New Zealand announce BJ Watling as new Test team batting coach
NZC (New Zealand Cricket) recently came forward and announced the appointment of former cricketer BJ Watling as the Test sides new batting coach. The former wicketkeeper-batter will be replacing Luke Ronchi in the role. His...
Amazon makes fresh job cuts, mainly in retail division
Amazon has confirmed recent job cuts affecting employees in its Stores unit during a major sales event. The layoffs are part of a series of reductions following a larger workforce decrease that started last year. A spokesperson indicated the adjustments aim to align better with the companys priorities and efficiency. Jeff Bezos attributed the ongoing job losses to overhiring during the pandemic.
Rupee may be undervalued, markets can be irrational: RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra
EAM Jaishankar meets Cote d'Ivoire's Vice PM, Foreign Minister, discusses ways to advance ties
Digital Desk | Abidjan, Oct 8 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met Cote d'Ivoire's Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in defence and anti-terrorism. Taking to X, EAM Jaishankar said, Glad to meet Tene Birahima Ouattara, Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Cote d'Ivoire. We spoke about our growing defence partnership, underpinned by mutual trust, capacity building and shared interests. Exchanged views on opportunities to further our cooperation in defence & anti-terrorism, including through training, capacity building and enhanced institutional exchanges, he added. EAM Jaishankar arrived in Cote d'Ivoire on Wednesday (local time) after concluding a successful visit to Ghana. He met Cote d'Ivoire's Foreign and International Cooperation Minister, Niale Kaba and held comprehensive discussions on advancing the partnership, including in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and people-to-people ties. Underlined that our people - centric cooperation will be driven by the priorities of Cote d'Ivoire. Also spoke about deepening our engagement in multilateral fora, the EAM said. EAM Jaishankar also interacted with the alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). ITEC Programme is a flagship bilateral capacity-building platform administered by the Ministry of External Affairs. It partners with over 160 countries across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific/Small Island nations. Following the meeting, the EAM said, Underlined how India's capacity-building initiatives are responding to demands and priorities of our partners. And are also nurturing human connections between our societies. Thank Koffi N'Guessan, Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education, and a former ITEC alumni for joining. Earlier this week, India and Cote d'Ivoire discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration in skill development, vocational and technical education, knowledge sharing and capacity building. The discussions took place during a meeting between India's Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan and Cote d'Ivoire Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education, N'Guessan Koffi. Ambassador Mr Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan met H.E. Dr N'Guessan Koffi, Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education of Cote d'Ivoire. They discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration in skill development, vocational and technical education, knowledge sharing and capacity building (ITEC), the Indian Embassy in Cote d'Ivoire posted on X. The meeting also covered other issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed the shared commitment to further deepen IndiaCote d'Ivoire cooperation in the field of education and human resource development, it added.
GH MLAs ready to join BJP: Hek
SHILLONG, Oct 7: A day after Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma firmly dismissed speculation of any rift in the National Peoples Party or instability in the MDA-II government, asserting that the coalition remains very, very stable and that the NPPs 33 MLAs stand absolutely intact, a fresh claim by senior BJP leader and MLA A.L. []
Amicus Curiae must be loyal to justice, not Bar Association: HC
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US-based woman files case against parents for property share; Karnataka HC rejects it
The case involves a dispute over whether properties that had come to the womans father from her grandfather retained the character of ancestral property, giving her a right to seek partition under the Hindu Succession Act. The woman, based in the US, has been living abroad since her marriage in 1979. She filed a suit seeking partition of family properties and an equal share in them after her father sold one property.
'Drishyam 3' Day 6: Ajay Devgn's film earns Rs 15.50cr, India total hits Rs 232.50cr
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Tanker off Qatar reports hits from multiple projectiles: U.K. maritime agency
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From jargon to impact: Teaching undergraduates the art of public communication
Articles published in The Conversation go well beyond academics writing for a general audience
The RBI raised its benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5%, its first hike since February 2023, and shifted its policy stance to calibrated tightening. The move came as the central bank raised its FY27 growth forecast to 7.1% while warning that inflation and its outlook were no longer benign.
WATCH: Trump Cracks Awkward Susan Dell Joke On Husband Michael's Face? Truth Here
Donald Trump sparked an awkward moment at the White House after joking about Susan Dell potentially running for office with her husband, billionaire Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell, standing nearby.Trump said he would endorse Susan Dell if she ever entered politics, turning what began as praise for the couple into an unusual on-camera exchange. Michael and Susan Dell were at the White House as Trump promoted the expanded Trump Accounts program for children. The Dells have pledged $6.25 billion, providing $250 contributions for as many as 25 million eligible children.
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Rashmika Mandanna Shares Insights on Working with Vijay Deverakonda in Upcoming Film Ranbali
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Jammu and Kashmir Unveils New Sports Facilities to Boost Youth Engagement
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Punjab CM Slams BJP Over CBI Raids, Claims No Evidence Found
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Make a good film, repay your debts: Supreme Court to Rajpal Yadav
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HD Kumaraswamy alleges NICE toll collection exceeds project cost by nearly three times
The News Mill
Centre approves Rs 65 crore project to accelerate property rights in Delhi unauthorised colonies
The News Mill
PM Modi Transforms Politics into a Medium for Public Service, Says Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma
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Gujarat to reopen all sanctuaries and national parks for tourists from October 9
The News Mill
Mamata Banerjees Delhi arrival fuels buzz over INDIA bloc meet with President
YSRCP announces Anam Vijaykumar Reddy as Nellore Mayor candidate
The News Mill
Centre cites Supreme Court order, seeks to void Jharkhand DGP appointment
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WATCH: Pete Hegseth Jokes About US Navy's Deal With Iran; 'Bottom Half Of The Ocean'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth drew laughs from USS Abraham Lincoln sailors after teasing what sounded like a major wartime revelation about Iran only to turn it into a punchline aimed at Tehrans navy.Hegseth said: We made an arrangement with the Iranian Navy. We decided to share the ocean with them. He then delivered the punchline: They got the bottom half.
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Lokesh Calls For Joint Drive To Make AP Drug-Free
Lokesh stressed the need for a regulatory framework to prevent the transportation of drugs and products such as ganja chocolates and asked officials to study the issue.
'Fjord,' Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or winner, strikes a nerve while asking questions of progressives
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Indian Minister Bhupender Yadav Visits Fijis Temple, Highlights Cultural Ties
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From US$500M defection to bankruptcy court: tracking Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm is set to officially sever ties with LIV Golf, dealing a catastrophic blow to the breakaway league as it attempts a desperate LIV 2.0 relaunch. During a U.S. bankruptcy hearing in New Jersey on 7 October, Rahms attorney, John Beck, confirmed that the two-time major champion reviewed the leagues restructured terms and deemed [] The post From US$500M defection to bankruptcy court: tracking Jon Rahms turbulent LIV Golf journey appeared first on Golf365 .
Special Voter Registration Drive Launched Across Rajasthan
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Gujarat Farmer Transforms Turmeric Cultivation into Profitable Business
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Building J&Ks Place in Indias GCC Future
On 9 and 10 October 2026, something quite interesting is going to happen at IIM Jammu. The J&K GCC Summit 2026, being organised by IIM Jammu in collaboration with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and in knowledge partnership with NASSCOM, will bring together some of the countrys leading Global Capability Centre (GCC) companies, policymakers, academics and industry leaders. But I believe the significance of these two days goes well beyond a summit. For perhaps the first time, some of the senior-most administrative leaders of Jammu and Kashmir will sit across the table with leaders of Indias GCC industry in a series of candid, no-holds-barred conversations about a question that matters deeply to us: What will it take for Jammu and Kashmir to enter Indias growing GCC ecosystem, and to do so as a credible Tier-2 and Tier-3 destination? That may sound like a familiar proposition at a business summit. It is not. Economic growth is ultimately driven by two sets of stakeholdersthe government that creates the enabling environment and the businesses that take the risk of investing in it. Genuine growth begins when these two sides are willing to listen to each other, ask difficult questions and speak honestly about what works and what does not. That is precisely the spirit in which we are approaching the J&K GCC Summit. Let me explain why In June 2025, a train crossed the Chenab on the worlds highest railway arch bridge, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the national rail network. The bridge was decades in the making. Its deeper value, however, can be expressed in one word that matters as much to an investor as it does to a traveller: predictability. A journey that once depended heavily on weather and a single highway can now be planned with greater certainty. That is the journey we want to begin for J&Ks GCC ecosystem. Building a significant GCC destination will not happen overnight. It may take years. Perhaps decades. But the journey can be made predictable if we learn from those who have already travelled it. Be they leading GCC companies or States that have successfully attracted such investments. That is why the Summit is bringing industry leaders together with representatives of States such as Gujarat, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, which have valuable lessons to share. We do not intend to reinvent the wheel. We want to understand what has worked elsewhere, what has not, and what can be adapted to J&Ks own circumstances. The opportunity before us India already hosts more than 2,200 capability centres employing around 1.9 million professionals and generating close to USD 65 billion in annual exports. Importantly, more than 220 of these centres have already chosen Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The next phase of the GCC story is increasingly moving beyond the established metropolitan centres, with locations outside the metros expected to account for a substantial share of the sectors future workforce. This is where J&K must position itself. The question is not whether Jammu and Kashmir can replicate Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai or Pune. We should not try to become another metro. Our opportunity lies in becoming a different kind of GCC destination. Over the last decade, the case for J&K has changed significantly. Rail and road connectivity has been transformed and air connectivity has expanded. The Union Territory today has an institutional ecosystem that includes an IIM, an IIT and an AIIMS, alongside CSIR-IIIM, NIT Srinagar, the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and the prestigious Universities of Jammu /Kashmir, among several other institutions offering new-age and specialised programmes. In addition to that we also have something that every GCC ultimately needshuman resource. Jammu and Kashmir has a young, educated and increasingly aspirational population. Its universities and technical institutions are producing talent across disciplines. Office, talent and utility costs remain competitive compared to established metropolitan locations. And the security environment today provides a foundation for businesses to plan for the long term. Yet a good proposition is not enough. An investor looking at a new location will ask some very practical questions. Who will take my decision? How long will my approvals take? Where will my people sit on the first day? And who will do the work? The answers to these questions can determine where a GCC chooses to locate, often more decisively than the headline value of an incentive. We have to answer each of them The first is facilitation. The hardest part of entering a new region for an established business is often not the investment itself, but understanding whom to approach and how to navigate the system. In J&K, an investor should not have to make multiple rounds of enquiries across Departments. The investor should have one phone call or one email to make. We therefore need a named facilitation officer, with the authority to convene Departments, resolve issues and remain accountable as a single point of contact for the prospective investor. If banks can provide relationship managers to their customers, there is no reason why government cannot provide the same degree of institutional ownership to an investor. The second question is time Approvals relating to registration, premises, power, fire safety and labour compliance should carry clear and published timelines. These should be tracked through the single-window system and, importantly, measured against actual performance. An investor can plan around a known timeline. It is uncertainty that stalls a project. Strict adherence to prescribed timelines translates to confidence which is quintessential for attracting investments. The third question is space and infrastructure J&K needs to identify and earmark ready-to-occupy office spaces in both Jammu and Srinagar, with floor plates, tenure and tariffs clearly stated in advance. A GCC that decides to come here should be able to occupy its premises within months, not years. The space has to exist before the decision is made. There is also a unique advantage here that few locations can offer. Jammu and Srinagar are two major cities within one Union Territory, under one administration, one policy framework and one institutional point of contact. They draw upon different talent pools and can potentially serve as primary and continuity locations for the same GCC. A company should be able to scale across both cities without having to navigate two different administrations. The fourth question is people Our commitment has to be simple: skilling must respond to actual employer demand. Here comes the role of Mission YUVA and our technical institutions. Mission YUVA, the Skill Development institutions, our universities and the ITI network being upgraded under PM-SETU must increasingly train people for specific roles, in specific numbers and within specific timelines. The Department of Labour and Employment, which is spearheading the organisation of the Summit, will have an important role in translating industry conversations into an actionable talent strategy. This is also where the GCC opportunity becomes much more than an investment proposition. A GCC does not merely bring an office. It brings new skills, new career paths, new technologies and new aspirations. For a young person in Jammu or Srinagar, the arrival of a global company should mean that a world-class career no longer necessarily requires leaving home for Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai or Delhi. That is the human dividend we must keep at the centre of this conversation. And then comes the most important question of all: Who will be the first? The first GCC centre matters disproportionately. Every subsequent investor will ask: Who else is already here? The answer today has to change from zero. An anchor GCC can do more than create direct employment. A centre employing 500 professionals can support a comparable ecosystem of opportunities in facilities, transport, hospitality, food services, professional services and other allied sectors. Securing that first anchor tenant is therefore not just another investment target. It is the decisive step in establishing confidence. The administration will concentrate its efforts accordingly. This is why the J&K GCC Summit matters. Every panel, every panellist, every question and every answer over these two days will be an opportunity for us to learn and, equally important, to allow industry to tell us what it needs from us. We are not approaching the Summit merely to showcase J&K. We are approaching it to listen. If we want global capability centres to look beyond the metros, then we must demonstrate that a Tier-2 or Tier-3 location can offer something equally compelling: access to talent, competitive costs, quality institutions, reliable infrastructure, responsive governance and, above all, confidence that commitments made today will hold tomorrow. Jammu and Kashmir has many of these ingredients. The task before us is to bring them together into an ecosystem that works. Our entrepreneurial spirit is gathering momentum. Our young people are increasingly looking towards new-age sectors and new forms of enterprise. The GCC ecosystem can benefit from this talent and ambition, even as its presence here can accelerate the development of that very ecosystem. The Path Forward I do not believe J&K needs to become the biggest GCC destination in India. I believe it can become one of the most differentiated. We have learnt something from building the Chenab Rail Bridge. Great journeys begin with an audacious idea, but they are completed through engineering, patience, persistence and thousands of smaller decisions made correctly along the way. The GCC journey will be no different. We have the ambition. We have the foundations. We have a growing pool of talent. What we now need is execution, industry partnership and the patience to build for the long term. The first J&K GCC Summit is therefore not the culmination of a journey. It is the beginning of one. And if we get the beginning right, I believe the destination is within reach. A GCC ecosystem that proves that the next generation of Indias growth need not come only from its largest cities, but can also emerge from its most promising Tier-2 and Tier-3 centres. Jammu and Kashmir is ready to make that journey. The promise is not that it will happen overnight. The promise is that we are ready to make it happen. (The writer is Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir)
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Hakeem Yaseen greets people on Urs of Sheikh-ul-Aalam
Srinagar, Oct 07: Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Aalam and Alamdar-e-Kashmir. In his message, Yaseen prayed for lasting peace, harmony, brotherhood and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and said the occasion should inspire people to uphold compassion, tolerance and mutual respect. He said the life, teachings and poetry of Sheikh-ul-Aalam continue to provide spiritual guidance, highlighting the saints emphasis on self-purification, simplicity, righteousness and service to humanity. Yaseen said the teachings of Hazrat Nund Reshi (RA) remain deeply rooted in Kashmirs social and cultural ethos and continue to inspire people across communities. He urged people, particularly the youth, to draw inspiration from Kashmirs Sufi and Rishi tradition and contribute towards strengthening peace, communal harmony and brotherhood.
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AIP questions NC's zero-fee manifesto promise
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Rakesh Tikait warns Bihar State govt over Satellite Township Projects
He asserted that the Union is not opposed to development; however, development that comes at the cost of farmers losing their land, livelihoods, and social security cannot be accepted.
Jammu and Kashmir to Launch Special Voter Enrollment Drive on October 10-11
Jammu and Kashmir will conduct a voter enrollment drive on October 10-11, aiming to register first-time voters and marginalized groups. Jammu and Kashmir to Launch Special Voter Enrollment Drive on October 10-11
Rishi Dhawan endorses Jasprit Bumrah, backs Mohammed Shami
The News Mill
Abe Memorial Corridor honoring Shinzo Abe, India-Japan ties inaugurated in Varanasi
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Rekha Gupta joins Seva Jyoti Yatra as PM Modi marks 25 years in public life
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Leaders Express Condolences Over the Passing of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Sorens Mother
Senior Congress leaders mourn the death of Rupali Soren, mother of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, expressing heartfelt condolences to the family. Leaders Express Condolences Over the Passing of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Sorens Mother
Over 140 beneficiaries receive assistive devices at Kulgam camp
Kulgam, Oct 07: The Social Welfare Department, Kulgam, in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), organised a distribution camp under the Assistance to Persons with Disabilities (ADIP) Scheme and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) at the Conference Hall of the Mini-Secretariat, Kulgam. The camp was aimed at benefiting persons with disabilities and senior citizens by providing assistive devices to promote mobility, independence and an improved quality of life. The distribution was carried out in the presence of MLA Kulgam Mohd. Yousuf Tarigami, District Social Welfare Officer Kulgam Rameez Raja Ganie and other officials of the Social Welfare Department. More than 140 beneficiaries were covered during the camp and provided assistive devices according to their assessed needs. The devices included hearing aids, battery-operated tricycles, wheelchairs, walking sticks, braces and other assistive aids. Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the Social Welfare Department and ALIMCO in facilitating beneficiaries and ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach the intended sections of society.
No political party can do politics in Bihar without JD(U), says Sanjay Jha
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NC welcomes public consultation on town Master Plans
Srinagar, Oct 7: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar on Wednesday welcomed the Omar Abdullah governments initiative to directly seek the views of the public, traders and other stakeholders while preparing Master Plans for towns and cities across Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Dar said the move reflects an effort to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level and ensure public participation in decision-making. He said a new process has been initiated for preparing draft Master Plans for towns, under which senior officers of the Housing and Urban Local Development Department are visiting different districts and towns and directly consulting local residents, traders, citizens and other stakeholders. Their views are being sought on the basic requirements and facilities that should be incorporated into the Master Plans to make their respective towns better planned and more developed, he said. Imran said it was an important change that, instead of taking decisions while sitting in closed offices, officials were being sent to the people and ordinary citizens were being given a voice in the planning process. He said that in the past, public participation in decisions related to Master Plans and urban development remained limited, whereas the present government had made an effort to take the process to the grassroots level. He said officials, including IAS officers, were now directly interacting with citizens, traders and other stakeholders to understand which measures should be given priority for the development of their areas. The National Conference spokesperson said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah deserved appreciation for the public consultation process, as his government had focused on strengthening direct interaction between people and the administration. He said incorporating public opinion into town Master Plans would not only contribute to better planning but would also make citizens active participants in the development of their respective areas.
Rs 90 LPA in Bengaluru or $300k in San Jose: Redditor asks if it's wiser to move to US on an L1 visa
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Dr. Farooq, Omar greet people on Sheikh-ul-Alam Urs
Srinagar, Oct 7: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday greeted people and devotees on the occasion of the Urs of revered Sufi saint and poet Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir. Dr Farooq said the personality and shrine of Sheikh-ul-Alam have for centuries remained a centre of Kashmirs rich cultural and spiritual heritage, with devotees continuing to visit the historic shrine. He said the shrine provides spiritual solace to people and forms an important part of Kashmirs collective heritage. He added that the teachings, worship, piety, poetry and spiritual accomplishments of Nund Rishi continue to serve as a guiding light for people. Omar Abdullah also extended greetings to devotees, saying the revered saint propagated the teachings of the Holy Quran and Hadith in the Kashmiri language and enlightened people about the values and teachings of Islam. NC General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, Additional General Secretary Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Chief Ministers Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Provincial President Showkat Mir, Chadoora MLA Ali Mohammad Dar, Rajpora MLA Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir and Khansahib MLA Advocate Saif-ud-Din Bhat also conveyed their greetings to devotees on the occasion.
Degrees alone not enough, youth need skills
Kulgam, Oct 7: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday stressed the need for skill development and introduction of demand-driven subjects and courses to enhance employment opportunities for youth. She was speaking at a programme on the theme From Campus to Career organised by Government Degree College (GDC) D H Pora, where she was the chief guest. Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary in Higher Education Shafqat Iqbal, Director Colleges Dr Twinkle Suri and Nodal Principal Kashmir Division Colleges Dr Seema Naz also attended the programme. The programme commenced with a plantation drive inaugurated by the Minister in the presence of the Commissioner Secretary, other officers and students. Sakeena Itoo appreciated the efforts of the college in advancing skill-based education in the area. She emphasised the need for focused attention on creating skilled human resources and introducing demand-driven subjects and courses to enhance opportunities and enrolment in the college. The Minister advised the students to channelise their energies in the right direction and focus on enhancing their skills, which would enable them to navigate the challenges of life with confidence. She emphasised that youth is the most productive phase of life and should be utilised for learning, innovation and self-development. She urged the students to stay away from distractions, work with discipline and determination, and contribute positively towards nation-building. Commissioner Secretary Ram Niwas Sharma exhorted the students to draw inspiration from the dignitaries present on the dais and emphasised the importance of following the path of hard work to build successful careers. Encouraging female students in particular, he urged them to galvanise themselves by looking at the three eminent women achievers on the presidium as live symbols of women empowerment. He also informed that a proposal for creation of a dedicated Music Department in the college would be submitted to the government. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary in the Higher Education Department Shafqat Iqbal emphasised the importance of skills, overall development and leadership qualities among young people beyond mere acquisition of degrees. Earlier, in his welcome address, Principal GDC D H Pora highlighted the colleges efforts towards transforming the abilities of students into skills, opportunities and jobs.
Sheikh-ul-Alam Urs begins at Charar-i-Sharief
Budgam, October 08 : The annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA), popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Alam and Alamdar-e-Kashmir, began at his revered shrine in Charar-i-Sharief on Wednesday with the traditional Poshak Bandi ceremony. The ceremony, during which the cloth covering the saints grave was changed, was held amid religious fervour as thousands of devotees from across Kashmir gathered at the shrine to offer prayers and seek blessings. Devotees prayed for peace, prosperity and harmony in Kashmir and participated in various religious activities associated with the Urs. For many devotees, the annual gathering is also an occasion to reconnect with Kashmirs rich spiritual heritage and reflect on the teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA). Qayoom Ahmad War, a devotee from South Kashmir, said attending the Urs had been a family tradition. I come to Charar-i-Sharief every year to participate in the annual Urs of Sheikh Noor-u-Din Noorani (RA). I have never missed this day. My father also used to participate in the annual Urs every year, War told the Rising Kashmir He said he would also participate in the night-long prayers and pray for the well-being of Muslims across the world. War said the Urs provides devotees an opportunity not only to offer prayers but also to learn about the life and teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), whose spiritual and cultural legacy continues to influence generations in Kashmir. People should follow the life and teachings of Sheikh Noor-u-Din Noorani (RA) in their own lives. Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) lived a simple life and devoted himself to prayers and spiritual pursuits, he said. The district administration Budgam made arrangements at the shrine to facilitate the movement and stay of devotees and ensure the smooth conduct of the Urs. The annual gathering once again highlighted the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), drawing devotees from across the Valley to Charar-i-Sharief.
Ganderbal villagers seek road link after years of waiting
Ganderbal, Oct 7: Residents of Jarapati and Mir Mohalla areas of Hariganiwan in Kangan tehsil of Central Kashmirs Ganderbal district have sought urgent intervention from the administration to provide road connectivity to their villages, saying the lack of a motorable road has made daily life difficult and access to healthcare particularly challenging. Locals said around 150 households, with a population of nearly 1,200 people, are living in the two areas and have been waiting for proper road connectivity for years. Ghulam Mohidin Khatana, a resident of Jarapati, said the villagers had repeatedly approached the authorities since 2014, but the issue remained unresolved. The main problem is the road. Without it, we face difficulties in commuting, carrying essential items and taking sick people to hospitals, he said. He said the condition becomes particularly difficult during medical emergencies, as there is no proper road through which patients can be transported easily. Sometimes even four or five people cannot carry a sick person properly because the path is so difficult, Khatana said, appealing to the administration, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali to intervene. Another resident, Asim Ahmed, said the villagers had raised the issue several times and claimed that officials had previously conducted measurements and prepared files, but no work followed. He said even a road covering one or two kilometres would provide significant relief to the residents, particularly those travelling to and from the area for work and other essential purposes. Residents also said they were willing to provide own land required for construction of the road, stressing that the community had been waiting for the project for years. Responding to the issue, Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali said he was aware of the demand and that a detailed project report (DPR) had already been prepared for the proposed road. The project has been estimated at around Rs 3035 crore. We had earlier submitted it under NABARD, but it was not sanctioned, the MLA said. He said the project was subsequently proposed under the Central Road Fund (CRF), adding that the matter was now being pursued through different available funding mechanisms. The CRF project is not entirely in our hands as the funding comes from the Government of India. We will also explore NABARD and PMGSY, Mehar Ali said. The MLA assured the residents that efforts would be made to get the project sanctioned and taken up. I hope we will be able to get it done within the next six to eight months, he said.
HC pulls up revenue authorities over fard denial
Srinagar, Oct 7: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has directed the Tehsildar South, Srinagar, to issue revenue extracts/fards to two landowners from Baghat Barzulla within one week, observing that revenue authorities cannot refuse such documents merely because a village map is unavailable. The direction was passed by Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani while disposing of a petition filed by Sheikh Rafiq Ahmad and his wife Rifat Rafiq, residents of Baghat Barzulla, who had sought issuance of revenue extracts for their land. The petitioners submitted that they owned and possessed land measuring 1 Kanal 7 Marlas at Baghat Barzulla and had raised a commercial building on the property after obtaining requisite building permission. They said portions of the building had been rented out, but they were unable to execute formal rent/lease deeds with tenants as the revenue extracts required for the transactions were not being issued. The petitioners alleged that the Tehsildar had declined to issue the Fard on the ground that the village map/Aksa Latha was unavailable in the Tehsil office. Justice Wani observed that the Revenue Department, being the custodian of land records, cannot refuse issuance of revenue extracts unless their issuance is expressly barred by an order of a Revenue or Civil Court or another competent authority. There should be no hesitation in issuance of a revenue extract/Fard strictly as per the available revenue record, the court observed. The court further clarified that issuance of a revenue extract does not by itself alter recorded entries. Authorities may, however, mention relevant court directions, government instructions or other legal facts through a footnote in the extract. The court also took note of a September 9 order of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, directing Deputy Commissioners to ensure citizen services and compliance with the Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011. The court accordingly directed the Tehsildar South to issue the required fards within one week of receiving a copy of the order and disposed of the writ petition along with the connected application.
A tanker was struck by multiple projectiles in an incident 51 nautical miles north of Qatar's Madinat ash Shamal, with casualties reported, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Wednesday.
Supreme Court to Hear Punjab Governments Petition in Corruption Investigation Case on October 8
The Supreme Court will hear the Punjab governments petition challenging a High Court order for a CBI investigation into corruption allegations. Supreme Court to Hear Punjab Governments Petition in Corruption Investigation Case on October 8
RS polls: 8 BJP, two SP candidates set for unopposed win in UP
Eight BJP and two Samajwadi Party candidates are set to be elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh after the nomination papers of two independent candidates were rejected. This ensures all 10 available seats will be filled without a contest, with the BJP fielding new faces ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.
NMC extends deadline for faculty register update
Srinagar, Oct 7: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted medical colleges and institutions an additional three weeks to update the National Medical Register (NMR) or State Medical Register (SMR) numbers of their medical faculty and other eligible staff on the NMCs Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) portal. In an Office Memorandum, the NMC said the extension was being provided after it found that the required updation was still pending in some medical colleges, while incorrect NMR/SMR details had also been entered by some nodal officers. The NMC had earlier directed all medical colleges and institutions to update the NMR/SMR numbers in the profile details of Medical Faculty Members, Junior Residents (JRs), Senior Residents (SRs), Tutors and Demonstrators on AEBAS portal within one month of its Sept 3 memorandum. Under the latest directions, Deans, Principals and Directors of all medical colleges have been asked to ensure timely updation of the registration numbers for all concerned faculty members and staff. The Commission has warned that non-updation or incorrect entry of NMR/SMR numbers will lead to the automated blocking and rejection of daily attendance by the AEBAS system. The Sep 3 memorandum had also stated that failure to update the required information could adversely affect the compliance status of medical colleges during NMC assessments and inspections. The NMC said the measure is in line with provisions under the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Minimum Standard Requirements and MARB regulations, which provide for periodic, transparent and digitally verified assessment of teaching staff across medical institutions. The Commission had specifically directed nodal officers to enter correct and valid NMR/SMR registration numbers for medical faculty, JRs, SRs, Tutors and Demonstrators, while leaving the registration field blank has been prohibited. For non-medical faculty members and Tutors/Demonstrators holding MSc and PhD qualifications, nodal officers have been instructed to enter NA in the registration number field.
Hope SC proceedings will prevent voter deletions in J
J&K already victim of tampering through delimitation Recruitment rules almost ready, will be notified soon Cabinet expansion after GST council meeting Srinagar, Oct 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday pinned his hopes on the Supreme Court proceedings to prevent any further voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision, saying there is []
PM Modi calls for open, rule-based global maritime order
New Delhi, Oct 07: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for a free, open and rule-based global maritime order that brings greater peace and progress for all. India believes that the oceans must become a source of shared prosperity, where every country has a voice and an opportunity to grow, Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar []
Ashok Gehlot Asserts Congress Unity Ahead of Upcoming Elections in Rajasthan
Ashok Gehlot emphasizes Congresss unity in Rajasthan and predicts victory in the next assembly elections. Ashok Gehlot Asserts Congress Unity Ahead of Upcoming Elections in Rajasthan
Urs Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) begins at Charar-i-Sharief
Budgam, Oct 07: The annual Poshak Bandi ritual was performed with religious fervour at the revered shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) at Charar-i-Sharief in Budgam on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the annual Urs celebrations of the revered Sufi saint. The sacred ritual of changing the cloth draped over the holy grave was []
Jharkhand DGP appointment violates apex court directions: Centre in Supreme Court
The central government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court questioning the recent appointment of Tadasha Mishra as DGP of Jharkhand, citing breaches of guidelines set in the Prakash Singh judgment. The petition also challenges the validity of the 2025 regulation under which the appointment was made, and raises concerns about the previous appointment of Anurag Gupta. A three-judge bench will review the Centre's petition shortly.
No voter to be left behind: CEO J
Announces special enrolment drive on Oct 10, 11 Jammu, Oct 7: With the objective of ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma, on Wednesday announced a two-day Special Intensive Voter Enrolment Drive across the Union Territory on October 10 (Saturday) and October 11 (Sunday), 2026, []
Shrinking Forests, Dwindling Wildlife: Conservation Must Move Beyond Numbers
National Wildlife Week National Wildlife Week, observed from October 2 to 8, reminds us through its 2026 messageConnected Habitats, Thriving Wildlifethat increasing tiger, elephant or leopard numbers is not enough. Small, isolated forest patches cannot secure wildlife. Roads, railways, power lines and unplanned urbanisation fragment forests, disrupt traditional routes and force animals towards human []
The Tragedy Of Being Educated but Not Enlightened
A society becomes truly educated when its learning can be seen in the behaviour of its people. Otherwise, we may continue producing highly qualified individuals who know a great deal while still struggling to understand themselves and the people around them. Mohd Abass Dar We often call a person educated because he has studied in []
Govt rolls out digital system for financial sanctions
Srinagar, Oct 7: The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the operationalisation of the e-sanction and re-appropriation & surrender modules on the Jammu and Kashmir Budget Estimation, Allocation and Monitoring System (JK BEAMS) to digitise the processing of financial sanctions and budget adjustments across the Union Territory. The Finance Department, through government order no. 310-F of 2026, issued under the Budget Division, said the two modules have been technically completed and will now be implemented across all Administrative Departments, Controlling Officers, Heads of Departments, Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and other concerned authorities. The move has been taken in line with the 2026-27 State Annual Scheme for Capital Investment (SASCI) guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, particularly the provisions relating to strengthening public finance IT infrastructure in states. Under the e-sanction module, administrative and financial sanctions will be prepared, processed, approved and issued through a prescribed digital workflow within JK BEAMS. The government has directed that sanctions issued through the system shall be digitally signed by the competent authority through the e-Sanction Module, replacing the need for conventional physical processing wherever the module applies. Similarly, proposals relating to budget re-appropriation and surrender will have to be submitted, examined, processed and approved through the newly introduced re-appropriation & surrender module. The finance department has directed authorities to surrender anticipated savings and reallocate funds through the digital module in a timely manner, in accordance with applicable financial rules and delegated powers. According to the order, the status of sanctions as well as re-appropriation and surrender proposals will be available online to concerned authorities. Digital records of all cases will also be maintained through the modules for monitoring, verification and audit purposes. The finance department said the digital system is aimed at reducing dependence on physical files and manual processing while establishing a streamlined workflow and a proper digital audit trail for government financial transactions. The budget division of the finance department will provide technical support for the rollout and implementation of both modules across Jammu and Kashmir. The order was issued by the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar, IAS.
Modis 25-year journey reflects public trust: Dr. Jatendra Singh
Udhampur, Oct 7: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modis completion of 25 uninterrupted years as head of government as a rare achievement in a democratic system, saying the sustained mandate reflects the trust he has built among people. Speaking to reporters in Udhampur, Singh said Modi had completed 25 years in public office as head of government12.5 years as Gujarat Chief Minister followed by 12.5 years as Prime Minister. Continuously without any break, Dr Jitendra Singh said, calling the milestone a unique record in the democratic world. He said governments in democratic systems often face anti-incumbency and public fatigue, making it unusual for a leader to retain peoples confidence over such a long period. Singh attributed Modis continued electoral success to what he termed his dedication and continuous effort, saying the Prime Minister had succeeded in creating a sense of trust among citizens. The conclusion is that with what dedication, with continuous effort, Mr Modi dedicated himself in such a way that in this country of 140 crores, every citizens faith was won, he said. Singh said people had developed a belief that decisions taken by Modi, even if not immediately understood, were ultimately aimed at benefiting them. He cited the Covid-19 lockdown as one such example while stressing that winning such a level of public confidence required sustained commitment and sacrifice. The Union Minister said Modis journey should serve as an inspiration for others working towards the goal of a developed India. I wish I could also gain inspiration from him, not only in that amount, but in a smaller amount, so that I can make myself capable, so that I can dedicate myself for the goal of a developed India, Singh said. The remarks came as the Seva Sankalp campaign is being held across the country. As part of the campaign, a Seva Jyoti Yatra was organised in Udhampur on Wednesday. Singh said the programme was planned to reinforce the resolve emerging from Modis vision for the country. He also praised the Prime Ministers address on the occasion, saying it placed Indias present journey in the context of the past several decades while laying out a roadmap for the next 20 years. He said the lighting of the Seva Jyoti symbolised an effort to carry that resolve forward and translate the vision of a developed India into action.
Taslima Nasrin In Kolkata, Says Will Stay For Durga Puja Next Year
I will certainly be here next year. I absolutely love the Puja celebrations here; it feels like a grand art exhibition, Taslima Nasrin said.
Mahajyoti exam cancelled after computer failures at Pune & Nanded centres
Jaishankar, Niale Kaba discuss trade and investment in Abidjan
Jaishankar, Niale Kaba discuss trade and investment in Abidjan
NIA court rejects bail plea of separatist Shabir Shah in 1996 funeral violence case
A Jammu NIA court rejected the bail application of Shabir Ahmad Shah, linked to a 30-year-old mob violence case. This case relates to violence during a terrorist's funeral procession in Srinagar, which Shah allegedly incited. The court expressed concern about potential threats to national security and the safety of protected witnesses. Shah argued that the investigation was reopened without justification and emphasized delays in legal actions.
BJP Spokesperson Criticizes Opposition Protests, Defends PM Modis Leadership
BJPs RP Singh critiques opposition protests, asserting their right to demonstrate but condemning chaos. He praises PM Modis leadership over 25 years. BJP Spokesperson Criticizes Opposition Protests, Defends PM Modis Leadership
Anushka Sharma latest news: The actor and her family have made significant real estate investments in Mumbai worth Rs 44.1 crore. On July 8, 2026, Anushka purchased an apartment, while her parents bought the adjoining unit. Later, Anushka and her husband Virat Kohli jointly acquired another apartment on July 21, 2026. These purchases follow the couple's earlier investment in Alibaug, where they bought land for Rs 37.86 crore.
