DIPR Announces Five-Member Jury For First IFFJK
SRINAGAR: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir Government, on Thursday announced a five-member jury for the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10. The jury comprises noted personalities from the fields of filmmaking, cinematography, sound design, documentary filmmaking and []
Former SMC Commissioner Gazanfar Ali Passes Away, Condolences Pour In
SRINAGAR: Gazanfar Ali, former Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and senior KAS officer, passed away on Thursday. Reports said, Ali breathed his last this afternoon after a brief illness. He was residing in Srinagar. A seasoned administrator, Ali held several key positions during his service career, including Commissioner of SMC, where he was []
Raksha-bandhan, not a mere Ritual but Elixir for Family Relationships
Puran Chand Sharma India is a land of festivals and each festival carries a profound social, cultural and spiritual message. Among these Raksha-Bandhan occupies a unique place because it celebrates one of the purest and most enduring human relationships, the bond between brother and sister. The term Raksha-Bandhan is derived from two Sanskrit words: Raksha [] The post Raksha-bandhan, not a mere Ritual but Elixir for Family Relationships appeared first on Northlines .
Raksha Bandhan: The Luminous Filament of Love
From Siblinghood to Universal Brotherhood Prof. (Dr.) Jayadeba Sahoo Human civilisation today presents a striking paradox. Never before have people been so closely connected through technology, yet ideological, religious, ethnic, political and psychological divisions often appear to be widening. Wars and conflicts persist, communities remain polarised, families experience strains, ecosystems are under pressure, and many [] The post Raksha Bandhan: The Luminous Filament of Love appeared first on Northlines .
byCh. V. Prabhakar Rao From Institutional Dominance to the Protection of Democracy In a society, it is natural in a democracy for social, cultural or religious organisations to undertake service activities among the people. The freedom of individuals to establish organisations based on their beliefs, culture and ideas is also part of their fundamental liberty. [] The post Why Human Rights Matter appeared first on Northlines .
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has highlighted an important healthcare issue stressing that advanced healthcare should not remain a luxury for the rich. Addressing the Quaternary Healthcare and Research Summit at SKICC in Srinagar, he has said that quaternary care should become a right of every citizen. Quaternary care means highly specialized medical treatment that requires [] The post Uniform access to healthcare appeared first on Northlines .
Providing Quality Healthcare To Citizens Is Our Obligation: Omar Abdullah
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for a balanced healthcare strategy that combines the development of advanced quaternary care with stronger primary and secondary healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the valedictory function of the three-day Quaternary Healthcare & Research Summit: 4th J&K Medical Conference-2026 at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Omar []
Sujit Kumar Takes Charge As IGP Kashmir Zone
SRINAGAR: Senior IPS officer Sujit Kumar on Thursday assumed charge as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, following a major reshuffle in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Kumar, a 2007-batch IPS officer, was transferred from the post of IGP Security, J&K, and appointed IGP Kashmir Zone as part of the reshuffle ordered by the []
Ladakh Administration Transfers Three Police Officers
SRINAGAR: The Ladakh Administration has ordered the transfer and posting of three police officers with immediate effect as part of an administrative reshuffle. According to the order, Mohd Hussain (JKPS-2012), Deputy Director, Fire and Rescue Service, Ladakh, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), CID, Kargil. Faraz Hussain Shah (JKPS-2012), DySP []
Northern Army Commander Reviews Security, Operational Preparedness In South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Thursday reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness of troops deployed in south Kashmir and directed them to remain proactive and mission-ready. During his visit, Sharma was briefed on the evolving security dynamics, operational challenges and measures being taken to strengthen the security grid, the Armys []
Sujit Kumar is new IGP Kashmir as J&K govt reshuffles 14 police officers
Srinagar, Aug 27 : The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department on Thursday ordered a major reshuffle in the police establishment, transferring and posting 14 officers, including 11 IPS and three JKPS officers, with immediate effect. According to an order, a copy of which lies with news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), M.K. Sinha (IPS, AGMUT:1996), who was serving as Additional Director General (ADG) Headquarters, has been transferred and posted as ADG CID, J&K, replacing Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar (IPS, AGMUT:1999) has been posted as ADG Armed Police, J&K, against an available vacancy. Uttam Chand (IPS, AGMUT:2002), IGP (Police Operations and Services) at Police Headquarters, has been transferred and posted as IGP Railways, J&K, replacing Vivek Gupta. He will continue to hold the additional charge of IGP (Police Operations and Services), PHQ, until further orders. Bhim Sen Tuti (IPS, AGMUT:2004), IGP Jammu Zone, has been transferred and posted as IGP Headquarters, J&K, against an available vacancy. Sujit Kumar (IPS, AGMUT:2007), who was serving as IGP Security, J&K, has been appointed IGP Kashmir Zone. In a corresponding move, Vivek Gupta (IPS, AGMUT:2007), IGP Railways, J&K, has been posted as IGP Security, replacing Sujit Kumar. Tejinder Singh (IPS, AGMUT:2008), IGP CID, J&K, has been transferred and posted as IGP Jammu Zone, replacing Bhim Sen Tuti. The government has also designated Shakti Kumar Pathak (IPS, AGMUT:2009) as Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Mubassir Latifi Ameer (IPS, AGMUT:2011), DIG (Personnel), PHQ, who was also holding additional charge of DIG Training, has been transferred and posted as DIG IR Kashmir against an available vacancy. Among district-level postings, Sahil Sarangal (IPS, AGMUT:2017), SSP Handwara, has been transferred and posted as SSP Pulwama, while Sunny Gupta (IPS, AGMUT:2020), Additional SP Anantnag, has been appointed SSP Kishtwar, replacing Naresh Singh. Among JKPS officers, Tahir Saleem Khan (JKPS:2001), SO to IGP Kashmir Zone, has been transferred and posted as SSP Handwara, replacing Sahil Sarangal. Muzaffar Ahmad Shah (JKPS:2004), SSP SCW Kashmir, has been posted as SO to IGP Kashmir Zone, replacing Tahir Saleem Khan. Meanwhile, Naresh Singh (JKPS:2004), SSP Kishtwar, has been transferred and posted as SSP Rajouri against an available vacancy(KNO)
14 police officers transferred in J&K; Sujit Kumar posted IG Kashmir, Tejinder Singh IG Jammu
Srinagar, Aug 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday ordered transfers and postings of 14 police officers with immediate effect. As per Government Order issued by Home Department, Shri M.K. Sinha, IPS (AGMUT:1996), ADG HQ, has been transferred and posted as ADG CID J&K vice Shri Nitish Kumar, IPS. Shri Nitish Kumar, IPS (AGMUT:1999), ADG CID J&K has been transferred and posted as ADG Armed Police J&K, against an available vacancy. Shri Uttam Chand, IPS (AGMUT:2002), IGP (Police Operations & Services) Police Headquarters has been transferred and posted as IGP Railways, J&K vice Shri Vivek Gupta, IPS. The officer shall also continue to hold the additional charge of IGP (Police Operations & Services) Police Headquarters, till further orders. Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IPS (AGMUT:2004), IG Jammu Zone has been transferred and posted as IG HQ, J&K, against an available vacancy. Shri Sujit Kumar, IPS (AGMUT:2007), IG Security J&K has been transferred and posted as IG Kashmir Zone, against an available vacancy. Shri Vivek Gupta, IPS (AGMUT:2007), IGP Railways, J&K has been transferred and posted as IGP Security J&K vice Shri Sujit Kumar, IPS. Shri Tejinder Singh, IPS (AGMUT:2008), IG CID J&K has been transferred and posted as IG Jammu Zone vice Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IPS. Shri Shakti Kumar Pathak, IPS (AGMUT:2009) has been designated as Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau. Shri Mubassir Latifi Ameer, IPS (AGMUT:2011) DIG (Personnel) PHQ holding additional charge of DIG Training, PHQ, has been transferred and posted as DIG IR Kashmir, against an available vacancy. Shri Sahil Sarangal, IPS (AGMUT:2017), SSP Handwara has been transferred and posted as SSP Pulwama, against an available vacancy. Shri Sunny Gupta, IPS (AGMUT:2020), Addl SP Anantnag has been transferred and posted as SSP Kishtwar vice Shri Naresh Singh. Shri Tahir Saleem Khan, (JKPS:2001), SO to IG Kashmir Zone has been transferred and posted as SSP Handwara vice Shri Sahil Sarangal, IPS. Shri Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, (JKPS:2004), SSP SCW Kashmir has been transferred and posted as SO to IG Kashmir Zone vice Shri Tahir Saleem Khan. Shri Naresh Singh, (JKPS:2004), SSP Kishtwar has been transferred and posted as SSP Rajouri, against an available vacancy. The order has been issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor. (GNS)
Govt Orders Reshuffle In Police Department, 14 Officers Transferred
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department on Thursday ordered transfers and postings of 14 police officers, including senior IPS officers, with immediate effect. According to Government Order No. 438-Home of 2026, issued on August 27, M K Sinha, IPS, ADG Headquarters, has been transferred and posted as ADG CID J&K, replacing Nitish Kumar, IPS. []
Hina Khan Visits Kashmir School, Praises Students
Television actor Hina Khan on Thursday interacted with students and teachers at an Army Goodwill School in Boniyar in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district, praising the students confidence and urging them to remain focused on their ambitions despite challenges. Khan, who hails from Srinagar and is known for her roles in []
Nepal flash floods: MEA sets up round-the-clock control room in Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 27: In view of the flood situation in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a round-the-clock control room here to assist people. As the death toll from Nepal's devastating flash floods surged to 359 on Thursday, rescuers launched a race against time to trace hundreds still missing, including 288 Indian nationals. We have set up a control room in the Ministry of External Affairs here, which will function round-the-clock. Details of the helpline and the control room telephone numbers are being put out on our X handle, and you should be getting them soon. Our embassies, both in Kathmandu and in Beijing, have also set up 24x7 helplines, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing here. Later, the MEA shared details of the control room in a statement. The control room can be contacted at +91 11 2308 8718 +91 11 2308 8719. For WhatsApp calls/messages: +91 9968291988. Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in, it said. The emergency contact numbers of the Indian embassy in Kathmandu are (also on WhatsApp): +977 985 131 6807; +977 970 910 7500; and +977 981 032 6117. The massive flash floods originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges and crippling a dozen hydropower projects, affecting multiple districts. India on Thursday said it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal to help it deal with the crisis as rescue operations gathered momentum in the Himalayan nation. According to the MEA, Nepali authorities can be contacted at the following helpline numbers: Tourist Police: +977 9851289445; Nepal Army: +977 9851072914 (email: dgmi-foreign@nepalarmy.mil.np); NDRRMA: +977 9851320269 /+977 9849281097; Rasuwa Police: +977 9851254960; Assistant chief district officer, Rasuwa: +977 9851164422; Nuwakot Police: +977 9851282380; Assistant chief district officer, Nuwakot: +977 9851248777; Dhading Police: +977 9851229860; Chief district officer, Dhading: +977 9851247777; Chitwan Police: +977 9855013999; Assistant chief district officer, Chitwan: +977 9855088891.
Army Soldier Drowns in Kishanganga River in Gurez
Bandipora, Aug 27 : An Army soldier drowned in the Kishanganga River near Tarbal village in the Gurez area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Ashiq Hussain Khan, a resident of Rafiabad in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Following the incident, a rescue operation was launched, during which the soldiers body was retrieved from the river. The body was later shifted to Dawar Hospital for medico-legal formalities. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the drowning. (KNS)
Congress Will Not Accept Ministerial Berths in Jammu Kashmir Until Statehood Restored: Tariq Karra
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Ahmad Karra on Thursday said the party would not accept ministerial positions in the Union Territory Government until full statehood is restored. Addressing a gathering during a programme in Reasi, Karra said restoration of statehood had been the Congresss position from the outset and that the party would []
Supreme Court To Hear On Aug 31 Plea On Cash Donations Received By Political Parties
New Delhi, Aug 27: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on August 31 a plea challenging the validity of a provision allowing political parties to receive cash donations below 2,000. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta is expected to hear the petition filed by Khem Singh Bhati, which seeks greater transparency [] The post Supreme Court To Hear On Aug 31 Plea On Cash Donations Received By Political Parties appeared first on Northlines .
Kishtwar Observes Bandh Over Minor
Jammu, Aug 27: Kishtwar observed a complete bandh on Thursday following a joint call by the Majlis-e-Shura and Sanatan Dharam Sabha over the alleged rape and subsequent death of a 15-year-old tribal girl, with shops closed and public transport affected across the district. Police and security forces were deployed in large numbers, particularly in Kishtwar [] The post Kishtwar Observes Bandh Over Minors Rape and Death appeared first on Northlines .
New Delhi , August 27 : As Nepal continues to grapple with a devastating flash flood from the Bhotekoshi River near the Nepal-China border in Rasuwagadhi, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said 21 Indian nationals have been rescued from Nepal, while around 200 Indians stranded on the Chinese side have sought assistance for evacuation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while briefing the media here, said the 21 rescued Indian nationals are from Tamil Nadu and had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. As of 1300 hours today, we have been able to rescue 21 Indian nationals. This group of 21 people are from Tamil Nadu, Jaiswal said. He added that the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the rescued group and has assured them of all possible assistance. Our ambassador has spoken to people in the group and has assured all possible help. They are coming to Kathmandu, hopefully, and then arrangements will be made for their travel back home as soon as possible, he said. The MEA has also received information about Indian nationals who undertook the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and are currently stranded on the Chinese side of the border. Our embassy in Beijing is making all efforts for their safe evacuation. There are approximately 200 Indian nationals there who have sought our assistance for evacuation, Jaiswal said. Of these, 95 Indians are in Darchan and are currently proceeding towards Baisha to cross over into Nepal. Four are in Geelong city, while 13 are in Zutulpuk and are travelling towards the town of Saga, according to the MEA spokesperson. The Ministry said it has established a 24x7 special control room in view of the prevailing flood situation in Nepal to coordinate assistance and facilitate communication with affected Indian nationals. The control room can be contacted at +91 11 2308 8718 and +91 11 2308 8719. WhatsApp calls and messages can be made to +91 9968291988, while the email address is situationroom@mea.gov.in. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has also issued emergency contact numbers: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117. The MEA further said that 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable in Nepal, with communication networks in the affected areas severely disrupted. Jaiswal said the group includes 73 Indians working at the Trishuli 1 power project, with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu in touch with the project's head to obtain further information. Other groups include 37 and 49 Tamil Nadu nationals who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels; 32 West Bengal nationals who travelled through Samrat Travels and were in Timure in Rasuwa district; 61 Indians from different states who travelled through Richa Tours; and 33 nationals from Kerala. Communication lines in that area are totally disrupted and therefore it has been difficult to get in touch with people on the ground, Jaiswal said. Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), in its search, rescue and relief update issued up to 2 PM (local time) on Thursday, reported 258 bodies recovered following the Bhotekoshi flood. According to the update, the casualties include 27 in Dhading, 12 in Nuwakot, two in Rasuwa, 20 in Gorkha, 62 in Nawalparasi East, 12 in Tanahun, 108 in Chitwan and 15 in Nawalparasi West in Nepal. NDRRMA reported 910 people missing or out of contact, including 28 Nepal Police personnel, 44 Nepal Army personnel, 13 Armed Police Force personnel, 15 Customs Office personnel and four Immigration Office personnel. The update also listed 161 people missing in Rasuwa, based on information from the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), and one person missing in Nuwakot. A total of 517 foreign citizens were reported missing or out of contact, while 127 Nepali citizens living abroad who were visiting Nepal were also listed. Authorities further reported that 73 injured people, including 43 in Rasuwa and three in Dhading, with the casualty breakdown continuing beyond the portion of the update available. The flash flood struck the Bhotekoshi area near Rasuwagadhi on the Nepal-China border on Wednesday, prompting large-scale search, rescue and relief operations as authorities work to locate those missing and assist stranded nationals. The Indian government said its missions in Kathmandu and Beijing are coordinating with local authorities and continuing efforts to trace, rescue and evacuate Indian citizens affected by the disaster. (ANI)
NITI Aayog Member Meets CM Omar to Discuss Jammu Kashmir Development Priorities
SRINAGAR: M Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog, met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on Thursday to discuss the Union Territorys developmental priorities and ways to strengthen cooperation with the policy think tank. The meeting focused on accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth in Jammu and Kashmir, with discussions centred []
Regularisation Delay: Jammu Kashmir Daily Wagers Announce Protest
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Casual Daily Wagers Forum (JKCDF) has announced a symbolic protest from September over the delay in regularising casual and daily-rated workers across the Union Territory. The announcement was made during a press conference at the forums Central Office on Exchange Road, Lal Chowk, where forum president Sajjad Ahmad Parray warned []
PDP Protests in Pulwama, Shopian Over Proposed Power Tariff Hike
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) workers held separate protests in Pulwama and Shopian districts of south Kashmirs on Thursday against the proposed 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding that the hike be withdrawn and the government honour its electoral commitments. In Pulwama, the protest was held at the district []
Would A Child Plan Or Term Plus SIP Still Fund The Goal If A Parent Dies?
Most comparisons between a child insurance plan and a term policy paired with a SIP focus on which one grows your money faster. That's the wrong question to lead with. The actual point of either option is to make sure a specific goal, say 50,00,000 for a child's education in 15 years, still gets funded if the parent paying for it doesn't make it to the finish line. Almost nobody actually stress tests that scenario with real numbers before choosing. Here's what happens to each option if the parent dies partway through. Why Is This The Wrong Comparison Most Articles Make? Comparing returns assumes the parent survives the entire term, which is the outcome nobody actually needs protection for. The real test of either structure is what happens in the scenario where protection matters, the parent dying mid way through the goal. If a plan performs beautifully as long as nothing goes wrong, it hasn't actually been tested. What Happens To A Term Plus SIP Combo If The Parent Dies At Year Five? Say the goal is 50,00,000 in 15 years, and to get there through a SIP growing at an assumed 10% a year, the required contribution is about 12,450 a month. By year five, five years of that SIP has built up roughly 9,60,750. If the parent dies at this point, the term insurance pays out a lump sum to the family, separate from the SIP itself. What happens next depends entirely on what the family actually does with that money and their own finances going forward. If they keep the 12,450 monthly contribution going for the remaining ten years, using income from the term payout or other sources, the existing 9,60,750 plus ten more years of contributions reaches almost exactly the original 50,00,000 target. The math works out. But if the family doesn't continue those monthly contributions, whether because the term payout gets absorbed into immediate expenses, debt, or simply because nobody kept managing it, that 9,60,750 just sits and grows on its own. By year 15, it reaches only about 24,91,945, roughly half the original target, a shortfall of about 25,08,055 on the goal it was meant to fund. What Happens To A Child Insurance Plan In The Exact Same Scenario? Most child insurance plans include a built-in feature, often called a premium waiver or payor benefit, that activates automatically if the parent paying the premiums dies. All future premiums are waived, the policy continues exactly as originally structured, and the full maturity benefit, the original 50,00,000 target in this example, still gets paid out on schedule. No family member has to remember to do anything, redirect any money, or make any investment decisions during what's already the hardest period of their life. That's the actual mechanical difference. It isn't about which option earns more. It's that one option requires a grieving family to execute a plan correctly for ten more years, and the other doesn't require them to do anything at all. Does That Mean The Child Plan Always Wins? No, and this is the part that gets left out when this comparison turns into a sales pitch. In the much more likely scenario where the parent lives through the entire term, a pure term plus SIP combination will very often build a larger corpus for the same monthly outlay, since a straightforward money saving plan invested in growth assets tends to outperform the blended, more conservative return most child insurance plans are structured to deliver. You're comparing two different things: a guarantee that costs you some growth potential, against growth potential that comes with no guarantee at all if things go wrong. What Should You Actually Weigh Before Choosing? Question Favors term plus SIP Favors a child insurance plan Will the surviving parent or family actually manage investments consistently for years? Yes, confident in this Not certain, or no one else is equipped to Is the term cover sized generously enough to also fund continuing the SIP? Yes Doesn't matter as much here Do you want the goal amount fixed and certain no matter what happens? No, comfortable with some variability Yes, certainty matters more than upside Is maximizing the final corpus the top priority if nothing goes wrong? Yes Growth is secondary to guaranteed floor Who Should Lean Toward A Child Insurance Plan For This Goal? If you're not confident a spouse or family member would keep a SIP running through years of grief, life changes, or simply losing track, or if there's genuinely no one positioned to manage that money on the child's behalf, the automatic premium waiver removes that entire risk from the equation. Who Should Not Rely On Term Plus SIP Alone For This Goal? Don't lean purely on term plus SIP if your term cover isn't sized to comfortably absorb both ongoing family expenses and continuing this specific goal's contributions. Underinsured term cover is the most common reason this combination fails in practice, not poor investment choices. If the payout barely covers a couple of years of expenses, there's nothing left to keep the SIP going, and the goal quietly falls behind. What Should You Actually Do? Size the term cover first, generously enough that continuing every existing financial commitment, including this goal's monthly contribution, is realistic without touching the core payout. If you're confident that discipline will hold, term plus SIP usually builds more toward the same goal. If you'd rather remove that dependency entirely, a child insurance plan with a premium waiver benefit guarantees the number regardless of what happens next. Many families split the difference, covering part of the target through a plan with a built in guarantee and the rest through growth investments, so the worst case still funds something close to the full goal, and the best case still leaves room to do better.
Congress Likely to Join Jammu Kashmir Govt Soon, Says Deputy CM
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said the Congress is likely to join the National Conference-led government, describing the move as a natural outcome of the alliance between the two parties. Choudhary said the National Conference had wanted the Congress to become part of the government since its formation, but []
JK govt must reconsider power tariff hike: Mehbooba
SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the Jammu and Kashmir government must reconsider the electricity tariff hike to give relief to the poor, who are already reeling under rising costs. In a post on X, the former chief minister also expressed concern over reports of police allegedly detaining Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) workers []
Jammu Kashmir Police Foil Three Bovine Smuggling Bids
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police foiled three separate alleged bovine smuggling attempts in Kathua district, rescuing 49 cattle and seizing three trucks suspected to have been used for transporting them, officials said on Thursday. The three incidents were reported at Lakhanpur, Hatli Morh and Sawan Chak, with all the vehicles allegedly travelling from Punjab. The []
Dr. Peush Bajpai, Senior Director & Unit Head Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi For many years, a diagnosis of lung cancer was often associated with limited treatment options and poor outcomes. This picture has changed significantly. Advances in early detection, precision medicine, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and modern radiation techniques have improved treatment [] The post Lung Cancer Is No Longer the End of the Road: Early Detection and Modern Treatment Are Changing Lives appeared first on Northlines .
Five Shopkeepers Booked For Obstructing Traffic At Jahangir Chowk
SRINAGAR: Police have registered a case against five shopkeepers for allegedly obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement at Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar. The case was registered by Police Station Shaheed Gunj after a routine patrol in the area found matting material placed on the road outside the shops, officials said. The material was occupying road space []
Washington, August 27: US President Donald Trump has stated that he believes Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, though he suffered severe injuries during ongoing military operations, as mystery continues to shroud the appearance of the Iranian leader. Speaking in an interview with US commentator Glenn Beck, Trump addressed widespread speculation regarding Khamenei's fate following months of public absence. I don't think he's dead, Trump told Beck. He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing. He was very seriously wounded, but I don't think he's dead. Trump added that if the Iranian leader is indeed incapacitated or deceased, Tehran is maintaining an elaborate deception. If he is, they're putting on a pretty good show because they talk about, you know, going back to talk to him all the time... to get a final blessing on things. But, you know, you make a deal with them, it's like--not to be--it's not the most honorable group. I will tell you that. Shifting focus to ongoing military and strategic operations, Trump lauded the performance of the US armed forces and the economic posture of the country. Highlighting recent maritime engagements, he noted, We took out 22 boats last night. We have people coming in, the blockade. Our Navy has been unbelievable. Our military has been unbelievable. Attributing success to broader national capabilities, Trump emphasised that American financial strength has scaled up dramatically over the past year and a half. Concluding his assessment, the President expressed absolute confidence in the trajectory of current campaigns, stating, Those things are going toward a very big victory. We had the victory in Venezuela, and we're going to have a big victory here. On Tuesday, Al Arabiya reported that Iran's Fars News released archival footage of the Iranian Supreme Leader. According to Al Arabiya, the footage was reportedly filmed before Khamenei became the Supreme Leader. He was seen surrounded by a group of people who offered prayers before beginning their discussions. Notably, this is the second time in August that a video of Khamenei has been released by Iranian media. Earlier in August, days after Israeli media claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader was in critical condition and had been rushed to a hospital, Iran's semi-official Mehr News agency released an undated video showing Mojtaba Khamenei appearing to be in good health. The video of Mojtaba Khamenei was published for the first time by Mehr, a semi-official news agency sponsored by the government of Iran and run by the Iranian government's Islamic Development Organisation, as an effort to negate mounting speculation over Khamenei's health and whereabouts. Previously, Israeli media reports had claimed that Khamenei was in an extremely critical condition. Channel 14, citing sources inside Iran, and an earlier report by The Jerusalem Post, quoting IranWire and sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, reported that concerns over his health were circulating within Iran's leadership. Shortly thereafter, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is completely healthy, dismissing speculations regarding his physical condition, according to a report by the ISNA news agency. Someone who can sit and discuss for seven to eight hours cannot have any health problems, the President said, noting that he had held a very good meeting with Khamenei earlier in August. Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israeli military strikes on February 28. Since assuming the role, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances, communicating exclusively through written statements.
PARAS Health Srinagar to Hold Free Specialist Health Camp in Magam
SRINAGAR: PARAS Health Srinagar, in collaboration with SJ Polyclinics and Diagnostics, will organise a two-day free health camp in Magam on August 28 and 29, offering specialist consultations, hearing tests and hearing-care services. The camp will be held at SJ Polyclinics and Diagnostics, Alfalah Complex, opposite Just Bukhara Restaurant, Magam, and will provide free consultations []
FDA Directs Strict Implementation of Food Safety Rules in Jammu Kashmir Schools
SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has asked the School Education Department to ensure strict implementation of food safety regulations in all government and private schools across the Union Territory. In a communication to the Directors of School Education, the FDA highlighted the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Safe []
Ladakh Cuts Natural Gas VAT From 21% to 5% to Boost Clean Energy
LEH, Aug 27: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a major reduction in VAT on natural gas in Ladakh from 21 per cent to 5 per cent, a move aimed at making clean energy more affordable and accelerating the development of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the Union Territory. The reduction will [] The post Ladakh Cuts Natural Gas VAT From 21% to 5% to Boost Clean Energy appeared first on Northlines .
Ladakh Cuts VAT on Natural Gas from 21 Per Cent to 5 Per Cent to Boost Clean Energy Network
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on natural gas from 21 per cent to 5 per cent, aimed at making CNG and PNG more affordable and supporting the expansion of the Union Territorys City Gas Distribution (CGD) network. The reduction is expected to facilitate []
Devastating floods leave more than 1,300 missing along Nepal-China border
Kathmandu, Aug 27: More than 1,300 people remained missing on Thursday after devastating flash floods tore through communities along the Nepal-China border, killing more than 160 people, destroying roads and bridges and leaving rescuers struggling to reach isolated settlements and search for hundreds of foreign nationals. The disaster, one of the worst to strike [] The post Devastating floods leave more than 1,300 missing along Nepal-China border appeared first on Northlines .
Internal personnel movement in MHA
MHAs current circular page shows the recent end-of-tenure leave of Deepak Kumar, (IDAS 2010), Director, MHA, dated 24 August, alongside the earlier relieving of Joint Secretary Praveen Kumar Rai and appointment of Deputy Secretary Ishaan Sharma. The post Internal personnel movement in MHA appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Complete shutdown observed In Kishtwar over minor's death incident
Kishtwar, Aug 27: A complete shutdown is being observed in Kishtwar town and adjoining areas on Thursday after Sanatan Dharma Sabha and Majlis-e-Shura jointly called for a bandh over Minor's death case. Officials said that all shops, business establishments and private institutions remained closed in Kishtwar town while public transport also remained largely off the roads, witnesses said. The call for bandh has been supported by various social and religious organisations. The bandh was called to demand swift justice for the minor girl and stern action against those involved in the heinous crime. Members of both organisations have appealed to the administration for fast-track investigation and justice to the victim's family. Pertinently, three more persons have been arrested so far in the case, taking the total number of arrests to five, SSP Kishtwar had told media. Meanwhile, authorities have beefed up security arrangements and deployed additional police personnel at sensitive locations to maintain law and order and to prevent any untoward incident. More details are awaited. (GNS)
India sends second tranche of relief material to flood hit Nepal
New Delhi: India has dispatched the second tranche of the 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief material, medicines and food packets for Nepal. The humanitarian assistance to the neighbouring nation is being provided after it was hit by flash floods on Wednesday. In a social media post, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar [] The post India sends second tranche of relief material to flood hit Nepal appeared first on Northlines .
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Expresses Grief Over Poonch Road Tragedy & Nepal Floods
Srinagar, August 27: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq has expressed deep grief and anguish over the tragic road accident in Surankote, Poonch, in which six precious lives were lost and three people were injured, including a child stated to be in critical condition. Conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Mirwaiz prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Jannat-ul-Firdous, give patience and strength to their families, and grant a complete and speedy recovery to the injured. Mirwaiz also expressed profound shock and concern over the reported rape and subsequent death of a minor tribal girl in Kishtwar. He said the circumstances surrounding the case are deeply disturbing and have understandably caused anguish across society. While noting the arrests and ongoing investigation, he stressed that the matter must be investigated thoroughly, impartially and without delay so that the truth is established and all those found responsible are held accountable under law. He said the protection and dignity of children, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and marginalised communities, is a collective moral and societal responsibility, and such cases demand both justice for the victim and institutional accountability wherever lapses are established. Mirwaiz further expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophic flash floods that have devastated parts of Nepal and the adjoining Himalayan region, causing a massive loss of life and leaving large numbers of people missing and displaced. He extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the people of Nepal and all those affected by the disaster, and prayed for the safety and early recovery of those still missing and stranded. Mirwaiz prayed that Almighty Allah protect people from calamities, grant comfort to all bereaved families, healing to the injured, and strength to the rescue personnel and communities engaged in relief efforts.
We don't even participate in half of Olympic sports; need to improve: PM Modi
New Delhi, Aug 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India's Olympic performance can improve only if the country manages to increase its participation in those events where it has not participated in the past. In a virtual address to hundreds of athletes, students and volunteers who gathered at various locations for the Khelo India Dialogue, the PM said his vision for sports is not merely about winning medals but making it an integral part of the nation-building process. In the Olympics, there are so many different sports... Indian teams don't even participate in half of them, Modi said, calling it a itter truth. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, India participated in 16 of the 32 sports which were a part of the Games roster. ...we don't even compete for a huge chunk of the medal tally. And this has been going on for decades. Other countries of the world win medals in those sports, and we don't even participate in them. To increase our medal tally, we will have to master these sports as well, he added. In his Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi had announced a nationwide talent hunt for children in the age group of 5 to 15 to ensure that India's participation improves at the Olympics. On this 15th August, I have presented India's sports vision for the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. When I talk about sports... it is not merely about winning medals. It is a campaign to integrate India's sporting power and youth power together in the construction of a developed India, he said.
Hot, humid weather to continue in J&K; rain likely in many areas on Aug 31-Sept 1: MeT
Srinagar, Aug 27: Hot and humid weather is likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, with brief spells of rain and thundershowers expected at scattered places, particularly during the early morning and afternoon hours, according to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar. The weather department said that from August 27 to 30, the region is expected to remain generally hot and humid, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places. On August 31 and September 1, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely at many places, with brief intense showers possible during the early morning and afternoon hours. From September 2 to 7, the weather is expected to remain generally dry, although brief spells of rain or thundershowers may occur at scattered places during the early morning and afternoon hours. The Meteorological Centre has advised caution as brief intense showers at localised areas on August 31 and September 1 may trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, farmers have been advised that they may continue harvesting and other agricultural operations. The weather department has urged people, particularly those living in or travelling through vulnerable and hilly areas, to remain alert during periods of intense rainfall.
Trump Declares National Emergency, Bans Foreign-Made Equipment in US Power Grid
WASHINGTON, Aug 27: US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the use of certain foreign-made equipment in the countrys electricity grid, citing cybersecurity and national security risks, the White House said. Trumps executive order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, citing an unusual and extraordinary foreign [] The post Trump Declares National Emergency, Bans Foreign-Made Equipment in US Power Grid appeared first on Northlines .
We dont even participate in half of Olympic sports; need to improve: PM Modi
In the Olympics, there are so many different sports... Indian teams don't even participate in half of them, Mr. Modi said, calling it a bitter truth.
Home loan balance transfer interest rate in 2026: what you need to know before switching
A home loan balance transfer moves your existing loan to a new lender at a lower interest rate starting at 7.30%* p.a., potentially reducing your EMI or total interest paid. Compare the home loan balance transfer interest rate, processing charges, and remaining tenure before you decide. In summary A home loan balance transfer lets you [] The post Home loan balance transfer interest rate in 2026: what you need to know before switching appeared first on Northlines .
No decision yet on joining govt in J&K: AICC General Secretary
Srinagar, Aug 27: AICC General Secretary in-charge for Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, on Thursday said that the party has not taken any decision yet on joining the Council of Ministers in J&K. Dr. Hussain said that no decision has been taken so far on the issue. As per reports, the National Conference (NC) has approached Congress with a fresh offer of a berth in the council of ministers. Sources disclosed that the J&K unit of Congress is not averse to joining the government but is seeking two berths. They added that the party is open to negotiations on the second berth and would like suitable adjustment for one of its legislators if NC is averse to the demand of cabinet berth. The J&K unit of the Congress is also pushing for the formation of a coordination committee of alliance partners to ensure the partys role in the decision-making process. According to sources, the Congress high command has discussed its terms of joining the government with the NC and is awaiting their response. (KNO)
We don't participate in half of Olympic sports, need to improve: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India's Olympic performance can improve only if the country manages to increase its participation in those events where it has not participated in the past. In a virtual address to hundreds of athletes, students and volunteers who gathered at various locations for the Khelo India Dialogue, the PM said his vision for sports is not merely about winning medals but making it an integral part of the nation-building process. In the Olympics, there are so many different sports... Indian teams don't even participate in half of them, Modi said, calling it a itter truth. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, India participated in 16 of the 32 sports which were a part of the Games roster. ...we don't even compete for a huge chunk of the medal tally. And this has been going on for decades. Other countries of the world win medals in those sports, and we don't even participate in them. To increase our medal tally, we will have to master these sports as
FCI Orders Probe Into Viral Video Over Alleged Anti-India Remarks
JAMMU, Aug 26: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) on Wednesday ordered an inquiry into a viral video purportedly showing one of its female employees making objectionable remarks against India, saying a show-cause notice would be issued if her identity and the authenticity of the video are established. FCI General Manager I K Choudhary said [] The post FCI Orders Probe Into Viral Video Over Alleged Anti-India Remarks appeared first on Northlines .
Death Toll Mounts to 162 as Nepal Battles Flash Floods
KATHMANDU, Aug 27: The death toll from the massive flash floods that struck Nepal on Wednesday has climbed to 162, with nearly 500 people, including 133 Indians, 37 NRIs and 81 security personnel, still missing, as the disaster caused widespread destruction across three districts. At least 50 of the missing Indians were pilgrims on the [] The post Death Toll Mounts to 162 as Nepal Battles Flash Floods appeared first on Northlines .
Odisha Literary Figure Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai Honoured with World Honoris Causa
In a moment of pride for Odisha and India, eminent literary personality Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai has been conferred with the prestigious The World Honoris Causa, Doctoral Cluster of the Hispanic World Union of Writers Award. The Hispanic World Union of Writers (UHE), a leading international literary body headquartered in Peru, confers this honour on [] The post Odisha Literary Figure Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai Honoured with World Honoris Causa appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
J-K: FCI orders probe into viral video showing female
JAMMU: The Food Corporation of India on Wednesday ordered a probe into a viral video purportedly showing a female employee making objectionable remarks against India, and said the corporation would issue a show-cause notice to her on Thursday. In the video, the woman, believed to be a manager/quality control official with the FCI, can be []
Nepal Floods: Death toll rises to 165, hundreds still missing
Kathmandu, August 27 : The death toll in the Bhote Koshi flood in Nepal's Rasuwa district has risen to 165, with bodies recovered from the flood-affected areas so far, according to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The report stated that identification of the recovered bodies is underway. It added that 44 Nepal Army personnel, 28 Nepal Police personnel, and 13 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel working in the affected area and at various police posts are missing and out of contact. According to preliminary data from the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 579 travellers, including 466 foreigners and 113 Nepalis, are missing from the affected area. The NDRRMA said that 123 individuals have been rescued by air from Timure in Rasuwa, including 94 Nepalis and 29 foreign nationals. The flood has also caused major infrastructure damage, affecting 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges, and 40 kilometres of paved roads. Collection of detailed data on human and material losses is ongoing. According to the report, on Wednesday at 8:40 AM, a massive flood carrying debris occurred in Lhende Khola due to a glacier/ice rock collapse approximately 20 km northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border point on the Nepal-China border. The flood entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibet side and flowed through Rasuwagadhi, Timure, and Syaphru Besi before reaching the Trishuli River. The incident has created a critical situation in the coastal areas of the Trishuli River across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan districts. Following the disaster, Nepal Army and private sector helicopters have been mobilised to intensify search and rescue operations in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Medical teams, including doctors from Nuwakot District Hospital, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, APF, National Trauma Center, Bir Hospital, and T U Teaching Hospital, have been deployed to provide treatment to the injured. Temporary shelters, food, clean water, and medicines have been arranged for flood victims at nearby Nepal Army barracks. The immediate priorities include rescue and treatment of the injured, searching for missing citizens, ensuring security, relief distribution, collecting detailed damage reports, and restoring damaged infrastructure. Priority is also being given to the reconstruction of blocked roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, communication networks, and water supply systems, along with the safe relocation of displaced families. (ANI)
Nepal Floods: Indian Embassy Issues Emergency Helplines for Indians
SRINAGAR: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals affected by the flash floods in Nepal, as rescue and relief operations continue in coordination with Nepalese authorities. Indian nationals requiring assistance or information can contact the Embassy at 977 985 131 680 or 977 970 910 7500, the mission said. []
Jammu Kashmir: FCI Orders Probe into Viral Video Showing Female
SRINAGAR: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has ordered an inquiry into a viral video purportedly showing a female employee making remarks against India, with the corporation saying it will issue her a show-cause notice if her identity and employment are established. FCI General Manager I K Choudhary said efforts were under way to determine []
Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway: NHAI Inspects Fatal Accident Site
SRINAGAR: A three-member expert team of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Wednesday inspected the site of a fatal incident during construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway in Jammu and Kashmirs Samba district, with a preliminary assessment pointing to a technical snag during the launching operation. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Package-15 of []
NITI Aayog delegation calls for better education infra in J-K
Srinagar: A NITI Aayog delegation led by its member M Srinivas on Tuesday, August 25, stressed the need to improve educational outcomes and infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation observed a meeting with J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar. The delegation highlighted the need to further improve educational outcomes and infrastructure, strengthen industry-academia Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Nepal Floods Kill at Least 160, Hundreds Still Missing
SRINAGAR: At least 160 people were killed and hundreds remained missing after a massive flash flood and mudslide struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, sweeping away settlements, hydropower facilities and parts of the route used by Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. Nepal Police put the death toll at 157, []
Kashmir Super League Season 2 player bidding completed, six teams finalise squads
Srinagar, Aug 26: The player bidding process for the second season of Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 was completed with around 200 footballers competing for places across six franchise teams. The bidding ceremony, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, saw the participating franchises compete for players as they finalised their squads for the upcoming season. The six teams taking part in Season 2 are United Elegant FC, Sanctorum United, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC, Swift Strikers Rainawari FC, Athwas India XI FC and New JK United FC. With the bidding process now over, all six franchises have completed their squads and are set to begin preparations for the tournament. The event brought together franchise owners, team officials, coaches, players, league organisers and other stakeholders. Organisers said the bidding process offered local footballers an opportunity to earn a place in a competitive franchise-based league. The second season will be played at the TRC Ground in Srinagar, with the six teams competing for the Kashmir Super League title. The league has received support from Events Emporio, Nivia, NITIans Career Institute, Labaika Hajj & Umrah, Amul and J&K Sports Council. Organisers said Season 2 will build on the response received during the inaugural season, with an emphasis on competitive football and providing local players with a structured platform. With the squads now finalised, attention will turn to preparations for the second edition of the Kashmir Super League.
Religious fervour marks observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) in Kishtwar
Kishtwar, Aug 26: The people of District Kishtwar on Wednesday observed the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) with great religious fervor, devotion and enthusiasm. The day was marked by religious gatherings and a grand procession, with thousands of devotees participating from Jamia Masjid to the Holy Shrine of Shah Farid-Ud-Din Sahib (RA). The procession was taken out in a spiritual and peaceful manner under the leadership of Imam Sahib, Jamia Masjid, Head of the Majlis-e-Shoura Committee, Farooq Ahmed Kitchloo along with religious scholars and community elders. The event highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and spread the message of peace, love and brotherhood. To ensure the smooth observance of the festival, the district administration, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, ensured comprehensive arrangements, including security and logistical measures and other necessary arrangements. Earlier in the morning, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma extended warm and heartfelt greetings to the people of District Kishtwar, particularly the Muslim community, as well as the Muslim staff members and their families, on the auspicious occasion of Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi. In his message, the Deputy Commissioner said that Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi is an occasion that inspires everyone to uphold the timeless values of peace, compassion, harmony and brotherhood. He called upon all sections of society to strengthen the bonds of unity, mutual respect and communal harmony and to contribute towards building a peaceful and progressive society. MP Rajya Sabha Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh and ADC Pawan Kotwal were present on the occasion. They extended Eid greetings to the Muslim community and joined the religious procession. They urged the people to uphold the noble teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and appealed for lasting peace, unity, communal harmony and brotherhood across the district and the Union Territory.
DDC Reasi reviews vulnerable road stretches, calls for timely restoration
Reasi , Aug 26: District Development Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek today chaired a meeting to review the progress of slope stabilization and road restoration works at the vulnerable stretch on the R-A-M Road. During the meeting, issues related to BMG Road and Mahore Market Road were also discussed in detail. The meeting discussed the ongoing restoration works aimed at strengthening the road, preventing further slope failure and ensuring smooth and safe movement of traffic. Officials informed the chair that heavy rainfall, increased hydrostatic pressure and surface erosion had damaged the uphill formation and affected the road infrastructure. The restoration plan includes construction of toe walls, retaining walls, breast walls and a lined drain along with other protective measures for long-term stabilization of the vulnerable stretch. Advanced slope stabilization measures, including anchoring and soil protection works, are also being taken up based on technical assessments. The DDC directed the executing agency and GREF officials to expedite the works while maintaining quality and adhering strictly to safety standards. He stressed the need for immediate protective measures at the vulnerable location to safeguard commuters. He also directed the concerned agency to closely monitor the site and ensure timely completion of the restoration works, particularly in view of the ongoing monsoon conditions. EO 58 RR S.K. Singh, ADC Rakesh Kumar and other concerned officers attended the meeting, while OC GREF Major Niranjan attended the meeting virtually.
Chari Mubarak marks culmination of Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 in Poonch
Poonch, Aug 26: Amid religious and spiritual fervour, the Chari Mubarak Yatra was conducted in Poonch, marking the formal culmination of the revered Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. Led by Shri Shri 1008 Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, the procession commenced from the Dashnami Akhara Mandir in Poonch, making its way to the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Shrine at Rajpura, Mandi. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, MLA Kalakote Thakur Randhir Singh, former MLC Vibodh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Sandeep Wazir besides other officers of the civil administration and police were present. The Chari Mubarak Yatra was preceded by a special Puja and Havan, amid the resounding chants of Vedic Mantras, at the Akhara Mandir Poonch. Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, along with numerous religious dignitaries, Yatris and locals congregated for this auspicious occasion. Following the puja, a guard of honour was accorded to the holy mace and the Yatra to Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Ji temple was started amidst the participation of hundreds of devotees from across the nation, who offered prayers and chanted slogans in reverence to Lord Shiva. Subsequently, a grand religious gathering was held at a nearby hall, where Swami Ji and other dignitaries delivered enlightening speeches on communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in the region. The Chari Mubarak Yatra spanned a distance of 25 kilometers, with pilgrims making halts at various stalls arranged by the locals, providing food and refreshments. The ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva, situated in the mountains of pir panjal, holds great significance as it is believed to be the place where Rishi Pulatsya, the grandfather of King Ravana of Lanka, engaged in worship for several decades. The Pulast River, flowing from the Loran-Mandi mountains of Pir Panjal to Poonch, derives its name from this revered saint. The Chari Mubarak was welcomed at Mandi with immense enthusiasm and spiritual zeal, as people from all faiths joined together in celebrating the procession. With resounding chants of Lord Shiva's name, the sacred Chari Mubarak was carried to the Baba Budha Amarnath Ji Temple, where special prayers were conducted, encompassing the entire place in divine spirituality. The Chari Mubarak will remain in the temple for two days and will be brought back on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. With this, the ten-day-long Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra reached a formal conclusion, leaving behind a trail of devotion and blessings. The locals would continue to visit the temple to pay obeisance and receive blessings of the Lord Shiva.
Kulgam, Aug 26: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Wednesday visited the revered Ziyarat Sharief of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA) at Kulgam and Ziyarat Sharief Qaimoh on the auspicious occasion of Milad un-Nabi. During his visit to the revered shrine of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA), the Deputy Commissioner paid obeisance and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of the district and the entire Jammu & Kashmir. The DC also took stock of the arrangements put in place for devotees visiting the shrines. He interacted with members of the shrine management committees and reviewed facilities including drinking water, sanitation, electricity, traffic management and medical aid. At Ziyarat Sharief Qaimoh, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with local residents and representatives and took feedback on various issues concerning the development, upkeep and maintenance of the shrine. He directed the concerned departments to ensure adequate facilities, timely resolution of public issues and seamless management of the arrangements for devotees and visitors. The local residents and shrine management representatives appreciated the visit of the Deputy Commissioner and expressed hope that the issues raised during the interaction would be addressed at the earliest. The DC was accompanied by senior officers of the district administration.
DC Gbal chairs District Level NCORD Committee Meeting
Ganderbal, Aug 26: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore on Wednesday chaired the monthly meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee to review the measures being undertaken by various departments to curb drug abuse and strengthen enforcement, prevention, awareness and rehabilitation efforts across the district. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the action taken by different departments and stressed upon strengthening inter departmental coordination and adopting a sustained, result-oriented approach to tackle the menace of drugs. The Assistant Controller Drugs, Ganderbal, was directed to intensify inspections and coordinate closely with the Police Department for strict action against drug peddling, violations by drug sellers and illegal sale or distribution of drugs. He also directed that cases involving violations be pursued promptly and appropriate action be taken as per law. The Deputy Commissioner directed the ARTO to expedite the process for cancellation of driving licences, as per rules, in cases involving persons found engaged in drug peddling. He further directed that prosecution of drug peddling cases be intensified and stressed that strict action be taken against those found involved in drug peddling or facilitating the illegal distribution of drugs. He also called for effective measures to discourage drug consumption, particularly among youth. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to strengthen surveillance of courier and other channels vulnerable to transportation of drugs, in coordination with the Police Department, to prevent the movement and distribution of narcotic substances. He further directed the concerned departments to ensure installation of CCTV cameras at identified vulnerable locations to strengthen surveillance and deterrence against drug-related activities. Reviewing preventive measures, the Deputy Commissioner directed that wild cannabis plants be identified and destroyed at the block and panchayat level, with regular field level monitoring to prevent their spread. The Deputy Commissioner also called for intensification of awareness programmes across the district, particularly in educational institutions and among youth and communities, focusing on the harmful effects of drug abuse, prevention, counselling and rehabilitation. All departments were directed to ensure regular conduct of awareness activities and submission of Action Taken Reports (ATRs) regarding the directions issued so that progress can be effectively monitored. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that combating drug abuse requires a whole of society approach, with coordinated efforts involving enforcement agencies, health institutions, educational institutions, local administration and community stakeholders. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the District Administration to take strict, coordinated and sustained measures against drug abuse and drug peddling and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards making Ganderbal a safe, healthy and drug-free district. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Deputy Director Prosecution, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Ganderbal, District Youth Services & Sports Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, ARTO Ganderbal, all Tehsildars, ETO Excise Department, representative of IB, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal, Sales Tax Officer, District Manager NRLM and other concerned officers.
UNITED NATIONS: The official in charge of President Donald Trumps ceasefire plan for Gaza criticized Israel on Wednesday for its attacks on the war-battered Palestinian territory and warned that the alternative to the US proposal is the next war. Nikolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace high representative, insisted to the UN Security Council that Trumps []
NITI Aayog member Dr Srinivas calls on LG; discusses key development priorities for J&K
Dr M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog, along with a team of senior officials from NITI Aayog, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. The NITI Aayog delegation comprised Anurag Goyal, Senior Adviser; Subhash Chandra Meena, Economic Adviser; Dr. Muniraju S.B., Deputy Adviser; Dr. Shobith, OSD (Health); and Sumaiya Yousuf, Innovation Lead, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. During the meeting, Dr M. Srinivas and the NITI Aayog team presented a comprehensive assessment of the development landscape of Jammu Kashmir, highlighting achievements, key sectoral gaps and possible interventions for accelerating the socio-economic development of the Union Territory. The assessment covered major sectors Human Resources Development, Creating Economic Opportunities and Infrastructure Development. The delegation highlighted the need to improve GER and learning outcomes in school education and to Strengthen industryacademia linkages and employment opportunities in higher education. Dr. M. Srinivas, Member NITI Aayog appreciated enhanced opportunities for medical education in the UT while highlighting the concerns regarding rising metabolic and NCD burden in UT. In agriculture and allied sectors, emphasis was placed on reduction of post-harvest losses, enhancing cold-chain and processing infrastructure, livestock services, value-chain development and stronger market linkages. For accelerating economic growth and employment generation, NITI Aayog suggested focusing on industrial clusters, strengthening MSMEs and employment-intensive manufacturing, improvement in logistics and export infrastructure, promotion of green mobility and development of a stronger innovation and start-up ecosystem in the UT. The presentation also highlighted measures for sustainable urban development, including improved water security, sewage treatment and expansion of public transport. The tourism potential of Jammu Kashmir was also discussed, with emphasis on improving last-mile connectivity and visitor amenities, promoting border, eco, rural, homestay, and MICE tourism. NITI Aayog further highlighted the importance of timely completion of connectivity projects, improved water conservation and irrigation infrastructure, and greater utilisation of renewable energy potential, particularly through decentralised solar energy and PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the comprehensive sectoral assessment and shared the significant development initiatives undertaken in Jammu Kashmir in recent years. He observed that the Government of India and the Government of Jammu Kashmir are working together towards the vision of Viksit Jammu Kashmir, with sustained emphasis on infrastructure creation, improved public service delivery, employment generation, investment and inclusive socio-economic development. The Lieutenant Governor suggested that NITI Aayog may undertake a focused assessment and identify actionable measures for improving the ecological sustainability of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. He also emphasised the need to examine the factors besides land acquisition, that contribute to delays in major development and infrastructure projects in Jammu Kashmir and suggest institutional, administrative and implementation measures for ensuring their timely and effective completion. Dr M. Srinivas assured the Lieutenant Governor that NITI Aayog would continue to work closely with the J&K UT Administration and relevant Ministries of the Government of India to facilitate appropriate policy interventions, promote inter-sectoral convergence and support the UT in addressing any issues identified. The discussions underscored the importance of a coordinated and outcome-oriented approach to fully harness Jammu Kashmirs potential and accelerate its journey towards Viksit Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat @2047.
Religious fervour marks Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) celebrations across Chenab valley
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), commemorating the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was celebrated across the Chenab Valley districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban on Wednesday with religious fervour, devotion and enthusiasm. Grand processions, religious gatherings and special prayers were organised at several places, with thousands of devotees participating in the celebrations. In Bhaderwah, the main Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) procession commenced from the historic Jamia Masjid and passed through the Old Bus Stand and Circular Road before returning to the Jamia Masjid, where it concluded peacefully. People from different age groups participated in large numbers, with religious fervour and messages of peace, brotherhood and communal harmony. Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, along with Tehsildar Bhaderwah, SDPO Bhaderwah and SHO Bhaderwah, remained present during the celebrations and reviewed arrangements to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the procession. The administration also distributed sweets and chocolates among children participating in the celebrations. Similar religious observances were held at Sarna and other areas of Bhaderwah. The district administration and concerned departments had put in place comprehensive arrangements, including adequate police deployment, traffic regulation, ambulance and emergency services, sanitation, drinking water and other essential facilities to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. In Kishtwar, the occasion was marked by religious gatherings and a grand procession from Jamia Masjid Kishtwar to the holy shrine of Shah Farid-Ud-Din Sahib (RA). Thousands of devotees participated in the procession, which was conducted in a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The procession was led by the Imam of Jamia Masjid Kishtwar and Head of the Majlis-e-Shura Committee Kishtwar, Farooq Ahmed Kichloo, along with religious scholars and community elders. Speakers highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and called upon people to promote peace, compassion, unity, brotherhood and mutual respect. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma extended greetings to the people, particularly the Muslim community and said that Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) provided an opportunity to reaffirm the timeless values of peace, compassion, harmony and brotherhood. He urged all sections of society to strengthen unity and communal harmony and contribute towards building a peaceful and progressive society. Rajya Sabha MP Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh and ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal also participated in the celebrations and joined the religious procession. ASP Kishtwar Pardeep Singh, DySP Headquarters Dr Ishan Gupta and other civil and police officers were also present to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event. In Ramban district, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) was celebrated with equal religious fervour across the district headquarters, Banihal, Batote, Gool, Chanderkote and other areas. At Ramban town, a large procession was taken out in which hundreds of devotees participated. Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju joined the procession and extended greetings to the people on the occasion. At Batote, a grand procession passed through the main market amid a peaceful atmosphere and comprehensive security arrangements. Participants raised religious slogans in praise of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), while volunteers distributed sharbat among devotees, participants and passers-by as a gesture of goodwill and communal harmony. Special prayers were offered at mosques in different areas, while religious scholars and clerics addressed gatherings and highlighted the importance of following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his messages of peace, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and harmony. Special prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and across the country, besides seeking relief from the prolonged spell of rainfall. Ahead of the celebrations, Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan held meetings with senior officers and religious leaders to review arrangements. The concerned departments were directed to ensure sanitation, uninterrupted power and water supply and other essential facilities. Comprehensive security arrangements were made across the three districts to ensure the peaceful conduct of processions and gatherings. Additional police personnel and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed at sensitive locations and along procession routes, while traffic regulation and emergency services were kept in readiness. The celebrations across Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban concluded peacefully, reflecting the deep religious devotion of the people and highlighting the shared values of peace, brotherhood, compassion, unity and communal harmony across the Chenab Valley.
Thousands participate in Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) processions across Rajouri, Poonch
Thousands of people participated in grand Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) processions held across the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch on Wednesday, with religious fervour, devotion and a strong message of peace and brotherhood. In Rajouri town, the main procession commenced from the Main Bus Stand and passed through various parts of the town before culminating at Markazi Eidgah. A large number of local residents, religious scholars and community members participated in the procession. Participants recited naats and raised slogans in praise of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) throughout the procession. Similar Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) processions were also organised in different parts of Rajouri district, including Thanamandi, Darhal, Kotranka, Budhal, Manjakote, Kalakote and Nowshera, witnessing significant participation from people of different sections of society. In Poonch district, processions were also taken out in Poonch town, Mendhar, Surankote and Mandi, where devotees participated with religious enthusiasm and devotion. The celebrations reflected a strong spirit of religious faith, unity, harmony and brotherhood among the participants. The processions remained peaceful throughout, with participants conveying a message of peace, communal harmony and community solidarity.
Jammu celebrates Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) with religious fervour amid prayers, processions
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) was celebrated with religious fervour amid prayers, sermons and processions all across Jammu region on Wednesday. Like other parts of the division, the mosques all across Jammu district, including Jammu city, resonated with prayers. Large gatherings of Muslim devotees participated in the religious conclaves organised to mark the occasion. During these conclaves, Islamic scholars and Ulemas emphasised the need to follow the Islamic teachings as per the Quran and the Hadith. Quoting instances from the life and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), they asked devotees to imbibe and spread those principles bordering peace, love, compassion for entire humanity. On this auspicious occasion, in Jammu city, a big religious procession was taken out with participants raising religious slogans. The procession, which started from Sarwal passed through different areas and finally culminated in Janipura mosque at Ramzan Chowk with religious sermons. One among the main organisers (of the procession) advocate Muhammad Rizvi, while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the procession, delineated the significance of the auspicious day for the believers and rest of the world. We are taking out this peaceful procession today to mark the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who with his teachings inspired people to promote peace, compassion, unity, brotherhood and mutual respect, Rizvi said, while extending greetings to the people. Reports of similar religious processions and conclaves organised by locals and Masjid committees poured in from Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur and other districts of Jammu region where Muslim scholars greeted people; praised the Nabi (SAW) for his love and compassion for humanity and also threw light on the teachings of Islam.
Kashmir marks Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) with fervour
Srinagar, Aug 26:Thousands of devotees thronged the revered Dargah Hazratbal shrine and other major shrines across Kashmir on Wednesday as the Valley joined the Muslim world in celebrating Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), amid an atmosphere of devotion, festivity, and reverence. The celebrations began on Tuesday night, when devotees from different parts of the Valley gathered at Hazratbal for night-long prayers and religious congregations. Worshippers spent the night reciting the Holy Quran, Darood, and devotional hymns while special sermons highlighting the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were delivered. From the early hours of Wednesday, a steady stream of devotees continued to pour into the shrine to offer prayers and witness the display of the holy relic after the congregational prayers. As the relic was displayed, emotional scenes unfolded with devotees raising their hands in supplication, many breaking down in tears while chants of Darood and Salaam echoed across the shrine premises. It is a moment that fills every believer with peace and gratitude. We prayed for harmony, prosperity and blessings for the entire Valley, said Adil Ahmad, a devotee from Pulwama. The clear weather encouraged large gatherings, with devotees describing the clear skies as a blessing that allowed people to participate comfortably in the celebrations. Major congregations were also held at Reshi Sahib Anantnag, Khiram Sirhama, Seer Hamdan, Kaba Marg, Dooru, Sopore and several other shrines across Kashmir, where thousands offered special prayers. The day also witnessed Milad processions in various towns and localities. Participants carrying green flags and banners marched through the streets while reciting praises of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Religious organisations said similar processions and programmes would continue across the Valley during the upcoming days of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Across Srinagar and other districts, roads, mosques and marketplaces were adorned with green flags, decorative lights and welcome banner. Volunteers had worked for days decorating major roads leading to religious places. Every year our volunteers decorate the Foreshore Road and adjoining areas with banners and lights to welcome devotees. It is our humble way of expressing love for the Prophet (SAW) and serving the people visiting Hazratbal, said a volunteer from Shalimar. Outside Hazratbal shrine, adjoining markets remained abuzz throughout the day as devotees purchased snacks, refreshments, religious items, and other goods, creating a festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, authorities had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the celebrations. Personnel from the J&K Police, Traffic Police, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Health Department, Power Development Department, and other agencies remained deployed across the shrine and major congregation points. Our personnel remained on the ground to regulate traffic, create designated parking zones and ensure smooth movement of devotees. Diversions were planned in advance, and with the cooperation of volunteers, the arrangements remained largely hassle-free, said a Traffic Police official. An SMC official said special sanitation drives, cleaning operations and deployment of men and machinery were carried out around Hazratbal and other major religious places to maintain cleanliness during the celebrations. Since Tuesday evening, political leaders from different parties also visited Hazratbal Shrine to pay obeisance and extend greetings to devotees on the auspicious occasion. For worshippers, the occasion remained a celebration of faith and reflection. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) guide humanity towards compassion, justice and peace. We pray that these values continue to unite our society, said Muhammad Younis, a devotee.
Advanced care must become a right, not a privilege: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 26:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said advanced care must become a right, not a privilege. Addressing the Quaternary Healthcare and Research Summit in Srinagar, LG Sinha emphasised that the summit marks a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir and Indias healthcare journey, where J&K and the nation must move beyond tertiary care and embrace quaternary-level treatment and research to ensure equal access for all citizens. Recalling his visit to Akhnoor during the 'Back to Village' programme in 2020, he shared a poignant interaction with doctors who discussed diagnosis for rare diseases and need for modern equipment. The LG said this moment revealed the greatest distance confronting us in J&K is the gap between healthcare available in small district hospitals and the healthcare actually required. He stressed that bridging this gap is a national priority. LG Sinha highlighted Indias remarkable progress under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He said free treatment for more than 56 crore citizens surpassed the combined population of the US, France, Italy, and the UK. The LG said annual vaccination campaigns in the country covering 7 crore children, equal to the population of the UK. He said even e-Sanjeevani telemedicine providing care to 37 crore people annually, exceeding the population of the US. Expansion of infrastructure with 23 AIIMS, 2,045 medical colleges, and in Jammu Kashmir, 2 AIIMS, 10 medical colleges, 2 State Cancer Institutes, a Bone and Joint Hospital, a Paediatric Hospital, 52 nursing colleges, 23 paramedical colleges, and 5 pharmacy colleges are providing robust support to healthcare ecosystem. These figures show that India has succeeded in elevating primary, secondary, and tertiary care. But the time has come to scale up tertiary hospitals into quaternary centres, LG Sinha said. He also stressed that the advanced care must no longer remain a luxury confined to metropolitan cities. Quaternary care should not be a privilege reserved for the economically rich section of society. It must become a right of citizenship and a guarantee of the nation. For a very long time, quaternary care has been viewed as a luxury available only in metropolitan cities and accessible only to those who can afford it. I wish to state clearly from this platform that this era must now come to an end. The cooperation of all the stakeholders, private hospitals and research centres is essential for fulfilling this resolve, the LG said. He called upon hospitals to transform themselves into research institutions capable of organ transplantation, robotic and precision surgery, advanced genomics, cellular therapies, and AI-supported diagnostics. LG Sinha urged hospitals to allocate annual budgets for specialised infrastructure such as modern operating theatres and proton-beam therapy facilities. We must always remember that a quaternary centre should be capable of offering every diagnosis and treatment permitted by science. Therefore, hospitals will also have to make budgetary provisions to access expensive and modern technologies such as robotic surgery, gene therapy, proton-beam therapy and artificial-intelligence-based advanced diagnostics. While preparing the annual budget, hospitals should allocate funds each year for specialised infrastructure. This will enable them to gradually develop facilities such as modern operating theatres for delicate and complex procedures, he said. The LG also suggested building of a new corridor to connect district hospitals and tertiary centres directly with quaternary-care institutions, accelerating diagnostics, imaging, and specialist consultations. He said telemedicine and AI-enabled diagnostic tools should be integrated into standard healthcare infrastructure. He appealed for expanded fellowship and training opportunities in organ transplantation, oncology, genomics, and critical care. Advanced care is impossible without advanced specialists, LG Sinha said. He also suggested a mission uniting Himalayan states, J&K, universities, hospitals, private institutions, and innovators to jointly advance biomedical research and overcome funding challenges. We must develop new inventions ourselves instead of importing innovation from abroad, the LG said. He urged that hospitals be regarded as strategic national assets just like highways and ports, ensuring their preservation and development with equal dedication. We must create a robust quaternary-care framework that guarantees equal access to the son of a farmer and to a millionaire living in a city. This task will not be easy, but it must be undertaken as a matter of national dedication and service. Let us work together at this summit to prepare a strategy that will be remembered for the precise and effective implementation of these goals, LG Sinha said. On the occasion, he released Summit Souvenir and several publications. M Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Digambar Behera, President, National Academy of Medical Sciences; Dr Kameshwar Prasad; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department; Prof M Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS; heads of various institutions, researchers, scientists, and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
134-year-old Gulmarg Golf Course to reopen next month
Srinagar, Aug 26: The government has stepped up efforts to revive the 134-year-old heritage golf course in north Kashmirs Gulmarg, with authorities expecting the historic facility to become fully operational next month, officials said. The revival is aimed at restoring the golf courses lost glory and promoting Gulmarg as a destination for high-end golf tourism, including national and international championships. MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah told Rising Kashmir that restoration work on the heritage course was underway. It is an important asset of Gulmarg which remained unattended for the last several years. We are reviving it and expect it to be operational by next month, Shah said. He said Gulmargs golf course was among the oldest in India and had a unique heritage value. This is not a normal golf course as it has a history and heritage connection. It is 134 years old, and we are working hard to restore its glory so that national and international golfers can be invited and championships can be held here, he said. Shah said the government was serious about restoring the facility at the earliest and bringing Gulmarg back on the golfing map. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Hussain Naik, said nine holes of the course had been fully restored, while work on the remaining holes was in progress. Nine holes of the golf course have been fully restored, while work on the others is going on. We expect it to be fully functional by next month, Naik said. He added that authorities were also hopeful of hosting championships at the course in September. Naik said the golf course had remained largely unattended for the past six to seven years and that its revival had now been taken up on priority. Its fencing has been properly completed, and natural grass has been grown on the course, he said. The Gulmarg Golf Course has a long history dating back to 1892, when a six-hole course was laid out in a meadow at the hill station by Colonel Neville Chamberlain during British rule. The course later evolved into an important golfing destination. The first golf championship at the course was held in 1922, while the Nedous Cup was introduced in 1929. The course was subsequently redesigned by legendary Australian golfer and golf-course architect Peter Thomson in 1970. In 2011, the course underwent another redesign by Delhi-based golf architect Ranjit Nanda. The 18-hole course is spread across Gulmargs scenic meadows and includes the countrys longest hole - the eighth, a 610-yard par-five. Officials said the restoration of the historic course is expected to provide a fresh push to golf tourism in Gulmarg and create opportunities for hosting national and international-level golfing events.
Two inmates who escaped Central Jail Sgr arrested in Rajasthan
Srinagar, Aug 26: The manhunt for two inmates who escaped from Central Jail Srinagar on August 23 ended in Rajasthan on Wednesday, withPolice,assisted by Rajasthanpolice,tracing and arresting the duo in Rajgarh area of Churu district. The two inmates have been identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmad Gojar, a resident of Anantnag, who were arrested under the POSCO Act and lodged in Central Jail Srinagar. As per the police, they managed to flee from the jail on August 23 after scaling the front side of the prison wall. Their re-arrest has been confirmed by police, officials said. A senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that police teams had already left for Rajasthan to take custody of the two inmates and bring them back to Srinagar. Both the inmates have been successfully traced and apprehended in Rajgarh, Churu district by Srinagar police, with the assistance of Rajasthan Police. Our teams had already left for Rajasthan and will take their custody before bringing them back to Srinagar, the officer said. Following the escape, an alert was sounded across Srinagar, while police launched searches at multiple locations to track down the inmates. A look-out notice was also issued, carrying details of the duo and alerting agencies to their possible movement. The search operation was subsequently expanded beyond Jammu and Kashmir as police worked on various leads to establish the route taken by the escaped inmates. Coordination with Rajasthan Police eventually helped Srinagar Police locate and apprehend them in Churu district. The development marks a major breakthrough for the security agencies, whichhadbeen conducting a sustained search operation since the inmates escaped from the high-security facility. Meanwhile, jail authorities had already ordered an in-house inquiry to ascertain how the two inmates managed to escape and whether any security or procedural lapses contributed to the incident. The inquiry is expected to examine security arrangements, surveillance mechanisms, inmate movement and the deployment of personnel on duty at the time of the escape. The apprehension of the duo now brings the immediate manhunt to an end, while the inquiry is likely to focus on the circumstances that enabled the escape and whether anyone assisted the inmates in fleeing the facility.
Milad processions carried out across Valley
Srinagar, Aug 26: On the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi (SAW), religious organisations and the management of several mosques across Jammu and Kashmir carried out Milad processions onWednesday.
Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi (SAW) celebrated across J&K
Srinagar, Aug 26: Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi (SAW) with religious zeal and fervour, as people thronged shrines and mosques across the Union Territory to participate in special prayers. The day, observed on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with great enthusiasm worldwide,
Advanced healthcare must no longer remain luxury: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that quaternary care should not be a privilege reserved for the economically rich section of society. It must become a right of citizenship and a guarantee of the nation, the LG said as he addressed the Quaternary Healthcare & Research Summit in Srinagar. He added that the summit marks a turning point in Jammu Kashmir and India's healthcare journey. The Lieutenant Governor said the time has come to move beyond tertiary care and embrace quaternary-level treatment and research to ensure equal access for all citizens. Recalling his visit to Akhnoor during the Back to Village programme in 2020, the Lieutenant Governor shared a poignant interaction with doctors who discussed diagnosis for rare diseases and the need for modern equipment. He said this moment revealed that the greatest distance confronting us in the UT is the gap between healthcare available in small district hospitals and the healthcare actually required. He stressed that bridging this gap is a national priority. Sinha highlighted India's remarkable progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said free treatment for more than 56 crore citizens surpassed the combined population of the US, France, Italy, and the UK. He noted annual vaccination campaigns in the country covering 7 crore children, equal to the population of the UK, and e-Sanjeevani telemedicine providing care to 37 crore people annually, exceeding the population of the US. Expansion of infrastructure with 23 AIIMS, 2,045 medical colleges, and in Jammu Kashmir, 2 AIIMS, 10 medical colleges, 2 State Cancer Institutes, a Bone and Joint Hospital, a Paediatric Hospital, 52 nursing colleges, 23 paramedical colleges, and 5 pharmacy colleges are providing robust support to healthcare ecosystem. These figures show that India has succeeded in elevating primary, secondary, and tertiary care. But the time has come to scale up tertiary hospitals into quaternary centres, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that advanced care must no longer remain a luxury confined to metropolitan cities. For a very long time, quaternary care has been viewed as a luxury available only in metropolitan cities and accessible only to those who can afford it. I wish to state clearly from this platform that this era must now come to an end. The cooperation of all the stakeholders, private hospitals and research centres is essential for fulfilling this resolve, he said. He called upon hospitals to transform themselves into research institutions capable of organ transplantation, robotic and precision surgery, advanced genomics, cellular therapies, and AI-supported diagnostics. He urged hospitals to allocate annual budgets for specialised infrastructure such as modern operating theatres and proton-beam therapy facilities. While preparing the annual budget, hospitals should allocate funds each year for specialised infrastructure. This will enable them to gradually develop facilities such as modern operating theatres for delicate and complex procedures, he said. The LG also suggested building a new corridor to connect district hospitals and tertiary centres directly with quaternary-care institutions, accelerating diagnostics, imaging, and specialist consultations. He said telemedicine and AI-enabled diagnostic tools should be integrated into standard healthcare infrastructure. He appealed for expanded fellowship and training opportunities in organ transplantation, oncology, genomics, and critical care. Advanced care is impossible without advanced specialists, he said. Sinha also suggested a mission uniting Himalayan states, Jammu Kashmir, universities, hospitals, private institutions and innovators to jointly advance biomedical research and overcome funding challenges. We must develop new inventions ourselves instead of importing innovation from abroad, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged that hospitals be regarded as strategic national assets just like highways and ports, ensuring their preservation and development with equal dedication. We must create a robust quaternary-care framework that guarantees equal access to the son of a farmer and to a millionaire living in a city. This task will not be easy, but it must be undertaken as a matter of national dedication and service. Let us work together at this summit to prepare a strategy that will be remembered for the precise and effective implementation of these goals, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released Summit Souvenir and several publications. Dr M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Digambar Behera, President, National Academy of Medical Sciences; Dr Kameshwar Prasad; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Prof M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS; heads of various institutions, researchers, scientists, and senior officials were present.
Six dead, three injured in Poonch road accident
Poonch,Aug 26: In a tragic road accident, six people were killed and three others injured after a vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge at Sindhara in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district on Wednesday evening. According to officials, the vehicle was travelling from PoonchtowardsSindhara when the accidenttook place.It reportedly went out of control and fell into the deep gorge. Six occupants died on the spot, while three others sustained injuries.
Political drama by those responsible for ruining J
People well aware of dark record, tainted past of those who betrayed them SRINAGAR: National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday cautioned political parties and self-styled leaders against attempting to rewrite their political record through political theatrics and crocodile tears. He asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are fully aware of []
Govt not bothered about grave issues like unemployment: Altaf Bukhari
SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with serious and pressing issues, while the government appears least concerned about addressing their genuine concerns. He said, This government has failed to address the grave challenges confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It []
Mian Altaf expresses grief over Poonch road accident
SRINAGAR: Member of Parliament from Anantnag-Rajouri, Mian Altaf Ahmad, has expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the tragic road accident in Poonch district that resulted in loss of precious lives and left several others injured. In a statement, Mian Altaf described the incident as heart-wrenching and extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families []
Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 held at GDC Sopore
BARAMULLA: As part of the strategic interventions under the J&K Startup Policy aimed at encouraging youth to become problem-solvers and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), District Centre Baramulla, organized its first Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 of the year at Government Degree College (GDC) Sopore on Wednesday. Around 60 students registered []
Dir Agri visits S.M Farm Padgampora
Reviews seed production initiatives SRINAGAR: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shahvisited the Seed Multiplication Farm at Padgampora, Pulwama, to assess ongoing activities and review the progress of seed production initiatives. During the visit, the Director specifically inspected the different blocks, Seed processing Plant and workshop where he evaluated the current status of activities related to []
DC Kulgam visits revered shrines on Milad- ud-Nabi
KULGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Wednesday visited the revered Ziyarat Sharief of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA) at Kulgam and Ziyarat Sharief Qaimoh on the auspicious occasion of Milad un Nabi. During his visit to the revered shrine of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA), the Deputy Commissioner paid obeisance and []
DC Ganderbal directs intensified action against drug abuse
GANDERBAL: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore on Wednesday chaired the monthly meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee to review the measures being undertaken by various departments to curb drug abuse and strengthen enforcement, prevention, awareness and rehabilitation efforts across the district. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the action taken []
Youmi Shaban observed at Kunan Bandipora
BANDIPORA: Youmi Shaban was observed at KunanBagund, Bandipora, to commemorate the life, spiritual legacy and literary contribution of renowned Sufi poet and saint Muhammad Shaban. The programme, organised by Bazm-e-Shaban Literary Forum under the patronage of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, was held in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Bandipora, and J&K Academy []
US halts all visa appointments globally amid Trumps immigration crackdown
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has paused all immigrant visa applications across the world as the State Department aims to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits reserved for qualified Americans, according to a report. According to a Financial Times report, the US is training consular officers to []
NITI Aayog, LG discuss roadmap for 'Viksit Jammu & Kashmir'
Srinagar, Aug 26: NITI Aayog member, Dr M. Srinivas, along with a team of senior officials, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan here and presented a comprehensive assessment of Jammu and Kashmir's development landscape, highlighting achievements, key sectoral gaps and possible interventions for accelerating the socio-economic development of the Union Territory. The NITI Aayog delegation comprised Anurag Goyal, Senior Adviser; Subhash Chandra Meena, Economic Adviser; Dr Muniraju S.B., Deputy Adviser; Dr Shobith, OSD (Health); and Sumaiya Yousuf, Innovation Lead, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. The assessment covered major sectors: Human Resources Development, Creating Economic Opportunities and Infrastructure Development. The delegation highlighted the need to improve Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and learning outcomes in school education and to strengthen industry-academia linkages and employment opportunities in higher education. Dr M. Srinivas appreciated enhanced opportunities for medical education in the UT while highlighting concerns regarding rising metabolic and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) burden. In agriculture and allied sectors, emphasis was placed on reduction of post-harvest losses, enhancing cold-chain and processing infrastructure, livestock services, value-chain development and stronger market linkages. For accelerating economic growth and employment generation, NITI Aayog suggested focusing on industrial clusters, strengthening MSMEs and employment-intensive manufacturing, improvement in logistics and export infrastructure, promotion of green mobility and development of a stronger innovation and start-up ecosystem in the UT. The presentation also highlighted measures for sustainable urban development, including improved water security, sewage treatment and expansion of public transport. The tourism potential of Jammu Kashmir was also discussed, with emphasis on improving last-mile connectivity and visitor amenities, promoting border, eco, rural, homestay, and MICE tourism. NITI Aayog further highlighted the importance of timely completion of connectivity projects, improved water conservation and irrigation infrastructure, and greater utilisation of renewable energy potential, particularly through decentralised solar energy and PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the comprehensive sectoral assessment and shared the significant development initiatives undertaken in Jammu Kashmir in recent years. He observed that the Government of India and the Government of Jammu Kashmir are working together towards the vision of Viksit Jammu Kashmir, with sustained emphasis on infrastructure creation, improved public service delivery, employment generation, investment and inclusive socio-economic development. The LG suggested that NITI Aayog may undertake a focused assessment and identify actionable measures for improving the ecological sustainability of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. He also emphasised the need to examine the factors besides land acquisition that contribute to delays in major development and infrastructure projects in Jammu Kashmir and suggest institutional, administrative and implementation measures for ensuring their timely and effective completion. Dr M. Srinivas assured the Lieutenant Governor that NITI Aayog would continue to work closely with the J&K UT Administration and relevant Ministries of the Government of India to facilitate appropriate policy interventions, promote inter-sectoral convergence and support the UT in addressing any issues identified. The discussions underscored the importance of a coordinated and outcome-oriented approach to fully harness Jammu Kashmir's potential and accelerate its journey towards Viksit Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat @2047.
Kashmirs Houseboats on the Brink
Kashmirs houseboats are more than timber and carved wood floating on the Jhelum and Dal Lake; they are living memory, a signature of the Valleys cultural grace, and one of the finest expressions of its hospitality economy. Yet the report on the century-old houseboat industry facing extinction is a warning that should trouble every Kashmiri. What is disappearing is not only a livelihood, but a heritage that once helped define Kashmir in the global imagination. For decades, houseboats were the first encounter many visitors had with Kashmir. They offered warmth, intimacy and a distinct aesthetic that hotels could never replicate. Their ornate interiors, handcrafted panels, and age-old craftsmanship reflected the artistic soul of the Valley. To lose this industry would be to lose an archive of local skill, family tradition and cultural continuity. And once such traditions vanish, they rarely return in their original form. The crisis, however, did not emerge overnight. It is the result of years of slow erosion. Traditional craftsmen have aged, but too few young people have been willing to step into their place. This is hardly surprising. A craft that demands patience, skill and long-term commitment will struggle when there is little financial security, weak policy support and shrinking social prestige attached to it. When a young generation sees uncertainty where its elders saw pride, the chain of transmission breaks. There is also an unmistakable policy failure here. Heritage industries cannot be left to survive on sentiment alone. If the government is serious about preserving Kashmirs cultural economy, then houseboat makers and owners need structured support: restoration grants, training programmes, soft loans, tourism incentives and simplified approval systems. The industry also needs a serious conservation plan that protects houseboats from decay, modern pressures and regulatory neglect. Heritage without support becomes a slogan; heritage with support becomes survival. At the same time, the industry itself must adapt without losing its soul. Houseboat owners and craftsmen need to think beyond nostalgia. Cleaner surroundings, better maintenance, improved services and a stronger tourist-facing narrative can make houseboats relevant to a new generation of travellers. Preservation does not mean freezing a tradition in time; it means allowing it to live, evolve and remain economically viable. Kashmir has often spoken of protecting its cultural identity. This is one of those moments when the rhetoric must be matched by action. If the houseboat industry collapses, it will not simply be a business failure. It will be a civilizational loss, visible in the fading of craftsmanship, the weakening of family legacies and the thinning of Kashmirs unique cultural character. The Valley cannot afford to let one of its most recognisable symbols drift into memory. The houseboats must not be mourned only after they are gone. They must be protected while they still stand.
Poonchs Deadly Road: When Neglect Turns Roads into Killers
The reported road accident in Surankotes Shiendra area, in which six people are feared dead and several others injured, is another grim reminder that in Jammu and Kashmir, roads have become death traps more often than they are lifelines. Every such tragedy is followed by shock, condolences and official statements, but the pattern remains unchanged. The dead are counted, the injured are rushed to hospitals, and the system moves on as if nothing had happened. That is the most disturbing part. The accident in Poonch is not just an isolated mishap. It is part of a much wider crisis of road safety, transport regulation and administrative apathy. In a region where people already contend with difficult terrain, fragile road networks and long travel hours, even a small lapse can have catastrophic consequences. When a road accident claims multiple lives in one stroke, the question is no longer merely about what happened at a particular turn or bend. The real question is why such accidents keep happening with such brutal regularity. Officials say the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. That may be so, but the larger causes are already known and well documented: reckless driving, poor road conditions, lack of signage, weak enforcement, overloading, speeding and the absence of sustained road safety awareness. In districts like Poonch, where roads are often narrow, accident response infrastructure is limited and emergency access can be delayed, the consequences of these failures are magnified. The innocent pay with their lives for a system that treats prevention as an afterthought. It is also a cruel irony that in a region where every accident should trigger urgent introspection, the response is often reduced to routine coverage and ritual sympathy. There is little evidence of accountability after such incidents, fewer signs of serious road audits, and almost no public reckoning with the conditions that make these tragedies predictable. The injured are shifted to hospitals; the questions are shifted elsewhere. What happened in Surankote should compel authorities to move beyond bland assurances. They must examine road safety on a war footing, identify danger zones, enforce traffic discipline, improve road engineering and ensure that emergency response systems are not left scrambling after every accident. The administration cannot keep waiting for disasters to reveal what common sense already tells us. Prevention is the duty of governance, not a post-tragedy slogan. For the families who may have lost their loved ones in this accident, no words will be enough. But for the state, this must not become another forgotten incident buried under breaking news cycles. If roads continue to kill with such ease, then the failure is not just mechanical or accidental. It is moral, administrative and entirely preventable. Poonch deserves better than to be forced into mourning over and over again.
Shadows of the Classrooms Past: A Memory of Islamia High School
In the quiet corridors of memory, childhood experiences often retain their vivid colours, unblemished by the passage of decades. For those of us who spent our formative years in Srinagar during the mid-20th century, school was not merely a centre for academic instruction; it was a strictly regulated crucible of discipline, spiritual routine, and community life. The prestigious Islamia High School in Srinagar stood as a prominent seat of learning. Situated near the magnificent Jamia Masjid in Nowhattaa 600-year-old architectural marvel originally commissioned in 1394 CE by Sultan Sikandar Shah Mirithe school was deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual rhythm of the historic city. Every afternoon during the lunch break, the school administration ensured that students, particularly those living in neighbouring localities, gathered at the historic mosque to offer their Zuhr (midday) prayers. Remarkably, oversight at the grand gates of Jamia Masjid was entrusted to our dedicated Kashmiri Pandit teachers. With meticulous care, they would stand at the entrance to take our attendance. They were deeply affectionate, nurturing, and devoted educators whose warmth balanced the rigour of school life. Their dedication remains an enduring symbol of the harmony and mutual respect that defined our upbringing. May those noble souls who have passed on rest in eternal peace. Aameen. Yet, inside the school walls, religious discipline was enforced with uncompromising severity by our theology teacher, Molvi Noor-ud-Din, alias Chanta. Dressed impeccably in his traditional shalwar kameez, Molvi Sahib believed in an unyielding regimen. Missing prayers deliberately was considered a grave infraction, dealt with through harsh corporal punishment. Students found absent were subjected to severe lashing with a thick tree brancha brutal deterrent intended to ensure the mistake was never repeated. During my time in Class 6th, my classmate Gulzar Ahmad Gujri and I fell victim to this harsh discipline. The punishment was so severe that my young body gave way; I collapsed and remained unconscious for hours. What followed were days of high fever, intense shivering, and a slow, painful recovery. Seeing my plight, my parents were reduced to tears, and my fathers patience understandably broke. Learning of my fathers outrage, Molvi Noor-ud-Din went into hiding for seven full days to avoid a confrontation. The impasse was eventually resolved through the wise and gentle intervention of our revered Principal, Mufti Ghulam-ud-Din Sahiba distinguished scholar and the father of the eminent paediatrician Dr. Altaf. Principal Mufti Sahib stepped in with immense tact, offering sincere apologies on behalf of the institution and restoring peace between the families. Nevertheless, the ordeal altered the course of my schooling. To protect me from further harshness, my parents withdrew me from Islamia High School and enrolled me in DAV High School, Srinagar. While the transfer brought a safer environment, it also meant parting ways with many of my childhood companions. Reflecting on those years today brings a sharp contrast between generations. Could a student of the present generation endure such extreme measures? How would modern parents react to such corporal severity? The educational landscape has evolved, yet the psychological scars of that era run deepso much so that even today, decades later, I occasionally relive those moments in my dreams. Yet, time softens grievance into understanding. Looking back, I carry no bitterness or malice toward Molvi Noor-ud-Din. He acted according to the strict, albeit flawed, pedagogical norms of his era. As the years pass, one learns to replace lingering pain with forgiveness. May Almighty Allah grant him, and all our departed teachers, eternal forgiveness and peace. Aameen. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
With 15 of August 2026 having gone past us leaving in its wake all and sundry of this country suffused with a surcharge of nationalism, the atmosphere is yet to be offloaded from mass spectatorship of events in our national capital as well as the states denoting the above event. No doubt events of such nature leave a lasting impression on us , the way we go about celebrating our national days; be it independence day or even the Republic day. Joseph Addison and Richard Steeles classic 18 th century periodical, The spectator addressed a fraternity of observers who watched a society like a theatre to cultivate wit and good morals. Thinkers like Adam Smith argued that being an impartial spectator helps people build moral judgment, empathy, and social norms rather than like detaching them from community life. Whereas some modern political theories conceptualize a democracy where citizens withdraw from true political power and become passive audience members, leaving governance to a professional elite. Having stated as much as above, are the above theories true in the Indian context? Is the Indian society adopting the posture of spectatorship to help build good morals and cultivate wit as postulated by Adam Smith? To me it seems on the contrary which I shall endeavor to prove subsequently in the succeeding paragraphs. India has never been short of opinions. We have opinions on governments, judges, soldiers, celebrities, cricket teams, traffic, corruption and what not. We even opinionate on matters that we barely comprehend. We discuss, forward, celebrate everything under the sky; yet increasingly we do little. This may be one of the most uncomfortable truths about contemporary India; we are becoming a republic of spectators. We watch injustice on a screen and scroll. We watch a road accident and reach for the camera or our mobile phones before reaching for the victim. We watch corruption and complain privately. We watch politicians fight and cheer for our side. We watch public institutions deteriorate and yet wait for someone else to repair them, we demand change but yet without venturing out of our own comfort. Our democracy has produced an enormous audiencebut not necessarily an equally enormous citizenry. This distinction between an audience and a citizenry matters. The aim of penning down this write up of mine was to recalibrate ourselves post celebrating our 80th independence day, since days of such seminal national importance ought to be internalized in our collective conscious as a nation and guide us further in achieving our futuristic national aims. For decades to no end, Indians were told that democracy meant voting. Voting is indispensable, but democracy does not end when the ink disappears from the index finger of a voter. Democracy requires scrutiny, participation, dissent, accountability and above all the willingness to accept that public life is not somebody elses business. But to me it seems, somewhere along the long decades post-independence, we have outsourced citizenship. The hallmark of a throbbing democracy is its informed and conscious citizenry; which is a doomed concept in India. Informed though, Indias citizenry is pathological in its approach to most of things associated with collective responsibility. There is no gainsaying the fact that it enjoins upon the citizenry to understand collective responsibility and reaping the dividends that accrue out of such actions are complementary to each other. Any hiatus between the two is bound to de-hyphenate the very concept of an informed citizenry. Unfortunately that exactly is happening in todays India. A massive de-hyphenation of the above concept, albeit silently has overtaken the Indian society. We want a clean system without examining the compromises through which we keep dirtying it. This is blatant hypocrisy at its worst. The problem is not merely hypocrisy; it is the gradual normalization of helplessness. Every institution eventually becomes what citizens permit it to become. We have created an extraordinary digital paradox. Never before ordinary Indian citizens wielded such enormous power to speak. A smart phone can expose wrong doing, document abuse, mobilize assistance and bring an obscure issue to national fore within hours. But then same smartphone has also turned citizenship into performance. We sign online petitions, post angry messages, change profile pictures ,use hash tags, and announce our moral positions to the masses who already agree with us. Then we go back to live our lives as if nothing ever happened. The internet has made our outrage cheap. A person can spend twenty minutes furiously defending the nation online and five minutes later casually violate the rules of the very society he claims to defend. Has individual memory gone bonkers and taken the route of public memory, which as it is earned its notoriety of being short lived long time back? Just like the attention span, it seems individual memory too is now riding the bandwagon of the former. Patriotism becomes a post. Compassion becomes a photograph to be flaunted in the inner circles of the well-heeled only to garner more such brownie points. Activism becomes a hashtagjust as a nation we all witnessed during the recent Jantar Mantar protests by the new generation in the wake of results of NEET exam Bungling. This is perhaps the defining weakness of the spectator republic. This does not absolve the governments of the day of their responsibilities towards their citizens. On the contrary, the citizens must demand more from those whom exercise public power. Accountability is not optional, and transparency is not charity. But the citizens cannot remain permanently an innocent bystander. Let me quote from the famous book of our celebrated ex Cabinet secretary cum chief election commissioner, the late TN Seshan, A Heart full of burdenPublic awareness is the key to a vibrant and living democracy. Awareness of what ails the nation, what are our ills and what remedies are best under the prevailing environment. Awareness of what are the rights and obligations of the citizens and what a faithful exercise of these rights will contribute towards the general good and well being of allunquote. Can all of the above be achieved if our citizenry remain just spectators? I leave it to the considered opinion of the readers of this article of mine to decide. (The writer is a retired army officer and a regular scribe of Rising Kashmir paper; and can be approached on his email: slalotra4729@gmail.com)
NITI Aayog Flags Development Gaps In Jammu Kashmir, Seeks Focus On Jobs, Industry, Education
SRINAGAR: NITI Aayog Member Dr M. Srinivas on Wednesday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan here and discussed key development priorities and measures to accelerate the socio-economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Srinivas was accompanied by a team of senior NITI Aayog officials, including Senior Adviser Anurag Goyal, Economic Adviser Subhash []
