frisking arrangements be conducted in a systematic and dignified manner, with separate provisions for male and female candidates. Female candidates shall be frisked by designated female security personnel, with assistance from female staff of the respective institutions wherever required. Entry into examination centres shall be strictly restricted to candidates possessing valid admit cards. The Deputy Commissioner also emphasised strict adherence to the prescribed SOPs governing the handling, opening, sealing and transportation of examination material. He directed all concerned officers and Centre Superintendents to thoroughly familiarise themselves with their assigned duties and responsibilities. He made it clear that mobile phones and other unauthorised items shall not be permitted inside the examination centres. He also directed that all examination-related instructions and necessary information be prominently displayed at the centres. The meeting was informed that JKSSB officials would be deployed at each examination centre as well as at the district headquarters to monitor the arrangements and ensure effective coordination. The Deputy Commissioner directed all line departments to put in place all arrangements. He directed all concerned to read the SOPs and discharge their assigned responsibilities with utmost diligence.
Arrangements finalized for JKSSB Accounts Assistant Exam in Budgam
Budgam, Nov 11: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Budgam, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, today chaired a meeting to review and finalise arrangements for the smooth, fair and transparent conduct of the OMR-based examination for the posts of Accounts Assistant (Finance Department), scheduled to be conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) on November 15. The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary, JKSSB, ASP Budgam and all conecrend officers and officials. During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the arrangements was undertaken, including the deployment of Centre Superintendents, Magistrates, Invigilators and security personnel at all designated examination centres. The deployment of videographers was also finalised to ensure proper documentation and monitoring of the examination proceedings. It was further informed that CCTV cameras have been installed at the examination centres to facilitate live monitoring and enhance transparency. The ADC also reviewed arrangements for the secure transportation and handling of both sensitive and non-sensitive examination material, besides security arrangements, traffic management, seating capacity and availability of essential facilities at all examination centres. Emphasising the need for effective inter-departmental coordination, the ADC directed all concerned officers to ensure that their respective arrangements are completed well in advance and responsibilities are discharged with utmost diligence. He stressed strict adherence to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), examination guidelines and security protocols at every stage of the process. The ADC further directed that all personnel deployed for examination duties be properly briefed and sensitised about their roles, responsibilities and the prescribed procedures to ensure efficient and coordinated execution of duties. Heads of Institutions and Centre Superintendents were directed to ensure adequate seating arrangements, drinking water, sanitation, cleanliness and other essential facilities for candidates at all examination centres. The ADC underscored that foolproof security arrangements, continuous monitoring and close coordination among all stakeholder departments are imperative for ensuring the smooth, orderly and transparent conduct of the examination across all centres. All concerned departments were directed to remain fully prepared for the successful conduct of the examination across the district.
IUST celebrates 21 years of academic excellence
Awantipora, Nov 11: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) celebrated its 21st Foundation Day on Wednesday at its Main Campus, Awantipora, with a series of activities. The events included Open Day, TechExpo 2026, Food Fest, Book Fest, Industrial Meet, Alumni Meet, Art Exhibition and Cultural Fest. The celebrations commenced with the inaugural session at Nund Reshi Auditorium, where Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST, who attended as Chief Guest, described the Universitys 21st Foundation Day as an occasion to celebrate its achievements, institutional growth and collective endeavours. Calling IUST a symbol of transformation and progress, he congratulated all those who contributed to its remarkable journey over the past two decades. Emphasising the need to reimagine teaching and learning, Prof. Romshoo highlighted the Universitys four-year undergraduate programs in emerging areas as a pioneering model of interdisciplinary and experiential education. He called for addressing National Education Policy implementation gaps and developing a robust, outcome-oriented roadmap for effectively implementing the NEP. Prof. Romshoo urged the University to prioritise research, innovation and entrepreneurship that address J&Ks developmental challenges, generate employment and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Reaffirming IUSTs commitment to Viksit IUST 2047, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he emphasised embracing AI and emerging technologies while safeguarding human wisdom, creativity and ethical values. Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, said IUST is not merely a degree-granting institution but an ecosystem that has evolved remarkably over the past 21 years. He said the University has demonstrated its relevance in emerging fields and while Artificial Intelligence is being widely discussed, IUST has taken an early lead by launching a programme in AI. He added that a large number of students seeking admission to the programme speaks volumes about its relevance and quality. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Shameem Ahmad Shah, Registrar, IUST, stressed that everyone needs to collectively work to take IUST to new heights of progress and play their full role in strengthening the connection between the University and society. Prof. Shah further added that over the past year, several important initiatives had been undertaken in the University, particularly in the areas of academics, recruitment and promotions, which have witnessed significant progress. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their timely support and cooperation. Dean Outreach, IUST, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, said the University has developed a comprehensive outreach framework, which has gradually evolved into a model of institutional engagement that can be replicated and adopted widely. Dr. Hassan highlighted that the outreach programme functions through four major verticals Community, Alumni, Industry, and the Centre for Career Counselling and Placement. She said that over the past years, the University has established a strong engagement network through its Community Connect programme with schools and colleges, with about 12,000 students having visited the campus in the last two years. The formal welcome address was proposed by Dr. Aabid H Shallah, Dean Research, while Dr. Monisa Qadiri, Dean of Students, proposed a formal vote of thanks. Meanwhile, the University hosted scores of students from schools and colleges across different districts on the eve of Open Day. The aspirants visited canopies installed by all departments and centres of the University and interacted with faculty and students. On the sidelines of the event, the School of Engineering and Technology organised TechExpo 202a celebration of Ideas and Ingenuity. The Expo inaugurated by Prof. Romshoo featured Research and Innovation displays, Prototype Fabrication, and Departmental Stalls under the theme 'Explore, Create, Inspire Ideas, Innovation, Discovery'. The Food Fest was inaugurated by Prof. Shameem Ahmad Shah, The Registrar, IUST. The Book Fest at Rumi Library was inaugurated by Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, the Dean Academic Affairs, IUST. Simultaneously, three other major events were held: The Industrial Meet at the Conference Hall, Rumi Library and the Art Exhibition at Wastoorwan Art Gallery inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, while the Alumni Meet at Lal Ded Auditorium was inaugurated by the Registrar. The celebrations concluded with the Cultural Fest, which was inaugurated by the Registrar. The Foundation Day was marked by enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, alumni, and industry representatives.
SMC Commissioner reviews winter preparedness
Srinagar, Nov 11: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Dr. Basharat Qayoom, on Wednesday reviewed its preparedness for the prevailing weather forecast and took stock of the follow-up action on directions issued during the previous review meeting. The meeting, held at the SMC Central Office, Karan Nagar, focused on the availability of men and machinery, snow clearance arrangements and the functioning of field and monitoring teams. The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioner (Works), Joint Commissioner (H&S), F.A./Chief Accounts Officer, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineers of various wings, Purchase and Procurement Officer, Chief Sanitation Officer, Stores Officer and other concerned officers. Reviewing the arrangements across the city, the Commissioner directed all concerned officers to ensure that field teams, machinery and essential equipment remain available for immediate response to any situation arising from adverse weather conditions. He stressed the need for close coordination among the concerned wings so that issues on the ground are addressed without delay. With regard to snow clearance, Dr. Basharat directed that both manual and mechanised arrangements be maintained across all municipal wards. Major roads and important public routes are to be cleared on priority, particularly those connecting hospitals, ration depots, shrines and government institutions. He also called for adequate manpower to undertake manual clearance in interior lanes, narrow streets, footpaths and areas inaccessible to snow clearance vehicles. The Commissioner took stock of the SMC snow clearance fleet and was informed that vehicles which had been sent for repairs have now been repaired and are ready for deployment. He directed that all available vehicles and machinery, along with the required manpower, be kept ready to respond to snowfall as and when required. It was also informed that zonal-level and ward-level teams have been constituted and are ready to attend to situations arising from adverse weather. The Commissioner stressed that these teams must remain in touch with their respective officers and monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely intervention at the ground level. Reviewing dewatering arrangements, he directed that all permanent dewatering stations be kept functional and that high-capacity mobile pumps be positioned at vulnerable and low-lying locations to deal with waterlogging caused by rainfall and snowmelt. The Commissioner also stressed the need for effective functioning of the Snow Monitoring Committee and the 247 Control Room. He directed both to maintain regular contact with field teams and ensure that complaints relating to snow accumulation, blocked roads and waterlogging are immediately conveyed to the concerned officers for necessary action. Dr. Basharat called upon the officers to maintain close field supervision and ensure that no delay occurs in mobilising resources wherever required. He stressed that preparedness must be reflected in actual field arrangements, with clear coordination and accountability at every level. The Commissioner directed all concerned wings to remain vigilant and ensure that the arrangements are maintained throughout the winter season, with particular focus on timely snow clearance, effective dewatering and uninterrupted civic services. He underscored that a coordinated and prompt response would be essential to minimise public inconvenience during adverse weather conditions.
J&Ks agri sector has $80 billion potential by 2047: SKUAST-K VC
Vice Chancellor said enrolment rose from about 2,100 in 2020-21 to about 6,000 now Srinagar, Nov 11: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir ( SKUAST-K ), Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai , on Wednesday said the university has set a target of raising the value of Jammu and Kashmir's agriculture sector from about $3.5 billion to $80 billion by 2047, to make the Union Territory a model bio-economy state. Addressing a press conference here alongside Prof Dr Raihana Habib Kanth, Director of Extension Education, he said the shorter-term target is about $12 billion by 2030, which he said would take the sector to approximately Rs 1 lakh crore. Prof Ganai said the university prepared a roadmap with the government in 2022 and presented it to the Lieutenant Governor at SKICC in June that year. Agriculture in J&K was then valued at about Rs 37,000 crore, against an estimated potential of $80 billion, he said. The university presented the vision again in October 2022, and the Lieutenant Governor approved the project, which has an estimated expenditure of about Rs 5,013 crore, he said. Prof Ganai said the university identified five components to bridge the gap: a vision or roadmap, trained human capital, technology, the government's commitment and capital investment by the government. The university would contribute to the first three, he said. He added that J&K's model is now seen in the country as an Evergreen Revolution after the Green Revolution. The SKUAST-K VC said India's per capita income is around $2,500 a year and needs to rise to $18,000-20,000 for the country to become developed. Viksit Bharat is not merely a slogan. It is a goal, a target and an aspiration, he said. He said the country has realised only about 20 per cent of the potential of agriculture and allied sectors. Rankings, patents, startups The VC said the university stood 37th in national rankings six or seven years ago and is now third among 74 universities. He said it ranks first in innovation among 78 universities and first in entrepreneurship and startups. The university received six patents in its first 40 years and has secured about 150 patents and intellectual property rights in the past five years. It has around 125 startups set up by students and faculty, he said, adding that five to six lakh people visited the three-day Gungul event in 2024. Prof Ganai said the university has coined the term babycorn for startups, as the one-billion-dollar valuation of a unicorn is a distant goal for it at present. He said 80 to 85 per cent of startups fail in the initial stages, and the aim is to encourage every student to become a founder or director of a business. He said public sector employment in J&K has reached saturation, and manufacturing faces the challenges of distance from raw materials and markets, and a fragile environment. Agriculture holds the greatest potential, he said. Enrolment The Vice Chancellor said enrolment rose from about 2,100 in 2020-21 to about 6,000 now. This year, about 17,000 candidates appeared for around 700 undergraduate seats, he said. The university offers 13 to 14 undergraduate programmes, against four to five at most universities, he added. He said around 35 per cent of students, more than 1,500, come from outside J&K. The university received about 450 applications from international students this year, and about 45 were admitted, he said. It had no foreign students when it organised an International Education Fair in Delhi in 2023, he added. Stakeholders, environment Prof Ganai said the university has five stakeholders: students, farmers, consumers, the environment and industry. He said the 15 million people of J&K are stakeholders because the food they consume must be safe. He said the university has submitted a Draft Policy on Environmental Sustainability to the government, which is reviewing it. The draft is in the public domain, and people can send suggestions, he said. We will promote agriculture, but not at the cost of the environment, he said, citing Punjab, where he said intensive farming during the Green Revolution led to soil deterioration, a falling water table and a rise in diseases. Thanking the media for its coverage, the VC said journalists are a channel to take technologies to farmers. He said the university's slogan is SKUAST-Kashmir for Quality of Life and its aim is to improve the lives of people in the remotest villages. Jammu and Kashmir has to become a model bio-economy by unlocking the potential of agriculture, says SKUAST-Kashmir Vice-Chancellor Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai Camera: @Arifkhan33_ @skuast_kashmir https://t.co/oRLzHjeh7r Rising Kashmir (@RisingKashmir) November 11, 2026
Swachh Survekshan Awards 202526 : Jammu, Shopian among top clean Himalayan cities
Srinagar, Nov 11: Jammu and Kashmir has secured recognition in two categories at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 202526, with Jammu and Shopian featuring among the country's top three Clean Himalayan Cities, while Budgam has been selected for the State First Swachh City Award under the Union Territory category. According to the results announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Jammu and Shopian have been recognised alongside Rudrapur in Uttarakhand among the top three Clean Himalayan Cities in the country. In another achievement for Jammu and Kashmir, Budgam has been named the State First Swachh City in the category of Union Territories having more than five Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The recognition comes as Swachh Survekshan 202526 expanded its coverage by introducing special award categories for Himalayan cities, riverfront towns and coastal towns, besides continuing its assessment across five population categories. President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu. This year's survey has seen participation from 4,751 cities across the country, with 2.70 crore citizens providing feedback. According to the Ministry, more than 350 Urban Local Bodies improved their positions by over 500 ranks, while over 1,700 smaller cities with populations below 50,000 registered improvements compared to the previous survey. The Ministry said the Swachh Survekshan initiative aims to encourage healthy competition among cities and strengthen citizen participation in urban cleanliness, waste management and sanitation services. The awards also recognise the role of urban local bodies, sanitation workers and citizens in improving cleanliness standards and promoting sustainable urban development.
CM Omar orders fortnightly review of SASCI projects
Udhampur, Nov 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday directed officials to accelerate project execution and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach people in a timely manner, chairing a comprehensive review meeting in Udhampur to assess the district's developmental scenario, progress of ongoing projects and delivery of essential public services. During the visit, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated four developmental projects of the Rural Development Department, completed at a cumulative cost of Rs 5.06 crore, strengthening grassroots development infrastructure in the district. The projects include the District Development Council Building at Udhampur, constructed at a cost of Rs 235.76 lakh; the Block Development Council Building at Parlidhar, costing Rs 80.17 lakh; the BDC Building at Jaganoo, completed at a cost of Rs 84.41 lakh; and the BDC Building at Sewna, constructed at a cost of Rs 106.32 lakh. Executed under the CAPEX budget, the projects cater to Udhampur East, Ramnagar and Chenani constituencies. During the review, the Chief Minister directed all departments to accelerate the execution of ongoing developmental works, with particular emphasis on improving physical progress and ensuring optimal financial utilisation. He stressed that developmental projects must move forward in a coordinated and time-bound manner, with accountability at every level. Calling for closer monitoring of projects being executed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), he directed that their progress be reviewed fortnightly to identify bottlenecks, address implementation-related issues and ensure timely completion, emphasising the need to maximise utilisation of allocated funds. The Chief Minister also stressed the timely release of funds under various development and relief schemes, particularly the Constituency Development Fund, observing that delays in fund disbursement should not impede public works or deprive beneficiaries of timely assistance. He directed district authorities to expedite pending forest clearances in accordance with prescribed rules and procedures, while ensuring close coordination with the concerned departments to avoid unnecessary delays. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Ananth Dwivedi gave a detailed presentation on the district's developmental profile, sector-wise achievements, ongoing projects, financial and physical progress and winter preparedness. The meeting was apprised that the Government Medical College, Udhampur, at Baili has achieved 88 per cent overall physical progress, and updates were shared on national highway projects along NH-244, NH-44 and NH-1A, besides the Mantalai tourism development project under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, for which the Request for Proposal is scheduled to close in November 2026. On winter preparedness, the Deputy Commissioner briefed the meeting on a road clearance mechanism covering 124 roads spanning approximately 775 kilometres, supported by requisite machinery, buffer stocks of power poles and transformers, water tankers, medical supplies and advance stocking of ration in snow-bound areas. The meeting also reviewed progress under the District and UT CAPEX budgets, tribal affairs initiatives, PMGSY road connectivity, MGNREGA employment generation, PMAY-G houses, the Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT 2.0, smart metering under RDSS, PMJAY-SEHAT coverage, TB elimination, social security pensions, Mission Shakti, HADP, Kisan Khidmat Ghars, Kisan Credit Cards and Agristack Farmer IDs, in which Udhampur has emerged among the leading districts in the Union Territory. It further covered industrial development at Battal Ballian, SVAMITVA property cards, mining regulation and targeted food distribution. The district has achieved a 96 per cent disposal rate of grievances received through the JK Samadhan portal. Several deputations also called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of public issues and demands concerning their areas and sectors. Ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Mir Saifullah, Shamim Firdous and Altaf Ahmed Wani; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Balwant Singh Mankotia, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Ranbir Singh Pathania and Sunil Bhardwaj; Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal; Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Ananth Dwivedi; and divisional and district heads of various departments attended the meeting.
Veshow Festival symbol of J&K's cultural consciousness: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Nov 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said the Veshow Festival has emerged as a symbol of the intellectual, literary and cultural consciousness of Jammu and Kashmir, as he inaugurated the festival in Kulgam. Addressing scholars, writers, poets, artists and literary enthusiasts, the Lieutenant Governor said that since its launch in 2023, the festival has evolved into a vibrant and widely recognised forum for dialogue, creativity and cultural exchange. The growing participation of writers and readers demonstrates that ideas and creative expression transcend geographical boundaries, he said. Speaking on Kulgam's rich civilisational heritage, he said the district represents a unique cultural tradition where spirituality, creativity, nature and humanity have long coexisted in harmony. Highlighting the influence of the Rishi-Sufi tradition, Sinha recalled the contributions of Yogini Lalleshwari, Nund Rishi, Sayyid Hussain Simnani and other saints and thinkers who laid the foundations of compassion, simplicity, brotherhood and spiritual awakening in the region. The LG observed that the universal human vision of the Rishi-Sufi tradition places humanity above divisions and dialogue above discord, describing the Veshow Literary Festival as a modern expression of this living legacy. He appreciated the festival's unique design, which brings together literature, art, heritage and livelihood. Besides literary discussions and book launches, the festival showcases traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage, including an antique village highlighting the region's history and traditions. In this festival, books, art, and livelihood stand together, conveying the message that, along with dialogue with writers and poets, book launches, and mutual discussion, the craftsmanship of artisans will also be showcased. Between these two is an antique village, a symbol of our heritage, he said. The Lieutenant Governor proposed a five-point agenda for the festival's future growth: creation of a Veshow Archive to document oral traditions, folk tales and folk poetry; use of modern language technologies to promote multilingual translations; expansion of mobile libraries to remote villages; integration of the festival with tourism, handicrafts and homestays; and establishment of a Veshow Writers' Residency to attract authors and poets from across the country. We must connect the Veshow Festival directly with tourism and handicrafts. By leveraging the branding of the festival, homestays and offbeat destinations in the region can be promoted. This festival must be transformed into a cultural movement, he said. He also encouraged youth to use digital platforms and podcasts to document and promote the stories, traditions, literature and crafts of Kulgam, expressing confidence that the festival would inspire young minds, support artisans and strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's emergence as a national cultural hub. Let us preserve the rich heritage, promote culture, and shape a new Jammu Kashmir, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the Keepers of Veshow Heritage, visited the Exhibition on Veshow Traditions and released the Festival Magazine. Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, MLA from Kulgam; Mohd Afzal Parray, former chairman, District Development Council Kulgam; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sujit Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Javed Iqbal Mattoo, DIG South Kashmir; Shahzad Alam, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam; Anayat Ali Choudhary, SSP Kulgam; prominent personalities from the literary field, youth and a large number of people were present.
Wazas set 10 PM deadline for Baraat arrival
Say won't serve Wazwan if groom arrives late Next meeting to finalise rules on limited dishes Association to sign agreements with hosts Grand Mufti backs move, appreciates chefs Srinagar, Nov 11: In a society where wedding celebrations often stretch well beyond scheduled hours, Kashmir's Waza community has taken a significant step towards changing the practice, announcing a strict 10 PM deadline for Baraat arrivals. The Waza community has decided to set a deadline of 10 PM for the arrival of the groom's Baraat, warning that Wazwan will not be served if the groom arrives late. The decision, according to them, is aimed at streamlining wedding ceremonies in Kashmir. Speaking exclusively to Rising Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Baba, President of the Waza Association Kashmir, said wedding ceremonies have become increasingly difficult for chefs and their workers as grooms and guests often fail to adhere to the timings mentioned on invitation cards. He said the delay in Baraat arrivals leaves chefs and their teams waiting for hours, affecting their ability to attend other wedding ceremonies and complete preparations on time. We have now set a deadline of 10 PM for Baraat's arrival. If a groom arrives late at any venue, the Waza community will not serve the meal, Baba said. Baba said the situation has become particularly difficult for workers, who often return home late after wedding ceremonies and find it challenging to report for duties at other venues. Our workers show reluctance to accompany us to other places when they reach home late from a marriage ceremony where the groom arrives at the bride's place in the morning hours, he added. Baba said the association had found no better solution to the problem and had decided to implement the deadline strictly. He added that the association would also enter into an agreement with hosts before finalising wedding arrangements from the next wedding season, beginning March 1, 2027. Sajad Ahmad Bhat, a Chef from Srinagar's Habba Kadal, echoed similar concerns, saying the Waza community would no longer compromise on timings. There will be no compromise. If anyone thinks the Waza community will continue working until the groom arrives after 10 PM, I want to make it clear that no chef will oblige, even if offered extra money to wait, Bhat said. He said the situation needed to change and that the decision to impose the deadline had received widespread support from the Waza community, which would ensure its strict implementation. The decision has been appreciated by the society, with many netizens posting their views, admiring the community for this favourable decision. Moreover, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, has appreciated the Waza community and Kashmirs Chefs for deciding to regulate food service timings at weddings and other social functions, including the decision not to serve food beyond 10 pm. The Grand Mufti said such positive steps were in the larger interest of society and deserved collective encouragement.He said the number of cuisines and elaborate arrangements at weddings should remain reasonable, stressing that Nikah must be kept simple, dignified and accessible. The growing burden of customs, unnecessary formalities and extravagant expectations often delays marriages and creates avoidable social and financial pressures on families, Islam added.
Fresh snowfall blankets Zojila, Sonamarg
Ganderbal, Nov 11: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Wednesday transformed the mountainous landscape into a winter scene, with Zojila Pass, Sonamarg, Minamarg and Gumri receiving fresh snow, while rainfall lashed several plains areas. The fresh snowfall, which arrived in accordance with the weather forecast issued by the Meteorological Department, brought a noticeable change in weather conditions across the region, covering the upper reaches with a fresh white blanket. Zojila Pass, an important stretch of the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway, also witnessed fresh snowfall. However, despite the changing weather and slippery conditions at some places, traffic movement on the highway continued smoothly. Vehicles were allowed to proceed from Sonamarg towards Kargil, providing relief to commuters and transporters travelling along the vital highway. Officials said that vehicular movement remained unaffected despite the fresh snowfall, adding that vehicles were continuing their journey towards Kargil from Sonamarg. He, however, cautioned motorists that light slippery conditions had developed on parts of Zojila Pass due to snowfall and advised them to exercise caution while travelling through the snow-affected stretches. The fresh snowfall has added to the winter charm of the region, particularly in the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg and adjoining mountainous areas. Meanwhile, the continuation of traffic on the Srinagar-Leh highway has come as a relief for travellers, although motorists have been advised to remain alert as weather conditions in the higher reaches can change rapidly.
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INS Trishul concludes port call at Safaga Naval Base in Egypt Cairo/New Delhi: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul has concluded its port call at Safaga Naval Base in Egypt as part of ongoing operational deployment, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday. The port call further reinforced the growing IndiaEgypt defence and maritime partnership , [] The post INS Trishul concludes port call at Safaga Naval Base in Egypt appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Moderate to heavy snow likely in higher reaches Plains to receive widespread rain as WD approaches MeT forecasts 6-8C drop-in day temp Farmers asked to secure harvested crops Weather to improve from Nov 14 Srinagar, Nov 11: After an extended spell of largely dry weather, Kashmir is bracing for a significant spell of rain and snowfall on November 12 and 13, with an approaching Western Disturbance expected to bring the first major taste of winter to the Valley. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally cloudy conditions, with light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches at most places during the two-day period. The weather system is also likely to trigger thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds at isolated places. Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said the approaching Western Disturbance was significant and could bring widespread precipitation across J&K. This is a significant weather system. While rainfall will dominate in the plains, we expect moderate snowfall across tourist places, marking the seasons first snowfall in Doodhpathri, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, Ahmad said. According to the MeT forecast, the main activity is expected to intensify from November 12, with moderate to heavy snowfall likely over higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal. Other mountainous areas of north, central and south Kashmir, besides the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, may also receive fresh snowfall. Poonch and adjoining areas are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while the plains of Kashmir are expected to witness light to moderate precipitation. The forecast has raised hopes of a fresh snow cover at popular tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, which could provide an early boost to winter tourism. The approaching system is also expected to bring a sharp change in the Valley's temperature profile. The MeT has forecast a significant fall of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures during November 12 and 13. The precipitation is expected to end the relatively dry weather that has characterised recent weeks, with temperatures remaining on the higher side in several parts of J&K. Fresh snowfall over the higher reaches could affect traffic on important mountain passes and hilly roads, including Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Pass, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road. The department has advised travellers, tourists and transporters to plan their journeys carefully and follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities. Reduced visibility, slippery roads and accumulation of snow could temporarily disrupt connectivity in vulnerable mountainous areas. Farmers have also been advised to ensure safe storage of harvested crops during November 12 and 13 and avoid leaving produce exposed to rain. The anticipated snowfall comes at a crucial time for Kashmir's tourism industry, with hotels, travel operators and other stakeholders preparing for the winter season. A fresh snowfall at Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam is expected to enhance the region's winter appeal and attract tourists looking forward to experiencing snow-covered landscapes. The higher reaches have already witnessed fresh snowfall in recent days, including parts of Gulmarg, Gurez, Sonamarg and Zojila, signalling the gradual arrival of winter. The MeT has indicated that weather conditions are likely to improve after the main spell, with November 14 and 15 expected to remain generally dry, barring brief isolated spells of light rain or snow. Mainly dry weather is forecast from November 16 onwards till November 20. For Kashmir, the next two days could therefore mark an important seasonal transition, bringing fresh snowfall to its mountains, much-needed precipitation to its plains and a sharp reminder that winter is approaching.
NCW forms panel, seeks report on Telangana widow assault
New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) constituted a two-member fact-finding committee to inquire into the alleged assault on a 60-year-old widow and government teacher by a mob that reportedly entered her residence and ransacked it in Telanganas Nalgonda district. In a post on X, the Commission said that the committee, comprising NCW member Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
LG vows to hunt down attackers
Visits injured CRPF personnel in hospital Reviews security situation Says forces given free hand against terror Srinagar, Nov 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday visited Base Hospital, Srinagar, to enquire about the health of CRPF Head Constable Sonbir Singh, who sustained serious injuries in the heinous terror attack in Kulgam and is currently undergoing treatment. The Lieutenant Governor discussed his health status with the attending doctors. In a post on X, he said, Visited Base Hospital, Srinagar, to enquire about the health of CRPF Head Constable Sonbir Singh, who sustained serious injuries in the heinous terror attack in Kulgam and is currently undergoing treatment. Praying for his swift and complete recovery. The Lieutenant Governor said two other injured CRPF personnel, Constable Rakesh Das and Constable Santanu Chandra, are in stable condition and recovering at the 46 Battalion CRPF Unit Hospital in Kulgam. I strongly condemn this cowardly act of terror and assure the people that those responsible will be hunted down and brought to justice, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed the security situation with senior officials at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. Security forces have been given a free hand to crack down on terrorists, he said.
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LG orders inquiry into Jammu warehouse fire
Srinagar, Nov 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday formed an inquiry committee to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the fire incident at the Warehouse, Nehru Market, Jammu, on November 8, 2026. The committee comprises Inspector General, Jammu, Tejinder Singh, and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Vikas Kundal. The committee has been directed to probe any lapses or negligence, fix responsibility and submit its report within 15 days. Several shops were gutted in the blaze on Sunday night at the historic market, one of the oldest commercial hubs of Jammu known for its wholesale trade in foodgrains, edible oil, essential commodities and other daily-use items. The probe order follows allegations by shopkeepers that fire tenders arrived late at the spot. The Fire and Emergency Services Department on Monday refuted allegations that fire tenders took approximately one-and-a-half hours to reach the site, saying available records and CCTV footage do not substantiate the charges. The Warehouse Nehru Market Federation observed shutdown of Jammus largest wholesale grain market till Wednesday in support of the demand for strict action against fire officials whose alleged negligence contributed to the massive fire. Federation president Deepak Gupta claimed that the fire services responded very slow and the fire tenders reached the site 90 minutes after the fire broke out in the market, damaging 10 shops. Union minister Jitendra Singh, who visited the spot on Monday, said complaints had been received that the response by the Fire and Emergency Services was not prompt enough, and that the matter had been discussed with the authorities. There should be a standard operating procedure (SOP) for festive periods, with sensitive locations identified in advance and firefighting forces and equipment kept on standby to ensure immediate response, particularly when there is a possibility of fireworks and firecrackers, he had told reporters here. The historic market has been serving traders, retailers and consumers since the 1950s. The fire at Nehru Market is the second major fire incident in Jammu in a little over a fortnight. A major fire broke out at Shiv Market on the night of October 25 and continued till next morning, engulfing at least 40 shops and destroying property worth crores of rupees.
Agricultural universities can transform food security concerns into solutions: LG Manoj Sinha
Srinagar, Nov 11:The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, today inaugurated 4 key infrastructure facilities at SKUAST-Kashmir and emphasised the crucial role of agricultural universities in delivering practical solutions to challenges related to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that agricultural universities are unique institutions where concerns and aspirations linked to a nations food security can be transformed into concrete solutions. He noted that the four facilities inaugurated today collectively reflect a comprehensive vision of smart agriculture and rural advancement. The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT)-based irrigation and fertigation system, designed to provide crops with water and nutrients in the right quantity and at the right time. He observed that the technology has significant potential to benefit small and marginal farmers by reducing labour-intensive irrigation practices and dependence on conventional energy sources. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Prototype Design and Development Centre, which will help translate innovative concepts into practical agricultural tools and technologies. He expressed confidence that the facility would promote mechanisation and bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-level application. Highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, the Lieutenant Governor described the newly established Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a transformative initiative. He encouraged students to become job creators by establishing enterprises in areas such as seed testing, cold-chain management and soil health services. He asked the university to develop the directorate into a platform that provides mentoring, guidance and assistance in accessing capital for young entrepreneurs across Jammu and Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Health and Wellness Centre, describing it as an important addition to the universitys infrastructure for the well-being of students and faculty members. Calling for sustained action, the Lieutenant Governor asked SKUAST-Kashmir to take the new irrigation technology to villages within the coming year and actively involve farmers in its improvement. He stressed the need to convert data collected through sensors into simple agricultural advisories in local languages and deliver them to farmers through digital platforms. The Lieutenant Governor further encouraged the university to facilitate the establishment of at least 100 student-led startups, strengthen linkages among laboratories, cooperative societies, farmer-producer organisations and farmers, and place youth and women farmers at the centre of future programmes. We must make data and technology partners of the farmer. Our goal should be to establish at least 100 student-led enterprises and startups from the SKUAST-Kashmir campus within the coming year. The University must become a strong bridge between laboratories and cooperative societies, between farmer-producer organisations, and between researchers and small and marginal farmers. I want youth and women farmers to be at the centre of every programme, he said. Emphasising the growing challenges posed by climate change, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the university to make sustainable development and environmental stewardship central to its identity. He underlined that the true measure of progress lies in improving farmers incomes, strengthening their economic security and expanding opportunities in rural areas. The identity of Jammu Kashmir lies in its hardworking farmers, artisans, and its rich traditions of agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts. HADPs projects and farmer-centric policies in the past 6 years have played an important role in strengthening Jammu Kashmirs rural economy and creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship among youth. The real success of any modern technology or modern tools will come only when their benefits reach the small farmers in villages and bring about a real increase in their incomes. I believe that the greatest test of any change is how much positive difference it makes in a farmers life. The true measure of our progress should be the rising income of farmers, their economic security, a better future for their families, and the new opportunities emerging in rural areas, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released a coffee table book highlighting the achievements and institutional journey of SKUAST-Kashmir. A Multi-Tier Data Management and Accreditation Workflow System, aimed at strengthening institutional data management and accreditation-related processes was also launched. Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperatives; Prof.Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Prof AzmatAlam Khan, Registrar SKUAST-K, HoDs, senior officials, faculty members and students attended the inaugural ceremony.
LG Sinha calls for 100 student-led startups from SKUAST-K within year
Srinagar, Nov 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said the real success of any modern technology or modern tool will come only when its benefits reach the small farmers in villages and bring about a real increase in their incomes. I believe that the greatest test of any change is how much positive difference it makes in a farmer's life. The true measure of our progress should be the rising income of farmers, their economic security, a better future for their families, and the new opportunities emerging in rural areas, he said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking after inaugurating four key infrastructure facilities at SKUAST-Kashmir, where he emphasised the crucial role of agricultural universities in delivering practical solutions to challenges related to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development. He noted that the four facilities collectively reflect a comprehensive vision of smart agriculture and rural advancement. The facilities inaugurated include a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT)-based irrigation and fertigation system, designed to provide crops with water and nutrients in the right quantity and at the right time. Sinha observed that the technology has significant potential to benefit small and marginal farmers by reducing labour-intensive irrigation practices and dependence on conventional energy sources. The Prototype Design and Development Centre will help translate innovative concepts into practical agricultural tools and technologies, and the Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that it would promote mechanisation and bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-level application. Describing the newly established Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a transformative initiative, he encouraged students to become job creators by establishing enterprises in areas such as seed testing, cold-chain management and soil health services. He asked the university to develop the directorate into a platform providing mentoring, guidance and assistance in accessing capital for young entrepreneurs across Jammu and Kashmir. The Health and Wellness Centre was described as an important addition to the university's infrastructure for the well-being of students and faculty members. Calling for sustained action, the LG asked SKUAST-Kashmir to take the new irrigation technology to villages within the coming year and actively involve farmers in its improvement. He stressed the need to convert data collected through sensors into simple agricultural advisories in local languages and deliver them to farmers through digital platforms. We must make data and technology partners of the farmer. Our goal should be to establish at least 100 student-led enterprises and startups from the SKUAST-Kashmir campus within the coming year. The University must become a strong bridge between laboratories and cooperative societies, between farmer-producer organisations, and between researchers and small and marginal farmers. I want youth and women farmers to be at the centre of every programme, he said. Emphasising the growing challenges posed by climate change, he called upon the university to make sustainable development and environmental stewardship central to its identity. The identity of Jammu Kashmir lies in its hardworking farmers, artisans, and its rich traditions of agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts. HADP's projects and farmer-centric policies in the past six years have played an important role in strengthening Jammu Kashmir's rural economy, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released a coffee table book highlighting the achievements and institutional journey of SKUAST-Kashmir. A Multi-Tier Data Management and Accreditation Workflow System, aimed at strengthening institutional data management and accreditation-related processes, was also launched. Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperatives; Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Prof Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar SKUAST-K; HoDs, senior officials, faculty members and students attended the ceremony.
MP focusing on modern technology, irrigation to raise farm income, attract investment: CM Mohan Yadav New Delhi/Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh is focusing on modern farming technologies, expansion of irrigation facilities and agricultural diversification to increase farmers income, reduce cultivation costs and attract investment in the farm sector, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Wednesday. Addressing a [] The post MP focusing on modern technology, irrigation to raise farm income, attract investment: CM Mohan Yadav appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
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Punjab records 5,517 stubble-burning incidents; Ferozepur tops the list with 728 cases
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 12 (IANS) Stubble-burning incidents continue to be reported across Punjab amid the ongoing paddy harvesting season, with the state recording a total of 5,517 such cases so far, according to the latest report of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). Of the total incidents reported across the state, Ferozepur is at the top with 728 cases, while 374 cases have been recorded in Patiala district, placing it fifth among districts with the highest number of stubble-burning incidents. The PPCB report, up to Wednesday (November 11), states that 96.65 per cent of the total paddy area of 32.87 lakh hectares in Punjab has been harvested so far. Meanwhile, the district administrations and the Pollution Control Board are closely monitoring the situation and taking action against farmers found burning crop residue. This comes as North India continues to grapple with the alarming pollution levels. As part of the enforcement measures, authorities have inspected 4,620 fields across the state, while physical verification of reported stubble-burning incidents has been carried out at 2,003 locations. The authorities have imposed fines amounting to Rs 85.90 lakh as 'Environmental Compensation' (EC) in connection with stubble-burning cases. Of this amount, Rs 37.55 lakh has been recovered so far. In addition, First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in 1,259 cases, while 'red entries' have been recorded in the revenue records in 1,637 cases. The report further states that authorities have issued 1,435 warnings and show-cause notices to those allegedly involved in stubble burning as part of the action being taken to curb the practice. In Patiala district, around 98 per cent of the total paddy area measuring 2.314 lakh hectares has been harvested. Despite the high level of harvesting, the district has reported 374 stubble-burning incidents so far, officials said. Of these cases, officials have inspected 282 fields, while physical verification of the incidents has been completed at 184 locations. The district administration has also initiated enforcement action against those found responsible for burning crop residue. According to the officials, fines worth Rs 6.70 lakh have been imposed as Environmental Compensation in Patiala, out of which Rs 2.60 lakh has been recovered. Furthermore, FIRs have been registered in 153 stubble-burning cases, while 'red entries' have been made in the revenue records in 120 cases. Patiala has also issued 390 warnings and show-cause notices in connection with stubble-burning incidents, the highest number among all districts in Punjab, according to the report. The report also highlights that three fields in Patiala district have been identified where stubble burning was confirmed by non-AFL (non-Agriculture Field Level) officials. Across Punjab, a total of 147 such fields have been identified by the authorities. Among the districts reporting the highest number of stubble-burning incidents, Ferozepur is at the top with 728 cases. Tarn Taran follows with 687 incidents, while Sangrur has reported 628 cases. Bathinda stands fourth with 499 incidents, followed by Patiala with 374 cases. The authorities continue to monitor the situation and enforce measures to discourage farmers from burning crop residue, officials said.
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Through the official Govee Amazon storefront, you can currently find the Govee x PAC-MAN Gaming Pixel Light down at $89.99 shipped. Down from $140, weve mostly seen the price this year keep above $110 with discounts, though there have been falls to $100, $90, and a one-time drop to $80 during Prime Day. Youre looking at a $50 markdown here for the next-best price, letting you score this for yourself or a gamer/streamer in your life ahead of the holiday shopping rush in a few weeks. more
New York is forcing T-Mobile to stop putting data caps on low-income home internet plans
The company was throttling speeds for plans offered under the Affordable Broadband Act.
Paris Jackson's MJ estate row; Marty Singer defends John Branca over $500M turnaround
What is science? Even scientists can
Scientists spend their careers trying to understand the world, but a new study suggests they have surprisingly different ideas about what science itself is. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, found that scientists disagree about the meaning and purpose of science even more than the general public does. Of the 18 descriptions of science examined, few received unqualified endorsement from scientists, who often expressed reservations even about ideas they generally agreed with.
Scientists from the Physics Department and Organic Electroactive Materials research group at Durham University have made significant advances in understanding how materials absorb and release light in two recently published research papers in Nature Communications.
Haryana Congress to launch campaign to protect peoples voting rights, says Sanjay Dutt
All India Congress Committee Haryana in-charge Sanjay Dutt and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Rao Narender Singh will lead the two-week tour, participating in Chaupals (community gatherings)
US withdraw from U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns
Democrats frustrated by absences in failed Hegseth impeachment vote
From left: Nancy Pelosi, Steven Horsford and Haley Stevens missed the vote on Tuesday evening. Composite: Getty Images, Bloomberg Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage at nearly a dozen of their colleagues for missing a vote Tuesday evening to impeach the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , allowing Republicans to defeat the effort. Eleven Democrats missed the key procedural vote on the impeachment effort , which failed by just seven votes. Some blamed traffic and conflicting events and others accused Speaker Mike Johnson of closing the vote early. Many of those not in the Capitol said they support the effort to impeach Hegseth. You should show up and do your job, Abdul El-Sayed , the senator-elect of Michigan, said on CNN to the Democratic lawmakers Tuesday. Richard Ojeda, the representative-elect of North Carolina, told CNN that the Democratic representatives failed by not voting. Shame on them for not showing up, Ojeda said on Tuesday. I mean, this is important they had an opportunity to finally get rid of this buffoonery we had. The missing Democrats gave House Republicans the numbers to shelve the impeachment effort by voting 211 204 to refer eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth to a House committee. Speaking at Arlington national cemetery to mark Veterans Day, Donald Trump praised Hegseth and said he had done a fantastic job as the Pentagon head. I had a feeling that was going to happen, the president said of the failed effort to impeach Hegseth, adding: He loves you, and he protects you hes all about you. The articles, introduced by Republican Thomas Massie , included charges of violating congressional authority by waging war in Iran . The effort came after voters overwhelming cast ballots for Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterms, largely in rebuke of the Trump administrations policies including the war in Iran. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a representative from California, told MeidasTouch there was no reason why we should have lost this vote because of attendance issues. This is what the people have been talking about so shame on folks who were not here because these people lost, Kamlager-Dove added. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico wrote on X that she was blocked from entering the Capitol to vote due to a traffic incident and a police escort of a bus during the vote. When she reached the chamber the vote had just gaveled out. She immediately filed a report of her vote of NO to the motion meant to kill the impeachment articles and refer them to the Judiciary Committee, as documented in the Congressional Record, Stansbury wrote, adding that Hegseth must be impeached now. Laura Gillen of New York similarly wrote on X she too was stuck in traffic but strongly believes Hegseth should be impeached. Jonathan Jackson, of Illinois, wrote on X that he also was stuck behind the traffic jam. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado wrote on X that she was denied the ability to vote. Member of Pettersens office later told 9News she too was stuck in traffic. Julia Brownley of California wrote on Facebook that Johnson closed the vote before she could make it to the House floor. As I and many of my colleagues were rushing to the floor to support Hegseths impeachment, Mike Johnson closed the vote before we could, Brownley wrote. Marilyn Strickland of Washington also missed the vote by one minute because she was stuck behind a motocade, but that she would have voted to impeach Hegseth, Stricklands office told Politico. Nancy Pelosi of California missed the vote because she was in San Francisco to meet with local veterans and accept a Lifetime Advocate for Veterans Award, Pelosis spokesperson told SFGate Lou Correa of California wrote on Instagram that he was undergoing a medical procedure and remaining in his district until he was medically cleared. Steven Horsford of Nevada, Haley Stevens of Michigan and Frederica Wilson of Florida did not provide public reasons for their absence on Tuesday. Several Democratic lawmakers who did vote on the effort to impeach Hegseth noted that they were also busy with other life events but still made their way to the Capitol. Pat Ryan of New York wrote on X that he was recovering from back surgery but left the hospital early in order to cast his vote. Congressman Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat, called the absence of the 11 lawmakers during Tuesdays vote certainly disappointing, but said there would be other chances to advance impeachment efforts. In an interview, Ivey said he was absolutely supportive of renewing the push when Democrats regain control of both chambers in January. At the same time, he argued that voters made clear that concerns about the cost of living remain their top priority. There arent a lot of people, in my district anyway, [whose ability] to stay in their house depends on whether Hegseth gets impeached or not, Ivey said. Weve been calling it the affordability agenda, but I think for many people, its really a survivability agenda, and we need to be focused on that. This story was updated on 11 November 2026. A previous version incorrectly stated that Brittany Pettersen is a lawmaker from California; she is from Colorado. This article originally appeared on The Guardian at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/democrats-lambast-absent-peers-allowing-163402803.html
Poundland set for more time to secure a rescue deal as emergency talks continue
The BBC understands the discount chain, which has been edging towards administration, will be given more time to find a buyer.
Drone attack triggers fire in Russia's Baltic port of Ust-Luga, Ukraine says it launched the attack
A drone attack
Shah Rukh Khan Opens Up About Dream Home at Dubai Property Launch
At a Dubai event for Shahrukhz Residences, Shah Rukh Khan explained why owning a home has always mattered to him. The actor also danced to a track from his film King and praised his wifes penthouse designs. The post Shah Rukh Khan Opens Up About Dream Home at Dubai Property Launch first appeared on informalnewz .
Meeting of two lost souls: can Pochettino make it work at Manchester United? | Barney Ronay
LIVE TONIGHT: Walmart announces massive 3-stage 2026 Black Friday sale
We now have a complete look at the upcoming 2026 Walmart Black Friday sale. While we caught an early glimpse of Walmarts Black Friday plans, it has actually detailed three major upcoming sale events kicking off in early-mid November and moving right into the holiday season. Amazon 2026 early Black Friday sale now live: Apple, Pixel, Samsung, LEGO, holiday, more more
Terrorism Has No Place in Kashmir
The firing on two CRPF personnel at a checkpoint in Kulgam is not merely another security incident to be recorded and forgotten. It is a direct assault on the peace that Jammu and Kashmir has struggled to build. The motorcycle-borne assailants who opened fire in broad daylight and fled the scene sought to spread fear, test security arrangements and remind people that violence can still disrupt ordinary life. Their attempt must be condemned without qualification. Terrorism has no moral, political or social justification. It does not represent the aspirations of the people. It does not advance any legitimate cause. It only brings death, insecurity, economic uncertainty and greater suffering to the very society it claims to serve. Every attack pushes Kashmir further away from education, investment, tourism, employment and normal civic life. The Kulgam incident also exposes the continuing challenge before the security apparatus. Checkpoints and security deployments remain necessary in vulnerable areas, but they cannot become predictable or exposed targets. The attack demands a careful review of intelligence gathering, surveillance, checkpoint design, night and day patrolling, and coordination among different security agencies. Accountability must not mean blame without evidence; it must mean identifying gaps and correcting them before another tragedy occurs. The injuries suffered by the CRPF personnel should remind society of the human cost borne by those deployed to protect public spaces. The four CRPF officers injured last month in Chhattisgarh while disposing of residual explosives offer another sobering example of the risks faced by security personnel. Whether injured in a terrorist attack or a bomb-disposal operation, these officers and their families deserve immediate care, institutional support and public respect. At the same time, a strong security response must remain lawful, precise and accountable. Terrorism cannot be defeated through collective suspicion or indiscriminate action. The people of Kashmir must be treated as partners in securing peace, not as a population to be viewed through permanent suspicion. Community cooperation, credible intelligence and public trust are as important as weapons and checkpoints. The government must ensure that the injured personnel receive the best possible treatment and that the investigation into the Kulgam firing is swift, professional and transparent. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice. But the larger responsibility extends beyond arresting attackers after an incident. It lies in preventing recruitment, disrupting support networks, stopping the circulation of weapons and ensuring that young people are not drawn into a politics of death. Kashmir cannot afford another cycle of fear. Its people have paid too high a price already. Every bullet fired at a security checkpoint is also fired at the regions schools, markets, workplaces and hopes. Terrorism must be rejected firmly, and the UT must respond with both resolve and responsibility. Peace will survive only when violence is denied space, legitimacy and public silence. The attack on CRPF personnel in Kulgam is a warning against complacency and a reminder that terror remains an assault on Kashmirs peace, economy and future.
Stop. Look around. The future is no longer knocking at our door; it has kicked it open, rearranged the room, and left us breathless in the wreckage. In 1970, futurist Alvin Toffler issued a chilling prophecy in Future Shock. Humanity, he warned, would not be broken by the nature of change, but by its velocity. He coined this crisis Future Shock: the psychological paralysis of living in a world accelerating faster than the human mind can process. Sound familiar? It should. We are living inside his prediction. Consider the casualties of this speed. A degree that once anchored a prosperous career now competes with algorithms that synthesise data in milliseconds. Empires of expertise built over decades evaporate overnight. Yesterdays mastery is todays bare minimum. Before we can master one tool, another emerges to render it obsolete. We relentlessly upgrade our devices, our rsums, and our digital personasyet we rarely pause to upgrade our philosophy of living. Toffler termed this the accelerative thrustthe ruthless compounding of change. And what a reckoning it has been. We demanded convenience and inherited dependency. We craved connectivity and drowned in noise. We pursued limitless choice and found ourselves paralysed by indecision. We are hyper-connected, yet starved for genuine human intimacy. Toffler also foresaw our transient societyan era where permanence is a myth. Careers pivot, allegiances fracture, cities morph, and lifelong commitments now carry expiration dates. The era of the forty-year career is dead. Today, radical adaptability is not a virtue; it is a survival mechanism. To stand still is to be erased. Then comes the cognitive siege: information overload. Every dawn brings an avalanche of alerts, manufactured outrage, punditry, and unsolicited dogma. Everyone broadcasts; few reflect. We scroll compulsively, consume superficially, and forget instantaneously. Data is ubiquitous, yet wisdom is an endangered species. Yet, technology is not the adversary. Toffler never preached Luddism or nostalgic retreat. He warned against the human toll of unprepared progress. Machines are rapidly acquiring intellect, while we neglect our emotional intelligence. Artificial intelligence will revolutionize industry, but it cannot cultivate patience, empathy, or moral courage. We are obsessed with teaching silicon to think, while neglecting to teach ourselves how to reason. Look at our legacy institutions. Are our classrooms forging minds for the world children will inherit, or the world we already outgrew? We cling to obsolete playbooks in an arena governed by alien rules. The future will not pause for bureaucracy to deliberate, policies to mature, or institutions to awaken. Tofflers warning demands urgency. Transformation is inevitable; subjugation to it is optional. We must build institutions that anticipate rather than react, education that ignites curiosity rather than rewarding rote compliance, and citizens disciplined enough to separate signal from noise. Above all, we must remember that velocity without vision is merely chaos. So, command yourself to pause. Not because the world will decelerate for you, but because you cannot surrender your capacity to think, feel, and live deeply. Harness change, but refuse to be enslaved by it. Champion innovation, but interrogate its cost. Evolve with the future, but never barter away the core values that make you human. Tofflers ultimate truth was etched into his title: the future only shocks those who refuse to prepare for it. The question is no longer whether the world will transform beyond recognition. It will. The only question is whether we will rise to author that transformationor spend our lives gasping for air. (The Author is a freelance Columnist and writes on various issues. He can be reached at: fidahumairawrite@gmail.com )
The Incoming Democrats: Are Hatred and Revenge a Strategy?
Fresh off a historically large victory, you might think Democrats would be jubilant. Instead, they're spewing hate and planning revenge. ... The post The Incoming Democrats: Are Hatred and Revenge a Strategy? appeared first on The New American .
Russia Pulls Back From Chinese Yuan As US Sanctions Pressure Mounts | Report
Putin's plan to challenge the US dollar is hitting a major roadblock! Russia is scaling back its reliance on China's yuan as the threat of American secondary sanctions pushes Chinese banks to reconsider transactions with Moscow. The latest figures reveal a dramatic reversal, and a fresh test for the global push to reduce dependence on the dollar.According to Bloomberg, the yuan's share of payments for Russian exports has fallen to just 22 per cent this year - half its peak level in mid-2024, when Washington expanded its secondary sanctions. Russia is increasingly turning back to its own currency, with the ruble now accounting for 69 per cent of payments received for Russian exports to Asia, according to the latest data from the Russian central bank.
Sailing-France's Barrier first woman to finish Route
France's Alexia Barrier became the first woman to complete
Delhi government inaugurates 11-km Munak Canal Chhath Ghat to serve Purvanchal devotees
The News Mill
TECHNOLOGY & GEOPOLITICS Kashmir knows what it feels like when the internet goes dark. A tracker run by the Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC.in) lists 449 shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir since 2012, more than any other part of India. In 2020 alone, it counts 116. The same tracker notes that high-speed 4G came back in February 2021 after 552 days of no or very slow internet. So satellite internet sounds like a rescue. The signal comes from the sky. There is no local tower to switch off. A family in a remote village could, in theory, stay online whatever happens on the ground. The paradox is that the rules being written for satellite internet may put the off switch back on Indian soil. A launch that keeps slipping Starlink, the satellite service owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has been waiting for Indian licences since 2022. On 7 October 2026, Musk wrote on X that unnamed people were blocking it to keep a monopolistic chokehold on Indians, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. India's Ministry of Communications replied the next day. It called the claim of an unfair process aseless and misconceived and said three companies are at broadly the same stage, all under security assessment. The other two are Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which have early approvals but are still waiting for final clearance. As of early October, none had launched. I found no report of a launch since. Why the government is careful The worry is not invented. The same Al Jazeera report says that since 2024 authorities have reported finding Starlink devices in a drug seizure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in an army operation in Manipur. A terminal that works anywhere is also useful to people who do not want to be found. The government's main condition is about data. In August 2025, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar told PTI that licence holders cannot copy or decrypt Indian data abroad, cannot mirror Indian traffic to servers overseas, and must route traffic through ground stations, called gateways, built in India. A signal from the sky is only free of the ground if the ground lets it be. The switch moves to the gateway Keeping data inside India is a reasonable demand. It protects privacy and gives investigators a clear point of contact. But a gateway on Indian soil is also a place where Indian law applies in full. That law already allows shutdowns. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecom Suspension Rules of 2024 let the government suspend telecom services. SFLC.in has described the 2024 rules as new language with the same shutdowns. The tower has been replaced by the gateway, but the power to switch it off has not moved. This is my reading, not a stated policy. No official document I found says satellite internet will be shut down in Kashmir. Nor have I seen a rule that exempts it. What the numbers do and do not say The SFLC.in tracker shows far fewer shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir lately: 14 in 2023, 2 in 2024, 11 in 2025 and 4 so far in 2026. The page does not make clear how current its 2025 and 2026 figures are, so treat them with care. Even so, the legal power has not gone away. For a student in a border village, the question is not whether a satellite can reach her. It is who decides when it stops. Bottom Line Satellite internet can remove the tower as a choke point. It cannot remove the law. If the gateway sits in India, the rules around it matter more than the dish on the roof. Before the launch, the public should be told how satellite services will be treated during a suspension order, who can issue one, and how long it can last. Kashmir has waited long enough to ask. (The Author studies Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He is interested in emerging technologies and innovation, and can be reached on LinkedIn at @arssh-kumar14)
Note listing four left-wing figures found at home of Trappes suspect, French prosecutors say
Investigators found a sticky note
Out of the Smog of Delhi into the Choke of Kashmir
The Transport Authorities across Jammu & Kashmir issued a directive that should have arrived half a decade ago: an urgent interim advisory instructing the public to halt and defer obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for bringing older, deregistered motor vehicles from the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi into the Union Territory. The advisory explicitly covers vehicles phased out under statutory environmental ceilings established by judicial mandatesspecifically, 15-year-old petrol vehicles and 10-year-old diesel vehicles. The administrations stated reasons are threefold: Process on Hold: Halting all transfers and re-registrations pending comprehensive governmental policy review. Ecological & Policy Scrutiny: Confronting the reality that fragile Himalayan air basins cannot absorb the tailpipe emissions of megacities. Consumer Protection: Warning citizens against sinking hard-earned savings into rolling liabilities that face sudden administrative debarment, financial forfeiture, and confiscation. While official circles frame this advisory as a routine administrative pause, those who study urban geography, transport kinetics, and regional ecology recognize it for what it truly is: an emergency handbrake pulled on a runaway train. For the past several years, Jammu & Kashmirmost acutely the Kashmir Valleyhas served as an unmonitored dumping ground for North Indias vehicular refuse. Lakhs of end-of-life automobiles, condemned by Delhi's stringent green mandates, have been trucked, driven, and papered across the Banihal corridor. They line our boulevards, clog our rural arteries, devour productive working hours in gridlock, and choke the delicate lungs of our mountain ecosystem. Halting NOCs is an essential first step. However, an advisory is merely a tourniquet. To stop the hemorrhage, the administration must replace stopgap circulars with a permanent structural remedy: the immediate, aggressive implementation of a localized Registered Vehicle Scrapping Policy (RVSF), strict vehicular carrying-capacity quotas, and a revitalized multimodal public transit grid. Part I: The Mechanics of a Secondary Vehicular Pipeline The Delhi Mandate vs. Peripheral Vulnerability To understand how Kashmirs roads reached saturation, one must trace the regulatory imbalance between the center and the periphery. Following Landmark rulings by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India, the National Capital Region enforced strict operational life cycles on personal and commercial internal combustion engines: ten years for diesel compression-ignition engines and fifteen years for spark-ignition petrol platforms. Once these thresholds expire, the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation and regional RTOs automatically mark these vehicles as Deregistered. The vehicle can no longer ply the roads of Delhi under pain of impoundment and immediate dispatch to registered scrap yards. However, regulatory frameworks contained a massive concession: owners and intermediaries were permitted to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to sell these end-of-life machines to other Indian states and Union Territories, provided the receiving jurisdiction had not yet formally capped vehicular age. The Used-Car Bazaar Boom This regulatory concession fueled an aggressive, high-margin grey economy across Jammu and Kashmir. Overnight, second-hand automobile brokers, unregulated roadside open-air car bazaars, and digital classified portals pivoted into high gear. The economic arbitrage was irresistible: A luxury German saloon or a rugged Japanese-engineered SUV nearing its tenth year in South Delhi, carrying an intrinsic value of scrap metal (40,000 to 90,000), could be purchased in bulk lots at auction for a pittance. Driven up National Highway 44 into Jammu, Udhampur, Anantnag, and Srinagar, these vehicles were polished, retrofitted with cosmetic accessories, and marketed to local youth, middle-class households, and taxi operators for 2.5 lakh to 6 lakh. The pitch was seductive: high-end luxury, prestige badges, and heavy-duty four-wheel drives at a fraction of showroom prices. The result was an unprecedented influx. Over the last four years, an estimated several lakh deregistered vehicles from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab have migrated into the Valley. What was celebrated as affordable car ownership was, in economic reality, a mass transfer of environmental debt and mechanical depreciation from Indias wealthiest metropolitan basin directly onto the fragile balance sheets and lungs of Jammu and Kashmir. Part II: The Paralysis of Everyday Life The Arithmetic of Spatial Impossibility Urban planning relies on a simple metric: the ratio of paved road surface area to registered vehicular square footage. Srinagar, a historical city shaped by historic waterways, linear urban corridors, and dense historic settlements, cannot expand its road network indefinitely. The geographic footprint of the valley is naturally bounded: rivers, wetlands, steep mountain ranges, and vital agrarian orchards restrict horizontal expansion. When you inject hundreds of thousands of full-size sedans, commercial transporters, and sports utility vehicles into this closed geographic bowl, the physical system breaks down: The Geometry of Gridlock: The average passenger vehicle occupies approximately 8 to 10 square meters of road space when static, and requires up to three times that area when moving safely at 30 km/h. When road surface area grows by less than 2% annually while the private fleet swells by double-digit margins via cheap outside inflows, gridlock ceases to be an intermittent inconvenience; it becomes the default state of existence. Loss of Productive Human Capital: From the Batamaloo corridor to the Dalgate-Hazratbal stretch, and across the arterial spines of Pantha Chowk, Bemina, and Rawalpora, daily commuters lose anywhere between 90 minutes to three hours per working day trapped in stagnant traffic. Multiply those hours across a workforce of hundreds of thousands, and the economic drain on J&Ks Gross State Domestic Product runs into thousands of crores annually. Emergency Response Failure: Ambulances attempting to reach tertiary healthcare hubs such as SKIMS Soura or SMHS Hospital routinely find themselves trapped in unyielding lines of deregistered, smoke-belching hatchbacks and multi-utility vehicles. Seconds lost in transit represent human lives sacrificed to vehicular anarchy. The Street-Level Decay Beyond the main expressways, the influx has eaten away at communal and public life. Neighborhood residential lanes (kuchas), historic city squares, and pedestrian footpaths have become informal parking bays. Pedestrian safety has collapsed; children can no longer cycle or play outside their front doors, and senior citizens navigate obstacle courses of bumper-to-bumper metal parked along drainage reserves. Part III: The Environmental Catastrophe in an Inverted Mountain Basin Atmospheric Trapping and Winter Inversions Proponents of the unrestricted used-car trade often argue: If a vehicle is mechanically sound, why should its chronological age matter? The answer lies in mechanical thermodynamics and atmospheric physics. A diesel engine past its tenth year or a petrol engine crossing fifteen years experiences profound mechanical degradation: High-pressure fuel injectors lose calibration, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion. Catalytic converters and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves clog, degrade, or are removed by unscrupulous resellers to avoid repair costs. Piston ring clearances widen, leading to low-by and the open venting of burnt engine oils. These aged engines produce exponentially higher concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM_{2.5} and PM_{10}), Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than modern Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles. Now, place this fleet inside the bowl of the Kashmir Valley. During the late autumn and winter months, Kashmir experiences severe meteorological temperature inversions. Cold, dense air descends from the snow-capped Pir Panjal and Zabarwan ranges, settling into the valley floor. A warm layer of air sits over this cold pool like a thermal lid, preventing vertical atmospheric mixing. When thousands of aging Delhi engines pump out plumes of exhaust during cold morning starts, this soot and toxic gas cannot disperse. It hovers at ground level, creating a toxic chemical soup. The white winter mists of Kashmir have turned into acrid, grey photochemical smog. The Public Health Bill The biological consequences are devastating: Pediatric and Geriatric Respiratory Crises: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, and acute respiratory infections spike sharply across district hospitals during winter. Carcinogenic Load: Ultrafine particles (PM_{2.5}) cross the alveolar-capillary barrier directly into the human bloodstream, driving systemic vascular inflammation, early-onset strokes, myocardial infarctions, and elevated risks of lung and bladder cancers. Himalayan Cryosphere Degradation: The deposition of black carbonsoot from aging diesel exhaustsonto nearby alpine glaciers accelerates radiative heat absorption. This speeds the retreat of regional ice reserves like the Kolahoi Glacier, endangering the primary freshwater source of the Jhelum River basin. Part IV: The Illusion of Cheap Mobility To understand why the public enthusiastically bought into this secondary market, one must dismantle the false economics of the used-car trade. | Cost Dimension | Fresh Ownership / Regulated Purchase | The Imported Deregistered Vehicle | Initial Upfront Capital | Moderate to High (Showroom price, road tax, local insurance) | Artificially Low (Distress sales, liquidation prices) | | Fuel Efficiency | Optimized (Modern engine mapping, direct injection) | Heavily Degraded (2040% loss in thermal efficiency) | | Maintenance & Overhaul | Predictable, covered by warranty | Extreme (Constant failures: suspensions, turbos, sensors) | | Residual Asset Value | Clear depreciation curve, stable resale value | Plummets to zero upon administrative bans or deregistrations | | Legal/Compliance Risk | Zero; clear title deeds, local records | High; fake NOCs, unpaid challans, sudden policy bans | | Net Socio-Economic Cost | Sustainable mobility asset | Total wealth destruction masked by low entry price | Middle-class families and young entrepreneurs purchasing a cheap 12-year-old vehicle believe they are acquiring an economic asset. In reality, they are buying a liability. The suspension systems engineered for smooth national highways shatter against mountain roads, rutted district corridors, and winter frost-heaves. Spare parts for phased-out iterations are obsolete or priced at extortionate rates by local mechanics. Fuel consumption is abysmal, draining household budgets at each fill-up. When the state inevitably restricts these vehicles, as signaled by the 9th November advisory, the residual market value of these cars collapses instantly to zero. The owner is left with an unusable steel carcass parked outside their homeone that cannot be legally transferred, cannot be insured, and cannot be driven without risking impoundment. Part V: The Imperative for an Immediate Vehicle Scrapping Policy The interim advisory ordering a halt to Delhi NOCs is a necessary defense. But treating the symptom at the border does nothing to solve the millions of tons of rolling metal already congesting our streets. Jammu & Kashmir needs a comprehensive, forward-looking Registered Vehicle Scrapping Policy (RVSF). 1. Why Phased Bans Are Not Enough Merely banning the import of outside vehicles does not remove the dangerous inventory already inside our borders. If the government relies solely on police crackdowns and punitive roadside checks, it creates administrative corruption and penalizes working-class citizens who acted in good faith under previously lax regulations. The state needs an orderly, incentivized, institutional off-ramp. 2. The Core Pillars of an Effective J&K Scrapping Policy A. Development of Modern Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) The informal, highly polluting Kabaad Mandis in Shalteng or Channi Himmat are incapable of environmentally sound vehicle retirement. Dismantling a vehicle requires stripping hazardous materials: lead-acid batteries, ozone-depleting air-conditioning refrigerants, toxic engine oils, brake fluids, and heavy metals. The government must establish state-of-the-art, automated RVSF hubs in designated industrial zones in both Jammu and Srinagar divisions. These facilities must operate on high-efficiency recovery models: Modern shredders and shears that separate ferrous metals, non-ferrous alloys, glass, and rubber. Zero-discharge drainage systems to capture toxic effluents before they enter surrounding groundwater and agricultural soil. Clean metal smelting links that re-feed high-grade steel and aluminum scrap directly into domestic manufacturing, lowering regional industrial input costs. B. Financial Monetization and Incentive Framework Citizens will not surrender aging vehicles out of goodwill alone. A scrappage policy must make retirement financially more attractive than keeping an illegal car running. Scrappage Certificate Value: Upon surrendering an end-of-life vehicle, the owner must receive an official Certificate of Deposit (Scrappage Certificate) certifying the scrap metal value of the vehicle (benchmarked at 4% to 6% of an equivalent new vehicle's ex-showroom price). Significant Road Tax Concessions: The J&K Government should grant an automatic 25% road-tax waiver on the purchase of a new, clean (BS-VI or EV) vehicle against a valid Scrappage Certificate. Manufacturer Participation: The transport department must partner with major automobile manufacturers to ensure an additional 5% discount on new vehicle invoices when accompanied by proof of scrapping. Direct Cash Buybacks for Low-Income Owners: For owners of old, lower-value commercial carriers or light passenger vehicles who cannot afford a new purchase, the state should offer direct cash-for-clunkers buyouts, funded partly through regional green pollution cesses collected from highway tolls. C. Mandatory Automated Fitness Testing (ATS) Age limits can occasionally trigger legal challenges regarding arbitrary property deprivation. The state must neutralize this by relying on objective engineering: Roll out state-run, uncompromised Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across all districts. Eliminate manual inspections, human discretion, and roadside paperwork. If a vehicleregardless of whether it is registered in Delhi, Punjab, or J&Kfails computer-monitored automated tests for brake efficiency, suspension integrity, structural rust, and real-world emissions, its fitness certificate must be automatically revoked within the central Vahan database. Vehicles failing two consecutive fitness audits must be mandated for scrapping within 60 days. Part VI: A Holistic Blueprint for Urban Mobility in J&K Eliminating deregistered out-of-state junk and scrapping end-of-life vehicles solves half the equation. The other half requires providing the public with dependable, efficient alternatives. If people cannot move comfortably, they will continue to find informal, chaotic ways to acquire private personal transport. Mandatory Automated Testing (ATS) - Dedicated BRTS Corridors Registered Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) - Waterway River Taxi Networks. Fiscal Tax Rebates for Green Fleet - Protected Walkways & Bikeways. 1. Electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRTS) The introduction of electric smart buses under smart city initiatives in Jammu and Srinagar has demonstrated strong public demand. However, a fleet of a few hundred buses across an entire metropolitan region is a drop in the ocean. The administration must scale public bus networks to a minimum of 2,500 dedicated electric low-floor buses across the twin capital cities and regional district hubs. Establish dedicated right-of-way transit corridors along high-density arteries, ensuring public transport moves faster than private gridlock. Institute smart, unified ticketing systems allowing seamless transfers between feeder vans, main bus trunks, and rural transport services. 2. Revitalizing Waterways: The Jhelum as an Active Transit Corridor Kashmirs historical lifeline, the River Jhelum, along with its network of flood spill channels and navigation canals, remains criminally underutilized in modern urban transit planning. Riverine transit bypasses on-road choke points entirely. Deploying modern, enclosed, low-wake electric river catamarans operating between Pantha Chowk, Rajbagh, Lal Chowk, Chattabal, and Noorbagh would take tens of thousands of daily commuters off Srinagar's crowded central roads. 3. Integrated Micro-Mobility and Pedestrian Preservation Cities thrive when designed for human beings, not sheet metal: Invest in protected, segregated bicycle lanes and continuous pedestrian walkways across all urban centers. Enforce strict penalties for sidewalk encroaching, restoring walkability to commercial centers like Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and Gandhi Nagar. Encourage electric three-wheeler and micro-mobility feeder networks to resolve the critical last-mile connectivity void that forces residents to rely on private cars for short shopping and school runs. 4. Decentralization of Public Services Urban traffic in J&K is compounded by hyper-centralization. In both administrative capitals, key public offices, major medical centers, universities, and commercial distribution zones remain clustered in tight urban cores. Moving administrative offices, regional courts, and wholesale markets to peripheral, well-planned bypass zones will immediately thin commuter surges into downtown corridors. Call to Action: The Hour of Decisive Leadership The Regional Transport Authorities' November 9th interim advisory is an important move. It signals that our administrative bodies recognise the clear and present danger posed by the unchecked influx of out-of-state vehicular liabilities. However, public policy cannot survive on interim advisories. Temporary suspensions create backlogs, incentivise covert smuggling, encourage forged paperwork, and keep the market in anxious suspension. The time for half-measures has passed. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir must turn this interim advisory into a permanent statutory ban on the inter-state transfer and re-registration of any vehicle past its metropolitan operational lifespan. Simultaneously, the state must clear administrative hurdles and immediately launch an Integrated Jammu & Kashmir Clean Mobility and Vehicle Scrappage Mission. To the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir: we must re-evaluate our cultural relationship with automotive ownership. A societys development is not measured by how cheaply its citizens can purchase another citys discarded vehicles; it is measured by the quality, reliability, dignity, and efficiency of its public infrastructure, the cleanliness of its air, and the safety of its streets. Let us close the doors permanently to the discarded pollution of external metropolises. Let us scrap the ageing machines choking our roads, reclaim our public spaces, and build a modern, sustainable mobility ecosystem worthy of Jammu and Kashmirs environment, its heritage, and its people. (The author is a renowned social reformer & Mobility Expert with over two decades of experience. For feedback, email: umarbhat07@gmail.com)
FCIK slams RBI Regional Office, seeks tangible relief for distressed MSMEs
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SKUAST-K VC outlines Vision 2030
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