Vote Chori or Leadership Failure? The Congress Needs to Look Within
Vote-Chori Allegations Are a Convenient Diversion from Congresss Leadership Crisis GL Raina The controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has become the latest political instrument of the Congress-led INDI Alliance to deflect attention from a much deeper problem: its continuing electoral decline and the failure of its leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, [] The post Vote Chori or Leadership Failure? The Congress Needs to Look Within appeared first on Northlines .
America on edge: November 3 mid-term polls outcome may weaken Trump
A Congress under Democrats may cripple unilateralism of U.S. President By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers WASHINGTON: America enters Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, with its political temperature rising and its institutional balance of power hanging in the balance. The midterm elections, ordinarily a referendum on the party occupying the White House, have become [] The post America on edge: November 3 mid-term polls outcome may weaken Trump appeared first on Northlines .
Use of Nuclear weapons against Iran could trigger a Global chain reaction
Global organisations ask the U.S. Congress to prevent the disaster By Dr Arun Mitra Global civil society organisations have appealed to the US Congress to take immediate steps to prevent the use of nuclear weapons against Iran. The appeal, initiated by the Back from the Brink Coalition, the International Physicians for the Prevention [] The post Use of Nuclear weapons against Iran could trigger a Global chain reaction appeared first on Northlines .
Both India and U.S. have made some last-minute compromise for the trade deal
First phase of agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2026 By T N Ashok NEW YORK: India and the United States are approaching a decisive phase in negotiations over a bilateral trade agreement that could reshape commercial relations between the worlds largest economy and one of its fastest-growing major [] The post Both India and U.S. have made some last-minute compromise for the trade deal appeared first on Northlines .
Inauguration of Agartala Tea auction centre is a big boost to Tripura tea industry
Producers are happy at substantial lowering of transport costs, timely delivery By Ashis Biswas KOLKATA: In Tripura, the fledgling tea industry received a major boost a few days ago with the inauguration of Agartala Tea Auction Centre (ATAC) the fifth such unit in India. State Chief Minister Mr Manik Saha, while thanking [] The post Inauguration of Agartala Tea auction centre is a big boost to Tripura tea industry appeared first on Northlines .
Aga Ruhullah Quits NC, Launches Attack on Farooq, Omar Abdullah
The Srinagar MP accuses the National Conference leadership of betraying election promises, while the BJP distances itself from the party's internal turmoil.
NC Facing Serious Internal Crisis, Says BJP
SRINAGAR: BJP senior leader Ravinder Raina on Tuesday said Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdis resignation as Srinagar MP was an internal matter of the National Conference (NC), but maintained that the developments within the ruling party had emerged as a serious challenge for its leadership. Speaking to reporters, Raina said the issue had no connection with []
Ruhullah Entrusts Resignation Letter to Father of 2010 Victim Tufail Mattoo
His decision to entrust the resignation letter to Tufails father added a powerful political and emotional dimension to the event, evoking memories of the 2010 uprising during which 117 people, including several teenagers and an 11-year-old boy, lost their lives while Omar Abdullah served as Chief Minister
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has resigned from the National Conference, describing his resignation as an 'Azadinaama'. Accusing the party leadership of betraying the public mandate and failing to fulfil promises on Article 370, constitutional rights and reservation, Ruhullah also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He announced plans to unite committed youth from Jammu and Kashmir on a new platform for political and social change.
Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Quits NC
In a major setback for Jammu and Kashmirs ruling National Conference (NC), Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his resignation on Tuesday from both his Lok Sabha seat and the primary membership of the party. The dramatic announcement took place at Behesht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam during a public gathering held on the [] The post Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Quits NC & Resigns from Lok Sabha appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Indian national killed in attack on merchant ship off Oman coast
NEW DELHI: An Indian sailor was killed in an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah in Oman on Monday evening, triggering strong condemnation by India. The vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, had 14 Indian nationals, 13 of whom have been rescued, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. We condemn the attack on []
Jolt to NC as MP Ruhullah Mehdi quits party, plans new party
Srinagar Lok Sabha member Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi resigned from the National Conference, accusing its leadership, including Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, of abandoning promises like the restoration of Article 370. His resignation, announced at a rally marking his father's death anniversary, also saw him hint at forming a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir. He criticized the party for betraying public expectations and not fighting for the region's dignity.
Tufail Mattoos father says Ruhullah has pain of the people in his heart
Your Child Wants to Study in Japan. What Should You Check First?
Your child has started talking about studying in Japan. Perhaps theyve found a course they like and sent you the university link. Youre interested, but you want to know more before agreeing. What will it cost? Where will they stay? How much help will they need once theyre there? Begin with the Japan education cost . Go through the course details with your child. If you cant find the fees, entry requirements, or other details, make a note of it and ask the university. You dont need to figure it all out in one sitting. Is The Course In Your Budget? First, check what the universitys fee actually covers. An annual tuition figure may not include admission charges, materials, or other course expenses. Ask for clarification if the page doesnt make this clear. Fees vary between institutions, including national universities. Then add the costs outside university. Along with the fees, budget for your childs room, food, travel to campus, and phone bill. Theyll need some money for day-to-day spending too. The first month may also involve a housing deposit and things for the room. Japans official study website lists average monthly living expenses of 105,000, including housing. That figure comes from a 2023 survey and excludes study and research costs. It gives you somewhere to begin, but it isnt a quote for living near your chosen campus today. Look beyond the first year. If youre using savings, decide how much is available for the remaining years. Why Is Your Child Interested in This Course? Talk to your child about the course theyve chosen. Ask which subjects theyre looking forward to and why. They might want to continue something they studied at college, or learn something new for the work they hope to do. Go through the subject list together. Check which subjects they must take and what assignments theyll do. If theres an internship, find out whether everyone gets a place or students need to apply for one. You dont have to know the subject yourself. Youre helping your child think through a decision, and they may have questions theyd like to discuss with you. Will the Japanese Language Be a Problem For Your Child? Find out what language your child will study in. An English-taught course may ask for an English test score, unless they qualify for an exemption. A Japanese-taught course will have its own language requirements. If youre unsure which test your child needs, ask the university before booking it. Even with classes in English, some Japanese will be useful outside campus. Your child can practice asking for directions or help in a shop before they leave What Are the Accommodation Options? Ask the universitys accommodation office when your child can apply for a room. Find out whether places are guaranteed and what the rent covers. Youll also want to know whats in the room. Even if its furnished, your child may need to buy bedding or a few kitchen items. Look at private rooms as a backup. Before choosing one, ask how much youll need to pay before moving in, including the deposit and any other charges. Check the journey to campus, too. A lower rent might come with a bigger travel bill. Your child can email the accommodation office and compare a few rooms themselves. You can then go through the replies together and discuss what fits the budget. What Help Is Available at the University? Your child may have a question about their room or need help filling in a form. Find out who they can speak to at the university and save that persons contact details. Check the arrival arrangements together, too. Theyll need to know how to reach their accommodation from the airport and where to collect the keys, especially if they arrive late. Ask about medical help as well. Your child should know where to go if theyre ill and whom to call in an emergency. Save those numbers on their phone, with a copy for you. There may be a tutor or student adviser they can speak to if a class becomes difficult. Check how to contact them. A club or buddy scheme, if available, could also give your child a way to meet people. And decide when youll call each other. It doesnt have to be every evening. Choose a time that works around classes and the time difference, and let your child know they can call sooner if they need you. Can You Count on Part-Time Earnings? A part-time job could help with your childs expenses, but they may not find one straight away. Make sure they have enough money for rent and food while theyre looking. With the required permission, students can generally work up to 28 hours a week during term. Theyll also need time for classes, assignments, and travel, so dont build the budget around working the maximum hours. Check scholarships before applying, too. Does the scholarship cover tuition, living costs, or both? Is there a separate form to submit? Find out whether your child must meet certain conditions to keep the funding. Until its confirmed, work out how the family would pay without it. Will A Consultant Be Useful For Your Child? You can apply to universities yourself. But you may want help checking documents or finding courses the family can afford. Japan education consultants can help with those parts of the process. Tell them what youve done so far. If your child has already chosen a few courses, take the list along. Ask why they would recommend one over another, and give your child time to ask questions too. Before choosing study in Japan consultants, find out exactly what youre paying for. Will they submit the application or just check it? If the university asks for more paperwork, will the consultant help you with it? Ask whether theyll still help if the university needs another document. Discuss the refund terms and any support after arrival, too. Its also fair to ask if they receive money from the universities they suggest. Get their answers in writing before paying. Be careful if Japan education consultants promise admission or a visa. They can help with the paperwork, but approval isnt theirs to give. Conclusion Take time to review the course and costs with your child before paying a deposit. Whether you apply yourselves or use study in Japan consultants, confirm the details with the university. Include living expenses and arrival costs when working out the full Japan education cost. Jamboree India offers preparation for the GMAT, GRE, SAT and IELTS. Students can choose classroom lessons, live online classes, self-paced study or one-to-one tutoring. These options let them fit preparation around college or work, with teacher-led formats for those who want help understanding difficult questions and reviewing mistakes made during practice.
CM Omar inspects construction of new Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu
Jammu , Nov 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inspected the ongoing construction of the New Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu and reviewed the progress of the prestigious project, stressing the need for its timely completion while ensuring the highest standards of quality. During the inspection, the Chief Minister was briefed by the concerned officers on the status of construction and the measures being undertaken to accelerate the pace of work. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for effective coordination among the concerned departments and executing agency, systematic execution of works and strict adherence to prescribed specifications. He underscored the importance of completing the project within the stipulated timeline, given its significance as a key institutional infrastructure for Jammu and Kashmir. The New Legislative Assembly Complex, being constructed at a revised estimated cost of 208.53 crore, has a total built-up area of 22,165 square metres. The project was initially taken up in 2012, but construction remained stalled since 2018. The long-pending project was revived following the grant of revised administrative approval by the present Government in 2025, paving the way for the resumption of construction. Under the Omar Abdullah-led Government, work on the project resumed on February 15, 2026, with October 31, 2027, fixed as the scheduled date of completion. An expenditure of 5.97 crore had been incurred on the project up to October 31, 2026. The six-level complex will house a modern Assembly Hall, Central Hall, visitor and press galleries, committee rooms and advanced building management systems. The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments and executing agency to maintain close coordination and ensure expeditious execution of the project without compromising on quality or the stipulated completion timeline. He reiterated the Governments commitment to strengthening institutional infrastructure and ensuring the timely completion of projects of public importance. Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Anil Kumar Singh; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, M. Raju; Secretary, Law Department, Achal Sethi; and other senior officers accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection. .
New Jammu Kashmir Assembly Complex Likely To Host 2028 Budget Session: Dy CM
SRINAGAR: The under-construction Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly complex is expected to be completed by October 2027, with the 2028 budget session likely to be held in the new building, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said on Tuesday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Anil Kumar Singh and []
Lack of ideological compatibility behind Ruhullah's exit from NC: Tariq Karra
Jammu, Nov 3: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Tuesday attributed National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdis differences with his party to a possible lack of ideological compatibility, while asserting that the Congress would stand firmly with the NC whenever it faced a threat from the BJP. Reacting to recent political developments, including reported dissent among NC legislators following the recent Cabinet expansion and Ruhullahs resignation from the party, Karra expressed confidence that the National Conference would be able to manage the situation. Asked about Ruhullahs resignation, Karra said every individual had their own reasons for quitting a party, adding that, in his understanding, it appeared to stem from a lack of compatibility. He had a different perspective, while the party was moving in a different direction. Perhaps there was also a lack of ideological compatibility, Karra told PTI on the sidelines of a party function here. Drawing a parallel with his own resignation from Parliament and the PDP in September 2016, as well as Ghulam Nabi Azads resignation from the Congress in August 2022, the JKPCC president said political leaders had their own reasons for taking such decisions. Karra said it was too early to speculate about the stability or tenure of the NC-led government amid reports of separate meetings by several MLAs and Ruhullahs resignation. Such developments were not unusual in political parties and governments and could be handled through dialogue and internal coordination, he said. I am very sure that the National Conference will be quite active in handling the situation, he said. Commenting on BJP leader Ram Madhavs visit to Jammu and speculation about a possible major political development after Tuesday, Karra said the Congress had no information about any such move. As far as we know, there is no such development, nor are we anticipating anything of that sort. We will wait and see what happens, he said. Karra reiterated that the Congress would stand by the National Conference whenever the latter faced a threat from the BJP. We have always maintained that whenever the National Conference faces any threat from the BJP, the Congress Party must stand firmly alongside the National Conference, he said. He said the Congress would continue its campaigns for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Congress has been organising protests, hunger strikes and campaigns such as Jammu Chalo and Delhi Chalo over the past two years under the slogan Our State, Our Right. This is an ongoing movement for the restoration of statehood and such programmes will continue, he said.
Aga Ruhullah resigns from NC, hints at launching new political outfit in J-K
Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi announced his resignation from the National Conference at a rally in Budgam. He criticized party leadership for not fulfilling election promises regarding Article 370 and other issues. Ruhullah indicated plans to form a new political entity aimed at restoring rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed disappointment over supporting the NC during the last Assembly elections.
Ruhullah Mehdi Formally Submits Resignation To Lok Sabha Speaker
SRINAGAR: National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has formally submitted his resignation as a Member of Parliament from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, tendering his seat in the Eighteenth Lok Sabha with immediate effect. In a letter dated November 3, 2026, addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Ruhullah said he was resigning under []
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi resigns from NC | Full text of resignation letter here
Srinagar, Nov 03: Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has tendered his resignation from the National Conference, citing differences over the party's political approach following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. In his resignation letter, Ruhullah accused the party of betraying people's expectations and abandoning the struggle for restoration of rights in Jammu and Kashmir. Read the full resignation letter below: Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (LOK SABHA), SRINAGAR Dated : 03-11-2026 I will begin my resignation letter with a note that meshes history with the present of the region that I belong to, Jammu and Kashmir. Our region and its people bear the burden of history. The weight of history hangs on our past, present and future like the Damocles Sword. This is all the more burdensome since the abrogation of Article 35 A and Article 370 in 2019. This shock to the people, our history, and our politic was a brazen assault on our rights. Rights, to make a philosophical point, make a people. Without these, there is just erasure of a people. But 2019 was also, paradoxically an opportunity. It was an opportunity to reclaim politics, political space and our rights. But this called for a struggle, sacrifices and prices. Given our very existence, politics and rights were at stake, the struggle was essential. Prices had to be paid. My working assumption then was that the National Conference, the grand old party of Kashmir, was the natural candidate for the struggle that the situation demanded. I approached you and you assured me of a struggle, the pain that the abrogation of the Articles had caused you. Based on this assurance, I aligned my politics more vigorously with the NC. The hope was this alignment would create and catalyze a movement for the restoration of our rights. But, alas, this was not to be. I vigorously and tirelessly campaigned in the electoral arena in 2024. I will not claim credit for the vote share and the seat share of the NC. All I will say is I did my best. The people poured their anger and expectations on NC with a massive mandate. But the electoral arena had not yet cooled down, the NC did an about turn. Personally, I saw this as a betrayal. But that is politics and part of politics. What hurt me most that the expectations of people had been betrayed. This happened at a time when JK faces an existential threat. This was a time when able and determined leadership was needed to take the struggle for rights further. But the NC abdicated this space for mere governmentality and for a vain and vague promise of so called restoration of statehood. When I approached you regarding this , the strains in our political relationship developed. Insult was added to injury when the party aligned itself to a stance of total and absolute abdication. We, the people , of Kashmir , are in the midst of many cross cutting transitions. The forces behind these are so powerful that we cant even be sure if there Kashmir will remain Kashmir in the not so distant future. Depoliticization and abdication of politics , at this critical time, aids and abets this process of denudation of the people of JK. I cannot and will not be party to this. My conscience and ethics determined politics will not allow this. I thank you for the political journey we have had together till now. But this will not continue. I, hereby , tender my resignation from the party. I will, with Allahs help, find a niche and way to serve my people to the best of my ability and capacity. This is a pledge that I have made with my father's soul and above all with my creator. I will stick to principles and not expedience that my faith, values and ancestral guidance inspire. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi
Aga Ruhullah Resigns from NC, Hints at New Political Outfit in J&K
Ruhullah, who was elected to the Lok Sabha on an NC ticket in 2024, hinted at forming a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir during an 80-minute speech to his supporters.
The National Conference (NC) on Tuesday suffered another setback after Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi resigned from the party and his position in the Parliament, blaming Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for surrendering to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
You Used Me, Then Abandoned Your Promises: MP Ruhullah Hits Out at NC
SRINAGAR: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to leave the party and resign from the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, accusing its leadership of abandoning the political commitments on which it had sought public support in the 2024 elections. Addressing a gathering at Behishti Zehra Park in Budgam on the []
Aga Ruhullah hints at launching new political outfit in J-K
Budgam, Nov 03: Srinagar Lok Sabha member Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his resignation from the National Conference at a rally here marking the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. Ruhullah, who was elected to the Lok Sabha on an NC ticket in 2024, hinted at forming a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir during an 80-minute speech to his supporters. In a show of strength, the influential Shia leader lashed out at NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing them of abandoning the fight to restore Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir within the Union of India. All the posturing during elections about restoring Article 370, releasing prisoners, and providing free electricity were just lies. And I cannot continue to be a part of these lies anymore, the Lok Sabha MP said. He described his resignation from the party as a decree of freedom. Ruhullah said that while some people wanted him to form a new political party, he was more interested in launching a movement for the restoration of dignity and respect for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We pleaded for support for them (NC) during the 2024 elections and it has turned out to be a mistake. They might have given up but we have not. We will launch a movement where honest and compassionate people come forward to lead the struggle for restoring what has been snatched from us, he added.
People will decide: Deputy CM refuses to comment on Ruhullahs political moves
Aga Ruhullah Quits NC, Announces Resignation as Srinagar MP
Budgam, Nov 3: Senior National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to part ways with the party and said he would resign from his Lok Sabha membership, launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the party leadership over what he termed their failure to [] The post Aga Ruhullah Quits NC, Announces Resignation as Srinagar MP appeared first on Northlines .
Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi resigns from Parliament and JKNC over unfulfilled poll promises
The News Mill
CM Omar Abdullah Hands Over Appointment Orders to New Recruits in PWD
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday handed over appointment orders to candidates selected through direct recruitment and under the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS)/SRO-43 in the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu. Congratulating the appointees, the Chief Minister wished them success in their professional careers and urged them to []
Can Jammu Turn Its Cleanliness Gains into a Waste-Free City?
by Anuj Kumar Verma Jammus cleanliness rankings have improved, but gaps in waste processing, source segregation, biomedical disposal and Tawi pollution expose systemic failures that civic authorities must urgently address. There is no denying that cleanliness in Jammu city has improved markedly over the past couple of years. Better waste logistics, GPS-tracked garbage vehicles, biometric []
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi resigns from NC, Parliament after scathing attack on Abdullahs
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Nov 3 (IANS) Senior Shia Muslim leader and Srinagar-Budgam MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his resignation from J&K's ruling National Conference (NC) and his Parliamentary seat. Addressing a large gathering of supporters at the Behisti Zehra Park in Budgam town, Mehdi launched a no-holds-barred attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party President Dr Farooq Abdullah. He started his speech with a gibe at Omar Abdullah, saying: The chair you occupy today has power, but no respect; if you want to see respect, come to Budgam. He then dealt in detail with the circumstances that prompted him to fight the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. He said he refused to join the assembly elections because he had realised that whatever respect and self-reliance people had in J&K was snatched through a process started in 1953 and completed in 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated. He claimed that the NC high command had literally begged him to fight the Lok Sabha elections. They begged me to fight the Lok Sabha elections. They said Parliament was the right forum to agitate the cause of the people. They told me they did not want to beg the BJP for statehood, and restoration of dignity of people through restoration of Article 370 was the main aim of the NC. They may deny it today, but I have recorded everything they said, and I will be turning it over in the public domain. I agreed to fight Lok Sabha elections. They first told me to fight from Baramulla, and then they developed second thoughts and told me to fight from Srinagar. I said: 'Okay', Mehdi disclosed. He said that when Omar Abdullah lost the Lok Sabha election from Baramulla, he told him that now the honour of the people and the party was solely in my hands. I told him Allah would have a better plan for him, and his defeat could be the indicator of a bigger role for him in J&K. He said for Assembly elections, these people pulled down their cap before the people and begged for votes. I always pray to Allah to make me beg only before Him and never before his creation. When they won the election, they said Kashmiris never had pyjamas in the past, Ruhullah said. He referred to the promises of Article 370, reservations, free LPG, and free electricity. The reservations are so distributed that howsoever hard your children in open merit work, they would get only 30 per cent seats in training, government jobs etc. He (Omar) said during the election campaign that he would throw the smart electricity meters into the Jhelum River, and when he came to power, he hiked the tariff, Mehdi said. He challenged Dr Farooq Abdullah, saying: Dr Sahib, you told me to read the Quran. Isn't the Quran for you and your son as well? If you had read the Quran, you would know that Allah commands us not to bow our heads before the oppressors and not to lose hope. He quipped that people who lose the chair become unhappy, and here he is today, throwing away the chair and remaining happy. He said that while Dr Abdullahs son lacks courage, people will be brave and throw him out of power. Nobody will come from Delhi to save you, he warned Omar Abdullah. Mehdi ended by saying that after 24 years of his association, he was ending his relationship with the NC and also relinquishing the Lok Sabha seat.He signed the papers resigning from the primary membership of the NC in front of the huge public gathering in Budgam.
Ruhullah announces decision to quit NC, resign as Srinagar MP
Budgam, Nov 03: Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to quit the ruling National Conference (NC) and resign as Member of Parliament from Srinagar, while addressing a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam. Addressing the gathering on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah reiterated his differences with the NC leadership, accusing the party of betraying the public mandate and failing to honour its electoral commitments. Ruhullah said his differences with the party were rooted in principles and political commitments, particularly issues concerning the restoration of Article 370, protection of constitutional rights, reservation and the release of prisoners. He said his decision was not driven by personal grievances or disappointment over being denied any position within the party, but by his unwillingness to compromise on issues on which the NC had sought public support. Ruhullah also clarified that his objective was not simply to leave one political party and join another, but to bring together honest and committed youth from Jammu and Kashmir who understand the pain of their homeland and communities. Appealing to parents, he urged them to encourage their childrenwhom they had raised with honesty and hard workto come forward and work towards bringing about change in society. He said he wanted to build a platform of sincere and dedicated young people committed to public welfare and the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir. The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat will become vacant only after the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts his formal resignation. Any by-election to the seat will thereafter be held in accordance with applicable legal provisions.(KNO)
Ruhullah Mehdi announces decision to quit NC, resign as Srinagar MP
Budgam, Nov 03 : Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to quit the ruling National Conference (NC) and resign as Member of Parliament from Srinagar, while addressing a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam. Addressing the gathering on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah reiterated his differences with the NC leadership, accusing the party of betraying the public mandate and failing to honour its electoral commitments. Ruhullah said his differences with the party were rooted in principles and political commitments, particularly issues concerning the restoration of Article 370, protection of constitutional rights, reservation and the release of prisoners. He said his decision was not driven by personal grievances or disappointment over being denied any position within the party, but by his unwillingness to compromise on issues on which the NC had sought public support. Ruhullah also clarified that his objective was not simply to leave one political party and join another, but to bring together honest and committed youth from Jammu and Kashmir who understand the pain of their homeland and communities. Appealing to parents, he urged them to encourage their childrenwhom they had raised with honesty and hard workto come forward and work towards bringing about change in society. He said he wanted to build a platform of sincere and dedicated young people committed to public welfare and the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir. The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat will become vacant only after the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts his formal resignation. Any by-election to the seat will thereafter be held in accordance with applicable legal provisions.(KNO)
I see a ray of hope in Ruhullah: Tufail Mattoos father takes aim at Omar Abdullah
Budgam, Nov 3: Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of teenager Tufail Mattoo, who was killed during the 2010 unrest in Kashmir, on Wednesday expressed support for National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, saying he saw a ray of hope in the latter amid his prolonged struggle for justice. Addressing a rally organised by Ruhullah in Budgam, Mattoo said he had been fighting for justice for his son for years, but the case had remained pending in court since the killing. I am still fighting for justice. I don't consider Omar Abdullah and his clan as humans. I see a ray of hope in Aga Ruhullah, Mattoo said. Tufail Mattoo, a teenager, was killed after being hit by a tear gas shell fired by security forces in Srinagar on June 11, 2010. His death triggered widespread protests across Kashmir, with the case subsequently becoming one of the most prominent instances of alleged excessive use of force during the 2010 unrest. Taking aim at Omar Abdullah, who was Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir when Tufail was killed, Mattoo alleged that the then government had failed to ensure justice despite having the authority and opportunity to act. He questioned why he should approach Abdullah for justice, arguing that the latter had failed to address the matter when he was in a position to intervene. Mattoo also recalled his meeting with Ruhullah, saying the MP had embraced him and demonstrated solidarity with his family. Praising Ruhullah's political conduct, Mattoo described him as sincere, honest and dedicated to raising the concerns of ordinary people. He is the voice of the voiceless. He raises the questions of people who have no voice, he said. Mattoo further said Ruhullah's commitment to public issues went beyond ministerial positions and political power, contrasting his approach with that of other political leaders.
Ruhullah Mehdi Quits NC After 24 Years, Steps Down as MP
SRINAGAR: Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to leave the National Conference (NC) and resign from the Lok Sabha, ending his nearly 24-year association with the party over differences with its leadership on Jammu and Kashmirs political and constitutional issues. He made the announcement while addressing a gathering at Behishti []
J&K CM Omar faces setback as Srinagar MP Ruhullah resigns from post amid NC turmoil
Two Western Disturbances Likely to Bring Rain, Snow to Jammu Kashmir: MeT
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir may receive light rain and snowfall over higher reaches around November 5, followed by another spell of possible precipitation on November 10 and 11, Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad said on Tuesday. Ahmad said a weak Western Disturbance was approaching the region and could trigger light rainfall at isolated places and []
J&K to Witness Dry Weather on Nov 3-4: MeT
Srinagar, Nov 3: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness mostly dry weather until November 10 evening, with brief spells of light rain and snowfall expected at some places, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said. According to the forecast, weather is likely to remain generally dry on November 3 and 4. Brief spells of light rain and light snowfall over higher reaches may occur at a few places towards the evening of November 5. Dry weather is expected from November 6 to 9, while generally cloudy conditions with light rain at scattered places and light snowfall over higher reaches of Kashmir Division are likely on November 10 and 11. Partly to generally cloudy weather with brief spells of light rain at isolated places is expected on November 12 and 13. Meanwhile, the MET Centre has advised farmers to continue harvesting and other agricultural activities.
NC leadership will consider suggestions from disgruntled MLAs: Deputy CM on Ruhullah row
Srinagar, Nov 03: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhury on Tuesday said the National Conference leadership would consider suggestions from disgruntled party legislators and address organisational shortcomings, amid questions over senior leader Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's reported differences with the party. Responding to questions about reports that Ruhullah was set to resign from the party, the Deputy CM declined to comment directly, saying it was an individual decision. Ruhullah Sahib has his own decision. As far as the government is concerned, that is separate, he said. Asked whether Ruhullah's reported departure would hurt the National Conference, he said no such development had taken place so far. Nothing has happened yet. It is still early in the day, he said, urging journalists to speak to people on the ground to assess the political situation. You are journalists, the fourth pillar of the country. You should go to villages and towns and ask people. They themselves will tell you who is doing right and who is doing wrong, he said. Describing Ruhullah as a prominent political figure in Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy CM said his actions were a matter for him to decide. Ruhullah Sahib is a prominent leader, a big leader in Jammu and Kashmir. What he does or does not do is his decision; what people do is their decision, he said. On reports of discontent among National Conference legislators and a possible meeting with party president Farooq Abdullah on November 6, the Deputy CM said the party had a tradition of listening to its workers and considering their suggestions. Even the smallest worker in the National Conference can convey something to the leadership, and the leadership considers it. If they point out shortcomings, the party leadership will work to address them, he said. He said the final decision on addressing such concerns rested with the party leadership, including Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the party's vice-president, and the working committee. If they feel that correcting certain things will make us stronger, the leadership will consider those suggestions, he said. The Deputy CM also dismissed speculation about an alleged 'Operation Lotus' in Jammu and Kashmir, using the seasonal flowering of the lotus as a metaphor. Even the lotus has a season to bloom. I don't think it will bloom now. It probably doesn't bloom in winter. Winter has arrived, so the lotus will come, wither, rise, fall, stumble and eventually fade away, he said. He did not confirm the reported November 6 meeting between Farooq Abdullah and the legislators.
Come to Budgam and See Genuine Respect: MP Ruhullahs Message to CM Omar
SRINAGAR: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday took a dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, questioning his approach to power and saying that political authority did not necessarily command public respect. Addressing a gathering in Budgam, Ruhullah challenged Omar Abdullah to visit the area to witness the publics respect and affection for []
Ladakh Admin Directs Sonam Wangchuk-Founded School To Halt Activities Pending HC Verdict
Leh/Jammu, Nov 3: The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, founded by innovator Sonam Wangchuk, to stop activities at its Desert Flower School pending a final decision by the high court. The direction was issued through a notice dated November 1 by the tehsildars office in Leh and was addressed to [] The post Ladakh Admin Directs Sonam Wangchuk-Founded School To Halt Activities Pending HC Verdict appeared first on Northlines .
Want to see what real respect looks like? come to Budgam: Aga Ruhullah to CM Omar Abdullah
Budgam, Nov 03: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has made a pointed remark directed at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying that those who wish to understand the meaning of genuine respect should visit Budgam. Addressing the issue, Ruhullah said, If you want to see what real respect looks like, come to Budgam. Emphasising the importance of self-respect and personal dignity, the MP further stated, I hope I will never sacrifice dignity for power. His remarks have drawn attention amid the ongoing political exchanges involving the leadership of the National Conference and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Ruhullahs statement underlines his emphasis on maintaining personal dignity and principles rather than compromising them for political positions or power.(KNC)
You were expected to confront BJP, not scold Kashmiris: Ruhullah targets CM Omar Abdullah
Budgam, Nov 3: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of disrespecting Kashmiris, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and failing to confront the BJP on issues concerning the people. Addressing a rally in Budgam, Ruhullah referred to Omar Abdullah's remarks during a recent rally in Sonamarg, where the Chief Minister had praised Prime Minister Modi over the weather conditions. You told Modi ji, 'Badal hata diye, ye aapki rehmat hai' (You made the clouds disappear; this is your blessing), Ruhullah said. Questioning the Chief Minister's understanding of Kashmir's traditions and cultural ethos, he said, If you were a Kashmiri, if you had any connection with Kashmiris, you would know that not having clouds during Chillai Kalan is considered a bad omen. If you understood Kashmir, its weather, customs and traditions, you would know that a clear sky during Chillai Kalan is not considered barkat. Ruhullah said the Chief Minister was expected to speak for Kashmiris but instead chose to praise the Prime Minister. You were expected to speak for Kashmiris, but you started heaping praises on Modi, he said. Taking aim at Omar Abdullah's political conduct, Ruhullah also questioned his association with BJP leaders whom he accused of making repeated anti-Muslim statements. You went to them with shawls, to those who disrespected Kashmiris. Nishikant Dubey, a BJP MP, who speaks day and night against Muslims, was invited to your marriage. Kashmiris, however, had no place at your marriage, Ruhullah said. He also took a dig at Omar Abdullah's father and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, saying that while the latter frequently spoke about the Quran, its teachings also emphasised fighting for dignity and self-respect. The Quran teaches us to fight for our dignity, but he seems to have forgotten to give these lessons to his son, Ruhullah said. Accusing the Chief Minister of directing criticism towards Kashmiris instead of confronting the BJP, he said, You were required to confront the BJP, but instead you scolded Kashmiris. Referring to Omar Abdullah's remarks during his visit to Jammu, Ruhullah said the Chief Minister had told Prime Minister Modi that what the British could not accomplish, he had achieved by bringing railway connectivity to the region. Questioning the portrayal of the railway project as a recent achievement, Ruhullah pointed out that work on the project had been underway for nearly two decades.
Ruhullah chose people over power. We have come from Ganderbal to stand with him, says a supporter
Short: All eyes on Budgam today as Aga Ruhullah set to quit NC, resign as MP
SC seeks replies from Centre, others on traders
NEW DELHI, Nov 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea by traders organisations seeking a halt to the ongoing protests against the chief election commissioner during the festive season, and said that the protest site cannot be occupied for all times to come. A bench [] The post SC seeks replies from Centre, others on traders plea against protest at Ramlila Maidan appeared first on Northlines .
Srinagar, Nov 3: Senior National Conference leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday took a pointed swipe at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, making sharp remarks over the political significance of power and the position of the Chief Minister. Addressing Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah said, People who lose chairs get unhappy, but here we are throwing away a chair, and we are happy. In another pointed remark, he said, The chair you are sitting on right now is a source of sadness for both you and us. His remarks have drawn attention amid discussions over political differences and the evolving situation within the National Conference. (KNC)
SC Fixes January 21 for Hearing on Waqf Act Validity
New Delhi, Nov 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday scheduled the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, for January 21, 2027, while directing all parties to complete their pleadings by December 31, 2026. A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale asked the parties to file their [] The post SC Fixes January 21 for Hearing on Waqf Act Validity appeared first on Northlines .
CM Inspects New Legislative Assembly Complex In Jammu, Stresses Time-Bound Completion
Srinagar: Chief Minister today inspected the progress of construction work on the new Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu. During the inspection, the CM reviewed the pace of execution and emphasized its time-bound completion. Officials said the six-level complex will house a modern Assembly Hall, Central Hall, visitor and press galleries, committee rooms and advanced building []
New Delhi , Nov 3 : One Indian seafarer died while 13 others were rescued after an Indian-flagged vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members was struck by an unidentified aerial object near the coast of Oman, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday. In a post on X, Sonowal said the vessel, MSV AL JUSUFI, was navigating near the Omani coast when it was hit by the unidentified object on Monday. The 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. The deceased seafarer was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat. On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries, Sonowal said. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief. The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer, he added. The incident comes amid repeated reports of attacks involving commercial vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf and wider West Asian region amid the conflict in the region. On October 30, a Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier, M/T Al Mayeda, carrying six Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf. In a post on X on Saturday, Sonowal said all six Indian nationals, along with the vessel's entire 25-member crew, were safe. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had highlighted concerns over repeated attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, emphasising the need to protect freedom of navigation. In a message shared on X, Jaishankar said countries in the Global South were disproportionately bearing the consequences of hostilities in the Middle East, with attacks on civilian shipping threatening the availability and cost of essential commodities. The Global South is disproportionately bearing the consequences of attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, jeopardising the availability and cost of fuel, food and fertilisers, Jaishankar stated. The latest incident has once again brought attention to the safety of Indian seafarers operating in waters affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Russian Strike on Ukraine Aid Centre Kills 26
Russian forces bombed a humanitarian aid centre in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, killing 26 people, including two rescue workers and four police officers, Ukrainian officials said. The attack came as the United States announced plans to hold fresh peace talks. The aid centre, located inside a school in the village of Komyshuvakha, was being used [] The post Russian Strike on Ukraine Aid Centre Kills 26 appeared first on Northlines .
Carpenter dies after falling from height at Rawalpora in Srinagar
Srinagar: A 50-year-old carpenter died after falling from a height at Rawalpora area of Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the man, who was working as a carpenter, sustained injuries after falling from a height at a house in Rawalpora. He was shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar, where doctors declared him brought []
Will the Revival of Darbar Move Deliver on Public Expectations?
by Ghulam Quadir Jeelani The revival of the 154-year-old Darbar Move restores Jammu and Kashmirs administrative tradition and economic links, but raises questions about public accountability, regional balance and governance during winter. Upholding a 154-year-old historical tradition, the Jammu and Kashmir government has officially issued an order for the annual winter Darbar Move 2026-27, shifting []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Extends Relief Application Deadline for PoJK Displaced Families
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has extended the deadline for displaced families from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) to apply for one-time relief assistance of Rs 5.5 lakh until March 31, 2027. The extension has been notified by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction through Government Order No. 75-JK(DMRRR) of 2026. []
Man killed, two injured after Tata Sumo plunges off road in Ramban
Ramban: A man was killed and two others injured after a Tata Sumo skidded off the road near Chaka Sarbagni Bus Stand in Ramban on Tuesday morning, officials said. An official said that the vehicle met with an accident and skidded off the road while negotiating a curve, resulting in the death of one person []
ED Searches Four Premises in Srinagar in Terror Funding Case
SRINAGAR: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at four premises in Srinagar in connection with a terror funding investigation involving Umar Adil Dar and his associates, officials said. The investigation centres on allegations that Dar was working as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) for the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and was actively []
From establishing a field office at Sagar to nurturing future leaders at Gwalior and Jammu, and introducing innovative training practices at PDUNASS, Rizwan Uddin's journey demonstrates how training can transform individual potential into institutional strength. Training in a government organisation is often viewed as a mechanism for improving professional knowledge, familiarising employees with rules and procedures, and enhancing administrative efficiency. However, its true value goes much beyond imparting knowledge. Effective training enables individuals to discover their strengths, develop confidence, overcome personal limitations and achieve goals that they may otherwise consider beyond their reach. This philosophy has shaped the professional journey of Rizwan Uddin, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I and Chief Learning Officer, PDUNASS, EPFO, whose interventions across different field offices and training campuses have focused on developing people, strengthening teams and improving service delivery. His contribution was recognised on 1 November 2026, when EPFO conferred upon him the Bhavishyanidhi Award for Best Officer-Trainer, 2026, during its 74th Foundation Day celebrations at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Building an institution and nurturing people at Sagar One of the significant chapters of his professional journey was the establishment of the Regional Office, Sagar, from scratch. Setting up a new office with limited manpower, inadequate initial infrastructure and employees deputed from other locations was a challenging assignment. Officials who had been deputed from Jabalpur often travelled back to their homes over weekends. The limited availability of manpower and the challenges associated with a newly established office placed considerable responsibility on the Officer-in-Charge. Rather than viewing these constraints as obstacles, he adopted the approach of leading by example and enabling employees to learn through actual work situations. Team members were encouraged to take responsibility, experiment with new ideas and develop their capabilities through experiential learning. The experience demonstrated that an institution is not built merely by creating infrastructure or issuing administrative instructions. It is built by developing ownership, trust and a shared sense of responsibility among its employees. Gwalior: When a small team produced eight future supervisors His subsequent experience at Regional Office, Gwalior, demonstrated how a focused approach towards employee development could produce remarkable individual achievements. Despite having a relatively small team, the office witnessed eight Social Security Assistants (SSAs) qualifying in the departmental examination for the post of Section Supervisor. This achievement was particularly significant because the employees had to balance their regular official responsibilities with preparation for departmental examinations. The working environment encouraged learning from experience, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. The team was also encouraged to experiment with innovative ideas in the discharge of its responsibilities. Employees gradually developed greater confidence and ownership of their work. The achievement of eight SSAs in the departmental examination was not merely an examination result. It represented eight individual career aspirations moving closer to fulfilment. It also demonstrated that a supportive workplace, coupled with encouragement and opportunities for learning, can help employees realise their professional ambitions. The experience reinforced an important leadership principle: the success of a supervisor should also be measured by the number of people he or she helps grow. Jammu: Training for sensitivity, flexibility and better service delivery The experience at Regional Office, Jammu, during July 2021 to March 2025 provided another important dimension to this approach towards capacity building. Working in a geographically challenging and remote location required employees to demonstrate adaptability, commitment and sensitivity towards stakeholders. The office also experimented with flexible working arrangements to ensure continuity of public service delivery. During this period, Rizwan Uddin trained and mentored officials, including Ashwini Kumar, Programmer, and Social Security Assistants Sunil Kumar, Rajashekhar, Shesh Kumar, Subhash Kumar and Rinku Sharma. The interventions focused on customer sensitivity, effective service delivery, teamwork and working in flexible timings. The objective was not simply to familiarise employees with administrative instructions. It was to develop an understanding that every claim, grievance and service request represents the expectations of an EPFO member. The subsequent recognition of Regional Office, Jammu, as EPFO's Best Remote Office, 2026, provides an encouraging institutional context for the efforts of its employees. The office has continued to demonstrate how commitment, adaptability and teamwork can sustain service delivery in challenging circumstances. PDUNASS: Taking the philosophy of employee development to a wider platform During October 2025 to September 2026, Rizwan Uddin extended his approach towards employee development to the national training platform of PDUNASS. Working in collaboration with the Training Division and fellow course directors, he contributed to conceptualising and preparing the Training Calendar. He was also actively associated with the design and delivery of the Orientation Programme for newly promoted Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners. Along with Ram Anand, RPFC-I, he contributed to the course design. The programme incorporated activities intended to improve interpersonal relationships, leadership capabilities, communication and decision-making. He conducted a full-day session on Goal Setting, Team Building, Communication and Decision Making and also guided participants on Principal Employer and Contractor Compliance. The impact of activity-based learning was reflected in the experiences of individual participants. M. M. Thomas, Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, who attended the second batch of the Orientation Programme, recalled that interaction and interpersonal communication with batchmates had significantly improved his self-confidence. The programme also motivated participants to take an interest in cycling and pay greater attention to their health. Similarly, Sunita, APFC, observed that activity-based learning had strengthened her leadership skills. The three-week Orientation Programme helped her become more comfortable with multitasking and handling responsibilities requiring coordination and leadership. These experiences demonstrated that training can influence not only professional competence but also personal confidence, interpersonal relationships, leadership behaviour and lifestyle choices. Transforming the training methodology An important feature of his contribution at PDUNASS has been the introduction of innovative training methodologies. Moving beyond conventional classroom lectures, he promoted case-study-based learning, team-building activities, audio-visual sessions, online training and hybrid learning arrangements. Audio sessions were introduced at PDUNASS and its campuses, providing an additional learning format for trainees. A hybrid session on Recovery Management was also successfully piloted, enabling a leading recovery trainer to address Regional Labour Commissioners online. Following participation in a case-writing workshop, he authored a case study titled Building Trust in Governance: EPFO J&K and Ladakh for the Capacity Building Commission, which is currently under evaluation. His training interventions covered officials across different levels, from Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioners to Assistant Section Officers. He also visited PDUNASS Zonal Training Institute campuses as a resource person and regularly conducted online sessions for officials of ZTI Shillong. An online session on Critical Court Judgments received appreciation from more than 310 officers. Other important subjects included Compliance through Nudging, Communication and Facilitation, and strategies for Nidhi Aapke and Prayas. He also served as Course Director for Investment and Risk Management for ACC-level officers and below, and for Customer Relationship Management, CITES and New Initiatives for Regional Commissioner-I-level officers and below. Preparing EPFO employees for emerging challenges Recognising the changing requirements of public administration, he also contributed to capacity building in emerging technologies. From 19 to 21 August, he served as Course Director for a three-day pro-bono programme on AI and Emerging Technologies, organised in coordination with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) at its training centre in Noida. The programme benefited 75 Group-A officers and Assistant Section Officers from EPFO Headquarters and PDUNASS. The course was developed with the support of two EPFO officers and the NeGD team. He also supported the design of specialised programmes on Legal and Recovery Management and Exemption Management, in consultation with senior officers and external experts. His contribution extended to training on Contractor Compliance, including the development of course content for employees of exempted trusts and executives under the GNLUPDUNASS programme. Beyond EPFO: Sharing knowledge with other institutions His training initiatives have also received recognition beyond EPFO. As Nodal Officer for the PMVBRY initiative, he coordinated with senior officers of NITI Aayog and served as Course Director and resource person for a workshop at Noida attended by more than 50 executives of major establishments. He designed and delivered an online course for CGIT Assessors across India on 25 September 2025, at short notice, on the initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The Ministry subsequently shared the programme on its social media platforms. He was also invited to deliver a special lecture on the Code on Social Security, 2020, at DRDO's ITM, Mussoorie, and participated as a trainer in programmes organised by VVGNLI and INGAF. He has also contributed to training initiatives involving GNLU and students of NID, Ahmedabad. Further, he organised and conducted online and three-day offline training programmes for Regional Labour Commissioners from across India, and coordinated training initiatives across all four EPFO zones. The philosophy: Success is measured by the growth of others The underlying philosophy of these interventions is simple: an employee's potential is often greater than what is visible through routine official performance. The responsibility of a leader is to create an environment in which that potential can emerge. At Sagar, it meant building a new office and developing a team under difficult circumstances. At Gwalior, it meant encouraging employees to pursue their career aspirations, resulting in eight SSAs qualifying for the post of Section Supervisor. At Jammu, it meant preparing employees to work sensitively and adaptively in a challenging environment. At PDUNASS, it meant extending the same philosophy to a much larger group of officers through structured training, experiential learning and innovative methodologies. The journey illustrates that training is most effective when it connects organisational objectives with individual aspirations. The Bhavishyanidhi Award for Best Officer-Trainer, 2026, is therefore not merely a recognition of the number of programmes conducted or the number of officers trained. It also celebrates an approach to leadership in which the growth of subordinates becomes an important measure of personal achievement. As Rizwan Uddin acknowledges, these achievements have been made possible through the support of the Director, PDUNASS, the team of course directors, senior colleagues, mentors and the employees who actively participated in the learning initiatives. Ultimately, the most meaningful legacy of a trainer is not the number of lectures delivered or certificates issued. It is the number of people who become more confident, capable and successful because someone believed intheir potential and helped them move towards their goals.
1 killed after two helicopters collide in Nepal, chilling video captures mid-air accident
1 killed after two helicopters collide in Nepal, chilling video captures mid-air accident
ED conducts searches at four Srinagar locations in terror funding case
Srinagar, Nov 03: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at four premises in Srinagar city in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged terror financing, officials said. An official said that the investigation pertains to allegations that Umar Adil Dar was functioning as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and was involved in activities linked to the outfit. He said Dar, along with his associates, was earlier apprehended while allegedly carrying a substantial amount of cash and incriminating literature related to the banned organisation. The official further said that Dar had previously remained in jail for around four years in connection with his alleged involvement in separatist and anti-India activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The searches, the official said, are aimed at tracing alleged proceeds of crime, identifying financial networks and funding channels, examining suspected links with handlers across the border and gathering further evidence in connection with the alleged terror financing activities. Further details are awaited as the searches are underway.(KNO)
BJP National Vice-President Ram Madhav to Visit Jammu Today
SRINAGAR: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national vice-president Ram Madhav will visit Jammu on Tuesday for organisational meetings and a press conference, amid heightened political activity in Jammu and Kashmir. Madhav is scheduled to arrive in Jammu on November 3 and will hold meetings with party leaders before addressing a press conference at 1 pm at []
All eyes on Budgam today as Aga Ruhullah set to quit NC, resign as MP
Budgam, Nov 03 : All eyes are on Budgam today as National Conference (NC) MP from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, is expected to announce his resignation from the party and his Lok Sabha seat during a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park. The gathering is being held on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. The move has sparked political speculation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of a by-election for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency becoming a major talking point. Ruhullah has said his decision stems from ideological differences with the NC leadership and what he describes as the party's failure to fulfil key electoral promises, including the restoration of Article 370, protection of constitutional rights, addressing reservation concerns, and securing the release of prisoners. If he formally resigns and the resignation is accepted by the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Srinagar seat will fall vacant, necessitating a by-election within the prescribed timeframe under existing laws, subject to statutory provisions. The prospect of a fresh election has fuelled discussion over whether Ruhullah would re-enter the fray as an Independent candidate. If he decides to contest, the fight is expected to be directly between Ruhullah and the National Conference. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ruhullah won the Srinagar seat with 3,56,866 votes, defeating PDP candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who secured 1,68,450 votes. He won by a margin of 1,88,416 votes. A fresh contest could present a different political landscape, particularly if Ruhullah contests without the organisational backing of the NC. The NC would face the challenge of retaining the seat, while other parties may look to capitalise on the opportunity. The gathering is also expected to provide clarity on Ruhullah's future political course. He has maintained that his decision is based on political and ideological differences rather than personal grievances or denial of any party position. Ruhullah has also opposed any attempt to destabilise the elected government through horse-trading, saying the NC-led government should complete its full five-year term. The developments surrounding the event are likely to have significant political implications, with the future of the Srinagar parliamentary seat and Ruhullah's next move set to remain under close watch. It will be interesting to see whether Ruhullah will be able to throw up a credible alternative in Kashmir, where all anti-NC parties were decimated in the 2024 Assembly elections(KNO)
All eyes on Budgam today as Ruhullah Mehdi set to quit NC, resign as MP
Budgam, Nov 03: All eyes are on Budgam today as National Conference (NC) MP from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, is expected to announce his resignation from the party and his Lok Sabha seat during a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park. The gathering is being held on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. The move has sparked political speculation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of a by-election for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency becoming a major talking point. Ruhullah has said his decision stems from ideological differences with the NC leadership and what he describes as the party's failure to fulfil key electoral promises, including the restoration of Article 370, protection of constitutional rights, addressing reservation concerns, and securing the release of prisoners. If he formally resigns and the resignation is accepted by the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Srinagar seat will fall vacant, necessitating a by-election within the prescribed timeframe under existing laws, subject to statutory provisions. The prospect of a fresh election has fuelled discussion over whether Ruhullah would re-enter the fray as an Independent candidate. If he decides to contest, the fight is expected to be directly between Ruhullah and the National Conference. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ruhullah won the Srinagar seat with 3,56,866 votes, defeating PDP candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who secured 1,68,450 votes. He won by a margin of 1,88,416 votes. A fresh contest could present a different political landscape, particularly if Ruhullah contests without the organisational backing of the NC. The NC would face the challenge of retaining the seat, while other parties may look to capitalise on the opportunity. The gathering is also expected to provide clarity on Ruhullah's future political course. He has maintained that his decision is based on political and ideological differences rather than personal grievances or denial of any party position. Ruhullah has also opposed any attempt to destabilise the elected government through horse-trading, saying the NC-led government should complete its full five-year term. The developments surrounding the event are likely to have significant political implications, with the future of the Srinagar parliamentary seat and Ruhullah's next move set to remain under close watch. It will be interesting to see whether Ruhullah will be able to throw up a credible alternative in Kashmir, where all anti-NC parties were decimated in the 2024 Assembly elections(KNO)
US Strikes Irans Qeshm Island; Five Explosions Heard, Aircraft Spotted Overhead
Srinagar, Nov 3: Five explosions were heard across Irans Qeshm Island, with an IRNA correspondent reporting that the blasts occurred in rapid succession, according to a post by the Iranian news agency on X. In a post on X, IRNA News Agency wrote, Five blasts were heard across Qeshm Island a few minutes ago. An IRNA correspondent on the island reported that the explosions came in rapid succession, and their severity indicated the strikes likely landed inside the island. Meanwhile, some residents said they spotted two aircraft in the skies above Qeshm. As of now, no official statement has been issued by local or provincial authorities, the post reads.
US votes for mid-term elections, seen as referendum on Trump
WASHINGTON: Americans will vote on Tuesday in one of the most consequential elections in recent times, widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trumps presidency that has been marked by a prolonged war in Iran, rising inflation, trade wars and deep divisions in society. The polling will decide whether President Trumps Republican Party retains control []
1995-Batch IPS Officer Repatriated from CRPF to Parent Cadre
SRINAGAR: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the premature repatriation of senior IPS officer Rajesh Kumar from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to his parent AGMUT cadre with immediate effect. Kumar, a 1995-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, was serving as Special Director General of the CRPF. The approval was []
Ladakh Banks Disburse Rs 834 Crore in First Quarter, Credit-Deposit Ratio Stands at 45.74 Per Cent
SRINAGAR: Banks operating in Ladakh disbursed Rs 834 crore in loans during the first quarter of 2026-27, achieving 29 per cent of their annual credit target, even as the Union Territorys Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio remained at 45.74 per cent, well below the 60 per cent benchmark. The figures were reviewed at the 16th Union Territory []
US Launches Fresh Military Strike Against Iran
SRINAGAR: The United States has reportedly carried out a covert military strike on Irans Qeshm Island, marking the latest in a series of limited attacks against Tehran in recent weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. The reported operation took place on Monday, even as US President Donald Trump indicated that a diplomatic []
Gbal Police inaugurate football tournament at Sehpora
Ganderbal, Nov 2: In a bid to promote sports culture, encourage youth participation and channelise their energy towards constructive activities, Ganderbal Police inaugurated a football tournament under the Civic Action Programme (CAP) at the Indoor Stadium, Sehpora. The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, accompanied by Deputy SP Headquarters Ganderbal. As many as 16 teams from different parts of the district are participating in the tournament, providing young and aspiring footballers an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent, skills and competitive spirit. The tournament kicked off with an exciting opening encounter between FC Max and FC Gulistan. In an entertaining contest, FC Max registered a 21 victory over FC Gulistan, marking a winning start to the competition. The initiative is aimed at providing local youth with a healthy platform to demonstrate their abilities while promoting discipline, teamwork, mutual understanding and sportsmanship. Through such youth-centric initiatives, Ganderbal Police is also seeking to strengthen police-public relations and encourage young people to remain engaged in positive and productive activities.
&K Deaf Cricket Team wins National T20 Cricket Cship
Srinagar, Nov 2: Jammu & Kashmir Deaf Cricket Team emerged champions of the IDCA 10th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026, bringing pride to the region with an impressive performance in the national-level tournament held in Surat, Gujarat. The championship was organised by Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) in association with the Gujarat Deaf Cricket Association (GDCA) and Deaf Cricket Association Surat (DCAS). It was held from October 26 to November 1 at Bawaji Cricket Ground, Bhatpore, with teams from 14 states and regions participating. Jammu & Kashmir's Shariq Majeed added to the team's achievement by receiving the Player of the Match award in the final for his outstanding performance. The closing ceremony was attended by Santosh Kumar Rai, Special Secretary, Home Department, Government of Delhi, as the chief guest. He congratulated Jammu & Kashmir on winning the championship and appreciated the efforts of players, coaches, officials and organisers. IDCA President Sumit Jain congratulated the J&K team and said the successful championship marked another milestone in strengthening deaf cricket in India. The tournament provided a national platform for deaf cricketers to showcase their talent, discipline and sporting abilities. The participation of 14 teams reflected the growing reach of deaf cricket across the country. The closing ceremony also featured a special felicitation for Parth Gajjar in recognition of his contribution and service to Indian Deaf Cricket. Jammu & Kashmir's championship victory stands as a proud moment for the region and highlights the determination, hard work and sporting excellence of its deaf cricketers.
DC Pulwama reviews Mission YUVA implementation
Pulwama, Nov 02: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Monday chaired a meeting of District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) under Mission YUVA at the Administrative Complex, Pulwama, to review the implementation of the scheme and discuss cases submitted for approval. At the outset, Assistant Director Employment, Pulwama, presented a detailed presentation highlighting the progress achieved under Mission YUVA, including the status of applications received, verified and approved, loans sanctioned and disbursed, bank-wise pendency and sector-wise distribution of proposed enterprises. The presentation also highlighted the status of applications under different Business Help Desks (BHDs), SHG cases and applications pending approval at various levels. The chair was apprised that 4,741 applications had been approved by DLIC in the district till date, while 2,826 loans had been disbursed by banks. Of the approved cases, 1,839 pertained to the services sector, 1,517 to trading, 921 to manufacturing and 464 to the agri-allied sector. The committee also reviewed 515 applications pending approval at the DLIC level. During the meeting, the DC sought component-wise details of the scheme and reviewed the progress and pendency at different stages of implementation. He stressed the need for establishing a clear timeline covering the entire process, from submission and verification of applications to approval, loan sanction, disbursement and subsequent establishment and operationalisation of enterprises. He directed that meetings of the DLIC be convened every 15 days to ensure regular review and timely disposal of cases. He further directed the banks to furnish Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within 15 days after each DLIC, detailing the status of pending cases and action taken towards their disposal. Emphasising inclusivity in the implementation of Mission YUVA, the DC stressed the need to ensure adequate participation of women, members of the transgender community and specially abled persons. He called for focused outreach and facilitation measures to ensure that eligible beneficiaries from these sections are made aware of the scheme and receive appropriate support in accessing its benefits. The DC stated that the focus of Mission YUVA should extend beyond the creation of enterprises to the generation of sustainable and perennial livelihood opportunities. He stressed the need to identify and promote viable enterprises in sectors having strong local potential, particularly saffron, dairy and other activities, so that the district's existing economic strengths are translated into sustainable employment opportunities. Highlighting the potential of the dairy sector, he called for exploring the establishment of milk collection points and strengthening the supporting infrastructure to facilitate better market access for dairy farmers and encourage the growth of dairy-based enterprises. The DC also emphasised the need for undertaking a comprehensive SWOT analysis and systematic skill mapping to identify local strengths, market opportunities and skill gaps. He called for aligning skill development and training programmes with the requirements of identified sectors, followed by adequate financial assistance, continuous handholding and institutional support to beneficiaries at every stage of enterprise development. He further stressed the identification of sectors with substantial local demand and market potential to encourage need-based enterprises, reduce market saturation and strengthen existing local businesses. He called for adopting a focused approach towards promoting enterprises that can cater to local requirements while generating sustainable employment. Calling for greater convergence among government initiatives, the DC stressed coordinated implementation of Mission YUVA with other self-employment and livelihood schemes, including HADP, PMEGP and other relevant programmes, to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and extend comprehensive support to aspiring entrepreneurs. He also called for revitalising traditional arts, crafts and handicrafts through targeted interventions, encouraging youth and artisans to take up such activities as viable economic ventures. He stressed the need to provide appropriate support in terms of skill upgradation, product development, marketing and market linkages to enhance the economic viability of traditional crafts. The DC further emphasised the timely dissemination of success stories and achievements under Mission YUVA through print, electronic and social media platforms to create greater awareness, encourage prospective entrepreneurs and inspire more youth to avail the benefits of the scheme. Among others, the meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Pulwama, Aashiq Hussain Khanday; General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Pulwama; District Social Welfare Officer, Pulwama; Assistant Director Employment, Pulwama; District Nodal Officer, JKEDI; and Lead Bank Manager, Pulwama.
IUST conducts AIDS awareness outreach programme at Chandhara
Awantipora, Nov 2: As part of a series of outreach initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness, preventive healthcare, and social responsibility among young people, Syed Mantaqui Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology (SMMCON & MT), in collaboration with the office of Dean Outreach, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), organised an AIDS Awareness Programme at Government High School Chandhara under the Red Ribbon Club. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS), Department of Health and Medical Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and the J&K Paramedical and Nursing Council. The programme aimed to sensitize students about HIV/AIDS, including its modes of transmission, prevention, early detection, and treatment, while addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. A key highlight was an educational skit presented by B.Sc. Nursing students, demonstrating preventive measures, the importance of timely testing and counselling, and the need for empathy and support. An interactive question-and-answer session provided students an opportunity to clarify their doubts and discuss common misconceptions. IEC material, including awareness pamphlets, was also distributed to reinforce learning and encourage the dissemination of accurate information within the community. The students took a pledge to promote AIDS awareness and contribute towards building a healthy and inclusive society. The school authorities and local community leaders appreciated the efforts of SMMCON & MT and Dean Outreach, IUST, and emphasized the importance of conducting regular health awareness programmes for young people. The programme was coordinated by Mubashir Bashir, In-charge, SMMCON & MT, along with other faculty members of the college.
DC Budgam conducts late evening visit to DH, inspects facilities
Budgam, Nov 2: Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Jatin Kishore, on Monday conducted a late evening visit to District Hospital to take stock of the healthcare facilities and assess the functioning of various healthcare services, with a particular focus on patient care and the availability of essential amenities. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inspected various sections of the hospital, including the Emergency Ward, General Surgery Ward, Gynaecology and other facilities, and reviewed the arrangements in place for providing timely and quality healthcare services to patients. He also inspected the hospital pharmacy and took stock of the availability of essential medicines, directing the concerned authorities to ensure adequate stocks and their timely availability to patients. The Deputy Commissioner interacted with patients and their attendants to enquire about the healthcare facilities and services being provided to them. He sought their feedback regarding the quality of treatment, availability of medicines and overall patient care arrangements. Emphasising the need for a responsive and patient-centric healthcare system, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that ensuring quality medical care, timely attention to patients and proper hospital facilities must remain a priority. He also underscored the importance of maintaining cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene across all sections of the hospital to provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients and their attendants. The Deputy Commissioner directed the hospital administration and concerned officials to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of all hospital services and address any shortcomings in patient care facilities promptly. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Budgam; Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Budgam; and other concerned officers during the visit.
KMCH Sempora inaugurates state-of-the-art dialysis unit
Srinagar, Nov 02: Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, Srinagar, on Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Dialysis Unit, marking a significant step towards strengthening specialised healthcare services and improving patient care. The facility is expected to provide relief to patients requiring regular dialysis, reduce their dependence on distant hospitals and enhance access to essential renal care services in the area. The facility was inaugurated by Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi in presence of Principal Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Khan, Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Mubashir, Heads of various Departments, faculty members, doctors and other staff members of the institution. The five-bedded facility, which addresses a long-felt need in the region, will cater to patients from Zewan, Pulwama, Pampore, Sempora and other adjoining areas of Srinagar and south Kashmir. Dialysis services will be provided at affordable rates, making specialised treatment more accessible to patients who often require multiple sessions every week. Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi, said the inauguration of the Dialysis Unit was part of the institution's continued efforts to expand its healthcare services and ensure that patients receive quality treatment closer to their homes. She said the facility would significantly benefit patients suffering from kidney-related ailments, particularly those who face difficulties travelling long distances for regular dialysis sessions. Principal Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Khan said the inauguration of the Dialysis Unit was not merely the addition of another medical facility but reflected the institution's commitment to providing better healthcare services to the people. He said KMCH had been working consistently since its inception to strengthen medical infrastructure, introduce specialised services and ensure quality patient care. Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Mubashir said the facility would prove to be a major boon for people catchment areas of the KMC.
NIT Srinagar concludes Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 with cricket, football matches
Srinagar, Nov 02: As Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 celebrations concluded at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, the Institute organised friendly cricket and football matches between faculty members and non-teaching staff, highlighting the importance of integrity, teamwork, discipline and fair play in institutional life. The sporting events witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty and non-faculty members, providing an opportunity for employees to engage in healthy sporting activities while reinforcing the spirit of unity, cooperation and collective responsibility. The initiative was organised under the guidance of the Institute's Chief Vigilance Officer and Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahangar, as part of the Institute's broader efforts to create awareness about transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public institutions. Dr. Shakeel Waseem from the faculty side and Faisal Irshad Ganai from the non-teaching faculty represented the cricket teams. Similarly, Dr. Manoj Kumar captained the faculty football team, while ASO Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat represented the non-teaching faculty team. The matches provided a platform for employees from different departments to interact beyond their routine professional engagements, highlighting the importance of teamwork, mutual respect and sportsmanship in building a positive institutional environment. In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, emphasised that sporting activities serve as an effective medium for reinforcing values such as fairness, discipline, honesty and respect for rules, which are equally essential to promoting integrity and probity in public life. He said such initiatives complement conventional awareness programmes by encouraging teamwork, mutual respect and a sense of collective responsibility. Prof. Misra further said that the institute observed Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 from October 26 to November 1 under the theme 'Probity for Prosperity', with a series of activities aimed at sensitising employees and students about ethical practices, transparency and accountability. Officials from the Administrative Section, including SAS Officer and other Institute functionaries, were also present during the match ceremonies and encouraged the participating teams.
DC Srinagar inaugurates special health camp under District Red Cross Initiative
Srinagar, Nov 02: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Monday inaugurated a Special Health Check-up Camp at the premises of the DC Office Complex, with the objective of promoting health awareness and facilitating access to essential healthcare services for employees and visitors. The camp was organised by the District Red Cross Society, Srinagar, in collaboration with Government Gousia Hospital Khanyar and Office of the Chief Medical Office. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that the initiative was aimed at encouraging preventive healthcare, early detection of potential health issues and regular health monitoring. He emphasised the importance of prioritising health and well-being and encouraged people to make regular health check-ups an integral part of their routine. The camp provided an opportunity for participants to avail themselves of medical consultations and basic health screening services. The DC underscored the need for proactive health monitoring and timely medical intervention to promote a healthy workforce across the District. The DC complimented the Health Department and the District Red Cross Society for organising the healthcare camp at the DC Office Complex. During the camp, more than 100 employees and incoming public at the DC Office and allied Offices located in Amar Niwas Complex, besides a large number of visitors, were screened for diabetes, blood pressure-related issues, ophthalmological conditions and other health related concerns. The camp was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aadil Fareed (Probationer) Aakash Garg, SDM East, Zubair Ahmad, Accounts Officer, Mohammad Iqbal, Officials of DC Office, members of District Red Cross Society and other concerned.
FICCI FLO JKL delegation meets JU-VC
Jammu, Nov 2: A delegation of FICCI FLO Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh led by its senior vice chairperson Rupika Sahai met Jammu University (JU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Umesh Rai here on Monday, November 2, 2026. The FICCI FLO members during the course of the meeting on behalf of its chairperson Varsha Bansal apprised the Vice Chancellor about the various initiatives being taken by the organisation especially those in the field of health and education. The delegation on the occasion also complimented the Vice Chancellor for establishing Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence at University of Jammu and for establishing its sub office at Kashmir that would serve the centres, Kashmir chapter and also for establishing the Non Collegiate Women Education Board at Jammu University. The Centre at Jammu and its Kashmir chapter apart from research and related activities would also further act as a unifying factor for the two regions the delegation members stated. Prof Umesh Rai, while appreciating FICCI FLO members for their active role and contribution towards different sectors, also outlined the forthcoming programmes that would be undertaken by Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence University of Jammu including its Kashmir chapter for the promotion and preservation of the rich socio- cultural heritage of both Jammu and Kashmir regions apart from research projects. Other members who were part of the delegation included Iruvanthika Chowdhary, Karen Mahajan and Chandni Kapoor. Neeraj Sharma Registrar University of Jammu and Ranjeet Kalra from MMTTC Jammu University were also present on the occasion.
Festive rush, bitter returns at Asia's second-largest fruit market
Srinagar, Nov 02: At Asia's second-largest fruit market in Sopore, the festive rush is bringing brisk business, with hundreds of trucks carrying Kashmir apples to markets across India and neighbouring countries. But for many growers, the busy trading season has a bitter side: while premium apples are commanding good prices ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja, disease-hit fruit is fetching barely Rs 200 to Rs 250 a box. The contrast is stark. Buyers are looking for large, clean apples, but pest attacks and diseases have left growers with more lower-grade produce in a season when the overall crop is also down. According to representatives of Sopore Fruit Mandi, around 200 to 250 trucks are leaving the market daily, with apple dispatches estimated at 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh boxes. The consignments are headed to markets across India, besides Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Zahoor Ahmad Tantray, General Secretary of Fruit Mandi Sopore, said demand was particularly encouraging for premium-quality fruit, with buyers from different parts of the country seeking larger apples ahead of the festivals. Rates are good for good-quality apples and demand is also strong. Especially during Diwali, there is considerable demand for large apples, locally known as Char Tahi (4 layer) and Do Tahi (2 layer). Buyers from different parts of the country approach us for this quality, Tantray said. The problem, however, is that much of this year's produce has failed to meet the quality sought by buyers. Scab, Alternaria, leaf miner and aphids have damaged the crop, increasing the proportion of B-grade and C-grade apples reaching the mandi. Unfortunately, this year we have seen more B-grade and C-grade apples because of diseases and pest attacks. Scab, Alternaria, leaf miner and aphids have caused considerable damage. B- and C-grade apples are fetching only around Rs 200 to Rs 250 per box, and because of this many growers are heading towards losses, Tantray said. For orchardists, the quality of the harvest has become as important as the strength of market demand. Growers with premium fruit are benefiting from the festive buying, while those whose apples have been affected by diseases are struggling to secure remunerative prices. Tantray said the overall crop was lower this year, but the mandi continued to handle substantial quantities of fruit. Some trucks carry around 3,000 to 3,500 boxes, and when we calculate the total daily movement, it comes to around 2.5 to 3.5 lakh boxes. Despite the lower crop, the market is functioning well, he said. An outstation merchant said the demand for Kashmir apples remained strong, particularly for fruit with good colour, size and appearance. Demand is particularly good for clean and attractive fruit. With Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching, buyers are looking for quality. The problem is mainly with inferior-grade apples, which are difficult to sell at remunerative prices, the merchant said. The quality concerns have also prompted growers to seek stronger measures against pests and diseases that have affected their orchards. Manzoor Ahmad, a grower from Hadipora, said farmers were satisfied with the rates offered for good-quality apples, but infestations had taken a heavy toll on the crop. We are getting good rates for quality apples, but leaf miner and other pests have affected the crop badly. These problems must be controlled at the earliest to protect growers and improve fruit quality in the coming years, he said. Growers have urged the authorities and horticulture experts to strengthen pest surveillance and disease-control measures to prevent similar damage in the coming seasons. Even as traders prepare consignments for the festive markets, transportation has emerged as another concern. Tantray urged the administration to reopen Tulbul Bridge, saying its closure for repairs over the past ten days had added to difficulties during a crucial period for fruit movement. The bridge has been under repair for around ten days. We hope it will be opened soon. Chhath Puja loading has already started, and any further delay will create more problems for growers, traders and the general public, he said.
Robots enter Kashmir's saffron fields
Pampore, Nov 02: In Kashmir's saffron fields, where extracting a kilogram of the prized spice requires separating the red stigmas of nearly 1.6 lakh flowers by hand, scientists are testing robots to take over some of the most labour-intensive work involved in its cultivation. On Monday, the experimental machines were put to the test at the Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices in Konibal, Pampore, where scientists demonstrated robotic systems designed to remove weeds, pick saffron flowers and separate their delicate stigmas. The field trials, conducted under a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)-supported project in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), offered growers a glimpse of how automation could change the way Kashmir's most valuable spice is cultivated and processed. For scientists, the immediate challenge is to reduce the dependence on manual labour, which remains one of the biggest constraints on saffron cultivation. Prof Syed Zameer Hussain, Director Research at SKUAST-K and Chief Principal Investigator of the project, said harvesting flowers and separating stigmas are among the most demanding operations in saffron production. To obtain just one kilogram of dry saffron, growers must separate stigmas from approximately 1,60,000 flowers, he said. Scientists are now developing robotic arms fitted with vision systems to identify and pick flowers in the field, along with mechanical units capable of separating the red stigmas after harvesting. Hussain said the trials had shown encouraging results and that researchers were aiming to make field-ready machines available to farmers by next year. Another prototype demonstrated on Monday was an autonomous weeding robot, developed to address the persistent problem of weeds in saffron fields. Unlike crops where weeding is confined to a particular season, saffron fields require repeated attention almost throughout the year. The robot is designed to identify and remove weeds, with its navigation and operation controlled through a mobile application. SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who attended the demonstration, said the machines were being developed in collaboration with leading national research institutions, including C-DAC Kolkata and CMERI Durgapur. He said trials would continue over the next month or two, while the technology could take one to two years to be fully refined for wider use. Ganai said the shortage of agricultural labour had become a serious concern for growers across Jammu and Kashmir, with younger people increasingly reluctant to take up physically demanding farm work. Although climate change, prolonged dry spells and erratic weather have affected saffron production, he said the heavy dependence on manual labour was another major obstacle to sustaining cultivation. Mechanisation, he said, could help address that difficulty and make saffron farming more attractive to younger generations. Dr Showkat Rasool, In-charge of SKUAST-K's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, said the project was conceived about a year ago in response to declining saffron acreage and yields and the difficulties associated with manual cultivation. He said the automated weeding system had already been validated during important stages of the crop cycle, including November, March and the June-July period. The project, now in its second year, involves CMERI Durgapur, CMERI Ludhiana, CMTI Bengaluru, C-DAC Kolkata and C-DAC Mohali. Dr Sunita Verma, Scientist G and Group Coordinator, R&D in IT at MeitY, said the initiative was intended to use electronics and information technology to address practical problems faced by farmers. Besides saffron, the programme covers technological interventions in walnut and apple cultivation. Verma said farmers had been consulted while developing the project and were being involved in evaluating the prototypes. Their feedback, she said, would be important in identifying limitations and making the machines suitable for actual farm conditions. Monday's demonstration was held as part of the third meeting of the National Steering Committee under the National Programme on Application of Electronics and ICT in Himalayan Region Crop Management, known as Agri-Excellence. The committee will continue its review at SKUAST-K's Shalimar campus on Tuesday. The university has also developed machines for preparing saffron beds and planting corms, with the corm-planting equipment already operational at the research station. Ganai said researchers had additionally developed an intercropping system that allows saffron and black cumin, locally known as Kala Jeera, to be cultivated in the same field. The university is producing and distributing planting material to encourage farmers to adopt the practice.
Ruhullah's exit to put NC, his own political future to test
Srinagar, Nov 2: When Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announces his departure from the National Conference on Tuesday, he will be walking away from the party that launched his electoral career 24 years ago. For the NC, it would mean losing one of its most outspoken voices on Article 370. For the Srinagar MP, the harder question will be whether he can retain his political influence without the party's organisation and electoral machinery. Ruhullah has announced plans to resign from both the NC and the Lok Sabha on November 3, the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, a Congress leader killed in a terrorist attack at Magam in 2000. The choice of date brings his family's political legacy into focus. It was Farooq Abdullah who brought Ruhullah into the NC in 2002, fielding him from Budgam. He went on to win the Assembly constituency three times before securing the Srinagar parliamentary seat in 2024. His victory over PDP's Waheed-ur-Rehman Para by more than 1.88 lakh votes established him as a prominent electoral figure. But that mandate was secured on the NC ticket, and his departure will test how much of that support he can carry independently. The break has been building since the Omar Abdullah government took office in October 2024. Ruhullah publicly questioned the government's handling of reservation policy and subsequently criticised what he regarded as its failure to pursue the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status with sufficient urgency. His differences with the leadership sharpened over the emphasis on statehood, which he argued could not substitute for the party's commitment to restoring the constitutional position that existed before August 2019. The confrontation became public when Farooq challenged him to resign and seek a fresh mandate without the NC's backing. For the ruling party, Ruhullah's departure comes at an uncomfortable time. Following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, a group of NC legislators raised concerns with the leadership over the implementation of election promises, ministerial responsibilities and internal consultation. Although some of their concerns overlap with Ruhullah's criticism, there is no evidence that the legislators intend to leave the party with him. Ruhullah has himself opposed attempts to destabilise the elected government. His resignation would not affect the Omar government's Assembly majority. Its potential impact is political: an influential former party campaigner could become a sustained critic of the NC's record on the promises that helped return it to power. Ruhullah, however, faces challenges of his own. His family's religious and political influence in Budgam provides an established base. His father was associated with the Congress, while his cousin Aga Muntazir Mehdi won the Budgam Assembly by-election on a PDP ticket after Omar Abdullah vacated the seat, demonstrating that the family's political influence extends beyond the NC. But Budgam is only part of the much larger Srinagar parliamentary constituency. Turning personal recognition into a wider electoral organisation would require workers, local leadership and support beyond his traditional strongholds. Jammu and Kashmir's political history offers contrasting precedents. In 1984, Ghulam Mohammad Shah broke away from the NC with 12 legislators and, with Congress support, replaced Farooq Abdullah as Chief Minister. Later departures, including those of Mehboob Beg in 2014 and Devender Singh Rana and Surjit Singh Slathia in 2021, followed different political paths. A closer parallel lies in Srinagar itself. In 2016, Tariq Hameed Karra resigned from the PDP and the Lok Sabha over the political situation in Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah subsequently won the parliamentary by-election in 2017. Ruhullah's proposed resignation from Parliament, if submitted and accepted, would similarly create a vacancy. Whether he contests again or builds a separate political platform remains unclear. He has spoken of exploring a political alternative outside the established parties, but has not announced its organisational structure or electoral plans. For the NC, the challenge is to prevent his departure from deepening questions about its political commitments. For Ruhullah, it is to demonstrate that his support extends beyond the party that gave him his first electoral platform. Tuesday may settle the question of his association with the NC. Whether he can build a political future outside it will take considerably longer to establish.
In 40 years, South Kashmir loses 63% of land under traditional crops
Srinagar, Nov 02: The paddy fields that once dominated South Kashmir's countryside are steadily making way for apple orchards. Over four decades, the area under traditional cultivation in the Upper Jhelum Basin has shrunk by nearly two-thirds, marking a major change in the region's farming landscape. Between 1981 and 2020, cultivated land in the basin declined from 991 square kilometres to 361 square kilometres, a loss of 630 square kilometres, or nearly 63 per cent. During the same period, land under horticulture expanded from 165 square kilometres to 641 square kilometres, almost four times its earlier extent. The figures are part of research by University of Kashmir scholars Ain us Saba Qazi and Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, published on October 16 in Springer Nature's Applied Water Science journal. The research covers the 3,663-square-kilometre Upper Jhelum Basin, comprising the Lidder, Kuthar, Bringi, Sandran and Vishav watersheds. For generations, paddy cultivation has been an important source of food and livelihood in Kashmir's villages. But the economics of farming have changed. Apple cultivation offers the prospect of considerably higher returns, prompting farmers to replace traditional crops with orchards. According to the researchers, horticulture can generate returns five to six times higher than paddy cultivation, making the shift financially attractive for farming households. The scale of the change is evident in the land-use figures. In 1981, the basin had nearly six times more land under traditional cultivation than horticulture. By 2020, the position had reversed, with orchards occupying almost twice the area under traditional crops. The conversion has also changed the region's irrigation requirements. Annual water demand for traditional agriculture fell from an estimated 716 million cubic metres in 1981 to 246 million cubic metres in 2020, a decline of about 66 per cent, largely reflecting the contraction in cultivated area. In contrast, the annual water requirement of horticulture increased from 110 million cubic metres to 434 million cubic metres as orchards spread across the basin. The figures show that while the area under water-intensive paddy cultivation has contracted, irrigation demand has increasingly shifted towards horticulture. The Vishav watershed continued to account for the highest cumulative agricultural water demand among the five watersheds examined, reflecting the presence of paddy-growing areas in its lower reaches. The researchers also recorded an increase in the basin's population from approximately 6.7 lakh in 1981 to 19.6 lakh in 2020, adding to the demand for land and water. The decline in traditional cultivation has implications beyond changes in irrigation. Rice remains the staple food of Kashmiri households, and the shrinking area under paddy and other traditional crops raises questions about the future of local food production. The research, however, does not quantify the corresponding decline in rice output or establish how much the shift has increased dependence on supplies from outside Jammu and Kashmir. It also does not attribute the entire loss of traditionally cultivated land to orchard expansion, as other land-use changes occurred during the period. Nevertheless, the figures show the extent of the agricultural transition: 630 square kilometres of land under traditional cultivation disappeared from the basin between 1981 and 2020, while horticulture gained 476 square kilometres. For farmers, the move towards apples reflects the search for better incomes. But with orchards now occupying substantially more land than traditional crops in the basin, the findings raise a question for agricultural planners: how much land can shift to commercial horticulture before the decline in local food cultivation becomes a greater concern?
Long hours, little security for Kashmir's delivery riders
Srinagar, Nov 02: Behind every food delivery that reaches a doorstep in Srinagar is a worker navigating traffic, covering long distances and racing against time, often at the cost of his health, financial security and personal well-being. For thousands of young people seeking livelihood opportunities in a region grappling with persistent unemployment, food delivery platforms have emerged as an accessible source of work. However, a new study examining the working conditions of food delivery workers in Srinagar has exposed the precarious reality behind this growing employment model, finding that flexibility and independence often come at the expense of decent earnings, job security and social protection. Titled 'Working Conditions, Financial Resilience and Job Motivation in the Gig Economy: A Study of Food Delivery Workers in Srinagar', the research draws on primary data collected from 71 male food delivery workers through structured questionnaires. The findings paint a picture of a young, entirely male workforce, with participation concentrated in the 18-34 age group. While gig work offers an opportunity to earn without entering conventional employment structures, the study finds that workers face long working hours, extensive travel and mounting operational expenses. Unlike conventional employment, where employers generally provide infrastructure and bear several operational costs, food delivery workers largely depend on their own vehicles and pay for fuel and maintenance themselves, the research reads. These expenses eat into their earnings, leaving workers dissatisfied with the financial returns despite the time and effort invested in the job. The study identifies a fundamental contradiction in the gig economyworkers value the freedom to manage their schedules and the autonomy associated with platform-based employment, but remain unhappy with wages and the limited prospects of career advancement. For many young workers, the flexibility offered by food delivery platforms provides an alternative to prolonged unemployment. However, the absence of predictable earnings and a clear career path makes this arrangement an uncertain source of livelihood. The researchers found that financial resilience among the respondents was moderate. Significantly, this resilience did not emerge from stable or sufficient earnings but was sustained largely through financial literacy, personal money-management practices and support from social networks. Workers rely more on their ability to manage volatile incomes and seek assistance through personal connections than on any dependable financial safety net, the study reads. This leaves them particularly vulnerable to unexpected expenses, medical emergencies and periods of reduced work. The research also highlights the physical risks associated with the occupation. Long working hours and extensive travel expose delivery workers to fatigue, road accidents and musculoskeletal problems, the study notes. The psychological burden is equally concerning. Income fluctuations, workload pressures and uncertainty over daily earnings contribute to stress, making the occupation considerably more demanding than its flexible structure might suggest. The findings further reveal inconsistencies in institutional support. While 50.70 per cent of respondents perceived their platforms as providing adequate assistance during disputes or emergencies, 15.49 per cent considered such support insufficient. The gap points towards the need for more transparent grievance-redressal systems and reliable mechanisms to protect workers when they encounter difficulties while performing their duties. The researchers conclude that the existing structure of gig employment in Srinagar is economically and socially unsustainable without policy intervention. They argue that the costs of maintaining vehicles, managing health risks and coping with income fluctuations are disproportionately borne by workers, while the absence of conventional employment benefits leaves them exposed to financial shocks. The study recommends extending social security coverage to gig workers, introducing health and accident insurance, ensuring minimum-earning guarantees and establishing effective platform-level grievance-redressal mechanisms. It also calls for stronger policy recognition of platform-based workers, whose contribution to the expanding digital economy has not necessarily translated into corresponding employment protections. The research assumes particular significance in Jammu and Kashmir, where limited conventional employment opportunities have made alternative livelihood arrangements increasingly important for young people. By documenting the experiences of food delivery workers in Srinagar, it brings attention to a segment of the workforce often missing from discussions on unemployment, labour welfare and economic security. The researchers acknowledge that the study is based on a relatively small sample of 71 male respondents, selected through convenience and snowball sampling. Its findings, therefore, should not be treated as representative of every food delivery worker in Srinagar or the wider region. Nevertheless, the research offers empirical insight into the challenges faced by workers in a rapidly expanding employment sector.
CM seeks report card on budget, poll promises
Jammu, Nov 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed his ministers to review the implementation of budget announcements and election manifesto commitments, identify projects that have yet to take off and examine the reasons for delays, setting out the government's development priorities for the next six months. Chairing a meeting of ministers and senior officers at the Civil Secretariat, Omar said the coming six months would be crucial for accelerating development works and ensuring effective utilisation of funds allocated to various departments. He asked newly inducted ministers and those assigned fresh portfolios to undertake a detailed review of their departments, particularly the commitments made during the previous Budget. The exercise, he said, should identify projects already completed, works under execution and those yet to begin, along with the reasons holding up their implementation. The Chief Minister also called for a comprehensive assessment of the government's election manifesto commitments to determine the progress made and the steps required to fulfil the remaining promises. He directed ministers to closely monitor projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme and review development works in the districts assigned to them. For the 2027-28 financial year, Omar asked departments to prepare project proposals, Detailed Project Reports and tender documents in advance so that execution could begin without delay once funds were allocated. He also directed departments to initiate consultations with the Finance and Planning Departments early, saying realistic proposals would help avoid last-minute commitments that could prove difficult to implement. Reviewing winter preparedness, the Chief Minister stressed the need for uninterrupted essential services and better coordination among departments. Taking note of concerns over ration stocking in certain areas, he directed the department concerned to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities. Omar also asked officials to address shortcomings in accommodation, office facilities and other arrangements for employees who had shifted to Jammu. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Cabinet ministers, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta and senior civil and police officers. Outstation officials joined through video conferencing.
J&K Govt moves to Jammu for winter
Jammu, Nov 2: The seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government shifted to Jammu on Monday as the Civil Secretariat reopened in the winter capital under the traditional Darbar Move, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his Cabinet colleagues and senior officers resuming official work for the winter months. The reopening marked the second consecutive winter session of the traditional Darbar Move since its restoration last year, bringing the government's principal administrative offices back to Jammu following the conclusion of their summer functioning in Srinagar. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by a contingent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on his arrival at the Civil Secretariat. He inspected the parade in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Cabinet ministers, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Jammu and senior officers of the civil and police administration. Following the ceremony, Omar proceeded directly to his office and began attending to official business. The reopening of the Civil Secretariat formally marked the commencement of the winter phase of the Darbar Move, under which designated government offices and officials shift between Srinagar and Jammu in accordance with the seasonal administrative calendar. The Darbar Move, a practice dating back to the Dogra era, traditionally provided for the functioning of the government from Srinagar during the summer and Jammu during the winter. The arrangement was discontinued in 2021, when the administration adopted a system of year-round functioning from the two Secretariats, supported by the transition to electronic office procedures. The Omar Abdullah-led government restored the traditional Darbar Move in 2025, bringing back the seasonal shifting of the seat of administration. Monday's reopening marked the continuation of that arrangement for the second successive winter. The movement of the government offices to Jammu also brings ministers, senior bureaucrats and employees covered under the Darbar Move arrangements to the winter capital, while designated administrative offices continue to function in Srinagar. The shift involves arrangements for official accommodation, office infrastructure, records and other facilities required for the functioning of the Civil Secretariat during the winter months. With the Secretariat reopening, departments covered by the move resumed their official work from Jammu, including administrative coordination and the processing of government business. The reopening comes days after the recent Cabinet reshuffle, with newly inducted ministers and those assigned fresh portfolios beginning their winter engagements at the Jammu Secretariat. Later in the day, the Chief Minister chaired a meeting of ministers and senior administrative officers to review the government's priorities for the winter months. He also visited the chambers of newly inducted ministers and inspected various rooms, sections and offices of the Civil Secretariat. Accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues and senior officers, Omar interacted with employees and took stock of the facilities and arrangements made for the reopening. With the Darbar Move now operational in Jammu, the winter capital will serve as the government's principal administrative centre for the coming months.
The Measure of a Truly Inclusive Society
A societys progress is measured not only by the roads it builds or the institutions it creates, but by whether every person can use them with dignity. For persons with disabilities, ordinary tasks, reaching a public office, attending school, finding work or travelling safely can still involve barriers that others rarely notice. These barriers are not inevitable. They reflect choices in planning, policy and public attitudes, and they can be changed. The phrase specially abled is often used with good intentions, but respectful language alone cannot secure equal participation. What matters is whether people with disabilities can exercise their rights without having to negotiate inaccessible buildings, transport, information or services at every turn. Inclusion is not charity, nor should access depend on individual goodwill. It is a responsibility of institutions and government. Accessibility must be considered from the start, not added as an afterthought. Public buildings, schools, hospitals, parks and transport systems should be designed so people with different mobility, sensory and communication needs can use them independently. Ramps, accessible toilets, clear signage, assistive technology and information in suitable formats are not optional conveniences. They are part of making public services genuinely public. Education is another test of inclusion. Children with disabilities should be able to learn alongside their peers, with trained support, accessible materials and facilities that meet their needs. Families should not have to choose between education and the daily struggle of reaching a school that cannot accommodate their child. Inclusive classrooms benefit the whole community by teaching respect, understanding and shared responsibility. The same principle applies to employment. Persons with disabilities have skills, ambitions and the right to earn a livelihood. Employers and public institutions must provide accessible workplaces and fair opportunities, rather than allowing assumptions about capability to decide who gets considered. Inclusion in work is not merely an individual benefit; it strengthens families and broadens the contribution people can make to society. Policy commitments must translate into measurable action. Authorities should assess public infrastructure, identify gaps and set clear timelines for making services accessible. Persons with disabilities and their representative organisations must be part of that processnot consulted after decisions are made, but involved in shaping them. Their experience is essential to understanding which barriers persist and what practical solutions will work. Above all, society must move beyond pity and token gestures. Dignity means listening, providing equal opportunity and recognising people as rights-holders. An accessible street, classroom, workplace or office is not a special favour; it is a sign of a society that takes equality seriously. Inclusion becomes real when people with disabilities can participate in everyday life on their own termsand when no one has to ask permission to belong.
Manasbals Protection Must Begin on the Ground
Manasbal Lake is more than a tourist attraction. Its wetlands and surrounding landscape form a fragile ecological system, and the health of that system is tied to the choices made every day by residents, businesses and public authorities. The Wullar-Manasbal Development Authoritys directions on solid and liquid waste management are therefore timely. But a public notice, however strict, can protect the lake only if its rules are made practical, visible and consistently enforced. The measures address problems that cannot be ignored: litter and illegal dumping along the lakes periphery, waste burning in public spaces, and the discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater into water bodies and drains. These are not merely eyesores. They threaten the lakes ecology, undermine public health and diminish the very landscape on which local livelihoods and sustainable tourism depend. A door-to-door collection system is a useful step. Requiring households and commercial establishments to hand over waste to designated sanitation staff and authorised vehicles can reduce indiscriminate dumpingbut only if collection is regular, its schedule is clearly communicated, and residents know where and when to put out waste. When the service falters, even well-intentioned rules lose credibility. The authority and the Rural Development Department must ensure that the system works reliably across the areas it covers. Segregation at source is equally important. Separating biodegradable waste from dry waste makes collection and disposal more effective, but compliance needs public awareness as well as direction. Households, shopkeepers, restaurants and institutions should have clear guidance on what goes into each stream and what happens after collection. The same principle applies to event organisers, who must leave public spaces clean once gatherings end. The prohibition on untreated sewage entering the lake deserves particular attention. Septic tanks, soak pits and other sanitation facilities require proper maintenance, and collected sludge must reach authorised disposal facilities. Monitoring should therefore look beyond visible litter to the less obvious routes by which wastewater can contaminate wetlands, drains and the lake itself. Rules must be matched by the infrastructure and oversight needed to follow them. Penalties have a role, especially when violations are deliberate or repeated. Yet enforcement should be even-handed, transparent and accompanied by adequate waste services. Officials and sanitation staff need to respond to reported violations, while residents and businesses must take responsibility for keeping their premises and adjoining areas clean. A rule that is applied selectively will not build public trust. Manasbal cannot be protected by the Authority alone, nor can responsibility be placed entirely on the public. The notice rightly calls cleanliness a collective duty. Its success will be measured not by the severity of its language, but by cleaner shores, functioning collection, properly managed sewage and fewer violations. For a lake so closely bound to the regions environment and tourism, that is the standard the administration and the community must meet.
Rising Kashmir: The air was bad before anyone noticed
In recent years, somewhere around the end of October, people across Jammu and Kashmir start talking about the air. Someone posts the AQI in a group chat, it shows up on Twitter, Instagram reels start popping up, and for a few weeks it's all anyone complains about. Then the weather turns, and by March nobody mentions it. The air doesn't wait for October. At BreatheOSS we run our own ground sensors in Srinagar and Jammu. Between 10 September and 24 October, neither city had a single day the US EPA would call Good. What we measure is PM2.5: particles under 2.5 micrometres, about thirty times thinner than a hair, mostly from burning things. They get past the nose and throat and settle deep in the lungs. India's daily limit for PM2.5 is 60 g/m; the EPA's is 35, and the WHO recommends 15. We use the stricter EPA scale. Our longest-running sensor in Srinagar, at Kanipora, has been up since October 2025. Last November it averaged 294 g/m. December averaged 364, and 20 December alone averaged 571. It is one sensor on the edge of the city, so it describes one neighbourhood, not all of Srinagar. But it shows where October leads. Monthly average PM2.5 at the BreatheOSS sensor in Kanipora, Srinagar, from October 2025 to October 2026. December 2025 averaged 364 g/m. Shaded bands are US EPA categories. Source: BreatheOSS. Why winter makes it worse During the day, the warm air rises from the heated ground, carrying smoke and exhaust up and away. On cold, clear nights that stops. The ground cools quickly, the air touching it ends up colder than the air above, and cold air has no reason to rise. A layer of warmer air then sits on top like a lid on a pot. This is called a temperature inversion, and a valley makes it worse - cold air slides down the slopes and collects on the valley floor, which is exactly where Srinagar is. You can see the lid in our data. This October, Srinagar's air was at its worst between 8:30 and 10:30 in the morning, averaging 70 g/m, and again late at night. By mid-afternoon, once the sun had warmed the valley, it fell to about 34. The average day in Jammu and Srinagar. Air is worst in the morning and at night, when the inversion holds, and best in the afternoon. Dashed: 10 to 30 September 2026. Solid: 1 to 24 October. Source: BreatheOSS. What goes under the lid The shape of the valley will not change. How much smoke goes into it can. Kashmir heats itself in winter by burning things. Hamams burn firewood under stone floors, kangris carry hot charcoal under the pheran, and bukharis burn wood or coal. A 2018 study in Scientific Reports , based on a year of measurements in Srinagar, found that domestic coal made up 84% of the PM2.5 emissions it counted from coal, firewood and vehicles. Then there are the leaves. Every autumn, fallen leaves are raked into piles and burnt, partly to make charcoal for kangris. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation banned leaf burning in November 2017. As this newspaper reported in December 2023 , it was still fining people 10,000 for it six years later. None of this appears in Srinagar's official clean-air action plan . It puts vehicles at 65 to 75% of the city's pollution, and on the same page says no source apportionment study, a measurement of where the pollution actually comes from, has been done. Wood and coal come up only for dhabas and restaurants. How homes are heated through the winter is not in it. Jammu has it worse Jammu has no valley to trap its air, and it is still worse off. In 272 complete days of data since January, our Jammu sensors did not record a single Good day. Every complete day from 18 January to the end of February was Unhealthy or worse, and this September and October the city was over the EPA's daily limit on 43 of 45 days. Jammu's own action plan blames vehicles first and then road dust from unpaved roads. The dust is real, but our sensors point at smoke and exhaust as well: PM2.5 made up 89% of the PM10 they measured, and dust is mostly coarser than that. What would help Some of it is up to us. The live readings are free at breatheoss.app. In Srinagar the cleanest hours are in the afternoon. On bad days a properly fitted N95 mask does far more than a cloth one. And compost leaves; don't burn them. Much of the rest is already written down. The leaf-burning ban is from 2017. Both Srinagar's and Jammu's plans promised a source apportionment study. Until someone measures what is actually in the air, the percentages in those plans are guesses, and so is any money spent on them. The hardest fix is heating. People burn wood and coal because they need to stay warm, and they will keep doing it until there is something cheaper and more reliable - which means electricity that doesn't cut out in the middle of winter. By March, people will probably stop talking about the air again. Our sensors will still be running. (The author is the lead developer of BreatheOSS, a free and open-source air quality network for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Its readings are public at breatheoss.app)
Crowdsourcing Safety: Mapping Disasters Together
As winter approaches, road conditions become a daily concern for people travelling through Kashmir. On 24 January 2026, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for a second consecutive day after snowfall made sections between Ramban, Banihal and Qazigund unsafe, with more than 3,000 vehicles reportedly stranded. The episode showed how quickly a disruption can affect thousands of people-and why timely, location-specific information matters. Kashmiris already share road updates, photographs and first-hand observations through WhatsApp groups and social media. The opportunity is not to replace these networks, but to make useful reports easier to verify, map and pass to the agencies responsible for responding. This is the idea behind crowdsourced disaster mapping: combining location-based observations from the public to build a clearer picture of emerging hazards. A smartphone cannot prevent a landslide or predict every flood, but a reliable report can help establish where a disruption has occurred, when it was observed and which people or services may be affected. The valleys steep slopes, downstream settlements and dependence on its road networks make timely information important during heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and snowfall. Satellite imagery, forecasts and official monitoring provide essential information, but they may not capture every local disruption as it unfolds. A commuter encountering debris, a resident seeing a stream rise may be able to report a change before it appears in a broader update. A report becomes more useful when it includes a location, time, hazard category and a photograph. Displayed in a geographic information system (GIS), verified reports can be considered alongside roads, settlements, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. This helps responders to reach the location of an incident promptly and decide where inspection or assistance is needed. Jammu and Kashmir already has digital systems for disaster reporting and coordination. The JK Disaster Support System (JK DSS) is described as a mobile platform for citizen and departmental incident reporting, needs assessment and emergency communication. The J&K Emergency Response Decision Support System uses web-GIS to connect District Emergency Operation Centres with emergency-support departments. These are important foundations; the case for crowdsourcing should build on them, not imply that no system exists. The key question is how a time-sensitive report from a resident-such as a road blockage, landslide or localized flood is checked, displayed for operational use and passed to the relevant agency. Publicly available descriptions do not establish how consistently this pathway works in practice or how reports are shared across platforms. That uncertainty should be clarified with the responsible authorities before proposing a new tool. If exiting systems can accommodate verified public reports, the priority should be to strengthen that capability. A separate reporting channel is justified only if a specific gap is identified. Kashmir should test this approach through a six-month pilot on one vulnerable road corridor. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is an obvious candidate because disruptions can affect large numbers of travellers, although authorities could select another route based on documented hazard history, community needs and operational feasibility. The pilot could be coordinated by the Disaster Management Authority with the relevant road agency and a university or GIS research partner. Residents, commuters, shopkeepers and trained volunteers could submit reports through an existing platform or a simple mobile-friendly form, depending on what the initial review finds. Each report should record the time, location and type of incident. Designated personnel would check duplicates, flag unverified submissions and forward confirmed information to the responsible department. A Kullu district platform, Apada Sahayak, provides a relevant Himalayan comparison because it has been described as supporting community hazard reports and map-based information. Its value here is as a limited example of the approachnot as a model to copy wholesale. Kashmir should first assess its own systems, agencies, reporting practices and security requirements. The pilot map could show verified incidents alongside settlements, health facilities and relevant road information. Its success should be measured by practical outcomes: how quickly reports are received and checked, whether locations are accurate, whether remote communities are represented and whether the information helps agencies make decisions. It should also offer alternatives for people without smartphones or reliable mobile coverage. Crowdsourced mapping must not turn residents into substitutes for trained disaster-management personnel or encourage anyone to approach danger to take a photograph. Reports may be duplicated, outdated or inaccurate, so public submissions must be clearly distinguished from official alerts. Community guidance, multilingual reporting, privacy protections and offline options should be built into the pilot. In Kashmir, reporting guidance must also state that people should not photograph, geotag or publicly share images of sensitive security installations, personnel, checkpoints or operational movements, and must follow applicable restrictions. Reports should focus on the hazard and its impact. Kashmir already has informal networks through which people exchange road conditions. The next step is to determine how these local observations can complement existing disaster-management systems through a clear process for verification, mapping and response. The measure of success is not how many phones feed a map, but whether reliable information reaches the right people in time to help them act. (The author has a PhD in Geoinformatics and can be reached at: Sheikh.aneaus19@gmail.com )
Understanding Ovarian Cysts: The Importance of Early Detection and Awareness
For nearly six months, an eighteen-year-old girl from a village in Kashmir watched her abdomen gradually grow. Around her, people began to notice. Some assumed she was pregnant. Others oered explanations shaped by superstition. Her family, uncertain about what was happening and perhaps uncomfortable discussing a young woman's reproductive health, first took her to a saint rather than a doctor. When she eventually reached a hospital in Srinagar, doctors found an ovarian cyst weighing 21 kilograms. The cyst was surgically removed, and the girl survived. But her case raises a question that goes beyond its extraordinary size: what happened during those six months before she reached the hospital? Her story is unusual, but the silence surrounding women's reproductive health is not. Across Kashmir, symptoms related to menstruation, pelvic health and reproductive organs can still be dicult to discuss openly. Pain may be accepted as something women are expected to tolerate. Changes in the body may be dismissed as temporary, and when a symptom is not understood, families may delay seeking medical help or turn first to explanations outside the medical system. Ovarian cysts are not unusual. They are fluid-filled or semi-solid sacs that develop on or inside an ovary or in the surrounding tissue. The nature of their content matters because it can influence how a cyst is assessed and managed. Most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve without treatment. While some women may experience symptoms, others may have no symptoms at all. Some women may experience pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, changes in menstruation, frequent urination or a feeling of fullness. These symptoms can have many causes and do not necessarily indicate an ovarian cyst. What matters is when a change persists, returns, becomes worse or begins to interfere with everyday life. That distinction is important because awareness should not mean turning every abdominal symptom into a cause for alarm. It means knowing when a symptom deserves attention. For many women, the first step in that assessment is a pelvic examination. A pelvic exam allows a clinician to feel the uterus and ovaries, checking for enlargement, tenderness, or masses that may not be visible on the surface. It is a simple, routine part of gynaecological care. In many parts of the world, it is performed as part of an annual check-up, regardless of whether symptoms are present. In Kashmir, however, the pelvic exam is not part of the cultural conversation about women's health. Many women have never had one. Many do not know it exists as a routine precaution rather than a response to a crisis. This gap is significant because a pelvic exam can sometimes detect an enlarged ovary before a woman herself notices anything wrong. If a pelvic exam raises a concern, ultrasound is the next step. Ultrasound can distinguish between a simple cyst, round, thin-walled, and filled with clear fluid and a complex cyst, which may have solid areas, thick walls, or internal septations. The presence of solid components or other complex features is the most significant predictor of malignancy. This is why self-diagnosis is unreliable. A woman cannot determine from the presence of a cyst or from the amount of discomfort she feels whether it is harmless or requires further treatment. A two-year study conducted at Lalla Ded Hospital in Srinagar among 160 women who underwent surgery for ovarian cysts found that 28.12 per cent of the surgically treated cysts were malignant. The figure cannot be taken as the prevalence of ovarian cancer among women in Kashmir because the study involved a selected group of women who had already undergone surgery. Yet it illustrates why medical assessment matters. A woman cannot determine simply from the presence of a cyst or from the amount of discomfort she feels whether it is harmless or requires further treatment. The diculty is that seeking care is rarely determined by symptoms alone. It is also shaped by how those symptoms are understood. For many women, reproductive health remains a subject that is easier to endure than discuss. A young woman experiencing persistent pelvic pain may not know whether what she is experiencing is significant. She may hesitate to mention it at home, particularly if she feels embarrassed or fears that her concerns will be dismissed. In other cases, the people around her may also interpret the symptoms as something ordinary that will eventually pass. This normalisation can become a barrier to treatment. For women who spend much of their lives caring for children, husbands, parents and households, their own health can easily become another thing to put aside. The distinction matters because the right treatment begins with the right diagnosis. But improving awareness cannot be left to women alone. Families have an important role in creating an environment where a daughter can say that she has persistent pain or changes in her menstrual cycle without feeling ashamed. Parents can make conversations about menstruation and reproductive health ordinary rather than uncomfortable. Husbands and other family members can support women in seeking medical care instead of encouraging them to simply tolerate symptoms. Schools and colleges can contribute by treating reproductive health as part of basic health education. Community health workers can help women recognise when symptoms need medical attention and guide them towards appropriate services. Doctors and healthcare institutions, meanwhile, can help by making information about common gynaecological conditions easier to understand and access. Ultimately, awareness is not about teaching women to fear their bodies. It is about teaching them to listen to them. The challenge is not simply to tell women that ovarian cysts exist. It is to create a culture in which a woman can say, without embarrassment, that something has changed, and someone will listen. Where persistent pain is not automatically dismissed as something women must endure. Where reproductive health is not treated as a subject to be hidden, and where seeking medical help is seen not as an admission that something is seriously wrong, but as an ordinary part of taking care of oneself. For many women, the first step may be as simple as being heard. (The Author is a Rehabilitation Trainee Counsellor. Email: tamanaajaz7@gmail.com )
Omar Abdullah's Marriage: Time to Celebrate When the Political House is Burning?
Politics has its own sense of timing, and sometimes events unfolding simultaneously reveal more than lengthy political speeches. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has begun a new chapter in his personal life with his marriage to journalist Nidhi Razdan on October 30. The occasion deserves congratulations, and nobody has any business questioning his personal choices. But the political circumstances in which this new beginning has taken place raise an uncomfortable question: when the political house is burning, can its captain afford to remain detached from the fire? The National Conference is passing through a particularly turbulent phase. Its recent Cabinet reshuffle, instead of bringing stability, has exposed serious internal differences. Legislators are openly expressing resentment, senior leaders feel marginalised, regional representation has become controversial, and Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has announced his decision to leave the party and resign from Parliament. Omar Abdullah may have every reason to celebrate his personal happiness, but the people of Jammu and Kashmir have equally compelling reasons to demand answers about the government they elected. The issue is not his marriage. The issue is the political leadership and its priorities. A Cabinet reshuffle that has opened a Pandora's box The Cabinet expansion on October 27 was expected to strengthen the government after nearly two years of functioning with vacancies. Instead, it has generated a wave of dissatisfaction within the ruling party. At least 18 National Conference legislators reportedly assembled in Srinagar to discuss their grievances. Their concerns reportedly extend beyond ministerial accommodation to the functioning of the government, the influence of political advisers, the exclusion of senior leaders and the failure to fulfil electoral commitments. Some legislators have questioned why people without an electoral mandate enjoy significant access to the Chief Minister while elected representatives struggle to secure an effective voice in decision-making. The public dissatisfaction expressed by senior leaders such as Mubarak Gul and Abdul Majid Larmi has further exposed the depth of the problem. This is no longer simply a question of who became a minister and who did not. It is a question of whether the elected representatives of the National Conference have confidence in the political management of their own government. A Chief Minister who cannot adequately address the grievances of his own legislators will inevitably face questions about his ability to maintain political cohesion. The Abdullah family's political inheritance under scrutiny The National Conference has a long history and a political legacy associated with Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and subsequently Farooq Abdullah. But political inheritance cannot become a permanent substitute for organisational democracy. The party's present predicament raises questions about the concentration of political authority around the Abdullah family and the limited space available to independent voices. Aga Ruhullah Mehdi's announced departure has added another dimension to this debate. His public criticism, including his allegation that the party treats Jammu and Kashmir like a family estate, is particularly damaging because it comes from within the National Conference's own political ranks. His objections concern unfulfilled electoral commitments and the leadership's approach to political accountability. The National Conference may disagree with his assessment, but it cannot ignore the political significance of a sitting MP publicly distancing himself from the party leadership. When legislators and elected representatives begin questioning the political culture of their own organisation, the leadership must recognise that the problem extends beyond individual ambitions. Jammu's political exclusion The Cabinet reshuffle has also revived an old and sensitive question: does Jammu receive adequate political representation in a government elected to administer the entire Union Territory? The dropping of Satish Sharma has left the Jammu plains without representation in the Council of Ministers. The erstwhile Doda District also continues to remain unrepresented. For a region that has repeatedly complained about political neglect, this development has naturally generated resentment. The National Conference cannot seek votes across Jammu and Kashmir and then treat regional representation as a secondary consideration while distributing political power. Jammu's concerns are not about demanding special privileges. They are about democratic representation, dignity and equal participation in governance. Omar Abdullah must explain why the Cabinet's composition has generated such widespread regional dissatisfaction. The government cannot expect people to accept political imbalance merely because the Chief Minister considers the reshuffle an internal administrative decision. Election promises: Where is the accountability? The National Conference secured its mandate in 2024 on a series of significant political and economic commitments. Restoration of statehood, protection of rights, employment opportunities and relief on economic concerns were central to the party's campaign. Two years later, people are entitled to ask what has actually been delivered. The most uncomfortable aspect for Omar Abdullah is that questions about these promises are now emerging from within his own party. Aga Ruhullah's criticism has brought the issue of political credibility into sharp focus. An election manifesto is not a document to be remembered only during campaigning. It represents a commitment to the electorate. The Chief Minister must provide a transparent account of the commitments fulfilled, those still pending and the reasons for delays. The people of Jammu and Kashmir did not elect a government merely to witness a change in political personalities. They expected meaningful governance and measurable results. Celebrations cannot replace political responsibility Omar Abdullah's marriage is a private milestone. But his public office carries responsibilities that cannot be put on hold. The Chief Minister must address the growing dissatisfaction among legislators, explain the rationale behind the Cabinet reshuffle, respond to regional concerns and restore confidence among people who supported his party. The National Conference cannot afford to treat every disagreement as a conspiracy or every dissatisfied legislator as an opponent of the leadership. Democratic organisations survive through consultation, accommodation and accountability, not through unquestioning loyalty to individuals. There is also a larger political irony. The party that frequently invokes its historical legacy and claims to represent the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir must now answer questions about its own internal democratic functioning. The BJP, as the principal opposition, will naturally examine these developments and question the government's performance. But the ultimate accountability is not to the opposition; it is to the electorate. The morning after the celebrations The wedding celebrations will eventually end. The guests will return, the photographs will become memories and the couple will embark on their new journey. But the political crisis will not disappear with the celebrations. The disgruntled legislators will still expect answers. Jammu will continue to demand adequate representation. The announced departure of Aga Ruhullah will remain a serious political development. The electorate will continue asking about promises that have yet to translate into results. Omar Abdullah must now demonstrate that he can manage the responsibilities of the government through consultation and political accountability rather than relying exclusively on the authority of his office and his family's legacy. A Chief Minister's greatest political achievement is not the management of party positions or the preservation of family influence. It is the confidence he commands among the people he governs. There is nothing wrong with celebrating a new beginning in personal life. But when the political house is burning, the responsibility of its captain is to extinguish the fire before it consumes the entire establishment. Omar Abdullah has begun a new chapter in his personal life. Jammu and Kashmir is still waiting for a convincing new chapter in governance. (Sunil Sethi is Chief Spokesperson, JK BJP and Altaf Thakur is Spokesperson, JK BJP)
