Jammu & kashmir

Suspect Dead After Approaching White House Checkpoint With Weapon, Says US Secret Service

Washington, May 24: A person who approached a White House security checkpoint and began firing at officers has died, according to federal officials. The US Secret Service said in a statement late Saturday that, according to a preliminary investigation, the person approached a checkpoint shortly after 6 pm ET, removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers. Officers returned fire and hit the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died, according [] The post Suspect Dead After Approaching White House Checkpoint With Weapon, Says US Secret Service appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM expresses grief over coal mine accident in China, conveys condolences to Prez Xi

NEW DELHI, May 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a coal mine accident in Chinas Shanxi Province, and conveyed condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. Ninety miners were killed in a gas explosion in the coal mine in north China, the official media in Beijing reported on Saturday, adding that 201 miners have so far been rescued. Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining [] The post PM expresses grief over coal mine accident in China, conveys condolences to Prez Xi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

850 NDPS cases registered, 942 arrested

Over 1 cr people join anti-drug movement in J&K Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 23: The ongoing anti-drug campaign, Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyaan has recorded remarkable achievements and impact across awareness generation, rehabilitation, law enforcement, treatment, surveillance and prevention initiatives, reflecting an unprecedented whole-of-government approach against the menace of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. As on today, the campaign has mobilized lakhs of citizens, strengthened institutional response mechanisms, intensified anti-narcotics operations and expanded rehabilitation support systems throughout J&K. As part [] The post 850 NDPS cases registered, 942 arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SCOPE APSE organizes EDP for CPSE executives

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 23: SCOPE Academy of Public Sector Enterprises (APSE) today organized an Executive Development Program (EDP) for Junior and Mid-Level Executives of CPSEs. The programme was inaugurated by Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE. Ayush Gupta, Director (HR), GAIL and Member, SCOPE Executive Board addressed the concluding session and distributed certificates to the participants. Themed The Career Journey to Personal Effectiveness and Leadership the program was attended by around 50 executives hailing from 20 CPSEs across the country. [] The post SCOPE APSE organizes EDP for CPSE executives appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PNB signs MoU with SMVDSB to offer enhanced banking benefits

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 23: Punjab National Bank (PNB) today entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to provide customized salary account services and concessional interest rates on personal loans for its employees. The MoU was formally signed by PNB Circle Head, Jammu, Pankaj Kumar Verma and Additional CEO of SMVDSB, Alok Kumar Maurya during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both organizations. Under this partnership, employees of SMVDSB will [] The post PNB signs MoU with SMVDSB to offer enhanced banking benefits appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Des Raj assumes charge of MD of JCCB

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 23: Des Raj, a retired Deputy General Manager (DGM) of NABARD today assumed charge as the Managing Director of the Jammu Central Cooperative Bank Ltd. (JCCB). Des Raj, son of Kamla Ram brings with him vast administrative and banking experience gained during his tenure with NABARD. His appointment strengthen the functioning of the Cooperative Banking sector in Jammu region and further to improve financial services offered by the bank. The Jammu Central Cooperative Bank Ltd, plays [] The post Des Raj assumes charge of MD of JCCB appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

CS seeks accident reports from each district for proper analysis, corrective interventions

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 23: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Transport Department to assess the progress achieved in road safety, traffic enforcement, technology integration and implementation of key recommendations aimed at improving traffic management and reducing road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting besides ACS PWD and Principal Secretary, Home was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Secretary, Transport; IGP, Traffic; Transport Commissioner; SIO, NIC and other concerned officers. The meeting [] The post CS seeks accident reports from each district for proper analysis, corrective interventions appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rashly Driven Vehicle: Weapon of Potential Homicide

Sameer Rekhi rekhi7sameer@gmail.com As a young officer, I served on the Patnitop-Jawahar Tunnel stretch in 2000-01, a difficult mountain stretch of the time. The roads were narrow, weather-beaten and vulnerable to heavy rain, fog, snow and landslides. Yet traffic discipline was not an impossible dream. It was enforced and therefore, it largely worked. Lane driving was strictly monitored. Over-speeding, dangerous overtaking, lane jamming and overloading were treated not as minor violations but as potential threats to human life. Officers [] The post Rashly Driven Vehicle: Weapon of Potential Homicide appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Even under UAPA, right to speedy trial is fundamental: HC

Day-to-day hearing vital in national security cases *Special Court asked to prioritize trial, avoid adjournments Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 23: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has ruled that prolonged incarceration without timely conclusion of trial violates the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, even in cases involving stringent anti-terror legislation such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Further, the High Court observed that while offences under the UAPA concern national security and [] The post Even under UAPA, right to speedy trial is fundamental: HC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Khour, Jammu clinch Kabaddi titles; Udhampur dominates U-17 overall events

Inter-Zonal Sports Competitions Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU/UDHAMPUR, May 23: Under the aegis of the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, Inter-Zonal District Level Competitions in Kabaddi concluded at MA Stadium and Khel Gaon Nagrota, while the District Level Inter-Zonal Tournament for Boys U-14 and U-17 was inaugurated at Subash Stadium. In Kabaddi Girls U-14, Jammu zone defeated Satwari, Gandhi Nagar beat Miran Sahib, Khour outplayed Akhnoor and Chowki Choura defeated Bhalwal in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Khour edged past [] The post Khour, Jammu clinch Kabaddi titles; Udhampur dominates U-17 overall events appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Govt does not interfere in exchange rates: Goyal

NEW DELHI, May 23 : Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said the government does not interfere in exchange rates as these are determined by market forces and influenced by several global factors. However, he said, the government is always conscious of taking steps to promote exports, reduce import dependence and promote a greater degree of investment into India. The government does not interfere in the exchange rate. It is a matter of market forces, and it is [] The post Govt does not interfere in exchange rates: Goyal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Modi, Rubio discuss bilateral ties, West Asia crisis; Trump invites PM to White House

NEW DELHI, May 23 : India and the US will continue to work closely for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed him on the West Asia crisis and bilateral cooperation in defence, strategic technologies, trade and energy security. Rubio, who met Modi shortly after landing in New Delhi, invited the prime minister on behalf of President Donald Trump to visit the White House in the near future, according [] The post Modi, Rubio discuss bilateral ties, West Asia crisis; Trump invites PM to White House appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Consumer court orders bank to pay Rs 48,400 to woman for failing to refund money of failed ATM transaction

Consumer court orders bank to pay Rs 48,400 to woman for failing to refund money of failed ATM transaction NEW DELHI, May 23 : A consumer court here has directed a bank to refund Rs 10,000 to a woman and pay additional compensation and litigation costs after a failed ATM transaction amount was not reversed for several months. The bench comprising President Divya Jyoti Jaipuriar and Member Rashmi Bansal of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission held the Bank of [] The post Consumer court orders bank to pay Rs 48,400 to woman for failing to refund money of failed ATM transaction appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Queen Elizabeth IIs zardozi gown from India tour takes centrestage in UK

LONDON, May 23 : An evening gown with zardozi work depicting Indias national flower, the lotus, is among the prized fashion items on display at one of the UKs largest royal exhibitions in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The gown was designed by Norman Hartnell, Dressmaker to the Queen, for a state dinner hosted by then President Dr Rajendra Prasad in Delhi in January 1961. It forms the centrepiece of the Diplomatic Dressing section of the Queen Elizabeth [] The post Queen Elizabeth IIs zardozi gown from India tour takes centrestage in UK appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Govt burdening common people with post-poll fuel price hike, alleges Cong

NEW DELHI, May 23 : The Congress on Saturday accused the government of burdening the common people with a post-poll fuel price hike and also denying them the benefits of falling crude oil prices during the past decade. Addressing a press conference, chairman of the Congresss research department Rajeev Gowda questioned the government on oil imports, inflation and strategic reserves. There is a race going on between fuel and the rupee as to which will hit the century first, he [] The post Govt burdening common people with post-poll fuel price hike, alleges Cong appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

DPS Jammu holds training programme

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 23: Delhi Public School Jammu under the guidance of Dr Ritu Singh, Pro-Vice Chairperson and Founder of DPS Jammu, Nagbani and Katra, hosted the grand inaugural ceremony of the three-day Zonal residential training programme in Mathematics under the aegis of the Delhi Public School Society-HRDC. The event was graced by chief guest Ansuya Jamwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu and guest of honour Prof. (Dr) Sartaj Ul Hasan, Dean Academics, Department of Mathematics, IIT Jammu. Other dignitaries [] The post DPS Jammu holds training programme appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Govt focused on matching standards of all AIIMS institutions to AIIMS Delhi: Nadda

NEW DELHI, May 23: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday said the government is focusing on ensuring all AIIMS institutions match the standards of AIIMS Delhi, while enabling them to mentor other medical colleges and healthcare institutions nationwide. Addressing the 23rd convocation ceremony of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) here, Nadda said that while the country had only one AIIMS till the end of the 20th century, six more were established during the tenure of [] The post Govt focused on matching standards of all AIIMS institutions to AIIMS Delhi: Nadda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Woman delivers in ambulance, inquiry ordered

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 23: A woman delivered a baby inside an 108-ambulance moments after being referred from District Hospital (DH) Bandipora to Srinagar today. The incident has led to allegations of medical negligence, prompting health authorities to order an inquiry. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The woman, identified as Kulsooma Begum, wife of Azad Ahmad Dar of Laharwalpora in Bandipora district, had been taken to DH Bandipora after developing pregnancy-related complications. According to family members, doctors referred [] The post Woman delivers in ambulance, inquiry ordered appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rubio conveys Trumps US invite to Modi; discusses West Asia crisis

Will hold wide-ranging talks with EAM NEW DELHI, May 23: India and the US will continue to work closely for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed him on the West Asia crisis and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties in crucial sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and energy security. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Rubio, who met Modi shortly after landing in New Delhi, invited the [] The post Rubio conveys Trumps US invite to Modi; discusses West Asia crisis appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Karma spares no one

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty was in Kolkata to promote his upcoming film Aakhri Sawal, a politically charged drama framed as a high-stakes intellectual debate over the 100-year history and ideological legacy of the RSS. The Bollywood icon and Dadasaheb Phalke winner spoke about his son Namashis performance, politically conscious cinema and the changing political landscape in Bengal. Rajat Dhar reports Q. Your son is in the main cast. What do you think about his work in this film? A. My [] The post Karma spares no one appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Encounter breaks out in Rajouri, group of 2-3 terrorists trapped

Helicopters, drones pressed into service Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 23: Security forces today established contact with a group of suspected two to three terrorists at Dorimal in Gambhir Mugalan area of Rajouri district. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO The search operation was on when the reports last came in. Helicopter, drones and other surveillance equipments are being used by the troops of Romeo Force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), SOG and police to eliminate the terrorists, who are believed to [] The post Encounter breaks out in Rajouri, group of 2-3 terrorists trapped appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ruskin Bond@92

A verdant garden in bloom, birds chirping in the backdrop, a warm sun making its way across the horizon and lots of children of course. Indias favourite author is 92 and the celebration could not have been more Ruskin Bond-ish wisdom and wit wrapped into one perfect afternoon. Recovering from a spinal surgery and confined to a wheelchair, he is frail but the zest is intact as he regales his audience with stories about the time he had 20 [] The post Ruskin Bond@92 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Petrol, diesel, CNG prices hiked again

NEW DELHI, May 23: Petrol and diesel prices were raised by 87-91 paise per litre on Saturday, taking the cumulative increase in retail fuel rates to nearly Rs 5 a litre in under 10 days as state-owned firms passed on soaring international oil prices. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Alongside, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were raised by Re 1 per kg, marking the third increase in recent days and taking the cumulative hike to Rs 4 per [] The post Petrol, diesel, CNG prices hiked again appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Wanted terrorists attend Burhans funeral

NEW DELHI, May 23: Several wanted terrorists based in Pakistan attended Hamza Burhans funeral in Islamabad on Friday. Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Sallahudin, a US-designated terrorist, and Al-Badr chief Bakht Zameen Khan were seen in visuals that have emerged from the gathering. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Arjumand Gulzar Dar alias Hamza Burhan, a top commander of the banned Al-Badr terror outfit who went by the codename Doctor, was wanted in India for spearheading an elaborate terror network [] The post Wanted terrorists attend Burhans funeral appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Two arrested with grenades in Punjab

CHANDIGARH, May 23: In a breakthrough, the Punjab Police claimed to have foiled a major terror conspiracy in the state after arresting two alleged operatives linked to the Lakha gang and recovering two live military-grade hand grenades from their possession in Ludhiana. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police and Counter-Intelligence units against an alleged international criminal syndicate and terror-gangster nexus operating with foreign handlers. Ludhiana [] The post Two arrested with grenades in Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Summer vacations in Jammu schools from June 1

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 23: Government today announced schedule of summer vacations for all Government and recognized private schools falling in the summer zone of Jammu Division. According to an order issued by the Director School Education Jammu, primary classes shall observe summer vacations from June 1 to July 22, 2026, while classes 6th to 12th will remain closed from June 8 to July 22, 2026. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Earlier, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, announced summer [] The post Summer vacations in Jammu schools from June 1 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

J&K govt imposes spending curbs, restricts official events

Bans conferences in private hotels, foreign travel No new posts; vehicle purchases discouraged Official dinners, lunches banned except for LG, CM No foreign travel without Finance Dept approval ACs, lighting to be avoided Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a series of expenditure-control measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, imposing restrictions on official []

Poison of drugs diverting our youth from progress: LG Sinha

Joins Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcoterrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve []

Multiple properties attached in crackdown on drug trafficking

Srinagar: Multiple properties valued at around Rs 5 crore belonging to individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking and related unlawful activities were attached across Srinagar and adjoining districts of Kashmir, police said on Saturday. The action was part of the intensified crackdown against narcotics networks under the ongoing Nasha Mukt J-K Abhiyan, a police spokesperson []

Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan sees widespread public support across J&K

Srinagar: The ongoing anti-drug campaign, Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyaan has recorded remarkable achievements and impact across awareness generation, rehabilitation, law enforcement, treatment, surveillance and prevention initiatives, reflecting an unprecedented whole-of-government approach against the menace of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. As on today, the campaign has mobilized lakhs of citizens, strengthened institutional response mechanisms, []

Hailstorms damage 30% of Kashmirs agri, horti sector

Srinagar: Kashmirs horticulture and agriculture sector has suffered nearly 30 percent damage due to repeated hailstorms across the Valley this year, leaving growers in deep financial distress and pushing many towards mounting debt, growers on Saturday said. In a joint press conference in Sopore, President Kashmir Fruit Growers & Dealers Association, Fayaz Ahmed Malik @ []

Vacations for summer zone schools in Jmu region from June 1

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday announced summer vacations for schools in the summer zone of Jammu division starting June 1, due to the prevailing heatwave conditions across the region. Education minister Sakina Itoo announced this in a post on X. Considering the prevailing weather conditions, summer vacations for schools in the Summer []

Anti-encroachment drives in Jammu, Srinagar to ease traffic congestion: CS

Reviews Transport Dept performance; stresses safer roads, smarter enforcement Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Transport Department to assess the progress achieved in road safety, traffic enforcement, technology integration and implementation of key recommendations aimed at improving traffic management and reducing road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting []

Over 1 lakh passengers opt for Jmu-Sgr Vande Bharat service in 22 days of operation

Jammu: The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service has recorded more than one lakh passengers within 22 days of commencing commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. Passengers are paying Rs 730, excluding catering charges, for the journey, they said, asserting that the rail route is []

Kashmir Literature Festival (3rd edition) to begin May 30

Idrees Bukhtiyar Srinagar, May 23: The third edition of the Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF) was officially announced in Srinagar onSaturday, with thetwo-day literary eventscheduled to be held onMay 30 and 31 at SKICC here. Organised by the Srikula Foundation, the festival is set to bring together some of Indias and the worlds distinguished voices from literature, diplomacy, academia, art, and public life. The announcement was made during a press conference held near the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Speaking on the occasion, Naira Manzoor, Assistant Director of the festival, said the organisers were excited to host the third edition of the event in Kashmir. We are delighted to announce the third edition of the Kashmir Literature Festival. It will be a two-day event to be held on May 30 and 31 in Srinagar, she said. Over the years, KLF has emerged as a major cultural platform in Jammu & Kashmir, extending beyond literature to celebrate the regions broader artistic and intellectual traditions. The festival will feature book and cover launches, panel discussions, thematic debates, literary dialogues, storytelling sessions, poetry recitals, open mic events, karaoke performances, and exhibitions celebrating local food and crafts. The organisers said the festival is rooted in the belief that literature is part of a larger civilisational culture and that Jammu & Kashmir deserves a platform that reflects and honours its rich heritage in all its forms. This years edition willwitnessparticipation from several noted personalities, including Neerja Mattoo, Khurshid Andrabi, Amitabh Mattoo, Raj Shukla, Deepak Vohra and Rouble Nagi, among others. The festival will also host senior bureaucrats, diplomats, scholars, writers, entrepreneurs, and public intellectuals, further strengthening KLFs position as a platform for dialogue, culture, and civic engagement, Naira said. Naira Manzoor was joined at the press briefing by festival members Phillip Naithram and Musaddiq Reyaz, who spoke about the vision, ethos, and significance of organisingan event of such scalein Srinagar and the wider Jammu & Kashmir region. The organisers also acknowledged the support extended by the District Administration and the Union Territory Administration of Jammu & Kashmir in facilitating the event. KLF 2026 has partnered with several organisations and media platforms, including Rising Kashmir, JioNews, BIG FM, CRL Diagnostics, Rampage Media, Pausecast, Qafilla-e-Mohabbat, and SMART, among others. At its core, KLF celebrates Kashmirs long-standing legacy as a land of poetry, learning, dialogue, and civilisational depth, the organisers said, adding that the festival is free and open to all. The Kashmir Literature Festival is organised annually in Srinagar under the leadership of Yuvraj Srivastava and aims to bring together writers, poets, scholars, diplomats, and thinkers from across India and the world to celebrate the literary and cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.

Melting Glaciers Part 14 :Vehicle, biomass soot melting Kashmir glaciers

Pollution no longer just urban health crisis but direct threat to mountain ecosystems Abid Bashir Srinagar, May 23: A dangerous layer of climate soot drifting through the skies of Kashmir is rapidly destroying the Valleys glaciers, with scientists warning that black carbon pollution is accelerating the melting of Himalayan ice at an alarming pace. A major study conducted by researchers from University of Kashmir (KU) has found that black carbon a highly heat-absorbing pollutant produced from diesel exhaust, fossil fuel burning, industrial smoke, brick kilns and biomass combustion is significantly contributing to glacier recession across the Kashmir Himalayas. The research, led by noted glaciologist Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, studied nine glaciers over a 28-year period from 1992 to 2020 using satellite imagery, field observations and atmospheric trajectory modelling. The findings revealed severe glacier retreat across the region, with glaciers losing an average of more than 20 per cent of their area and glacier snouts receding by nearly 14 meters every year. Scientists say the most alarming discovery was the unusually high concentration of black carbon deposited over glacier surfaces. Often referred to internationally as climate soot, black carbon consists of microscopic particles released duringthe incomplete combustion of fuels and organic matter. Once airborne, these particles travel long distances before settling on snow-covered mountains and glaciers. Researchers explain that fresh snow naturally reflects most incoming sunlight back into the atmosphere. But when soot particles coat the snow, the bright white surface darkens, reducing its reflectivity a phenomenon known as albedo reduction. As a result, glaciers absorb more solar radiation, heat up faster and melt at accelerated rates. The KU study recorded black carbon concentrations ranging between 500 and 1364 nanograms per cubic meter at glacier sites levels considered exceptionally high compared to many other parts of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. The study suggests that even glaciers located at high altitudes are no longer insulated from pollution generated far below in urban centres and industrial zones. Using HYSPLIT atmospheric trajectory models, the researchers traced the movement of polluted air masses over Kashmir and found that the glaciers are being impacted not only by local emissions but also by transboundary pollution transported through atmospheric circulation. Environmental experts say emissions from increasing vehicular traffic, diesel generators, domestic heating systems, brick kilns, agricultural residue burning, and industrial activities are likely contributing heavily to the black carbon load over the Valley. Scientists involved in the research warned that the melting of Kashmirs glaciers could have devastating implications for the regions ecological and economic future. The glaciers of the Kashmir Himalayas act as natural freshwater reservoirs, feeding rivers, streams and springs that sustain agriculture, horticulture, hydropower projects and drinking water supplies. Rapid glacier retreat could disrupt river flow patterns, intensify seasonal water shortages and increase the risk of climate-related disasters. Experts also fear that continued warming combined with accelerated ice melt may contribute to the formation of unstable glacial lakes, raising the threat of flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods in vulnerable mountain regions. The study noted that Kashmirs glaciers are receding faster than many other glaciers across the broader Himalayan arc, highlighting the growing environmental vulnerability of the region. Researchers stressed that tackling black carbon emissions could produce faster climate benefits compared to many long-term greenhouse gas reduction strategies because black carbon remains in the atmosphere for a relatively shorter duration. Climate experts say reducing diesel dependence, improving public transport, regulating industrial emissions and promoting cleaner energy sources could play a critical role in slowing glacier degradation in the Himalayas. The study adds to mounting scientific evidence that pollution is no longer just an urban health crisis but a direct threat to the survival of Kashmirs mountain ecosystems. For researchers, the message is stark: every plume of smoke rising from traffic congestion, generators, factories, or biomass burning may ultimately be settling on the Himalayas silently darkening the ice that sustains millions of lives downstream.

Nasha Mukt J&K campaign:Drug traffickers properties worth Rs 5 crore attached in Sgr

RK News Service Srinagar, May 23: Continuing their intensified crackdown against narcotics networks under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan-100 Days Campaign, Srinagar Policehaveattached multiple immovable properties worth approximatelyRs 5 crore belonging to individuals involved in drug trafficking and related unlawful activities across Srinagar and adjoining districts, officials said. Police attached two residential propertiesa single-storey and a double-storey housebelonging to Bilal Ahmad Sheikh (son of Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh) and Aneek Ahmad Sheikh (son of Nazir Ahmad Sheikh), both residents of Larbal Beerwah,Budgam,involved in FIR No. 37/2024 under Section8/20NDPS Act at Police Station Saddar Srinagar. The properties, valued at approximatelyRs 30 lakh andRs 50 lakh respectively, were attached under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act, a police spokesperson said in a statement issued here. Hesaida double-storeyed residential house belonging to Suhaib Farooq Khan (son of Farooq Ahmad Khan), a resident of Mini Colony, Chanapora, involved in FIR No. 15/2023 under Section 8/21 NDPS Act at Police StationChanapora, was also attached.The property, he added,valued at approximatelyRs 1 crore, was attached under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act. A three-storeyed residentialhouse withattic belonging to Mohsin Ibrahim Naqash (son of Mohammad Ibrahim Naqash), a resident of Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, involved in FIR No. 42/2026 under Sections 8/21 and 29 NDPS Act at Police Station Saddar Srinagar, was attached with an estimated value of approximatelyRs 1 crore, the spokesperson said. Police also attached a three-storeyed residential house belonging to Farhan Manzoor Pandit (son of Manzoor Pandit), a resident of Kursoo, Rajbagh, involved in FIR No. 18/2026 under Section 8/21 NDPS Act at Police Station Rajbagh, valued at approximatelyRs 50 lakh. Police Station Karan Nagar attached a double-storeyed residential house belonging to Fayaz Ahmad Rather (son of Farooq Ahmad Rather), a resident of Patoo Mohalla Ajas, Bandipora, involved in FIR No. 01/2025 under Sections 8/21 and 29 NDPS Act and Section 111 BNS. In a separate action, police attached a double-storeyed residential house at Bakshiabad, Bemina, belonging to Abid Hassan Dar (son of Gh. Hassan Dar), involved in FIR No. 18/2022 of Police Station Batamaloo under Sections 8/21, 29, 27-A NDPS Act and Sections 468, 471, 473 IPC. The property, valued at approximatelyRs 1.7 crore, was attached under Sections 68-F(1) and 68-E of the NDPS Act. Investigations have revealed that the attached properties were acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking. All attachment proceedings were conducted in the presence of concerned Tehsildars, Executive Magistrates, and respectable locals, ensuring transparency and due legal process, the spokesperson said.These actions reflect the firm resolve and unwavering commitment of J&K Policetowardseradicating the drug menace and safeguarding the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics. Police reiterated that any individual found involved in drug peddling or related unlawful activities shall face strict legal action, including attachment and forfeiture of illegally acquired properties under the NDPS Act. The general public has been urged to cooperate with police by sharing any information related to drug peddling or substance abuse with the nearest police establishment, with the identity of informants to be kept strictly confidential, the spokesperson said.

Be architects of Viksit Bharat: PM to J&K youth

Addresses Rozgar Mela in Jammu 229 candidates get appointment letters for govt services RK News Service Jammu, May 23: Today is a day to infuse new energy into the resolve of the youth and the resolve of a Developed India. The transparent transformation in government services is laying a strong foundation for New India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday as he addressed newly recruited youth across the country through video conferencing during a grand Rozgar Mela organised at the Convention Centre here under the Government of Indias nationwide employment generation campaign. Following the Prime Ministers address, 229 selected candidates received their appointment letters for various government services at the Jammu Convention Centre, marking a major milestone in their professional journeys. Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu, Vivek Kumar attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while Chairman, Railway Recruitment Board Jammu, Sanjay Tyagi was also present on the dais. The Prime Minister urged the newly appointed youth to work with dedication and integrity in the service of the nation during the Amrit Kaal period. Following the address, appointment letters were digitally distributed to thousands of selected candidates across the country, while 229 youths at the Jammu Convention Centre received their appointment letters from the dignitaries present on the occasion. The selected candidateshavesecured positions in banks, railways, armed forces, medical services and various departments of the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Addressing the gathering, DRM Jammu Vivek Kumar said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense talent and potential, and programmes like Rozgar Mela are helping channel their energy towards constructive nation-building. Indian Railways remains committed to providing world-class opportunities to the youth of this region and contributing towards public welfare and inclusive growth, he said. Oneof the selected candidatesdescribed the moment as life-changing, saying: This is not just a job, but a matter of pride and honour for my family. It is a turning point in my life. Officials stated that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and aims to empower young citizens by providing them meaningful opportunities to contribute to nation-building.

Anti-drug crackdown has shaken smugglers: LG

856 FIRs, 946 arrests in 43 days Younus Rashid Shopian, May 23: Lieutenant Governor ManojSinha on Saturday saidauthorities had intensified action against narco networks across Jammu and Kashmir, leading to hundreds of arrests, seizures andattachment of propertiesduring the last 43 days. Addressing a gathering in Shopian, LG Sinha said the campaign was being carried out with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach under a strict zero-tolerance policy against drugs. He said 856 FIRs had been registered and 946 drug smugglers arrested during the ongoing crackdown.All the accused, he said,had been detained under the PIT NDPS Act. Sinhasaid more than 81 narco palaces built using proceeds of the drug trade had been demolished,while 101 such properties had been attached.Assets worth crores generated through the drug trade have also been seized, he said. The LG said recommendations had been madefor cancellation ofpassports of 116 drug smugglers, while 457 driving licences had already been suspended. He added that registration cancellation process of more than 606 vehicles linked with narcotics trade was also underway. The Lieutenant Governor furthersaid large quantities of drugs had been seized during the operation while5,641 medical shops across Jammu and Kashmir were inspected.Licences of 260 medical shops have been suspended, and FIRs have also been registered against six medical stores, he added. Sinha said the crackdown had shaken drug smugglers completely and asserted that authorities would continue taking strict action against all those involved in the narcotics trade.

Nasha Mukt J&K campaign:Drug money fuelling terror to shed Kashmiri blood: LG Sinha

Says smugglers will be driven out by people themselves; leads padyatra in Shopian Younus Rashid Shopian, May 23: Declaring an all-out war against narco-terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said drug smugglers and their handlers would be driven out by the people themselves, asserting that there would be no safe place left for drugs and drug traffickers in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a gathering in Shopian in connection with the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign, where he later led a padyatra despite inclement weather. Calling narco-terrorism a deliberate and calculated attack on the identity and future of Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha said the drug trade was not an ordinary crime but a larger conspiracy that was destroying youth and funding terrorism. We will work with full dedication to uproot narco-terrorism from its roots and destroy its entire ecosystem. We will not rest until drug smugglers and their handlers are driven out by the people themselves, he said. Sinhasaid money generated through drugs was being used to purchase weapons by terror groupswhile innocent Kashmiris continued to suffer.The poison of drugs is diverting our youth away from progress. Terror groups are buying weapons with money earned from drugs, and those very weapons have been used to shed the blood of innocent Kashmiris, he said. The LG said the anti-drug campaign, launched on April 11 from Jammu, had now turned into a mass movement across Jammu and Kashmir.Every family and every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir is now connected to this mission. From every lane, a collective voice is rising that not a single drug smuggler should escape, he added. The Lieutenant Governor said people had now realised that the menace was not someone elses problem but a direct threat to every household.This is a challenge knocking at our own doors andone thatwe mustconfronttogether with determination, he said. Referring to the role of women in the campaign, the LG said over 7,000 womens committees had already been formed across Jammu and Kashmir to monitor drug-related activities and help make villages and towns drug-free.The stronger we make these womens committees, the more successful this movement will become, he added. LG Sinha also issued a stern warning to anyone supporting drug networks.Whoever is found linked with drug networks whether in administration, politics or public life will be completely exposed and dealt with strictly. Anyone defending them will also face legal action, he said. He assured people that innocent persons would not be harassed during the campaign.If any innocent person faces wrongful action, report it directly to us. Those responsible for wrongful action will also be punished, he said. At the same time, the LG defended the ongoing crackdown against smugglers and peddlers.I have always said that criminals will face strict punishment, but innocent people will never be oppressed. Where there are criminals, there will be no mercy; where there are innocents, there will be no injustice, he added. The Lieutenant Governor said rehabilitation of drug victims remained a major focus of theadministration, and efforts wereunderway to identify youth undergoing treatment in rehabilitation centres so theycouldbe reintegrated into society and provided livelihood opportunities.A young person trapped in addiction is the responsibility of both the administration and society. They will be rehabilitated with full sensitivity and compassion, he said. Urging people to intensify awareness efforts, LG Sinha appealed to schools, colleges, religious leaders, social organisations and political workers to take the campaign to every household.We must unite against the cruelty of narco-terrorism. Whatever strict action is necessary to save our youth, we will take it, he said. Later, the Lieutenant Governor led a padyatra in Shopian as part of the anti-drug campaign and thanked people for participating in large numbers despite bad weather.

Right, Wrong, and the Age of Excuses..!

We condemn corruption in public, but justify it in private at what cost to our collective soul? SAAD ASLAM In our hurried, hyper-connected world, we like to believe that we are more advanced than any generation before us. We carry the sum of human knowledge in our pockets, speak across continents at the touch of a button, and watch events unfold in real time from anywhere on the globe. Yet, despite all this progress, a nagging question haunts our public and private lives: have we grown in ethics and morality, or merely in cleverness and convenience? Across our social and political landscape, we see a disquieting pattern. Corruption is condemned loudly in speeches but normalised quietly in daily dealings. We criticise dishonesty in leaders but tolerate it in ourselves, calling it adjustment or practicality. We demand accountability from the powerful yet turn a blind eye when small acts of dishonesty benefit us or our own. The language of values remains on our lips, but rarely governs our choices. Ethics and morality are often used interchangeably, but they are not quite the same. Morality speaks to our inner sense of right and wrong the voice of conscience that tugs at us in solitude. Ethics, on the other hand, is how we translate that inner voice into rules, norms, and principles for life in society. A morally aware person may feel guilt in private; an ethical society ensures that this guilt is strengthened by accountability, law, and collective disapproval of wrongdoing. The crisis we face today is not simply that individuals sometimes do wrong, that has always been part of the human story. The real crisis lies in the quiet erosion of our shared standards. Wrongdoing no longer shocks us as it once did; it merely trends for a day on social media before being buried under the next outrage. When scandal follows scandal, when injustice becomes routine, people gradually stop expecting better. Cynicism replaces moral outrage, and that cynicism is far more dangerous than any single act of corruption. The roots of this erosion lie in the culture of convenience we have built. We often choose what is easier over what is right. It is easier to stay silent in the face of injustice than to risk our comfort. It is easier to forward an unverified message than to check its truth. It is easier to blame the system than to ask how we, too, participate in its failures. Little by little, a thousand small compromises weaken our moral spine. This culture touches all spheres of life. In politics, we rationalise unethical conduct as the cost of winning. In business, we celebrate success without asking how it was achieved. In education, we reward marks more than integrity, cleverness more than character. Even in our homes, children too often see that the rules we preach are not the rules we practice. What lesson does a young mind learn when it sees adults cutting corners, justifying lies, and shrugging off responsibility as long as they are not caught? Yet it would be wrong to claim that our society has lost all sense of right and wrong. In every crisis, we also see extraordinary acts of courage, honesty, and compassion. We see ordinary citizens returning lost valuables, standing up for victims, or refusing to be part of unjust practices. These are not isolated miracles; they are reminders that the moral core of our people is not dead, only overshadowed. The challenge before us is to bring this moral core back to the centre of our public life. That begins with an uncomfortable acknowledgement: ethics and morality cannot be outsourced to religious leaders, courts, or governments. They must be lived in our own choices. No law can compel a person to act with integrity who has decided that only personal gain matters. No sermon, however eloquent, can substitute for the daily discipline of doing the right thing when nobody is watching. The first step, therefore, is introspection. We must ask, not in abstraction but in specifics: where do I compromise? Where do I justify what I know is wrong because it is convenient, profitable, or socially accepted? It is easier to condemn the failings of the powerful than to confront the small moral failures within our reach. But without that inner work, our calls for clean governance, fair institutions, and just policies will ring hollow. The second step is to rebuild social norms that reward integrity and stigmatise wrongdoing, regardless of who commits it. When we admire only wealth and power, we send a clear message that the means do not matter. When we celebrate honesty, fairness, and courage in our families, schools, and workplaces, we restore the social respect that ethical conduct deserves. The stories we tell our children, the role models we highlight, and the behaviour we tolerate all of these shape the moral climate around us. Ultimately, ethics and morality are not about abstract philosophy but about everyday choices. They are about the decision to speak the truth when a lie would be safer, to stand with the weak when silence would be easier, to follow rules when breaking them would bring quick benefit. A society that treats such choices as optional cannot long remain just or stable. In an age that worships speed and convenience, it may seem old-fashioned to speak of conscience, duty, and moral courage. Yet it is precisely these old virtues that can help us navigate the storms of our time. Technologies will change, systems will rise and fall, but the question at the heart of every age remains the same: what kind of human beings do we choose to be? If we ignore that question, we risk building a future rich in gadgets but poor in goodness. If we face it honestly, we may yet rediscover that the true measure of progress is not what we possess, but how we live. ( The Author is a columnist and teacher by profession)

Shifting Weather Patterns are Reshaping Kashmirs Present and Future

The weather has changed. Whether we change with wisdom or merely with regret is now up to us ZAHID MUJTABA The seasons in Kashmir once followed a script everyone knew by heart. Autumns burnished chinars gave way to crisp November mornings, December announced itself with snow on the mountains, and by January the Valley would be wrapped in a thick white quilt. Spring came on time, gentle and gradual; summers were brief, mild, and welcome. Today, that script is being rewritten before our eyesand often, to our alarm. Over the past few years, the people of Kashmir have begun to speak of winter the way they once spoke of politics: with uncertainty, frustration, and a sense that something fundamental has gone wrong. Snow arrives late or in violent bursts. November feels like October, and January sometimes feels like March. Summers are not just warmer, they are harsher, drier, and longer. Rains come when they should not, and stay away when they are most needed. The changing weather patterns in the Kashmir Valley are no longer an abstract debate for conferences and climate reports. They are lived realityin our orchards and fields, in our markets and homes, and in the anxious conversations of ordinary people who sense that the Valley they inherited will not be the same one they leave to their children. Winters that no longer feel like winters Kashmirs identity is intertwined with its winters. The three months of chilay kalan have long been seen as both a test of endurance and a time of quiet beauty. But in recent years, snow has often arrived late, fallen unevenly, or melted too quickly. There have been winters with almost no significant snowfall in the plains, followed suddenly by intense spells that disrupt life instead of sustaining it. These shifts are not cosmetic. Reduced and erratic snowfall means reduced snowpack in the mountainsthe natural reservoir that feeds our rivers and streams through the year. When the snow does not accumulate properly, or when it melts all at once during sudden warm periods, the entire water cycle is thrown off balance. Springs that once flowed reliably in villages across the Valley are weakening or drying. Farmers who planned sowing, irrigation, and harvesting around predictable patterns now find themselves guessing rather than knowing. For an economy and culture built around the rhythm of the seasons, this uncertainty is deeply destabilising. Orchards under stress If one wants to measure climate anxiety in Kashmir, one needs only speak to an orchardist. Apple, the backbone of the Valleys horticulture, is acutely sensitive to both temperature and timing. It needs a certain number of cold hours in winter, followed by a steady, predictable shift to spring. Increasingly, the Valley is witnessing warmer winters, sudden spells of extreme cold, and early or uneven flowering. Unseasonal snowfall in late autumn has damaged trees and fruits right before harvest. Untimely rains during flowering and fruit-setting affect yields and quality. Episodes of intense heat in summer cause sunburn on apples, reduce their size, and disrupt traditional grading standards in the market. Small growers, already squeezed by rising costs and fluctuating prices, now face the added burden of a climate that no longer cooperates. The story is similar for other crops. Saffron cultivation in Pampore has been affected by erratic rains and changes in soil moisture. Paddy farmers worry about irrigation water in critical months. Even everyday vegetables face unpredictable pest attacks as warmer temperatures alter the lifecycle of insects and diseases. From floods to droughts: a cycle of extremes Kashmir has always known floods, but what worries scientists and citizens alike is the increasing tendency of the weather to swing between extremes. Years of deficient snowfall and scant rain are followed by cloudbursts, sudden downpours, or intense snowfall events that overwhelm infrastructure and preparedness. On one hand, there is the fear of drought: receding glaciers, shrinking snowfields, and thirsty fields during the growing season. On the other hand, there is the fear of another catastrophic flood, like the one in 2014, when swollen rivers and poor planning combined to devastate the Valley. The same climate disruptions that reduce water availability overall can also increase the frequency of such extreme events. Kashmir now lives with a double insecurity: not knowing whether the coming months will bring too little water or too much, and whether the state is equipped to handle either. A social and psychological toll Climate change discussions often focus on statisticsrising temperatures, reduced snowfall, and changing rainfall patterns. But in Kashmir, the impact is also emotional and cultural. The older generation speaks nostalgically of winters when snow would reach the windowsill, when children skated on frozen ponds, when the first snowfall was a community event. Todays children may grow up knowing snow more as a disruption than a delightshutting schools abruptly, snapping power lines, or arriving so late that Harud (autumn) and winter seem almost to collide. There is also a quiet but growing anxiety in rural households. When your livelihood depends on the orchard, the paddy field, or the saffron karewa, every unpredictable spell of rain or sunshine becomes a source of stress. Farmers speak of sleepless nights before a forecasted storm, of watching the sky as if it were a capricious employer whose mood can ruin a years labour. What must be donebeyond rhetoric Acknowledging the problem is no longer enough. The Valley needs a clear, practical response to changing weather patternsone that combines science, governance, and local wisdom. First, there must be a serious investment in climate-resilient agriculture and horticulture. This means: Second, water management has to move from ad-hoc reactions to long-term planning. Protecting wetlands, restoring traditional water bodies, regulating construction along riverbanks, and upgrading drainage and flood control systems are no longer optionalthey are essential to survival in a climate-uncertain future. Third, the Valley urgently needs reliable, localised data. Weather forecasting, early warning systems, and village-level climate advisories can help farmers and residents make informed decisions. Decisions about sowing, harvesting, or even travel should

Walkability: The Missing Backbone of Future-Ready Indian Cities

It is time for India to build cities that respect the dignity of the pedestrian. Our future mobility depends on it S UMAR BHAT For decades, the Indian urban dream has been paved with asphalt, designed for the internal combustion engine, and measured by the speed of vehicular flow. We have built flyovers that bypass our neighbourhoods and highways that cleave through our social fabric. But as we stand in 2026, amidst a global landscape scarred by energy volatility, soaring inflation, and a deepening climate crisis, it is time to admit a hard truth: our obsession with the vehicle has left our citizens stranded. Walkability is not a boutique urban design concept or a luxury for the elite. It is the fundamental infrastructure of survival and the primary metric of a truly civil society. In a world where crude oil prices fluctuate unpredictably and economic pressures squeeze the common man, the humble footpath is our most resilient asset. Our streets must serve life, not just engines. The Paradigm of Active Travel To reclaim our cities, we must pivot toward a framework of Active Travel. Active Travel focuses on promoting walking, cycling, and other non-motorised modes of transport as key elements of sustainable urban mobility. By encouraging the development of safer streets, accessible infrastructure, integrated transport systems, and healthier urban environments, Active Travel directly contributes to reduced congestion, improved public health, enhanced road safety, and environmentally sustainable cities. It is the foundation upon which future-ready transit must be built. I. The Economic Imperative: From Oil Dependency to Pedestrian Independence The recent global instability has exposed the fragility of a transport system tethered strictly to fossil fuels. As nations grapple with energy security, the private vehicle lifestyle is becoming an unsustainable economic burden for the Indian middle class. Inflation is not just a market phenomenon; it is a spatial one. When a city is designed so that a citizen must drive or take a motorised taxi just to buy a loaf of bread, that city layout has failed its people. Minimising the Cost of Living: Walkable cities act as a natural hedge against inflation. By providing safe, high-quality pedestrian infrastructure, cities allow residents to eliminate forced transportation costs. In Indian commercial hubs, well-designed sidewalks do more than just facilitate movement; they foster street vibrancy and local micro-economies that remain resilient to global economic shocks. Decarbonising the Last Mile: Indias commitment to Net Zero pathways requires a radical modal shift. Walking is the most energy-efficient, zero-emission form of transport in existence. By prioritising the pedestrian within an integrated Active Travel network, we reduce the national drain on foreign exchange reserves spent on crude oil and move steadily toward a truly Viksit Bharat. II. Inclusive Design: A Moral Necessity A city that is not safe for a five-year-old child or an eighty-year-old grandmother is a city that is fundamentally broken. For too long, urban planning has socially segregated those with functional diversity by designing streets that operate as obstacle courses rather than accessible pathways. Safety for the Vulnerable: While walkable neighbourhoods paradoxically see higher pedestrian density, they are associated with lower overall traffic fatality rates when designed correctly. We must move away from rigid, car-centric engineering standards and embrace universal design that inherently considers the user journey of the disabled, children, and the elderly. The Social Public Space: Streets should not be mere movement corridors. They are the living rooms of our citiesplaces where people sit, talk, and watch over their neighbourhoods. Inclusive design restores the unique vibrancy of Indian streets, turning a mundane daily commute into a meaningful social interaction. III. Climate Resilience: The Shaded Footpath as Infrastructure As urban heat islands intensify, walking in an Indian city can frequently feel like a feat of endurance. The widespread use of high-thermal mass materials in roads and pavements traps heat, raising local air temperatures by several critical degrees. Comprehensive pedestrian infrastructure must double as climate infrastructure. Climate-Resilient Strategies: Walkable Urban Cool Spots (WUCS): By integrating dedicated shading, urban vegetation, and cool-surface materials, planners can create localised cool spots that actively protect pedestrians from extreme heat. Green Infrastructure: Strategically allocated green cover can achieve up to a 2C cooling objective in dense urban environments, provided it is seamlessly integrated directly into the pedestrian and cycling networks. The Canopy Effect: Shaded footpaths are not a luxury; they are a public health necessity. Natural tree shade reduces surface temperatures by up to 13C, making the choice to walk viable even in the height of summer. IV. The Path Forward: Making the Choice A safer, more walkable city is a choice we must make collectively. We have struggled for decades to secure even the most basic footpaths, a reality caused by urban planning frameworks that routinely ignore pedestrian infrastructure, leaving conditions both unsafe and inconvenient. This is no longer acceptable. To achieve a sustainable urban future, we must demand: Mandatory Accessibility Standards: Following the progressive models of cities like Varanasi, we need updated city bylaws that hold planners and contractors legally accountable for building inclusive, unobstructed infrastructure. A Shift in Budgetary Priority: Municipal and state funding must pivot away from building car-centric flyovers and look toward funding expansive, interconnected people-centric networks. Cultural Transformation: We must reject the unsustainable lifestyle of unnecessary vehicle consumption and return to a simpler, more grounded way of living where the street is recognised as a shared, democratic resource. Walking is a universal, affordable activity that directly supports both mental and physical well-being. It is time for India to build cities that respect the dignity of the pedestrian. Our future mobility depends on it. (The author is a renowned social reformer/activist with over two decades of experience in community advocacy and mobility reforms. For feedback, email: umarbhat07@gmail.com)

Why John Keats Still Matters

In an anxious, distracted age, a young poet who died in 1821 offers lessons in patience, beauty, and doubt MUBASHIR JEELANI John Keats never saw his thirtieth year. He did not live to witness the age of machines, let alone the age of algorithms. Yet as we scroll through endless feeds, chase productivity targets, and measure our worth in notifications, it is the fragile, fading voice of this Romantic poet that returns with unexpected urgency. In a world that worships speed and utility, Keats insists on slowness and beauty. In an era of data, he defends mystery. At a time of relentless distraction, he asks for stillness. The modern world prides itself on having solved problems that tormented Keatss generation: disease, distance, even death, we are told, can be delayed if not defeated. But behind this confidence lies a quiet, unspoken exhaustion. Anxiety disorders soar, loneliness spreads, and young people inhabit a climate of economic and ecological uncertainty. It is here that Keats becomes our contemporary. For beneath the rich music of his verse lies a simple, unsettling question: how do we live meaningfully when everything we love is doomed to pass away? Keatss own life was a struggle against time. Tuberculosis haunted his family and finally claimed him at twenty-five. Knowing his days were numbered, he did not turn away from the world; instead, he looked at it more intensely. Flowers, autumn light, the movement of clouds across the skythese appear in his poems with an almost painful clarity, as if he were trying to hold them in language before they vanished. The modern culture of the instant, which devours images and throws them away, might learn from this posture of attentive wonder. Today, we are urged to be efficient rather than reflective, employable rather than imaginative. Education becomes a training ground for the market; even leisure is colonised by metrics and performance. Keats offers a quiet but firm dissent. He famously wrote of negative capabilitythe capacity to remain with doubts and uncertainties without rushing to premature answers. In a digital environment that rewards instant opinions and shrill certainties, such a virtue feels almost radical. Democracy itself may depend on recovering this patience with ambiguity, this willingness to listen before we speak. There is, too, a moral dimension to Keatss aesthetics. For him, beauty was not a decorative luxury but a way of honouring existence. When he declares that a thing of beauty is a joy for ever, he is not promising escape from reality, but a deeper form of engagement with it. The beauty he praises is never sterile. It is touched by decay, shadowed by mortality. In the modern world, where we curate filtered versions of ourselves and turn our faces into brands, Keatss celebration of vulnerable, imperfect beauty is a necessary correction. He reminds us that what moves us most is not the flawless image, but the honest one. Keats speaks powerfully, too, to societies on the margins of global power, including our own. He belonged neither to the aristocracy nor to established literary circles. He was dismissed by influential critics of his day, branded as a member of the cockney school of poetry. Yet he continued to write with a stubborn faith that truth could arise from the overlooked and the ordinary. For regions that have historically been misrepresented or silenced, Keatss career is a reminder that the centre does not have a monopoly on beauty or insight. In our conflict-ridden world, where violence and loss are daily realities, Keatss intense awareness of suffering acquires a special resonance. His poems do not deny pain; they dwell in it, seeking some fragile meaning within it. This is not resignation but a form of resistancea refusal to let brutality have the last word. When he writes of half in love with easeful Death, it is not a romantic invitation to oblivion, but an honest admission of despair that nevertheless continues to sing. The very act of creating beauty from grief is a way of asserting that human life, however threatened, still matters. To return to Keats, then, is not to retreat into nostalgia. It is to arm ourselves with a different imaginationone that values depth over display, contemplation over noise, tenderness over cynicism. The modern world will not slow down for us. But we can choose, at least for a moment, to slow down within it: to look at a tree, to listen to a friend, to read a poem with our full attention. In doing so, we stand with Keats in quiet defiance of a culture that measures everything and cherishes little. Nearly two centuries after his death, John Keats remains a companion for our age of fractures and fears. He does not offer solutions in the technocratic sense. What he offers is more demanding: an invitation to feel more deeply, to think more slowly, and to recognise, in the fleeting and the fragile, the only permanence we are likely to know. (The author is a research scholar and columnist)

Remembering Ibn Khaldun and His Enduring Wisdom

His timeless wisdom calls us to conscious action rebuilding social cohesion for a stronger, more resilient future DR HARJEET SINGH Ibn Khaldun (13321406), born in Tunis on 27 May 1332, stands among historys most profound thinkers. A judge, diplomat, statesman, and scholar, he lived through intense political turmoil, plagues, and the repeated rise and fall of dynasties across North Africa and Muslim Spain. These firsthand experiences sharpened his analytical mind. He understood that history is not driven by random chance or blind fate. Instead, it follows clear, observable patterns rooted in human nature, environment, and social forces. He is rightly celebrated as a pioneering historian, a brilliant philosopher of history, and a true forerunner of sociology and modern social sciences. Ibn Khaldun as Historian and Philosopher Traditional historians before him mainly produced simple chronicles. They listed events in sequence, praised rulers, or repeated unexamined stories without critical scrutiny. Ibn Khaldun firmly rejected this superficial method. He insisted that genuine history must explain why events occur by carefully investigating underlying causes. These include social dynamics, economic conditions, environmental factors, psychological elements and geographical influences. In his masterpiece, the Muqaddimah (Introduction to his larger historical work Kitab al-Ibar), he treated societies as living organisms that naturally pass through cycles of growth, maturity, and decline. This scientific and philosophical outlook was revolutionary in the 14th century. He emphasized critical evaluation of sources, avoidance of exaggeration and bias, and the search for universal patterns in human civilization, which he called umran. His groundbreaking ideas laid strong foundations for modern social analysis centuries before Western thinkers such as Montesquieu, Marx, Durkheim, or Comte developed similar concepts. Contributions to Historiography through the Muqaddimah and Asabiyyah The Muqaddimah is far more than a mere introduction. It offers a comprehensive philosophy of history and society. Ibn Khaldun examined economics, education, politics, geography, and social bonds as key forces shaping civilizations. At the core of his theory stands Asabiyyah group solidarity, social cohesion, or collective feeling that binds people together. It usually begins with kinship ties and shared hardship in difficult environments but can be strengthened by religion, common purpose, or alliances. According to Ibn Khaldun, strong Asabiyyah emerges among tough, nomadic or rural groups facing constant adversity. This powerful cohesion enables them to conquer territories, build states, and establish dynasties. Yet success brings its own dangers. Luxury, urbanization, comfort, and sedentary life gradually erode the bond. Rulers grow isolated, indulge in pleasures, depend on mercenaries, and lose touch with their people. Over generations, moral decay spreads widely. Selfishness replaces self-sacrifice, corruption increases, honesty declines, and internal divisions multiply. Eventually, a new group with fresher and stronger Asabiyyah overthrows the weakened dynasty. This cyclical theory of rise through unity, peak of power, and decline through decadence forms Ibn Khalduns most important contribution to historiography. He warned that luxury is particularly destructive because it shifts priorities from the collective good to personal pleasure. This change breeds moral degeneration, widespread corruption, and loss of courage. Religion, he observed, can powerfully reinforce Asabiyyah by creating larger unity beyond blood ties. However, when religious and moral values weaken, societies quickly fragment. Asabiyyah, Moral Degeneration, and the Crisis of Modernity Ibn Khalduns insights feel strikingly relevant in contemporary societies facing fragmentation and moral decline. Many communities today still possess resilient cultural and communal bonds, yet the concept of Asabiyyah clearly reveals both their strengths and growing vulnerabilities. Traditional solidarity rooted in shared values, culture, faith, and collective memory has historically helped societies endure hardships. However, modern realities closely mirror the luxury-induced decay Ibn Khaldun described centuries ago. Rising consumerism, easy money, and general complacency act as dangerous accelerators of moral and social degeneration. These forces fracture families, destroy the potential of young people, and steadily erode trust within communities. What begins as personal comfort soon becomes a broader societal crisis that weakens the mutual support and shared purpose at the heart of Asabiyyah. Luxury in its various forms promotes extreme individualism, hedonism, and moral laxity. As Ibn Khaldun warned, when personal comfort overrides collective responsibility, societies lose their inner resilience and invite decline through internal collapse or external pressures. The results are visible in broken families, diminished social cohesion, and a generation of youth trapped in cycles of despair. Asabiyyah as a Cure and Ibn Khalduns Lasting Legacy Thankfully, Ibn Khalduns theory also points toward renewal and hope. Reviving healthy Asabiyyah not narrow tribalism but positive, inclusive social cohesion grounded in shared values, justice, ethical leadership, education, and genuine mutual support can act as a powerful cure. Families, communities, and leaders must actively rebuild bonds of trust and responsibility. Faith and cultural heritage, when practiced with wisdom and inclusivity, can transcend divisions and restore deeper purpose, exactly as Ibn Khaldun observed about religions unifying role. Education plays a vital part. Teaching the young their rich heritage while equipping them with practical skills and moral strength helps counter moral decay and modern distractions. Community initiatives such as ethical governance programs and collective development projects can rebuild lost resilience. By nurturing Asabiyyah with justice and Tawhid-inspired unity (oneness of purpose beyond narrow interests), societies can interrupt destructive cycles. Ibn Khalduns legacy endures because his ideas speak honestly to universal human nature. On his birthday, we remember a thinker who saw civilizations as dynamic realities shaped by social bonds. His concept of Asabiyyah provide both a mirror to our weaknesses and a practical guide for renewal. Unity builds greatness while fragmentation and moral decay invite decline. For societies worldwide, the message is clear and urgent: strengthen human connections with wisdom, purpose, and ethics, or watch the historical cycle turn against us. His timeless wisdom calls us to conscious action rebuilding social cohesion for a stronger, more resilient future. (The Author is an independent researcher and writes on Sikh Empire, Historiography, Social, Philosophical and Cultural Issues and hails from Tral. He can be reached at:aishxing@gmail.com)

Parenting, AI, and the Weight of Modern Expectations

Between fear, convenience, and the child, we might be forgetting DR SAJAD QAZI In the Kashmir valley and far beyond, a quiet negotiation is underway. On one side are parents, exhausted by long working hours, economic anxiety, and the constant buzz of digital life. On the other side are children growing up in a world where screens are not a luxury but a landscape, and now, where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a new, unseen presence in their education, entertainment, and even emotional lives. Between them lies a powerful, unsettling question: What does good parenting mean in an age when an app may know more about our childrens preferences than we do and when algorithms begin to shape their thoughts before we can? This is no longer a distant, science-fiction worry. AI now quietly powers the videos our children watch, the games they play, the learning apps they use, and the social media feeds they will soon join. It can correct their essays, simplify their homework, translate their doubts into polished answers, and offer suggestions before they can form their own. To some, this is a miracle of convenience. For others, it is a creeping fear: Are we outsourcing what it means to be a parent to a machine? The new pressure cooker of parenting Modern parenting was already under strain long before AI entered the nursery. Parents today are expected to be everything at once: caretakers, income earners, emotional counsellors, career planners, tutors, and moral guides. In our own context, where political upheavals, economic constraints, and social expectations weigh heavily, these pressures multiply. Into this pressure cooker steps AI, promising relief. AI tutors offer personalised learning paths. Language models help children write essays or complete assignments. Recommendation systems promise the right content at the right time. Tired parents can easily be forgiven for seeing AI as a helping hand in an exhausting race. Yet the same technology that lightens the load also raises the bar. If your neighbours child is using AI for exam prep, are you failing your own child by not doing the same? If online platforms boast of AI-enhanced learning outcomes, does a parent who relies only on old-fashioned books suddenly feel inadequate? A new form of competition is emerging: not just Which school? but Which app? Which AI tool? Which subscription? In societies like ours, already sensitive to comparison and social status, this digital race risks deepening inequality between those who can pay for premium AI-driven tools and those who cannot. Children growing up in the algorithmic cradle For todays children, AI is not a separate technology; it is part of the air they breathe. Their cartoons are auto-played, their games are adaptive, and their search results are tailored. Long before they understand what an algorithm is, they live inside one. This has deep implications. Attention and imagination: AI-powered platforms are designed to maximise engagement, not necessarily growth. The more a child watches, scrolls, or plays, the more data is collected and the more accurate the predictions become. The result is a cycle where the machine learns to serve exactly what holds the childs attentioneven if that means content that is shallow, hyper-stimulating, or addictive. Imagination, which once grew out of boredom and unstructured time, now competes with the instant gratification of machine-curated entertainment. Learning and effort: AI tools can summarise chapters, solve maths problems, or even write essays. Used wisely, they can be powerful aids for understanding. Used lazily, they can erode a childs relationship with effort. If the answer is always a click away, the habit of struggling through a difficult conceptso crucial for building resiliencemay quietly fade. Identity and self-worth: As children grow older, AI-driven social media platforms play a decisive role in shaping how they see themselves. Algorithms amplify what gets attention and silence what does not. A teenagers sense of worth becomes entangled with likes, shares, and viewsmetrics optimised by machines, not guided by human compassion. In such a world, parenting cannot remain a passive act. If AI is always present, then so must be the parents conscience, curiosity, and courage. Between fear and dependence Public discourse around AI and children often swings between two extremes. On one side, there is an alarm: AI as a threat to jobs, privacy, mental health, and even democracy. On the other hand, there is enthusiasm: AI as the great equaliser, bringing high-quality education, translation, and information to every home, even in remote regions like ours. Parents are caught in between, trying to balance fear and dependence. They do not want to deprive their children of tools that might help them compete in a globalised, tech-driven world. At the same time, they sense that something intimate may be slipping away: the slow, human process through which a child discovers who they are, not just what the world expects them to be. The essential question, then, is not whether children should use AIthat debate is already settled by reality. The question is how they should use it, and under whose guidance. Rethinking what we expect from children, and from ourselves Modern expectations from children have quietly expanded. We want them to excel academically, speak global languages, master technology, be emotionally intelligent, physically active, socially aware, and morally uprightall while navigating a digital world more complex than anything their parents ever knew. AI often enters the picture as a tool to meet these expectations faster: faster learning, faster homework completion, faster exposure to information. But in this rush, we risk turning childhood into a project, not a journey. What if our expectations themselves are part of the problem? What if, rather than asking, How can AI help my child achieve more?, we began asking, How can AIand Ihelp my child become more human? That shift in question changes everything. Instead of measuring success only in grades and achievements, we begin to value qualities that no algorithm can automate: empathy, patience, ethical judgment, the ability to listen, to doubt, to create something original even when it

Over 5.7 Lakh Stakeholders Participate in Mass PTMs Across Kashmir

RK News Service SRINAGAR, May 23: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Friday said that over 5.7 lakh stakeholders participated in the third round of Mass Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) conducted across schools in the Kashmir Valley. According to DSEK, a total of 6,892 PTM events were organised simultaneously across Kashmir in line with the academic calendar for the 2026 session. The meetings witnessed participation from 3,32,173 students, 1,64,365 parents and 73,479 teachers and school heads. Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani expressed gratitude to parents and the community for their overwhelming participation and termed the response a reflection of growing trust between schools and society. The meetings focused on students academic performance, behavioural development and overall well-being. Schools also held awareness sessions on the ongoing anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir to sensitise parents and students about the dangers of substance abuse. Senior education officials, including Chief Education Officers (CEOs), attended the meetings and interacted with parents to address their concerns. DSEK said the successful conduct of the PTMs reaffirmed the departments commitment towards transparency, inclusivity and community participation in the education sector.

Staff Shortage, Medicine Scarcity Hit Health Services In Sopore

Mansoor Peer Srinagar, May 23: Healthcare services in north Kashmirs Sopore town have been severely affected due to persistent neglect of three major health institutions, with residents raising concerns over inadequate staffing, shortage of medicines, and non-functional facilities. Locals said that serious deficiencies at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore, PHC Tarzoo, and PHC Maharajpora have been causing immense hardship to patients and affecting the delivery of essential healthcare services. Recently, a public delegation from Sopore met the Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department and sought urgent intervention to address the issues confronting the three healthcare facilities. The lack of basic healthcare facilities at SDH Sopore, PHC Tarzoo and PHC Maharajpora is causing immense hardship to the people of the area, said Hakim Rizwan Illahi, a resident of Sopore. He alleged that SDH Sopore is facing a shortage of experienced staff during night hours, resulting in difficulties for emergency patients. He further claimed that essential medicines are often unavailable and that inadequate staffing at ticket counters leads to long waiting times for patients. There is also a need for a female employee or operator for ultrasonography (USG) services to facilitate female patients, he said. The healthcare services at PHC Tarzoo are in deplorable condition, causing significant inconvenience to patients. According to residents, the facilitys X-ray room remains locked and non-functional, depriving people of a basic diagnostic service. Furthermore, out of the 17 medical tests that should be available at the centre, only one is currently being conducted, severely limiting its diagnostic capabilities. The situation is further aggravated by the shortage of essential medicines, including commonly prescribed drugs such as Pantoprazole and antibiotics. Residents also said that the wards at the health centre remain closed, preventing patients from accessing admission and inpatient care facilities. They expressed concern that these deficiencies are adversely affecting healthcare delivery and forcing many patients to seek treatment elsewhere. At PHC Maharajpora, locals alleged that an acute shortage of staff has severely affected healthcare services. They said the lack of adequate medical and support personnel is hampering patient care and limiting the centres ability to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population. Residents urged the Health and Medical Education Department to ensure proper staffing, availability of medicines, functional diagnostic facilities and overall improvement in healthcare services at the three institutions. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Baramulla, Dr. A.G. Raina, refuted the allegations regarding the shortage of medicines, stating that adequate stocks are available in government health institutions. He said that medicines are available in large quantities and that additional supplies are procured at BMO level whenever required to ensure uninterrupted patient care. SDH Sopore caters to nearly 2,500 patients and all of them are provided medicines free of cost, Dr. Raina said. Responding to concerns about the non-functional X-ray facility at PHC Tarzoo, he said that he would look into the matter and verify its status. He also assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure that all prescribed diagnostic tests are conducted at the health centre.

UPDATED: Petrol, diesel prices hiked again in Bengaluru; transport sector warns of ripple effect

Oil companies had earlier revised prices upward by around 3 per litre on May 15, followed by another 90 paise increase on May 19.

J&K House Chanakyapuri Gets VVIP Makeover

RK NEWS Service New Delhi, MAY 23: Jammu and Kashmir House at Chanakyapuri unveiled its newly redeveloped VVIP accommodation facilities on Friday, adding critical capacity to the Union Territorys hospitality infrastructure for the dignitaries visiting the national capital. Resident Commissioner, J&K, Ramesh Kumar, inaugurated the modernized 4th floor of C-Block in presence of Additional Resident Commissioner Anil Kumar Sharma and senior officers of the Resident Commission. The upgrade has come after the reorganization of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, when A and B Blocks were transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh. That left J&K with only the ageing C-Block, sharply cutting accommodation for the visiting Ministers, MPs, senior civil and police officers, judicial officers and official delegations. To address the gap, the administration undertook a comprehensive revamp of the 4th floor. The redesigned level now houses three suites including Pashmina, Hangul and Chinar and two VVIP rooms named Trikuta and Saffron. These all have been built on contemporary hospitality standards for comfort, security and a professional environment.

JKRLM Approves Rs 36 Crore SVEP Plans to Expand Rural Entrepreneurship Across Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) has approved six Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) worth Rs 36 crore under the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) to expand rural non-farm livelihood opportunities across the Union Territory, officials said on Saturday. The approval was granted at a meeting of the UT-Level Steering Committee (Non-Farm Livelihoods) []

Dy CM Hits Back at LoP, Says Sunil Sharma Was Missing During Budget Session

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday hit back at Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma over his missing complaint remark targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying the BJP leader himself remained absent during the crucial budget session. Speaking to reporters here, Choudhary said the LoP has a major responsibility during the budget session []

Hailstorms Damage 30 Per Cent of Agriculture, Horticulture in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Kashmirs horticulture and agriculture sector has suffered nearly 30 percent damage due to repeated hailstorms across the Valley this year, leaving growers in deep financial distress and pushing many towards mounting debt, growers on Saturday said. In a joint press conference in Sopore, President Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Fayaz Ahmed Malik @ []

Ladakh Model Government Higher Secondary School Chushul Inaugurated and Upgraded Amid Grand Community Celebration

Leh, May 23: The inauguration and upgradation celebration of Ladakh Model Government Higher Secondary School, Chushul was held with great enthusiasm and community participation on May 22. The event marked the upgradation of the school to Higher Secondary level as well as its inclusion under the Ladakh Model School initiative. The occasion was graced by [] The post Ladakh Model Government Higher Secondary School Chushul Inaugurated and Upgraded Amid Grand Community Celebration appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

DSEJ Announces Summer Vacations for All Government, Private Schools

SRINAGAR: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has announced summer vacations for all government and recognised private schools in the summer zones of Jammu Division, with staggered schedules for different classes. According to an order issued by the Director School Education Jammu, summer break for primary classes will begin on June 1 and continue []

Jammu Kashmir: MeT Forecasts Isolated Rain, Thundershowers and Gusty Winds at Scattered Locations

SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir during forenoon hours from May 23 to 25, with isolated afternoon spells of rain, thundershowers and gusty winds expected at scattered locations. Officials said weather conditions are likely to remain hot and dry across the Union Territory on May 26 and []

229 Candidates Receive Appointment Letters at Rozgar Mela in Jammu

SRINAGAR: As many as 229 candidates were issued appointment letters at a Rozgar Mela held at the Convention Centre in Jammu on Saturday under the Government of Indias nationwide employment initiative aimed at expanding job opportunities for young people, officials said. The event was attended by Divisional Railway Manager Jammu Vivek Kumar as chief guest, []

Over 1 Lakh Passengers Opt For Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Service In 22 Days Of Operation

Jammu, May 23: The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service has recorded more than one lakh passengers within 22 days of commencing commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. Passengers are paying Rs 730, excluding catering charges, for the journey, they said, asserting that the rail route is emerging as an affordable and comfortable travel option as airfares between the two cities range from Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000. According to [] The post Over 1 Lakh Passengers Opt For Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Service In 22 Days Of Operation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

18 Killed in Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russia; Putin Vows Retaliation

SRINAGAR: At least 18 people were killed and 41 others injured after a drone strike hit a student dormitory in Starobilsk in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region on Friday and Saturday, Russian-installed authorities said, with President Vladimir Putin ordering retaliatory measures and accusing Ukraine of targeting civilians, according to reports by Reuters, CNN and RIA Novosti. []

229 Youths Receive Appointment Letters At Jammu Rozgar Mela

Jammu, May 23: The Jammu division of Northern Railway organised a Rozgar Mela on Saturday, during which 229 selected candidates from Jammu and Kashmir received appointment letters for various government jobs. The event was part of the Centres mega employment drive aimed at inducting youth into government services through a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, officials said. More than 5,100 candidates were selected across the country in the latest recruitment round, including 229 from Jammu and Kashmir, they said. Divisional [] The post 229 Youths Receive Appointment Letters At Jammu Rozgar Mela appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jammu Kashmir Sports Council to Organise Cyclothon 2026 in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council will organise Cyclothon 2026 in Srinagar on June 3 to mark World Bicycle Day, with the theme Ride for the Next Generation. The event is being held under the FIT India movement to promote fitness, healthy living and awareness about the benefits of cycling among youth and the []

KPDCL Schedules Power Shutdown in Kashmir District

SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, has announced a scheduled shutdown of the 33 kV Kupwara Old Line on May 25. According to the notification, the shutdown will be observed from 9 am to 3 pm to facilitate necessary works, resulting in power supply disruption across the entire Lolab Valley and []

Top Terrorists Attend Funeral Of Pulwama Attack Mastermind Burhan In Islamabad

Islamabad, May 23: Several Pakistan-based wanted terrorists, including Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and Al-Badr supremo Bakht Zameen Khan, attended the funeral of Pulwama attack mastermind terrorist Hamza Burhan in Islamabad, according to visuals circulating on social media and local reports. Hamza Burhan, also known as Arjumand Gulzar Dar and codenamed Doctor, was buried in Islamabad a day after he was shot by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-occupied-Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK). According to social media, apart from senior terror operatives, officials linked to [] The post Top Terrorists Attend Funeral Of Pulwama Attack Mastermind Burhan In Islamabad appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Anyone In Administration Or Public Life Connected To Drug Trade Will Face Strict Action: LG Sinha

Srinagar, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday warned of strict legal action against anyone, whether in the administration or in public life, connected to drug trafficking or lending support to it. Sinha joined padyatra in Shopian district of south Kashmir as part of the anti-drugs campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network [] The post Anyone In Administration Or Public Life Connected To Drug Trade Will Face Strict Action: LG Sinha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ladakh Set For A Major Clean Energy Boost As LG Extends ONGC Pact For Geothermal Power Project

Leh/Jammu, May 23: Ladakh is set to take a significant step towards clean energy generation with Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approving the setting up of Indias first geothermal power project by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation at Puga valley in Ladakh, at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. LG approved a five-year extension of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation for the construction of the countrys first geothermal power project, officials said. [] The post Ladakh Set For A Major Clean Energy Boost As LG Extends ONGC Pact For Geothermal Power Project appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

J&K High Court Designates 15 Advocates As Senior Advocates

Jammu, May 23: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has designated 15 advocates as Senior Advocates following approval by the Honble Full Court, subject to furnishing of undertaking under Rule 5 of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2025. According to a notification issued by the Office of the Registrar General (Camp) at Jammu, the designation was approved vide Notification No. 1309 of 2026 RG/LP dated May 23, 2026. [] The post J&K High Court Designates 15 Advocates As Senior Advocates appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Summer Vacations For Schools In Jammu Division From June 1

JAMMU, May 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced summer vacations for schools falling under the Summer Zone of Jammu Division in view of the prevailing weather conditions. Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that the vacations for primary classes will commence from June 1, 2026, while schools for students of Classes 6th to 12th will close from June 8, 2026. The decision has been taken to safeguard students from the rising temperatures during the summer season. The post Summer Vacations For Schools In Jammu Division From June 1 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

UP court raises by 3 years Azam Khans 7-yr prison sentence in double PAN card use case

RAMPUR (UP), May 23: A court in Uttar Pradeshs Rampur district on Saturday increased the prison sentence of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from seven years to 10 years in a case related to alleged use of two PAN cards, while maintaining the seven-year jail term for his son Abdullah Azam Khan. Additional District and Sessions Judge Vijay Kumar passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by the prosecution seeking enhancement of punishment. Earlier, the MP-MLA magistrate court of [] The post UP court raises by 3 years Azam Khans 7-yr prison sentence in double PAN card use case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Javed Rana Reviews Implementation Of Forest Rights Act In J&K

SRINAGAR, May 23: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired an exhaustive meeting to review implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister took a comprehensive review of the status of claims filed under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), functioning of various committees constituted under the Act and measures being taken for safeguarding [] The post Javed Rana Reviews Implementation Of Forest Rights Act In J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India, US will continue to work closely for global good: PM Modi, Secretary Rubio discuss bilateral ties, West Asia situation

New Delhi , May 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral cooperation across areas such as defence, trade and energy. Rubio briefed PM Modi on Washingtons perspective on the situation in West Asia, and PM Modi reaffirmed Indias consistent support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. According to the Prime Ministers Office, Secretary Rubio briefed the Prime Minister on the sustained progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties.Secretary Rubio shared the US perspective on various regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia, the statement said. It underlined that the Prime Minister reaffirmed Indias consistent support for peace efforts and reiterated the call for a peaceful resolution of the conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister requested Secretary Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to their continued exchanges.In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted that New Delhi and Washington would continue to work closely for the global good. Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good, he said on X Earlier, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, termed the meeting productive between the two leaders.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and US Under Secretary for State Allison Hooker were among those present in the meeting between PM Modi and Secretary Rubio. The US Ambassador said in a post on X, Great to join @SecRubio for a meeting with Prime Minister @narendramodi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen U.S.-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States! Earlier upon his arrival in India, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that Rubios visit will add further strength to India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.Rubio, accompanied by his wife Jeanette D Rubio, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday after concluding his visit to Kolkata earlier in the day. The US Secretary of State will also deliver remarks at the dedication ceremony of the US Embassy Support Annex Building.Earlier in the day, he visited Kolkata, where he paid tribute to Mother Teresa at the Missionaries of Charity.In a post on X, Rubio hailed the legacy of compassion and service of Mother Teresa and said, I was honored to visit the Missionaries of Charity today to pay homage to her legacy and to see the living example of the Catholic faith in action. Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday morning, marking the first visit by a top American diplomat to the eastern metropolis in 14 years.The Kolkata stop marked the beginning of Rubios four-day visit to India from May 23 to 26. The top US diplomat is expected to travel to multiple cities, including Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, during the course of the visit. The high-level engagements are anticipated to focus on trade, technology, energy security and defence cooperation between India and the United States. The visit assumes significance amid growing strategic convergence between the two countries and comes ahead of the upcoming QUAD foreign ministers meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 26. According to the US ambassador, the upcoming engagements will primarily focus on strengthening cooperation in key strategic sectors, including defence partnerships, advanced technologies, trade ties and collaboration under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) framework. (ANI)

Sajjad Lone Slams Govt Over Job Commitment, Curbs on New Posts

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president Sajjad Lone on Saturday accused the government of failing to honour its commitment to create one lakh jobs for the youth, alleging that it has instead imposed curbs on the creation of new posts. In a post on X, Lone said the administration had made large-scale employment assurances []

Bengal: Security tightened at jhalmuri stall, which PM visited, after owner gets death threats

KOLKATA, May 23: Security has been stepped up at the jhalmuri stall, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited during his campaign for the West Bengal election last month, after its owner allegedly received death threats, police said on Saturday. Bikram Kumar Sau, who runs the jhalmuri stall near Raj College More in Jhargram town, hogged the limelight after the PM stopped at his shop and ate the popular snack while returning from a public rally on April 19. Sau lodged [] The post Bengal: Security tightened at jhalmuri stall, which PM visited, after owner gets death threats appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Millions across J&K determined to eradicate narco-terrorism: LG Sinha

Srinagar, May 23: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcoterrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve heralds the dawn of a new era. From every lane and bylane of UT, voices are rising in unison, demanding that not a single drug smuggler be spared. What began 43 days ago in Jammu has now surged into a powerful grassroots movement, echoing across communities with unstoppable force, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that united by a single purpose and a common goal, millions across Jammu Kashmir are determined to eradicate narcoticsterrorism from this land of paradise. It is now firmly etched in the minds of our people that this is not a distant issue but a challenge confronting us at our very doorstep, one we must face headon with courage and resolve, he said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that the poison of drugs is diverting our youth from the path of progress. He said terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilled. Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences. I assure the people that if even the slightest trace of this infection has seeped into our system, it will be mercilessly cut out without hesitation, the Lieutenant governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that by destroying the lives of our children, thousands of smugglers and narco-terrorists have built their own dark fiefdoms. He said each brick of that sordid realm is being pulled down. The cup of suffering borne by the people at the hands of drug smugglers has overflowed; their collective cry of no more has risen into an unstoppable roar. He further stated that every drug sold in our towns and villages is like a bullet pressed against the chest of the people. Wherever drug smugglers and drug traffickers take root, their first victims are our youth. I know that many parents across Jammu Kashmir live under this shadow of fear, constantly worried that their family could be the next target. We must banish that fear completely and ensure safety for every household in the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that more than 7,000 womens committees have been formed in Jammu Kashmir and it is now the administrations duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively. In the past 43 days, 797 FIRs have been registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers have been sent behind bars. 59 traffickers have been arrested under PITNDPS provisions. 81 narcotic palaces built with the traffickers black money have been demolished. 101 immovable properties have been attached and seized. Other assets worth crores have been attached. 457 driving licenses have been suspended. Recommendations have been made to cancel passports of 22 smugglers and to cancel registrations of 606 vehicles. Large quantities of drugs have been seized. About 5,641 drug stores were inspected; licenses of 268 stores were suspended or cancelled, and FIRs filed against 6 drug stores. A comprehensive rehabilitation policy is also being prepared. The Lieutenant Governor said that our aim is not only to free addicted youth through deaddiction programs but also to reintegrate them into the mainstream by providing employment and jobs.

Sonam Wangchuk says work still in progress following MHA talks on Ladakhs political future

New Delhi , May 23 : Climate activist and Ladakh campaigner Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday indicated that meaningful progress had been made in talks with the Central Government over Ladakhs long-pending demands for democratic representation, even as he cautioned that no final decision had yet been taken. Speaking to ANI, Wangchuk elaborated on the contours of the proposal. Ladakh has always demanded safeguards under Article 244 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and statehood. The government proposed to grant similar safeguards under Article 371, which cannot be implemented without an elected Assembly, he said.Taking to social media, Wangchuk described the outcome of a meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs as an in principle understanding, stating that a broad consensus had been reached on restoring democracy to the Union Territory through a tailor-made legislative body, one that would hold executive, financial, and law-making powers, with safeguards modelled on Article 371 of the Constitution. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body, two key civil society groupings that have been at the forefront of Ladakhs push for greater self-governance since its reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019. On the question of full statehood, a central demand of Ladakhs people, Wangchuk acknowledged the fiscal constraints that currently make it untenable. Right now, Ladakh does not have that much revenue to pay for government employees, he noted, adding that the two sides had proposed an Assembly that, while falling short of statehood, would function at Ladakhs level until sufficient revenue is generated. A significant element of the understanding, Wangchuk pointed out, concerns the control of bureaucracy. Under the proposed arrangement, the elected head of the legislative body would have overall authority over the Chief Secretary and the broader administration, a significant shift from the current structure, where the Lieutenant Governor holds that power. However, Wangchuk was careful to temper expectations, telling ANI, There was only a proposal, and no decision was taken as we need to work on its details. I would say the work is still in progress. (ANI)

Finance Department Fixes Timeline For SNA SPARSH Bill Processing In J&K

JAMMU, May 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has issued fresh directions prescribing strict timelines for processing of SNA SPARSH bills through the Cyber Treasury system to ensure timely payments and smooth functioning of the mechanism. According to a circular issued by the Directorate General of Accounts and Treasuries (DGAT), all treasuries have been directed to scrutinize, process and push SNA SPARSH bills to the Cyber Treasury within two working days of receipt. The circular further states that the [] The post Finance Department Fixes Timeline For SNA SPARSH Bill Processing In J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Lieutenant Governor today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian

SRINAGAR, MAY 23: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcoterrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve heralds the dawn of a [] The post Lieutenant Governor today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen Flags Off Two-Day Trekking Festival from Neel Top to Hansraj Top

Banihal, May 23: National Conference leader and MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen today flagged off a two-day trekking festival from Neel Top to Hansraj Top organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Administration and Khah Charitable Trust. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of local youth, trekkers, adventure lovers, and tourists from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The festival aimed at promoting eco-tourism and highlighting the immense tourism potential of the picturesque areas of Neel and adjoining regions of Banihal-Gool constituency. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sajjad Shaheen said that Banihal-Gool possesses unmatched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, vast meadows, forests, trekking routes, and unexplored tourist destinations which need to be brought prominently on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir. He announced that the upgradation of the ChamalwasNeel road, development of a Nagarwan Park at Wasamarg Neel, and establishment of a tourist rest house in the area will be taken up to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve facilities for visitors. He further announced that Tourism Melas will soon be organized in Gool and Mahoo-Mangit to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, local traditions, and tourism potential of these areas. He said such initiatives will not only promote tourism but also generate livelihood opportunities for local youth and help strengthen the rural economy. Welcoming the proposed KatraKulgam via Nandimarg-Gulabgarh four-lane connectivity project, Sajjad Shaheen termed it a major step towards improving Jammu-Srinagar connectivity and opening new avenues for tourism and economic development across the mountainous regions falling along the proposed corridor. He said the project will significantly boost the tourism circuit and help connect several unexplored destinations of Banihal, Gool, Mahoo-Mangit, and adjoining areas with the outside world. The MLA also said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to ensuring balanced development and equal recognition to the regions rich linguistic and cultural diversity. He stated that local dialects and languages including Khasha, Pogli, Siraji, Bhaderwahi, and other native languages represent the unique identity and heritage of the people and deserve full encouragement, preservation, and promotion. A colourful cultural programme featuring traditional folk music and performances was also organized during the event, reflecting the vibrant culture and hospitality of the region. The participants appreciated the initiative and demanded regular organization of such tourism and adventure activities in the area.

Jindal Stainless, Haryana Govt extend partnership to promote stainless steel applications

NEW DELHI, May 23: Jindal Stainless and the Haryana government have extended their agreement to support skill development in the field of stainless steel applications and manufacturing. In a statement on Saturday, Jindal Stainless said the company has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Haryana State Board of Technical Education (HSBTE), Panchkula, for another three years. The renewed partnership aims to continue promoting technical education and skill development in the field of stainless steel applications and manufacturing, it [] The post Jindal Stainless, Haryana Govt extend partnership to promote stainless steel applications appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Srinagar Police Attaches Properties Worth 5 Crore Under Ndps Act, Tightens Noose Around Drug Networks

Srinagar, May 23: In a major crackdown under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan 100 Days Campaign, Srinagar Police on Friday attached multiple immovable properties worth nearly 5 crore belonging to alleged drug peddlers and narcotics traffickers across Srinagar and adjoining districts. Police said the action was taken under various provisions of the NDPS Act as part of sustained efforts to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug networks operating in the Valley. Among the attached properties are [] The post Srinagar Police Attaches Properties Worth 5 Crore Under Ndps Act, Tightens Noose Around Drug Networks appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Nasha Mukht Abhiyan: Properties Worth Rs 5 Crore Attached in Srinagar Under NDPS Act

SRINAGAR: Police in central Kashmirs Srinagar district on Saturday attached immovable properties worth nearly Rs 5 crore belonging to alleged drug peddlers and narcotics traffickers in Srinagar and adjoining areas under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action was carried out as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan []

Husband-Wife Duo Serving Tribals In Naxal-Hit Bastar To Receive Padma Shri

NEW DELHI, May 23: Husband-wife duo Dr Ramchandra Godbole and Suneeta Godbole, who have spent more than three decades providing healthcare and social support to tribal communities in the remote Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, will be conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu on May 25. The couple moved to Bastar soon after their marriage in 1990 and have since devoted their lives to serving tribal populations in inaccessible and Naxal-affected areas where healthcare facilities were either limited or [] The post Husband-Wife Duo Serving Tribals In Naxal-Hit Bastar To Receive Padma Shri appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Congress-SP to face another rude shock in UP polls: Naqvi

NEW DELHI, May 23: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Saturday, saying sky-high arrogance and gutter-level politics have converted the grand old party into a lobby of defeated politicians. He also claimed that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are set to face another rude shock in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. Addressing the inaugural session of a BJP training programme in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad, Naqvi [] The post Congress-SP to face another rude shock in UP polls: Naqvi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Future Wars Will Be Multi-Domain With Cyber And Cognitive Aspects, Says CDS Gen Chauhan

SHIRDI (MAHARASHTRA), May 23: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said future wars will be multi-domain with land, sea, air, cyberspace, and cognitive warfare operating together. Speaking at the inauguration of a defence manufacturing unit here in Ahilyanagar district, General Chauhan said modern warfare is not just based on manpower, conventional weapons or platform-centric operations. AI, drones, robotics, cyber systems, autonomous platforms, space technologies, precision strike weapons, and information dominance are giving a decisive shape to future [] The post Future Wars Will Be Multi-Domain With Cyber And Cognitive Aspects, Says CDS Gen Chauhan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Moments After Referral to Srinagar, Woman Delivers Baby in ambulance outside DH Bandipora Gate

Bandipora, May 23: A pregnant woman delivered her baby inside a 108 ambulance just moments after being referred from District Hospital Bandipora to Srinagar, raising serious questions over the handling of the case by doctors on duty.Kulsooma Begum, wife of Azad Ahmad Dar of Laharwalpora, was brought to the District Hospital Bandipora on Friday after developing pregnancy-related complications. According to family members, despite being in active labour pain and in a critical condition, she was referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment. However, shockingly, the woman delivered the baby inside the ambulance immediately after stepping out from the main gate of the hospital, while still within the hospital premises.Relatives strongly questioned the referral decision and alleged negligence by the doctors concerned. They claimed the patient was shifted without proper management despite labour pains already having started.We want a fair investigation. How can a woman in such a condition be referred when she delivered within minutes of leaving the hospital? family members said. Sources said a Consultant from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department had allegedly advised the Medical Officer to manage and refer the patient without personally examining her. Following complaints from the family and public outrage, CMO Bandipora visited the hospital to assess the situation and assured that strict action would be taken if any negligence is found.Meanwhile, the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora has sought written explanations from a Consultant OB/Gynae and a Lady Medical Officer regarding the circumstances that led to the delivery during transit. The doctors have been directed to explain their role, duties performed and the management of the patient within three days, failing which action under relevant service rules may follow. The incident has sparked concern among the public, with many questioning the functioning and patient care system at the district hospital.

International Ties Purposefully Structured To Serve Indias Youth: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, May 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Indias international partnerships are purposefully structured to serve the countrys youth and leaders of global corporations, representing dozens of nations, have talked about Indias youth and its technological advancement. After virtually distributing appointment letters for central government jobs to more than 51,000 youths at a Rozgar Mela, Modi also said the youth will play a crucial role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat (developed India) in the [] The post International Ties Purposefully Structured To Serve Indias Youth: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Centre Offers Constitutional Safeguards, Legislative Body For Ladakh; Talks Still Underway, Say Activists

NEW DELHI, May 23: The Centre has made an offer for constitutional safeguards under Article 371, instead of the Sixth Schedule, and a legislative body for Ladakh, activists from the region said on Saturday, while stressing that discussions were still underway and no final agreement had been reached. Talking to news agency a day after their meeting with a sub-committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), activist Sonam Wangchuk said the government had proposed safeguards for Ladakh on the [] The post Centre Offers Constitutional Safeguards, Legislative Body For Ladakh; Talks Still Underway, Say Activists appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

CS Atal Dulloo Reviews Transport Department Performance; Stresses Safer Roads, Smarter Enforcement

SRINAGAR, MAY 23: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Transport Department to assess the progress achieved in road safety, traffic enforcement, technology integration and implementation of key recommendations aimed at improving traffic management and reducing road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting besides ACS PWD and Principal Secretary, Home was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Secretary, Transport; IGP, Traffic; Transport Commissioner; SIO, NIC and other concerned officers. The meeting focused on [] The post CS Atal Dulloo Reviews Transport Department Performance; Stresses Safer Roads, Smarter Enforcement appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bain Capital-backed Dhoot Transmission files updated IPO papers with SEBI

NEW DELHI, May 23: Auto component maker Dhoot Transmission has filed updated draft papers with capital market regulator Sebi to mobilise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,400 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 1.63 crore equity shares by promoter selling shareholders, according to the updated draft red herring prospectus (UDRHP) filed on Friday. Under the OFS, US-based Bain Capital, through its affiliate [] The post Bain Capital-backed Dhoot Transmission files updated IPO papers with SEBI appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Estonia to be gateway to northern Europe for India: Indian envoy

TALLINN, May 23:Estonia can be the gateway to northern European markets for India once the FTA with the European Union comes into effect, Indian Ambassador Ashish Sinha has said, asserting that the bilateral relationship is on an upswing. In an interview with PTI, Sinha said there is a robust base of existing trade to be used as a springboard for further engagement between India and Estonia when the India-EU free trade agreement comes into force. The Indian Ambassador to Estonia [] The post Estonia to be gateway to northern Europe for India: Indian envoy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jammu Kashmir Forest Minister Boycotts Department Event Over Sidhra Demolitions

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, boycotted a Forest Department event in Srinagar in protest against the recent demolition of structures belonging to Gujjar and Bakarwal families in the Sidhra area of Jammu, according to The Hindu. The report stated that the minister did not attend []