Earthquake Tremors Felt in Parts of Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Mild tremors were felt across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir late Wednesday night after a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. According to seismic data, the earthquake occurred at 11:27 pm (IST). The epicentre was located at 36.53N latitude and 70.47E longitude in Afghanistans Hindu Kush region, at a depth []
SRINAGAR: More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan, including senior political leaders, former diplomats, academics, journalists, activists and retired officials, have jointly appealed to the Prime Ministers of the two countries to initiate a comprehensive process of dialogue, restore diplomatic relations and revive people-to-people, trade and transport links in South Asia. In a []
AC, cooler demand rises amid heat wave
But sales yet to match last year Srinagar, July 1: As Kashmir experiences a sharp rise in temperatures over the past few days, electronic appliance dealers across the valley are witnessing a surge in customer enquiries for air conditioners (ACs), air coolers and other cooling appliances, although many say actual sales are yet to pick up compared to last summer. After weeks of relatively mild weather and intermittent rainfall, the mercury has climbed above the 30-degree Celsius mark in Srinagar, with the city recording around 35 degree Celsius on Tuesday, making it one of the hottest spells of the season so far. The sudden rise in temperature has prompted residents to look for ways to beat the heat, leading many to electronic markets in Srinagar and other districts. Shopkeepers, however, said that while footfall has increased over the last three days, sluggish market conditions continue to affect purchases. Gowhar Aziz, owner of La Vision Electronics at Lal Chowk, said enquiries for cooling appliances have risen noticeably since the temperatures started climbing. As the temperature has increased over the last three days, people have started enquiring about coolers and air conditioners. The market, however, is not as good as last year. Many people come to ask about prices, but only a few are making purchases, Aziz said. Mohd Humayun, owner of Times Zone Electronics at Lal Chowk, echoed similar views, saying the recent heatwave has drawn customers to the market, but consumer spending remains subdued. People have started visiting shops since the weather turned hot. But compared to last year, business is slow. Since the Iran war, it feels that markets have gone down and fewer customers are buying appliances. Last year we sold a good number of cooling items during this period, he said. Among cooling appliances, air coolers appear to be emerging as the preferred choice for many households because they are more affordable than air conditioners and consume less electricity. Fayaz Shah, owner of Imperial Shah Store at Koker Bazar said demand for coolers has increased significantly in recent days. Coolers are in much demand this year. Most customers are opting for coolers instead of ACs. Across our different stores, we are selling around 30 coolers every day as it is budget friendly for all. As temperatures have increased during the last few days, demand has also gone up, he said. The trend is not limited to Srinagar. Shopkeepers in north Kashmir's Baramulla also reported increased customer interest, although they noted that the buying season has arrived later than usual. A dealer in Baramulla said prolonged spells of rain during spring delayed the onset of summer, which in turn postponed demand for cooling appliances. This year, the demand has come late because the summer itself arrived late. Unlike previous years, Ramadan was not during the peak summer period, and it kept raining until a few days ago. As a result, people did not feel the need to buy coolers or ACs earlier, he said. Traders believe that if the hot weather persists over the coming weeks, sales are likely to improve further as more households invest in cooling appliances to cope with the unusual summer heat. The rising temperatures have also led to increased consumption of cold beverages, ice cream and fans, with retailers expecting business to gain momentum if the current weather conditions continue.
Woman dies at IVF centre, family alleges negligence
Centre sealed as authorities examine circumstances surrounding death Srinagar, July 01: A 35-year-old woman from North Kashmir's Baramulla district died during a procedure at Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre in Hyderpora, which the family alleged was operating without mandatory registration. A pall of gloom descended Darwa area of Wagoora in Baramulla after the death of the woman reached there, triggering strong protests by her family, who accused the treating doctor of gross medical negligence and demanded a criminal investigation into the incident. Accusing the hospital of murder and medical negligence, the bereaved family demanded a transparent, time-bound investigation and strict action against those responsible. Family sources said the deceased, originally from Bandipora and married in Baramulla's Wagoora area, had visited Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre at Hyderpora for treatment. Her husband and family members stated that she was admitted to the IVF centre for a procedure in the uterus. As per the family, her condition deteriorated soon after she was administered anaesthesia during the procedure. Soon after she was administered anaesthesia, we noticed unusual activity as the doctors and staff kept coming in and going out of the operation theatre. We repeatedly asked them if everything was alright, and they assured us that the patient was fine. he said. The family alleged that instead of informing them about her actual condition, the doctors shifted her to Super Speciality Hospital Shireen Bagh, Srinagar. The womans husband alleged that doctors at Shireen Bagh informed them that she had died before being brought there. We brought her here for IVF treatment. She was healthy and walked into the hospital on her own. We were shocked to learn that she had already died before reaching Shireen Bagh hospital, he said. The incident sparked protests outside Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre, where family and relatives accused the management of attempting to evade responsibility. They claimed that by the time they reached the facility, they found the premises locked despite it being a working day. Protesting family members questioned why a medical institution would shut its doors immediately after such an incident and urged the Health Department to seal the centre pending an impartial investigation. They also demanded strict legal action against those found responsible. They solely held Dr Sajad Wani, the owner of the Centre responsible for what they called murder of lady. The family has specifically alleged that an excessive dose of anaesthesia led to her death. However, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Srinagar, Dr. Tahir Sajad, said the IVF centre, which was still under construction, was operating without the mandatory registration, following which all its records and documents were sealed on Wednesday. The centre was functioning as an IVF facility without obtaining registration from the competent authorities. It was a newly established facility, and the matter is under investigation, he said. He said registration for IVF centres is granted by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, and the facility had been operating without the required approval. Officials also confirmed that the centre was locked after the incident and that its staff had fled the premises. A preliminary inquiry has been initiated jointly by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir and the CMO Office Srinagar. Health authorities have also requested the police to register an FIR and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Despite repeated attempts, the owner of the Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre and the treating doctor could not be reached for their response. We will update this report once we get their version. The family appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, and the Health Minister to take cognizance of the incident and ensure a fair investigation, while demanding strict action against the doctors found responsible.
Gulmarg introduces odd-even rule to ease traffic
Pilot project from July 5Aug 5 aims to cut congestion, pollution Srinagar, July 1: In a move aimed at tackling growing traffic congestion in Gulmarg, the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) has decided to introduce an odd-even traffic regulation system for four wheeler vehicles entering the tourist resort on a trial basis. According to an official order, the pilot project will remain in force from July 5 to August 5, 2026. The measure will apply to both private and commercial four wheeler vehicles and is intended to ease traffic movement, reduce pollution and protect the environmentally sensitive destination during the peak tourist season. Under the arrangement, vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits will be allowed entry on odd dates, while those ending in even digits will be permitted on even dates. The restrictions will be enforced daily between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. Officials said the decision was taken after a sharp rise in the number of vehicles visiting Gulmarg, leading to traffic bottlenecks, pressure on road infrastructure and concerns over environmental degradation. The increasing traffic load has also affected air quality and created difficulties for emergency services. Goods carrying and freight vehicles have been kept outside the ambit of the regulation to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. The GDA said the initiative will be monitored closely during the trial period. Its effectiveness in improving traffic management, environmental conditions and visitor experience will be assessed in coordination with the Police, Traffic Police and other departments. Authorities have directed enforcement agencies to ensure proper implementation of the order. The regulation may be revised, extended or withdrawn after a review of the pilot project's outcomes.If needed, I can also provide a more newspaper style version for print publication. schools.
Jammu Kashmir Bank Crosses Rs 3 trillion Business Mark, Deposits Rise 16%, Advances Grow 25%
J&K Bank crosses the historic Rs 3 trillion business milestone, registering over 20% annual growth as deposits rise 16% and advances surge 25%, reinforcing its strong expansion trajectory
Baramulla Strikers Knock Out Anantnag Heroes, Storm Into KCFL Qualifier 2
Moosa Qureshi shines with Man of the Match performance as Baramulla keep title hopes alive in KCFL 2026 Eliminator
Traffic Police J&K Issues Revised Advisory for SANJY-2026; New Convoy Timings Effective from July 2
Srinagar, July 1: The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a revised traffic advisory for the smooth, safe, and secure conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026. The advisory will remain in force from July 2 to August 28, 2026, and lays down convoy schedules, vehicle cut-off timings, and movement restrictions for yatris and tourists. According to the advisory, the Up Baltal Yatra Convoy will leave Jammu at 4:00 AM, reach Lamber (Banihal) at 10:00 AM, and Manigam at 5:00 PM. The Down Baltal Convoy will depart Baltal at 6:00 AM and reach Lamber at 11:30 AM. The Up Pahalgam Convoy will leave Jammu at 4:15 AM and reach Lamber at 10:45 AM, while the Down Pahalgam Convoy will depart Pahalgam at 6:00 AM, Nunwan at 6:30 AM, and reach Lamber at 8:00 AM. The Traffic Police has also notified cut-off timings for non-convoy vehicles and tourists. On the JammuPahalgam route, the cut-off timings are 3:00 PM at Navyug Tunnel and 4:00 PM at Mir Bazar. Vehicles travelling from Pantha Chowk towards Manigam must cross Peaks Crossing (Lassjan) by 3:00 PM, Shadipora/Sumbal by 3:30 PM, and Manigam Transit Camp by 5:00 PM. For vehicles travelling from Baltal towards Jammu, the cut-off timings are 9:00 AM at Baltal Base Camp, 10:00 AM at Sonamarg, 12:00 PM at Manigam Transit Camp, 1:00 PM at Shadipora Crossing, and 3:00 PM at Pantha Chowk. Vehicles leaving Nunwan for Jammu must depart by 10:00 AM, while those travelling from Mir Bazar towards Navyug Tunnel should cross Mir Bazar by 5:00 PM and Walnut Factory, Qazigund by 5:30 PM. Tourist vehicles travelling from Jammu towards Kashmir must cross Nagrota by 12:00 PM, Jakheni (Udhampur) by 1:00 PM, Chanderkote by 2:00 PM, and Lamber (Banihal) by 3:00 PM. Vehicles entering from the Punjab side should reach Lakhanpur Reception Centre by 8:00 PM and Chichi Mata Mandir, Samba by 9:00 PM. The advisory further states that no yatri or tourist vehicle will be allowed beyond Navyug Tunnel after 3:00 PM, no vehicle will be allowed from Pahalgam after 3:30 PM, no vehicle from Sonamarg towards Srinagar after 4:00 PM, and no tourist vehicle will be permitted between Srinagar and Gulmarg in either direction after 5:00 PM. Authorities have advised all yatris and tourists to travel within the Kashmir Valley only between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Any vehicle found on the road after 6:00 PM will be diverted to the nearest Yatri or Security Forces camp. The Traffic Police clarified that the advisory is applicable only to Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoys, registered yatris, and tourist vehicles, while all other motorists should continue to follow the daily traffic advisory. Helpline numbers for Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, and Udhampur have also been issued to assist commuters during the Yatra period.
Div Com Kashmir Reviews Amarnath Yatra Arrangements at Nowgam, Pantha Chowk
Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg reviews facilities at Nowgam and Pantha Chowk, says all arrangements are in place for the smooth and safe conduct of the Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3
Amarnath Yatra: LG Sinha reviews arrangements for pilgrims at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas
LG Manoj Sinha reviews preparations for the Amarnath Yatra at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas ahead of the July 3 pilgrimage
Digital India Has Transformed Governance, Empowered Citizens: PM Modi
PM says Digital India has transformed public service delivery, accelerated innovation and improved the ease of living for millions
Tariq A Rather Assumes Charge as Director (Media & Communications) in Social Justice Ministry
Tariq Ahmed Rather joins the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment as Director (Media & Communications) following his transfer from Akashvani Srinagar
KPDCL Announces Power Shutdown Across Kashmir
Power supply to remain suspended in several localities for infrastructure upgrades, cable works and transmission line maintenance; Sanoor Kalipora feeder areas to witness phased shutdowns on multiple dates in July
NC Steps Up Jantar Mantar Protest Plans, Dr Farooq to Reach Out to Opposition Parties
INDIA Bloc allies, other non-NDA parties from J&K to be invited as National Conference intensifies preparations for New Delhi demonstration
Cabinet reshuffle, expansion around Jantar Mantar protest: CM Omar
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the cabinet reshuffle and expansion would take place around the partys Jantar Mantar protest. In an interview with Gulistan News channel, the CM , said that cabinet expansion is his responsibility and would take place around the Jantar Mantar protest, either before or after it. The []
Man dies after being hit by moving train in Pattan
Baramulla: An elderly man died after being hit by a moving train in the Zangam area of Pattan in north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. An official said that the incident occurred in Zangam when the elderly man was struck by a moving train. He said the victim sustained critical injuries and []
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Record-Breaking Registrations Witnessed!
DIG Traffic Kashmir Holds Consultations with Transport Representatives for SANJY-2026
Srinagar, July 1: As part of the preparations for the smooth and secure conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic, Kashmir, Haseeb Ur Rehman IPS on Wednesday convened a meeting with presidents and representatives of various taxi and sumo stands operating across Srinagar and other parts of valley. The meeting, held at the office chamber of the DIG Traffic Kashmir at 12:00 noon, was attended by office bearers from major transport stands, including Parimpora, Lal Chowk, Tangbagh Boulevard, Railway Nowgam, Nehru Park, Shaltang JVC, Panthachowk, Batamaloo, and other transport associations. During the meeting, participants were briefed on the revised traffic advisory and cut-off points issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, for SANJY-2026. Transport representatives were directed to ensure strict adherence to all guidelines aimed at facilitating the safe and hassle-free movement of pilgrims. The DIG Traffic instructed all drivers to follow the revised traffic advisory, prominently display their identity cards, adhere to the fixed fare structure prescribed by the Transport Department, and park vehicles only at designated parking areas. Drivers were also reminded of their responsibility towards the safety and security of passengers and were directed to remain vigilant against anti national elements. Additionally, transport operators were warned against any form of misbehaviour with passengers and were urged to maintain discipline and extend full cooperation with the Traffic Police to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The meeting concluded with transport representatives assuring the Traffic Police of their full support and cooperation in implementing all directions during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
Commercial LPG price cut by Rs 183.50
NEW DELHI: Prices of commercial LPG, the one used in hotels and restaurants, were cut by Rs 183.50 per 19-kg cylinder on Wednesday the first reduction in rates this year. Commercial LPG now costs Rs 2,930 per 19-kg cylinder, oil companies said. Commercial LPG rates hit an all-time high of Rs 3,113 per 19-kg []
Flash Floods Hit Guridraman Village in South Kashmir's Anantnag
Anantnag, July 1: Flash floods triggered by incessant rain struck Guridraman area of Larnoo in Anantnag district on Wednesday. According to a distress call received from the area, the flash floods hit Guridraman village this afternoon, triggering panic among locals. Many students were inside the school when the flash floods occurred and were later rescued by the locals. The extent of damage, if any, is not yet known. Teams of police, SDRF, and local administration are reportedly rushing to the spot for rescue operations. When contacted by GNS, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohi-ud-Din said, We are verifying the incident and have deputed a team to the affected site. Further details are awaited. (GNS)
Youth Drive Organ Donation Movement in Jammu Kashmir; 3,066 Pledges Registered
Young adults lead Jammu and Kashmir's organ donation movement, with 3,066 donor pledges registered as awareness campaigns gain momentum and India crosses the five-lakh milestone
Cyber Police Sopore registers FIR over mule accounts, issues public warning
Sopore: The Cyber Police Station in Sopore has registered an FIR against individuals allegedly facilitating cyber fraud through the use of mule bank accounts, officials said on Wednesday. An official said that the action is part of an intensified drive to crack down on cyber financial crimes and networks that enable fraudsters to route or []
J&K should become bridge of peace, not battleground: Mehbooba Mufti
Srinagar, July 1 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir should become a bridge of peace, not a battleground and called for improving relations with Pakistan and China to open trade and travel routes through the region. Speaking to reporters, Mehbooba Mufti as per KNS said the PDP has consistently advocated reconciliation and dialogue. She said reopening routes and promoting cultural exchanges could help improve ties between neighbouring countries and benefit Jammu and Kashmir as well as the rest of the country . She said Jammu and Kashmir's geographical location gives it the potential to serve as a gateway between South Asia and Central Asia. According to her, opening routes and improving connectivity would boost trade, investment and economic activity . Mufti said the legacy of any Prime Minister should be measured by the conflicts resolved rather than the length of time spent in office. She said the present leadership in India and Pakistan has an opportunity to improve bilateral relations and reduce tensions . Referring to the 2019 constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A had not achieved the intended results. She alleged that people in the region continue to feel alienated and that there are restrictions on public expression and protests . Calling for dialogue with Pakistan and China, Mufti said better relations with both neighbours would help unlock Jammu and Kashmir's strategic and economic potential. She said reopening traditional routes could transform the region economically, politically and socially . Jammu and Kashmir should become a bridge of peace, not a battleground. We should open the routes and improve relations with our neighbours so that the region becomes a gateway between South Asia and Central Asia, Mufti said . Earlier, Mufti had written to the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, urging them to resume dialogue and welcoming recent remarks by senior RSS leaders supporting engagement with Pakistan. She urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seize the opportunity to resolve the Kashmir issue through talks, saying lasting peace would benefit the entire region . The Kashmir issue has stalled SAARC. An organisation India could have led has become defunct due to tensions with Pakistan, she said, adding that by resolving their differences, both Prime Ministers could transform Jammu and Kashmir into a bridge of peace between the two nations .(KNS)
6-Year-Old Girl Killed After Dumper Hits Her in North Kashmir
The minor died on the spot after being struck by a dumper in Vodhpora; police have launched an investigation into the fatal accident
Kindergartener Killed After Dumper Hits Her in Handwara
Handwara, July 1: A five year old girl was killed after being hit by a dumper vehicle at Khanpora near the Handwara check post on Tuesday, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Hafsa Isaq, daughter of Isaq Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Vodpora. She was reportedly struck by a dumper while in the area and sustained critical injuries. Locals and family members rushed the child to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara for treatment. However, doctors declared her brought dead on arrival. Police reached the spot soon after the incident and took the accused driver into custody. A police officer confirmed the arrest and said legal proceedings have been initiated in the case. Police have registered a case and further investigation has been set into motion to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Summer Vacation Announced for Schools in Jammu Winter Zone from July 6
The Directorate of School Education Jammu has announced a two-week summer break for schools in the winter zone, with classes resuming after July 1
Girl, 6, killed after dumper hits her in Kupwara
Kupwara: A six-year-old girl was killed after being hit by a dumper in the Vodhpora area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Wednesday, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred when a dumper bearing registration number JK02CR-6027 hit the six-year-old girl, who sustained critical injuries and died on the spot. The deceased was []
25 Injured as Passenger Bus Crashes In Central Kashmir
BeerwahBudgam bus mishap leaves 25 injured; prompt rescue by residents averts tragedy
Commercial LPG Cylinder Price Cut by Rs 183.50 from July 1; No Relief for Domestic Users
Srinagar, July 1 : In a major relief for the hospitality sector, oil marketing companies (OMCs) have slashed the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by 183.50 with effect from July 1. This is the first reduction in commercial LPG rates this year, offering respite to hotels, restaurants, caterers and small businesses battling high operating costs. The cut comes after months of successive hikes driven by elevated international fuel prices and supply concerns linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. With the revised rates now in force, commercial establishments dependent on LPG for daily operations are expected to see lower fuel expenses. However, there is no relief for household consumers. OMCs have kept the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder unchanged, meaning families will continue to pay existing rates for cooking gas. Oil marketing companies review LPG prices on the first of every month. While commercial LPG rates largely track international market trends, domestic LPG prices are also shaped by government policy and subsidy decisions.(GNS)
Prime minister says doctors are strengthening India's healthcare system while chartered accountants are driving economic growth through transparency and professional excellence.
Jammu Kashmir Bank Disburses Rs 1,300 Cr Assistance to 28,400 Enterprises
JK Bank has disbursed over Rs 1,300 crore to 28,400 enterprises under Mission YUVA, strengthening entrepreneurship and employment across Jammu and Kashmir
MeT Forecasts Rain, Thunder and Gusty Winds Across J&K Till July 4
Srinagar, July 1: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Tuesday announced that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced into most parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, covering the entire meteorological subdivision on July 1, a day later than the normal onset date of June 30. According to the weather department, several areas recorded significant rainfall during the latest spell, with Samba receiving 62.5 mm, followed by Jammu 35.8 mm, Kathua 23.8 mm and Rajouri 19.6 mm, while light rainfall was recorded at other stations. The department has forecast generally cloudy weather from July 1 to July 4, with one or two spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers expected at many places. It said heavy rainfall, brief intense showers, thunder and gusty winds are likely at a few locations during the period. For July 5 to July 8, weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, accompanied by light to moderate rain and thundershowers at scattered to many places, while isolated pockets of Jammu division may witness brief intense heavy showers. Issuing an advisory, the MET Centre warned that heavy rainfall and intense showers may trigger localised flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations in Jammu division, the Pir Panjal range, Chenab Valley and adjoining pockets of South Kashmir. People have been advised to stay away from nallas, streams and landslide-prone areas, while temporary waterlogging may occur in some low-lying areas over the next three days. The department also advised travellers, tourists and transporters to plan their movement accordingly and follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
LG Manoj Sinha Lauds Doctors, CAs on Their Day; Hails Their Role in Nation-Building
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday extended greetings on National Doctors Day and Chartered Accountants Day, praising both professions for their service to society and the nation. In a post on X, the LG expressed his deepest gratitude to medical professionals for their selfless service, compassion & tireless dedication to keeping the society healthy. []
Summer Vacation Declared for Winter Zone Schools in Jammu Division from July 6
Jammu, July 1: The Directorate of School Education Jammu has announced summer vacation for all Government and recognized Private Schools up to Higher Secondary level in the winter zone of Jammu division. As per Order No. 226-DSEJ of 2026 issued on July 1, 2026, a copy which lies with GNS reads that the vacation will be observed from July 6, 2026 to July 19, 2026. The order follows approval from the competent authority. The directive, issued from Muthi Camp, Jammu, applies to all schools in the winter zone across Jammu division. Regular classwork will resume after the vacation period ends.(GNS)
Six Injured as Three Vehicles Collide on SrinagarBaramulla Highway
A dumper, Scorpio and Alto 800 were involved in the crash at Zangam, disrupting traffic before damaged vehicles were cleared from the highway.
3-Vehicle Collision in Pattan Injures 5; Two Referred to Srinagar
Srinagar: Five persons were injured in a road accident involving three vehicles near Zangam Petrol Pump in Pattan on Wednesday. Officials said that the collision occurred between a car bearing registration number JK15-9826, a dumper JK15B-0013, and a Scorpio JK15C-8800. All three vehicles carry Bandipora registration numbers. Of the five injured, two were referred to []
Heat wave continues across Kashmir valley, prolonged dry spell raises concerns
Srinagar , July 1 : Kashmir Valley continues to reel under an intense heat wave as dry weather conditions show no signs of easing. The prolonged spell of high temperatures, combined with a lack of significant rainfall, has raised concerns among farmers, horticulturists and residents across the Valley. Daytime temperatures have remained well above normal in several parts of Kashmir over the past few days. The scorching conditions have affected daily life, with people avoiding outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. Water bodies and streams in some areas have also witnessed a decline in water levels due to the extended dry spell. The weather conditions have added to the worries of the farming community, as paddy fields, orchards and vegetable crops depend heavily on timely rainfall during this period. Farmers fear that a continued lack of precipitation could impact crop growth and reduce agricultural output. The Meteorological Department of Jammu and Kashmir has advised people, especially children, the elderly and those with existing medical conditions, to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Residents have been urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The prolonged dry spell has also raised concerns over water conservation, with authorities urging people to use water judiciously until weather conditions improve. Speaking to ANI, Mukhtar Ahmad (Director, Meteorological Centre Jammu and Kashmir) said, As expected from the 27th onwards, there was a possibility of increasing heat. For the last 2-3 days, there has been a lot of increase in heat in the Kashmir region. Temperatures have also touched 34-35. Even today, there are chances of temperatures being between 34-35 in many stations, especially in the field areas. In the rest of the hill stations, there are also chances of it being between 26-27 and 30 degrees. He further informed that, In the coming days, especially today late night and tomorrow morning, there is a possibility of light rain in the Jammu region. And here in the valley, there is also a possibility of light rain in some districts. In the coming days, especially the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and July, there is a possibility of intermittent rain in the afternoon and evening. Generally, there is a high chance of rain in the late night and early morning hours, especially in the Jammu region and in the valley. In the Jammu region, there is also a chance of heavy rain, especially on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and July. And in some districts, there is a possibility of brief, intense heavy showers in the short period. There will also be light rain in the valley. There is a high chance of brief, intense showers. And in the meantime, there is a high possibility of flash floods due to heavy rains, Ahmad added. Sharing this concern, a resident, Furqan Ali Mir, said that the community must take immediate precautions to survive the extreme weather. Speaking to ANI, he said, As you can see, the heat is increasing day by day in Kashmir. It has been scorching hot in the valley. So, it has become difficult for everyone to come out of their homes. As you can see, we are facing a lot of difficulties. It is very difficult for the children. As you know, it can have geographical consequences. You know that there can be a water shortage. It has so many consequences after. Another resident, Harpit Singh, said, It is scorching right now. We have come from outside to roam around. We thought that we would get a good environment here. That we will get cool air. But it is scorching here. We are not able to roam around properly. We cannot go out in the afternoon. (ANI)
Rain, Thunderstorms to Lash J&K Till July 5; IMD Warns of Flash Floods, Landslides
Gusty winds up to 60 kmph, heavy rain likely over parts of Jammu division; Srinagar records 35.2C as temperatures stay above normal
Two Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods in Dodas Bhalessa; Roads Blocked
Doda: Heavy rainfall triggered two cloudbursts in the Kalalgisar area of Bhalessa in Doda district on Wednesday, causing flash floods and debris flows that blocked several roads, officials said. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as continuous heavy rain continues to impact the region, raising concerns of further landslides and road disruptions, an official said.. []
CIK attaches property of former KCCI president Dr Mubeen Shah in Srinagar
Srinagar, July 1: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Wednesday attached the immovable property of former Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Dr. Mubeen Ahmed Shah in connection with FIR No. 07/2020 registered at Police Station CIK. According to officials, the operation was carried out by a CIK team headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Nisar Ahmed and District Investigation (DI) East Inspector Rashid Khan, who raided Dr. Shah's residence at Buchwara, Dalgate, Srinagar. During the operation, the CIK attached 12 marlas of land belonging to Dr. Mubeen Ahmed Shah, son of Late Ali Shah. The property falls under Khasra Nos. 236 and 337 of Estate Buchwara and Survey Nos. 889/703, 595/353 and 888. Dr Mubeen Shah Photograph: (Source: X) Officials said the attachment proceedings were conducted in connection with FIR No. 07/2020 of Police Station CIK. Dr. Shah, who served as the KCCI president from 2006 to 2008, has been residing in Malaysia with his family since December 2019, officials said. The attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of Naib Tehsildar Shah Mohammad Asif.
IFFJK-2026: Omar unveils vision for J&Ks landmark film festival
Aims to restore Kashmirs role in cinematic production Calls for empowering local filmmakers, honouring cinema legends Envisions making festival defining cultural & economic event Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a review meeting to assess preparations for the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026, envisaged as a landmark initiative to []
14-day summer break for Kmr schools from Jul 6
Srinagar: Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Tuesday announced summer break for all government and private schools of Kashmir division from July-06. The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in an order said that the summer vacation has been announced with the approval conveyed by the competent authority. It is ordered that all the []
Srinagar logs seasons second hottest day at 35.2C
Monsoon rains to bring relief Srinagar: Kashmir sweltered under continuing heatwave conditions on Tuesday with Srinagar recording the seasons second-highest maximum temperature at 35.2 degrees Celsius, even as the Meteorological Department forecast relief from Wednesday with the arrival of monsoon winds and the influence of a western disturbance. Officials at the Meteorological Centre here said []
All security agencies working in close coordination for safe, smooth Yatra: IGP
Mock drills, surveillance, emergency response mechanisms strengthened Srinagar: Stating that all security agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the annual Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, on Tuesday said a comprehensive multi-layered security grid has been []
VB-GRAMG Act to come into force from today
Centre says all ready for rollout New Delhi: The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 will come into force from July 1, with the Centre on Tuesday stating that all arrangements have been made for its implementation. The Ministry of Rural Development said the Act provides a statutory guarantee []
Mehbooba claims PDP leaders under house arrest head of govt jobs protest
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday claimed several leaders and workers of her party were placed under house arrest to prevent them from protesting against the government over the issue of outsourcing of government jobs. The NC government repeatedly hides behind the excuse that the police department is beyond its control []
Police seize 2.6 kg heroin worth 20 crore in Anantnag
Drug smuggler arrested Anantnag: In a major breakthrough in its sustained drive against drug trafficking, Anantnag Police arrested an inter-district drug smuggler and seized 2.613 kilograms of heroin (brown sugar), with an estimated market value of approximately 20 crore, during routine naka checking at Halmulla. A police party intercepted a suspicious vehicle bearing registration No. []
Police attach two properties in narcotics case
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached two properties worth nearly Rs 12 crore in the Baghat area here, officials said on Tuesday. Officials from Batamaloo police station attached the properties under Section 68F(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act after it was established that they were acquired illegally. The officials said one []
EOW Kashmir Chargesheets Accused in Rs 1.04 Crore KCC Loan Manipulation Scam
Srinagar, July 01: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir, of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet before the Honble Court of Aditional Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, in FIR No. 20/2018 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 409 and 201 RPC read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Rouf Mohammad Wani, son of Late Mohammad Akbar Wani, a resident of Hanjura, Chadoora, Budgam, for grabbing an amount of Rs. 10448141/- through unauthorised transactions, manipulation of KCC loan limits and misuse of banking credentials. Investigation revealed that the accused, while working as a daily wager at J&K Bank Business Unit Dada Ompora, Chadoora, Budgam, fraudulently debited customers accounts, enhanced credit limits of KCC accounts without authorisation and misused banking credentials to siphon off funds. The investigation established that the accused committed the fraud for wrongful gain to himself and his family members, causing corresponding wrongful loss to the bank. Upon completion of the investigation, the chargesheet has been filed before the competent court for judicial adjudication. The general public is advised to remain vigilant against economic fraudsters and report any such incidents to the SSP, EOW Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K. Victims of economic fraud may also submit their complaints via email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.
EOW Kashmir Cracks Rs 1.04 Crore KCC Loan Scam, Chargesheets Accused
Accused allegedly manipulated KCC loan limits, misused banking credentials and siphoned off funds while working at J&K Bank branch in Budgam
Flash Flood Blocks ZanskarKargil Road at Shafat Nallah; Clearance Ops Underway
Kargil, July 1:The ZanskarKargil road has been blocked after a fresh flash flood hit Shafat Nallah on West, officials said. The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) Kargil confirmed that the sudden flood caused debris to spill onto the road, halting traffic movement on the vital link. Road clearance operations are currently in progress to restore connectivity at the earliest, DEOC Kargil said. Travelers have been advised to avoid the route until the road is cleared and to contact local authorities for updates.(GNS)
Kashmir Court Convicts Trucker for Murdering Gas Tanker Driver After Seven-Year Trial
Anantnag court finds truck driver guilty of murdering a gas tanker driver after a roadside altercation on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, saying the evidence conclusively established his guilt
Flash Flood Blocks ZanskarKargil Road at Shafat Nallah; Clearance Operations Underway
Debris from sudden flash flood halts traffic; commuters advised to avoid the route until restoration work is completed
Anshul Garg inspects functioning of ICCC Srinagar
Srinagar, Jun 30: Ahead of the commencement of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Tuesday visited Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar to assess the functioning of the surveillance & monitoring centre for ensuring smooth conduct of the annual religious pilgrimage. During the visit, the Div Com watched glitch-free streaming of visuals of Yatra camps and routes. On the occasion, he also interacted with the deployed staff and assessed data compilation during the day besides availability of department-wise information regarding on ground services, logistics and essential commodities. Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com highlighted the importance of the ICCC for inter-departmental coordination and synchronization of collective efforts of agencies for successful conduct of yatra. He said that the camera network helps administration in prompt dissemination of messages and undertake appropriate actions during vagaries of weather. While terming ICCC as a nerve centre of Yatra monitoring, the Div Com said that teams of various departments are deployed at the centre to monitor cameras round-the-clock for foolproof arrangements and ensuring best facilities to the pilgrims. He informed that weather-related updates will also be shared by IMD through display screens installed enroute and camps for real-time information. The Div Com informed that Lieutenant Governor has already taken comprehensive review of arrangements during his visit to Baltal and Nunwan base camps. Leveraging on the previous record influx of Yatris, the Div Com asked devotees to come with much fervor for the pilgrimage and requested them to share their feedback with the administration on 01942740003 for improvement in facilities. He said ICCC is a one-point solution for yatris to get any yatra-related information or assistance instantly.
DC Baramulla visits Uri border villages, reviews progress under VVP
Baramulla, Jun 30: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, S.F. Hamid on Tuesday undertook a field visit to several Vibrant Villages, including Tulawari, in the border Sub-Division Uri to assess the progress of developmental works and review implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). During the visit, the DC inspected various development works and assessed the availability of essential public services across the Vibrant Villages. He interacted with local residents, heard their grievances, and directed the concerned officers to redress their concerns on priority. S.F. Hamid directed all officers to maintain close coordination with local communities, regularly monitor the progress of works, and ensure that all developmental interventions are executed in a transparent, efficient, and time-bound manner. Earlier, the DC chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Officers Club, Uri, attended by SDM Uri, CPO Baramulla, and nodal officers for the Vibrant Villages Programme. The meeting focused on the saturation of VVP indicators across all identified Vibrant Villages of Uri Sub-Division to ensure holistic development of border villages through improved infrastructure, enhanced public services, livelihood generation, and better connectivity. In a significant decision taken during the meeting, it was resolved that senior district-level officers shall undertake night stays in the Vibrant Villages for on-ground assessment and close monitoring of developmental works and public service delivery. The nominated officers will interact with local residents and Panchayat representatives, review the status of infrastructure, connectivity, health, education, drinking water and electrification, and submit detailed visit reports for time-bound follow-up. The DC reviewed the status of ongoing and proposed projects under VVP and directed the concerned departments to ensure their timely completion while upholding quality standards.
DC, SSP Anantnag review arrangements for SANJY-2026
Anantnag, Jun 30: Ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag (Yatra Officer Pahalgam Axis), Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat and Senior Superintendent of Police, Amod Ashok Nagpure, on Tuesday held a joint meeting at Meeting Hall, Pahalgam Club. The crucial meeting focused on strengthening the liaisoning and coordination among civil administration, police and security forces and to review and finalise the arrangements made by the concerned departments for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. CEO PDA, Additional Deputy Commissioner, SDMs, ACD, SEs Jal Shakti and KPDCL, CMO, CAHO, ALC, AD FCS&CA, ARTO, DSWO, Exens, officials from Traffic Police, SDRF, F&ES, ULBs besides representatives from telecom service providers and other concerned officials attended the meeting. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding various arrangements for the upcoming Yatra, including security arrangements, track inspection and action on vulnerable spots, healthcare facilities, water supply, sanitation, toilet facilities, electricity supply, telecom connectivity, transport arrangements, RFID registration, pony and pithu services, labour availability, tentage arrangements, Fire & Emergency Services, SDRF deployment, disaster response mechanism and other essential facilities. Briefing about the security measures, the SSP urged the officials to work in close coordination with deployed units of JK Police and other agencies on routes, at camps and other critical locations along Pahalgam Axis. He also underscored the importance of synergy between concerned agencies to mount effective disaster response, ensuring safety and protection of the pilgrims. The Deputy Commissioner stressed upon all concerned departments to ensure close coordination and timely completion of all necessary arrangements for providing a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage experience to the devotees. He directed the officers to remain proactive and ensure effective monitoring of all arrangements at the Yatra locations. While reviewing the tentage arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner directed that tents should be placed at appropriate and safe locations after proper assessment of the area, keeping in view the risks of flash floods, fire incidents and other natural hazards. He emphasized the need for adequate safety measures, proper drainage, emergency access and regular inspection of all camping areas. The Deputy Commissioner also stressed upon strengthening the disaster management preparedness and directed the concerned agencies to ensure availability of required manpower, equipment and response teams for handling any emergency situation during the Yatra period. Instructions were issued for effective crowd and traffic management as well as optimum utilisation of parking spaces. Key directives were issued to ensure proper sanitation, collection and segregation of waste including the medical waste and monitoring of the sanitation teams. Health department was asked to keep adequate number of ambulances and oxygen cylinders available for prompt relief in high altitude besides fully equipping the deployed teams so they are in a ready state of response. Further, the BRO was directed to install barricades and reflectors in accident-prone areas, especially on Khanabal to Pahalgam road. PDD was asked to immediately undertake risk analysis of all critical amenities and installations to avoid any hazard. At conclusion, the DC directed all departments to have backup and contingency plans, ensuring swift mobilisation of manpower and resources. He reiterated that all departments must work in close synergy and ensure that all necessary facilities and services are provided to the pilgrims for smooth and successful conduct of SANJY-2026.
IGP Traffic chairs review meeting to finalize traffic management plan for SANJY-2026
Srinagar, Jun 30: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Traffic J&K, M. Suleman Choudhary, on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess and finalize traffic management arrangements for the smooth, safe and seamless movement of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 pilgrims along the Kashmir axis. The meeting was attended by DIG South Kashmir Range, Javed Iqbal Matoo, DIG CRPF Anantnag, SSP Kulgam, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, SSP Traffic National Highway Ramban, SP Headquarters Anantnag, SP NHW Qazigund, besides other senior officers of the Civil Police, CRPF, Traffic Police and district administration of Anantnag and Kulgam. During the meeting, a detailed review of the traffic management plan was undertaken with emphasis on ensuring close coordination and effective synergy among all stakeholder agencies for the safe and uninterrupted movement of Yatra convoys. The implementation and strict adherence to the notified convoy cut-off timings were discussed at length and all officers were directed to ensure their meticulous enforcement without exception. The IGP stressed the importance of seamless inter-agency coordination, real-time information sharing, prompt clearance of traffic bottlenecks and effective regulation of civilian traffic to facilitate hassle-free movement of Yatra convoys. He also emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of road conditions, swift response to emergencies and efficient deployment of police personnel at all vulnerable and congestion-prone locations. The officers were instructed to maintain close liaison with the district administration, CRPF, road maintenance agencies and other concerned departments to ensure immediate response to any unforeseen situation. Special emphasis was laid on effective dissemination of traffic advisories, regulation of stranded vehicles whenever required, and ensuring minimum inconvenience to the general public while maintaining the highest priority for Yatra convoy movement. The IGP Traffic reiterated that the safety and convenience of the pilgrims remain the foremost priority and directed all officers to work in close coordination, maintain high standards of professionalism and ensure flawless execution of the traffic management plan throughout the Yatra period.
Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 Div Com Kashmir reviews facilities for Yatris at Srinagar Airport
Srinagar, Jun 30: In preparation for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive review of the arrangements put in place at Srinagar International Airport to ensure a safe, seamless, and hassle-free travel experience for pilgrims. During the inspection, the Divisional Commissioner assessed the facilities established for Yatris, including dedicated eKYC counters, Yatra Facilitation Centre, passenger reception areas, and other essential facilities available at the airport. On the occasion, senior officials from the Civil Administration, Airport Authority, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) briefed the Divisional Commissioner on the preparedness and coordination measures undertaken by their respective departments to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims at the Airport. Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com stressed the need for coordination and robust communication mechanisms to ensure the timely resolution of issues and uninterrupted services for the pilgrims. Pertinently, in a major step towards facilitating the seamless and pilgrim-friendly Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, the local Administration have substantially augmented the registration infrastructure across Kashmir. The total number of pilgrim facilitation counters has been increased from 54 in 2025 to 131 in 2026, which includes a significant increase in E-KYC counters from 21 to 59, RFID counters from 20 to 32, and on-spot registration counters from 13 to 40. The additional registration facilities have been established at key locations including Pantha Chowk, Srinagar International Airport and Railway Station Nowgam. During the visit, the Div Com was accompanied by DC Budgam Athar Aamir, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam, and other officers from the concerned departments.
IUST Convenes 11th Academic Council Meeting
The Islamic University of Science and Technology convened the 11th Meeting of its Academic Council under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, with eminent academicians from across the country participating in deliberations on key academic initiatives, institutional priorities, and the University's long-term growth strategy. As per a press release, the meeting was chaired by Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo Vice Chancellor, IUST, and attended by distinguished academicians and senior university functionaries, including Prof. Talat Ahmad, Former VC, University of Kashmir; Prof. Mehraj Ud Din Mir, Former VC, Central University of Kashmir; Prof. Mohammad Mubin, VC, Cluster University Srinagar; Prof. Ashok Aima, Former VC, Central University Jaamu; Prof. Shobha Bagai, University of Delhi; Prof. Madhav Govind, JNU, New Delhi; and Prof. Ranjan Rawal, CEPT University, Ahmedabad Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik, University of Kashmir; Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Dean Academic Affairs IUST, Prof. Shameem A Shah Registrar, Finance Officer, Dean Research, Controller of Examinations, Dean Outreach, Deans of various schools, and various other officers. At the outset, Prof. Romshoo shared a report on the University's progress, informing the members about the various initiatives undertaken, achievements made, and future plans in the pipeline. Prof. Romshoo said, IUST is committed to building a future-ready academic ecosystem that responds to the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education. The introduction of new-age academic programmes and emerging areas of study reflects our endeavour to equip students with relevant knowledge, contemporary skills, and the capacity to drive innovation in a knowledge-based economy. He further said, The steady rise in student enrolment is a strong affirmation of the confidence reposed in the University. We remain equally committed to enhancing the quality of teaching and research, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and creating an enabling environment where every learner can realise his or her full potential. The meeting was coordinated by Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Sheikh Aijaz, who presented the agenda. Speaking on the deliberations, he said, The decisions taken by the Academic Council represent a significant step in broadening the University's academic portfolio. The emphasis on Student-centric support mechanism, frontier disciplines, and curriculum innovation, is fully aligned with the NEP2020 and the evolving needs of society & industry. The Council approved a series of significant academic initiatives aimed at strengthening IUST's teaching, research, and innovation ecosystem. Among the major decisions, the Council approved the establishment of a CoE for Semiconductors and Quantum Materials, aligned with the national Semiconductor and Quantum Missions, to promote innovation, and technology development, in semiconductors and Quantum technology. The Council also approved the introduction of B.Tech. in Cyber Security, M.A. in Mass Communication with AI, a five-year Integrated Law Programme, a Master's Programme in Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS), and the establishment of a Department of Earth Sciences, among other initiatives, thereby expanding the University's academic offerings in emerging and strategically significant disciplines.
Trump filing shows he took in about USD 1.2 billion from crypto businesses last year
NEW YORK: President Donald Trump took in nearly USD 1.2 billion dollars from his crypto businesses last year, a federal filing released Monday shows. Mere startups when took the oath of office, the new ventures have now eclipsed in revenue much of his vast property portfolio that took decades to accumulate. Fueling their rise was []
Rajnath praises PM Modi for countrys global standing
World now listens when India speaks VADODARA: Indias standing in the international community has witnessed a significant transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday, while asserting that New Delhis views now receive serious attention on global platforms. Speaking at the valedictory session of the Vibrant Gujarat []
SC orders status quo on ethanol allocation for supply year 2025-26
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 30, ordered maintenance of status quo on ethanol allocation for Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. The apex court has temporarily stayed the effect of the Karnataka High Court order requiring oil marketing companies (OMCs) to reconsider the allocation made to a dedicated ethanol manufacturer, IANS reported. It []
PMssilence on Ram temple loot direct assault on faith of people: Cong
NEW DELHI: Amid the raging row over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, the Congress on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence on the loot is a direct assault on the faith of crores of people across the country. The opposition party also said that its delegation was scheduled to visit []
Indian economy resilient, but monsoon uncertainty clouds outlook: Finance Ministry report
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Annual Kaaba washing maintains tradition
JEDDAH: Preparations for the annual washing of the Kaaba began on Tuesday with the raising of the curtain covering its door, the first stage of the ceremony. The annual ritual is held on the date corresponding to the 15th of Muharram, 1448 A.H., and is one of the oldest traditions associated with Islams holiest site, []
IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall in July, El Nino to tighten grip on monsoon
NEW DELHI: Indias southwest monsoon is likely to remain under pressure in July, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting below-normal rainfall across most parts of the country as El Nino conditions continue to strengthen over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Releasing its monthly outlook on Tuesday, the IMD said rainfall over the country during July []
Nasas Swift telescope rescue mission launch scrubbed: When is the next attempt?
NEW DELHI: Nasas ambitious Swift Boost mission has been called off after unfavourable weather forced officials to scrub Tuesdays planned launch. The mission was scheduled to lift off at around 3:47 pm IST from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands aboard Northrop Grummans Pegasus XL rocket, carrying a robotic spacecraft designed to rescue one of []
Abida Nazir becomes first female from Kashmir to become JKCA CAC member
Coached historic J&K womens team in 2021 SRINAGAR: Abida Nazir Khan, a Lecturer in the Youth Service and Sports Department and an elite ex-cricketer from Kashmir, has created history by becoming the first female from Kashmir to be appointed as a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Abida []
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A Friend Gone Too Soon: Remembering Muzamil Iqbal
Some deaths leave us saddened, and then some leave us stunned into silence. The sudden demise of my dear friend, Muzamil Iqbal, belongs to the latter category. Even as I write these words, it remains difficult to believe that he is no longer among us. Ulfat Manzoor Some deaths leave us saddened, and then some []
38-km trek, 10-hour walk: Health workers brave Gurez mountains to vaccinate nomadic children
Srinagar, Jun 30: Carrying vaccine carriers and medical supplies on their backs, a team of health workers trekked nearly 38 kilometres through the rugged mountains of Jammu and Kashmirs remote Gurez valley, walking for almost 10 hours to reach an isolated alpine meadow where nomadic children awaited life-saving polio drops. The arduous journey was undertaken as part of the ongoing National Pulse Polio Immunisation campaign to ensure that no child, no matter how remote, was left out. The team travelled on foot from Dawar to Patalwan, a high-altitude alpine meadow and lake on the eastern side of Gurez in Bandipora district, where several nomadic families are currently living in seasonal settlements. The round trip covered nearly 38 kilometres, with the health workers forced to spend the night in the meadow before making the return journey the following day. The team comprised health workers Bashir Ahmad Teroo and Shams Din Nasir, along with ASHA worker Rubina, who carried vaccines and essential medicines across steep mountain trails and difficult terrain to reach the isolated community. We started early in the morning from Dawar and walked continuously for around 10 hours to reach Patalwan. The terrain was extremely challenging, with long uphill stretches, but we knew children there were waiting for us, Teroo said. Apart from administering pulse polio drops to around 30 children, the team also organised a medical camp for the nomadic families living in the alpine pasture. Our Block Medical Officer instructed us not only to complete the immunisation drive but also to conduct a medical camp so that families living in these remote meadows could receive basic healthcare. We examined patients, distributed medicines and treated common ailments, he said. For Teroo, the expedition reflected the unseen side of public healthcare. Administering polio drops in a town takes only a few minutes. But in places like these, every dose comes after hours of trekking through mountains. This is the real challenge of public health ensuring that no child is left behind because of geography, he said. Despite the physical exhaustion, the team remained determined to complete the mission. It was one of the toughest journeys we have undertaken. Returning the same day was impossible, so we stayed overnight. But when we saw the children receiving the vaccine, every hardship seemed worthwhile, he added. ASHA worker Rubina said reaching the last person, regardless of the distance, remains central to their work. These families spend months in high-altitude pastures where access to healthcare is extremely limited. If we don't reach them, many children could miss essential immunisation. That is simply not an option for us, she said. For the nomadic families, the arrival of the health team was both unexpected and reassuring. Mohammad Kaleem, a nomad staying in Patalwan with his family, said he had never imagined health workers would undertake such a demanding journey solely to ensure their children were vaccinated. We never expected a health team to walk such a long distance just to reach us. They brought medicines, vaccinated our children and checked our health. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, he said. Calling the team the real heroes of the health department, Kaleem said such commitment deserved official recognition. They left the comfort of their homes and crossed mountains to serve people living in remote areas. Their dedication should be appreciated by the government, he added. Block Medical Officer Gurez, Dr Feroz Iqbal lauded the efforts of the team, saying their commitment ensured that every eligible child in the remote nomadic settlements was covered under the immunisation campaign. Our health workers displayed exceptional courage and dedication. They stayed away from their families, trekked through difficult terrain and ensured that every nomadic child received the polio vaccine. Such public health initiatives would not be possible without their commitment, he said.
JJM: J&K adds 9.9 lakh rural connections since 2019
Srinagar, Ganderbal achieve full coverage; Jammu lowest at 66.71% Srinagar, Jun 30: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a significant expansion in rural drinking water infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with household tap water coverage increasing from 5.75 lakh in August 2019 to 15.64 lakh till today, marking an addition of 9.88 lakh Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs). Overall, rural tap water coverage has risen from 29.90 per cent to 81.26 per cent across the Union Territory, according to the data accessed by Rising Kashmir. According to the latest Jal Jeevan Mission details, Jammu and Kashmir has 19.24 lakh rural households, of which 15.64 lakh now have tap water connections, leaving about 3.60 lakh households yet to be covered. District-wise figures show Srinagar and Ganderbal have achieved 100 per cent household tap water coverage, becoming the only districts where every rural household has a functional tap connection. Srinagar has covered all 10,407 rural households, while Ganderbal has achieved full coverage for its 41,551 households. Shopian follows with 93.66 per cent coverage, having provided tap water to 42,234 of its 45,093 rural households. Anantnag has reached 92.93 per cent by covering 1,23,516 of 1,32,909 households, while Kulgam stands at 90.98 per cent with 55,625 of 61,138 households connected. Reasi has achieved 90.96 per cent coverage by connecting 72,544 of its 79,754 households. Among other districts, Bandipora has attained 89.72 per cent coverage with 41,572 connections out of 46,337 households. Budgam has covered 1,14,141 of 1,27,847 households (89.28 per cent), while Baramulla has reached 88.58 per cent with 1,29,481 connections. Pulwama has connected 70,727 of its 82,257 households, taking coverage to 85.98 per cent, while Kupwara has reached 82.68 per cent with 1,29,664 households covered. Ramban has achieved 80.11 per cent coverage with 48,696 households connected, followed by Poonch at 79.38 per cent (84,971 households), Udhampur at 79.37 per cent (79,220 households) and Doda at 79 per cent with 1,00,673 tap water connections. Kishtwar has covered 43,223 households, translating into 75.68 per cent coverage. The districts requiring greater attention remain Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Jammu. Kathua has achieved 74.85 per cent coverage with 1,04,372 households connected. Samba has covered 54,649 of its 78,297 households (69.80 per cent), Rajouri has reached 67 per cent with 90,853 households covered, while Jammu has the lowest coverage in the Union Territory at 66.71 per cent, with 1,26,170 of its 1,89,120 rural households connected to tap water. The latest figures reflect steady progress under the Centre's flagship rural drinking water programme since its launch in 2019, with several districts nearing universal household tap water coverage while work continues to bridge the remaining gaps in districtsthat arestill below the Union Territory average.
Amarnath Yatra :From roads to cave shrine, multi-layer security grid in place: IGP
Drones, CCTV, latest tech deployed: SSP Sgr Joint mock drill held at Pantha Chowk Yatri Niwas to meet exigency Srinagar, Jun 30: With the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) set to commence amid heightened security and logistical preparedness from July 3, Jammu & Kashmir Police on Tuesday said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe, smooth and incident-free pilgrimage. Speaking exclusively to Rising Kashmir after a joint mock drill at Pantha Chowk Yatri Niwas, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, VK Birdi said that acomprehensive andmulti-layer security mechanism has been established across the Valley, especially along the yatra route. A multi-layer security grid is in place. We have done multiple drills related to contingencies. Today, we conducted a mock drill involving all stakeholders of the area to ensure road responsibility and security measures, the IGP said. From roads to the cave shrine, every security measure is in place. He urged pilgrims and citizens to strictly adhere to cut-off timings issued by the authorities so that movement along the highway and yatra routes remains smooth and regulated. I urge the pilgrims and citizens to follow cut-off timings issued by the traffic police so that they can plan their travel accordinglyforsmooth pilgrimage and travel, Birdi said. The Kashmir Police chief said that seamless coordination among security agencies, civil administration and local stakeholders remains central to the security architecture designed for this years pilgrimage. Speaking to reporters after the drill, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Dr Sundeep Chakravarthy said advanced surveillance and modern technology are being extensively used to monitor the yatra corridor and vulnerable areas. Every area is covered under CCTVs, and we are using drones. Higher reaches are also being covered. Latest technology is inplace,corridors are also being protected, he said. TheSSPsaid that strong inter-agency coordination would play a vital role in ensuring thepeaceful conduct of the pilgrimage.Inter-agency coordination will help us ensure a peaceful and smooth yatra, he said. Chakravarthy said that personnel on the ground are being regularly briefed about evolving situations and responsibilities. Every rank of J&K Police knows their duty and responsibility.Menon theground getregular briefings, and we getinputsfrom them also. So we know what to do and what not to do, he added. Highlighting the role of local support systems, the SSP said service providers and stakeholders have also been integrated into the larger security and management framework.Local stakeholders and service providers are on the sameplatform andensuring close coordination, he said. Earlier,a large-scale mock drill was conducted at Pantha Chowk Yatri Niwas in Srinagar involving Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Traffic Police, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, district administration, ambulance services and other stakeholders. According to a police spokesperson, all participating agencies were thoroughly briefed on their respective roles and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) before the mock drill began. Emphasis was laid on maintaining coordination and communication flow, the spokesperson said. The exercise simulated multiple emergency scenarios, including road accidents, fidayeen attacks, law and order contingencies, accidental injuries, evacuation procedures, rescue operations and medical emergencies. Srinagar Police reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and incident-free Amarnath pilgrimage through coordinated planning, seamless inter-agency cooperation and proactive policing, the spokesperson added. Officials said the administration has introduced several additional safety and monitoring mechanisms this year. ThePehchan, a QR-based verification system by the police, has been implementedfor ponywallas, palkiwallas, porters and other service providers associated with the pilgrimage to ensure proper identification and background verification. In addition, RFID-based tracking systems have been activated for pilgrims to enable real-time monitoring and movement regulation along the yatra route. The officials said the technology would help improve crowd management, emergency response and overall coordination. Security agencies have also increased deployment across J&K with around 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces stationed at various strategic locations to strengthen the security grid around the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam. As Kashmir prepares to welcome thousands of pilgrims from across the country, authorities say the focus remains firmly on safety, coordination and ensuring that devotees undertake the spiritual journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Summer vacations for Kmr schools from Jul 6 to 19
Srinagar, June 30: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Tuesday announced summer vacations for all government and recognised private schools up to the Higher Secondary level across Kashmir Division from July 6 to July 19, 2026, in view of the prevailing weather conditions and rising temperatures. According to an official order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir, all educational institutions covered under the directive shall remain closed during the notified period. The order has been issued following approval from the competent authority. The announcement comes days after students from different parts of Kashmir appealed to the School Education Minister to declare summer vacations, citing intense heat and difficulties in attending classes during the ongoing heatwave. Students had expressed concern over the soaring temperatures and urged the authorities to prioritise their health and well-being. Talking to Rising Kashmir, the Director School Education Kashmir said the decision was taken after assessing the prevailing situation and considering the welfare of students and staff. We have announced summer vacations from July 6 to July 19 for all government and recognised private schools up to the Higher Secondary level across the Kashmir Division. The decision has been taken in the interest of students and school staff in view of the prevailing weather conditions, the DSEK said. Kashmir has witnessed an unusual rise in temperatures over the past several days, prompting demands from parents and students for an early summer break.
Srinagar records seasons second hottest day at 35.2C Children rush to rivers, streams, lakes to escape heat MeT predicts relief amid rain, gusty winds from today Srinagar, Jun 30: Kashmir continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Tuesday as Srinagar recorded the seasons second hottest day at 35.2 degrees Celsius, just a day after witnessing the hottest day of the season at 35.3 degrees Celsius. According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in Srinagar remained 5.6 degrees above normal, while night temperatures also stayed unusually high at 22.5 degrees Celsius, offering little relief from the scorching conditions. Several places across the Valley recorded temperatures well above seasonal averages. Kupwara registered 35.4C, Qazigund 33.4C, Kokernag 33.0C and Pahalgam 29.6C. Even Gulmarg, known for its cool climate, recorded an unusually high 26.0C. Shopkeepers at the commercial hub Lal Chowk also complained of the reduced flow of customers due tothe heatwave. Since the past few days, customer flow has gone down immensely due tothe intense heatwave, said Abdul Ahad, who sells readymade garments and cosmetics. As the heatwave intensified in the afternoon, children were seentaking bathsand swimming in streams, rivers and lakes across Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to beat the heat. At several places along the Jhelum riverbanks and near local streams, groups of children jumped into the water during the afternoon hours. It feels impossible to stayin school for the entire day. We come here every day after school to cool ourselves, said Ayan, a school student in Srinagar. Another teenager, Umer from Baramulla, said the heat this summer feels very unusual. Earlier we waited for sunshine in Kashmir, but now afternoons have become too hot. Swimming in the stream gives us relief, he said. Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said pre-monsoon activity is expected to bring relief from July 1 onwards. Intermittent rain and thundershower activity is likely till July 5. There is also a possibility of gusty winds, flash floods, landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, he said. Health experts have urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours. Dr Suhail Naik, a public health expert, said prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and aggravate cardiac and respiratory ailments, especially among children and the elderly. People must stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours and consume light food. The elderly, labourers and patients with existing illnesses need extra care during such weather conditions, he said. Environmental experts said the rising frequency of unusually warm days in Kashmir reflects changing climate patterns in the Himalayan region. This kind of prolonged heat in Kashmir was once considered rare. Rising temperatures, declining green cover and changing weather systems are contributing to more frequent heatwave-like situations, said an environmentalist. The MeT Department has advised travellers and residents living in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the expected wet spell could trigger flash floods and landslides in hilly regions and low-lying areas.
Festival to showcase J&K's landscapes, talent Local filmmakers, artists to be integrated Srinagar, Jun 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a review meeting to assess preparations for the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026, envisaging it as a landmark initiative to revive the region's cinematic legacy and evolve into a globally recognised cinematic event that celebrates storytelling while showcasing J&K's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and emerging creative talent. The meeting held extensive deliberations on the festival's vision, screening and programming strategy, branding, digital outreach, industry partnerships, and international participation. Director Information & Public Relations Shreya Singhal gave a comprehensive presentation outlining the proposed framework for the inaugural edition. CM Omar Abdullah underlined that the festival must not be viewed merely as a film event but as a defining cultural and economic platform for Jammu and Kashmir, generating opportunities in tourism, investment, employment, and the creative economy while reaffirming J&K's historic place as India's preferred destination for film production, creative pursuits, and cinematic tourism. Emphasising the importance of nurturing the local creative ecosystem, the Chief Minister directed that local filmmakers, writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, technicians, photographers, designers, artisans, craftsmen, and other creative professionals be meaningfully integrated with the film festival through exhibitions, networking opportunities, and business engagements. He further instructed organisers to facilitate structured interactions between local talent and eminent national and international filmmakers through master-class sessions, workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions, and knowledge-sharing programmes. The Chief Minister also called for instituting a special segment to recognise distinguished actors, filmmakers, directors, producers, cinematographers, musicians, and other cinema personalities who have played a significant role in keeping Jammu and Kashmir's cinematic legacy alive, celebrating Kashmir's enduring association with Indian cinema while inspiring a renewed partnership between the film industry and J&K. The proposed four-day festival, scheduled to be held in September 2026, will host screenings across multiple venues and feature international competition, Indian cinema, documentaries, short films, student films, animation, regional cinema, industry forums, workshops, and cultural programmes. Proposals for a dedicated digital ecosystem, including a festival website and an AI-enabled mobile application, as well as technical partnerships with premier film institutions, were also discussed. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Information R Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture Zubair Ahmad, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director Information Jammu Deepak Dubey, senior officers from Tourism and General Administration, representatives of NFDC, and other concerned officers.
Why Kashmir Cannot Afford to Ignore Food Adulteration Any Longer In a land that prides itself on its orchards, saffron fields and milk that once came straight from the neighbours cowshed, the idea that our food may be slowly poisoning us should shake us to the core. Yet across the Kashmir Valley, food adulteration has become a parallel economy, thriving in the shadows of weak enforcement, official apathy and a dangerously tolerant public mindset. From milk diluted with contaminated water to spices coloured with toxic dyes, from stale meat recycled with chemicals to substandard cooking oil sold as refined, the assault on our plates is relentless. What makes this crisis more sinister is that it strikes the poorest first and hardest. Those who cannot afford branded and certified products end up buying the anonymous packets and loose commodities where adulteration hides most easily. Successive administrations have made the right noises, occasionally seizing consignments and issuing press notes. But cosmetic raids and photo opportunities cannot substitute for a systemic war against this menace. When laboratories lack capacity, inspectors are too few, penalties remain laughable, and prosecutions drag on for years, food adulterators read it as an open invitation to continue business as usual. The message is clear: the risk is small, the profit is huge. The health cost, however, is devastating. Rising cases of digestive disorders, kidney ailments, heart disease and even cancers cannot be divorced from the quality of what we consume daily. A society that speaks of dignity and faith cannot remain silent when its children drink milk that is anything but, and eat staples laced with slow poison. This is not merely a regulatory lapse; it is a moral failure. Kashmir needs an uncompromising response. Dedicated food safety courts, fasttrack trials, cancellation of licenses, public naming and shaming of offenders and, in the worst cases, nonbailable sections must become the norm, not the exception. Testing facilities must be upgraded and decentralised so that every district can swiftly check what is sold in its markets. Routine, surprise checks, not festivalseason theatrics, should define the approach of our enforcement agencies. But the battle will not be won in inspection reports alone. Consumers must refuse to be complicit. Demand bills, ask for FSSAI licenses, support local producers with proven integrity, and report the suspicious instead of shrugging it off as chalta hai. Religious leaders, civil society and media must treat food adulteration as the public health emergency it is, not as a passing headline. Cleaning up our food chain is no longer an option; it is an obligation to our own health, to our future generations, and to the very idea of a just and humane society in Kashmir.
Rolling the Cameras, Reclaiming a Legacy
IFFJK-2026 can revive Kashmirs cinematic story, if intent is matched by honest execution Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs decision to lay out a roadmap for Jammu & Kashmirs first International Film Festival (IFFJK-2026) is, on the face of it, an ambitious attempt to restore a long-faded cinematic legacy. For a place once synonymous with Hindi cinemas most iconic frames, the idea of a globally recognised festival that brings back filmmakers, producers and artists from across the world carries both emotional resonance and economic promise. The review meeting, chaired in Srinagar, with a detailed presentation by the Information Department, signalled that the government is thinking beyond optics. The emphasis on a clear vision, curated programming, branding, digital outreach and international partnerships suggests that IFFJK is being positioned not as a token gala, but as a professionally managed cultural platform. The proposed digital ecosystem, from festival website to AI-enabled app, reflects an attempt to align Kashmirs cinematic aspirations with contemporary industry practices. Equally significant is the Chief Ministers insistence that the festival must serve as a cultural and economic engine. If executed with seriousness, IFFJK can inject fresh energy into tourism, hospitality, local entrepreneurship and the wider creative economy. For a society struggling to diversify livelihoods, the film and content industry offers relatively low-footprint, high-value opportunities, from location services and production support to crafts, design and post-production. However, the true measure of this initiative will lie in how deeply it engages local talent. The Chief Ministers directions to meaningfully integrate Kashmiri filmmakers, writers, cinematographers, technicians, artisans and designers through exhibitions, networking spaces and business engagements are crucial. Without strong local ownership, an international festival risks becoming a spectacle designed for visitors, not a ladder for homegrown creativity. The proposed masterclasses, workshops, mentoring sessions and knowledge-sharing programmes can, if curated with care, bridge a long-standing gap between Kashmirs aspirants and the national and global industry. Likewise, the idea of honouring actors, directors and technicians who kept Kashmir alive on screen is not mere nostalgia. It is a reminder that the Valleys relationship with cinema is not new; it has simply been interrupted. Yet, some cautions cannot be ignored. Kashmirs recent past is replete with grand announcements that fade once the spotlight shifts. For IFFJK-2026 to become more than a four-day event in September, timelines must be respected, funding transparent, venues and infrastructure ready, and local stakeholders treated as partners, not props. If the administration can translate this roadmap into an institution with continuity, credibility, and genuine access for Kashmiri youth, the International Film Festival could help reimagine the Valley not just as a backdrop for films but as a living, creating, and thinking cinematic hub. That would be a script worth fighting to see through to the end.
Steady and Stable as She Goes: India and the Economic Fallout of the Gulf Conflict
The Gulf conflict tested one kind of resilience; the years ahead will test others. India met the first test in good order When strikes closed the Strait of Hormuz at the end of February the channel through which close to a fifth of the worlds oil and the bulk of Indias crude oil and cooking gas pass the script for India seemed already written. A country that imports nine-tenths of its crude and more than half its cooking gas through the Gulf was, by the textbook, headed for queues at the pump, empty kitchens, a run on the rupee and a scramble for dollars. Nearly four months on, with the Strait reopening and crude back near its pre-crisis level, none of that came to pass. Not a single retail outlet ran dry. Every household that wanted a cylinder got one. India faced neither a 1991 moment nor a 2013 one. Macroeconomic stability held. This was not an accident, and it was not luck alone. It was the work of a government that chose to act as it had during the pandemic deliberately and gradually, building one measure upon another rather than reaching for a single dramatic lever. The first priority was the household. Throughout, not a single retail outlet ran out of stock, and every kitchen had its cylinder. The import-linked cost of a 14.2 kg cylinder rose above 1,600 rupees, yet the household price was held near 900 rupees, and lower still for the poorest. The memory of the early pandemic months, when panic among migrant workers set off a wave of reverse migration to the villages, was instructive. Commercial and bulk users were asked to give way to protect the home. On the fuels that power the wider economy, the government chose to absorb the shock rather than pass it on. It cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by ten rupees a litre, forgoing about 1.7 lakh crore in revenue, and eased the burden on aviation fuel. The marketing companies then held pump prices steady for more than two months before a single restrained revision. The logic is worth stating plainly: in such uncertainty, only the government has the balance sheet and the time horizon to bear the risk, and it chose to absorb the impact on the fiscal account rather than on households and firms. Special support for the airlines and a credit-guarantee scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises followed the Covid-era template of targeted and effective interventions. Behind the price cushion lay a real defence of supply. Domestic refiners lifted cooking-gas output by half within a week, largely replacing the lost imports. India quickly widened its sources, deepening purchases from the United States and Russia and adding new suppliers, so that less energy arrived through the Strait, and it secured the waivers it needed to keep buying Russian crude. The government also pressed measures for the longer run: converting homes from cylinders to piped gas, a coal gasification programme, a further push on ethanol blending, and strategic crude storage agreed on the Prime Ministers visit to the United Arab Emirates. India was among the few nations that kept its cargoes moving even as Hormuz traffic fell to a trickle. The external accounts were managed with the same patience. The government removed withholding and capital gains taxes on foreign institutional purchases of government debt and widened the securities open under the Fully Accessible Route, drawing money into the bond market. A new non-resident dollar deposit scheme is expected to bring in a sizeable sum of dollars. The free trade agreements signed over the years did their quiet work: exports of non-oil, non-gems-and-jewellery merchandise and services in April and May 2026 grew by more than 12 per cent over the same period a year earlier. The headline numbers reassure. Gross foreign direct investment in the last financial year reached ninety-five billion dollars, breaking out of the seventy-to-eighty-billion-dollar band of the post-pandemic years. The current account deficit was barely 0.6 per cent of GDP in FY26 and is now expected to be only marginally higher in FY27. Honesty also requires acknowledging that fortune lent a hand. The crude basket climbed past a hundred and twenty dollars within weeks of the closure, but from May, a fall in Chinas oil purchases and steady releases from the United States reserve eased it back below a hundred, and Chinas resumption of fertiliser exports spared the budget a heavy blow. Had the conflict dragged on, or oil settled near $120, the picture would feel less comfortable; sound policy and good fortune both played their part. Indeed, fortune eventually favours sound policymakers. In a sign of the revisions to come, Goldman Sachs recently upgraded its growth forecast for India to 6.8% for CY26 and 6.5% for FY27, both up by 30 bp from previous forecasts. The medium term, though, allows no complacency. In a world of fragmented alliances, weaponised supply chains and capital that can be turned on and off, the pressure on the balance of payments may outlast the conflict that threatened it. India must place a very high premium on attracting foreign direct investment. A balanced bilateral investment treaty framework, certainty in tax policy, state governments respecting the integrity of contracts, dependable logistics and single-window clearances that actually clear will draw the global supply chains now seeking to spread their bets. The deeper issue is import dependence, and not in energy alone. The merchandise trade deficit runs at about eight per cent of national income; strip out oil, and it is five per cent; strip out oil and gold, and it is still three and a half. Comparable large economies do better. India must indigenise what it can produce competitively and what it must. Its firms and trade bodies must work harder on their agreements particularly the new pacts with the United Kingdom and the European Union, which take effect this year and should boost labour-intensive exports. None of this is possible without skilled hands, which is why the training of young Indians in trade skills must now proceed on a war footing. These tasks will demand persistence and speed. Even as it turns to them, the government must also attend to a southwest monsoon that has so far disappointed, and to the arrival of artificial intelligence and what it will mean for Indian work and Indian life. The Gulf conflict tested one kind of resilience; the years ahead will test others. India met the first test in good order. That is a reason for quiet confidence and for getting on with the next. (The author is Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. His views are personal. Courtesy: PIB)
Guarding Our Digital Conscience
Why social media needs responsible users more than new laws Scrolling has become our new morning prayer. Before we greet our families, many of us greet our newsfeeds. In Kashmir, where every word carries weight and every image can stir deep emotions, social media is no longer a harmless pastime. It shapes opinions, hardens prejudices, spreads rumours, raises hope, and sometimes fans despair. The question now is not whether we can live without social media. The question is whether we can live with it responsibly. For years, the debate around social media has revolved around regulation, censorship, and platform policies. Governments want tighter controls, companies promise smarter algorithms, and activists fear shrinking spaces for free expression. Yet the most important stakeholder in this entire ecosystem is often ignored: the ordinary user. No law, no filter, and no automated system is more powerful than the simple decision of a citizen to pause for a moment before hitting share. A forwarded video from an unverified source can inflame tempers in minutes. An edited image, stripped of context, can travel faster than any official clarification. A careless comment posted in anger can deepen mistrust between communities already living on edge. We have seen how rumours about security incidents, health advisories, or political developments go viral long before facts catch up. Each time, the damage is not just digital; it is social, psychological, and sometimes even physical. The irony is that almost everyone claims to be a victim of misinformation, while few are willing to admit that they might also be its carriers. We complain about fake news, yet we rarely ask ourselves: How many times have I shared something without checking it? How often have I forwarded a message simply because it suited my emotions, not because it was true? Responsibility begins with this uncomfortable self-questioning. There are some simple habits that can change the culture of our timelines. Verifying the source of a story before sharing it is the most basic. A few extra seconds spent cross-checking information with credible news outlets or official handles can prevent hours, even days, of confusion. Reading beyond the headline is another. Sensational, half-true headlines are designed to provoke instant reactions; full stories often reveal that the reality is far more complex and far less dramatic. Equally important is the language we use online. Social media has lowered the barriers to speech, but it has also lowered the quality of our public conversation. Insults, slurs, and sweeping generalisations are posted with a casualness that we would never dare to display face to face. This digital bravado is dangerous. It normalises hate and makes cruelty appear routine. In a society like ours, where dignity and respect are central cultural values, it is tragic that our online behaviour so often betrays our offline ethics. Young people sit at the centre of this transformation. For many of them, social media is not a separate world; it is the world. Friendships, debates, learning, and even activism now flow through screens. This brings opportunities, but also deep vulnerabilities. Children and teenagers exposed to a constant stream of violence, glorified self-harm, or toxic comparison cannot emerge unscathed. Anxiety, loneliness, and digital addiction are rising quietly, often unnoticed by families until the damage becomes visible. Parents and educators must therefore expand their idea of guidance. Teaching a child how to cross a busy road while ignoring the digital highway on their phone is an incomplete responsibility. Media literacy must become as basic as reading and writing. Students should be taught how algorithms work, how echo chambers are formed, and why their data is valuable. They need to know not only how to use social media, but how social media uses them. At the same time, we must resist the temptation to place the entire burden on the young. Many of the most irresponsible posts and forwards come from adults who should know better: professionals, elders, even community leaders. When they circulate unverified claims or indulge in public character assassinations, they send a dangerous signalthat age and status exempt them from basic digital ethics. On the contrary, influence multiplies responsibility. The larger ones audience, the greater the duty to be accurate and fair. This does not mean that citizens must become timid or silent. Responsible use of social media is not about self-censorship; it is about self-respect. Criticism of authorities, honest debate about policies, and sharp questioning of power are essential in any democratic society. But there is a clear line between critique and cruelty, between dissent and defamation. Crossing that line may win a few likes in the moment, but it impoverishes our common life in the long run. In the end, responsible social media use is not about being perfect. It is about being mindful. It is about remembering that behind every profile is a person, behind every community a history, and behind every share a consequence. If we can carry this awareness into our daily digital habits, we will not just clean up our feeds. We will honour our own humanity in an age determined to compress it into clicks and views. ( The Author is a lecturer and Columnist)
Lesson for the Leaders of Kashmir Who Continue to Romanticise Pakistan
The reported suffering of the people of Balochistan deserves the same attention, empathy and condemnation that political leaders often demand for human rights issues elsewhere BHAT MUSADDIK REYAZ Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, has reportedly been sentenced to life imprisonment. The country that claims to represent a particular religion has silenced the voice of a woman who peacefully led her people on the streets, demanding justice and basic human rights. Chinas investments and Pakistans handover of major resources, including Gwadar Port and other strategic assets, have pushed thousands of people in Balochistan onto the streets in protest. At the centre of this movement stands Dr. Mahrang Baloch and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), which has become the strongest voice of the Baloch people against the alleged enforced disappearances of Baloch youth and other reported human rights violations. One incident from the Baloch conflict has never left my mind. In March 2025, reports emerged about the recovery of 21 bodies from the morgue of a city hospital in Quetta. According to activists, the deceased were young Baloch men who had allegedly been subjected to severe torture before being killed. Their families reportedly protested for days, demanding that the bodies be returned with dignity. Whether one agrees with the politics or not, such incidents demand accountability and justice. Pakistan has, time and again, faced allegations of serious human rights violations in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and alleged extrajudicial killings. Women and girls have suffered for years as their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons have reportedly been arrested or forcibly disappeared. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee gradually became the voice of the Baloch masses. It was largely led by women, including Sammi Deen Baloch, Beboo Baloch and Gulzadi Baloch, who stood at the forefront of peaceful protests. Dr. Mahrang Baloch gave a new shape and voice to the Baloch movement through her leadership and grassroots mobilisation. On 25 January, the BYC organised the Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day gathering in Dalbandin, where, reportedly, over one hundred thousand people assembled to send a strong message against the alleged genocide and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The gathering demonstrated that the Baloch movement had become a mass public movement. Soon after the gathering, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beboo Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch and several other leaders were arrested and lodged in Huda Jail in Quetta. Their arrests triggered protest demonstrations across Balochistan in April 2025. The streets of Turbat, Panjgoor, Nokundi, Khuzdar, Kalang and Mustang witnessed thousands demanding their release. While the Prime Minister of India is leaving no stone unturned to strengthen and empower the Nari Shakti of the country, Pakistan has been accused of silencing women activists by imprisoning themnot for promoting terrorism or violencebut for raising the voice of every Baloch family whose loved ones were allegedly killed, harassed, jailed or forcibly disappeared, and whose natural resources, according to critics, have been handed over to China. According to PAANK reports, January 2026 recorded 82 alleged enforced disappearances and 12 reported extrajudicial killings. February documented 109 alleged enforced disappearances and 50 reported extrajudicial killings. March recorded 29 confirmed cases of reported extrajudicial killings, while April documented another 109 alleged enforced disappearances and 26 reported extrajudicial killings. These figures suggest that within just four months, hundreds of people were reportedly killed or forcibly disappeared. Every statistic represents a family waiting for justice. Yet, many leaders in mainstream politics in Jammu and Kashmir continue to repeat that dialogue with Pakistan is the only solution to the Kashmir issue. What these politicians and separatist leaders have seldom told the people of Kashmir is what human rights organisations and Baloch activists have consistently alleged about Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). If the leaders of Kashmir truly accept the Constitution by heart, then they must also tell the people of Kashmir about the alleged atrocities and human rights violations committed against the people of Balochistan. They should have the moral courage to openly condemn the reported life sentence imposed on Dr. Mahrang Baloch and speak with the same conviction for the rights of the Baloch people as they do on other issues. Pakistan was never the solution to Indias internal issues, and it never will be. The solution lies in speaking the truth, stopping the politics of selective narratives, and making people understand the difference between democratic institutions and regimes accused of suppressing dissent. The presidents and senior leadership of political parties in Jammu & Kashmir who, through their public speeches, often present Pakistan as part of the solution, should also speak with equal honesty and strength about the alleged atrocities committed in Balochistan and PoJK. Human rights cannot be selective. If they matter in Kashmir, they must matter equally in Balochistan & PoJK. ( The Author is a Youth & Peace Activist and can be reached at: Bhatmusaddiq99@gmail.com )
Kashmiri Pandits Return: The Missing Pillar of Lasting Peace in Kashmir
Sustainable peace shall continue to remain elusive until Kashmiri Pandits return to Kashmir in a secure, dignified and honourable manner The story of Kashmir is not merely about territory, politics or security. It is fundamentally about its people, its civilisational heritage and its composite cultural identity that evolved over millennia. Among the principal architects of this rich heritage are the Kashmiri Pandits, an indigenous community whose intellectual, spiritual and cultural contributions shaped Kashmir into one of the greatest centres of learning and philosophy in the Indian subcontinent. Their forced exodus in 1990 was not merely the displacement of a community; it was the rupture of Kashmirs civilisational continuity. More than three decades later, Kashmir continues to grapple with instability because peace can never be complete while one of its foundational communities remains absent from its homeland. Kashmiri Pandits possess an eternal and inalienable stake in Kashmir. Their relationship with the Valley transcends political dispensations and historical upheavals. It is rooted in thousands of years of shared history, sacred geography, language, literature and cultural memory. Every village, every shrine, every spring and every ancient temple bears testimony to their uninterrupted presence over centuries. Kashmir is not simply a place where Kashmiri Pandits once lived; it is the cradle of their identity, civilisation and collective consciousness. The absence of the Kashmiri Pandits has left an undeniable void in the social and cultural fabric of the Valley. Kashmir without its Pandits resembles an incomplete civilisation, deprived of one of its most significant pillars. The famed ethos of Kashmir built upon mutual coexistence, pluralism and respect for diversity, cannot attain authenticity unless Kashmiri Pandits return as equal stakeholders in society. Their physical presence on the ground is indispensable for restoring Kashmirs pluralistic character. Peace cannot merely be measured by declining incidents of violence or improved economic indicators. Genuine peace is measured by justice, reconciliation, confidence and the restoration of communities that were violently uprooted. A Valley where its original displaced inhabitants continue to live in exile cannot claim to have achieved complete normalcy. Therefore, sustainable peace shall continue to remain elusive until Kashmiri Pandits return to Kashmir in a secure, dignified and honourable manner. The recent two-day conference of exiled Kashmiri Pandits held in Srinagar marked a historic and defining moment. Thousands witnessed an unprecedented display of unity among members of the displaced community, cutting across organisational affiliations and regional differences. The conference sent a powerful and unmistakable message that the Kashmiri Pandit community has neither abandoned nor relinquished its claim to its homeland. On the contrary, it reaffirmed with remarkable clarity and conviction its united resolve to return to Kashmir. Equally significant was the fact that the community asserted its determination to return on terms that ensure dignity, security, equality and permanence rather than through symbolic or cosmetic rehabilitation measures. The community demands the acknowledgement of its genocide by the Union of India and all those concerned. The participants demonstrated maturity and realism by emphasising that return cannot merely mean relocation; it must signify the restoration of confidence, the rebuilding of institutions, the revival of cultural life, and the re-establishment of a secure social ecosystem where future generations can flourish without fear. The conference should be viewed by policymakers as a turning point. It has created a rare consensus within the community and generated renewed optimism. Such moments in history should not be allowed to dissipate through bureaucratic inertia or political indecision. Instead, they must become the foundation for decisive governmental action. The Union of India now carries a historic responsibility. Having restored constitutional integration and repeatedly asserted its commitment to the welfare of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, the Government must now move beyond declarations towards implementation. The time has come to formulate a comprehensive, time-bound, secured and dignified Return and Rehabilitation Module for Kashmiri Pandits. This programme must be prepared through meaningful consultation with representatives of the community and should incorporate clearly defined timelines, institutional accountability and measurable outcomes. It should not merely focus on housing but must comprehensively address physical security, livelihood opportunities, educational infrastructure, healthcare, cultural preservation, legal safeguards and mechanisms for rebuilding community institutions. Security remains the foremost prerequisite. The return of Kashmiri Pandits cannot depend solely upon changing political circumstances or temporary administrative arrangements. It must rest upon robust institutional guarantees that inspire lasting confidence. Equally important is economic sustainability. Employment, entrepreneurship, investment incentives and educational opportunities should enable returning families to rebuild productive and meaningful lives. The rehabilitation process must also acknowledge the emotional and psychological dimensions of displacement. Three generations have grown up in exile, carrying memories of loss, trauma and uncertainty. Return, therefore, is not merely a logistical exercise; it is an act of restorative justice. It demands empathy, healing and societal reconciliation. Every effort must be made to create conditions where returning families feel welcomed, respected and secure. The larger Kashmiri society also has an important role to play. Civil society organisations, religious leaders, political representatives and ordinary citizens must collectively extend a sincere hand of reconciliation. The return of Kashmiri Pandits should not be perceived as a favour extended to a displaced minority but as the restoration of Kashmirs own civilisational completeness. Their presence enriches the Valleys cultural diversity and strengthens the democratic and pluralistic values that have historically defined Kashmir. It is equally important that political discourse rises above partisan considerations. The return of Kashmiri Pandits is neither a political slogan nor an electoral issue. It is a national responsibility and a constitutional obligation. Every stakeholder must recognise that the future stability of Jammu and Kashmir is closely linked with the successful return of its displaced indigenous community. History offers nations moments that demand courage and statesmanship. India today stands at such a moment. The aspirations expressed by Kashmiri Pandits during the Srinagar conference have created an opportunity to correct one of independent Indias most painful chapters. Delaying action would only prolong uncertainty and weaken confidence among future generations who still cherish the dream of returning to their ancestral homes. The vision is not one of revenge or confrontation. It is a vision of reconciliation, coexistence and shared prosperity. Kashmiri Pandits seek not privilege but equality; not charity but justice; not temporary accommodation but permanent restoration in their homeland. Their return represents the revival of Kashmirs inclusive identity and its timeless civilisational legacy. Supreme Court has opined on the need for a process of truth, reconciliation and healing in Jammu and Kashmir. The apex Courts emphasis on establishing a time-bound and impartial Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate human rights violations committed by both state and non-state actors since the 1980s provides a historic opportunity to acknowledge the suffering of all victims and help heal the wounds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court had rightly recognised the deep intergenerational trauma caused by decades of violence, including the forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90 and the enormous human cost borne by residents across communities. Any durable peace process must be founded on truth, justice, acknowledgement, reparation and reconciliation. Addressing the lingering distrust and alienation among the younger generation is indispensable for building a peaceful, inclusive and confident future for Jammu and Kashmir. Endorsing this approach, its reiterated that Kashmirs civilizational ethos can only be fully restored through the safe, dignified and sustainable return of exiled Kashmiri Pandits, accompanied by confidence-building measures, institutional safeguards and meaningful reconciliation among all communities. Also, a credible Truth and Reconciliation Commission, working in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner, would not only facilitate healing but also lay the foundations for lasting peace, mutual trust and the revival of Kashmirs centuries-old pluralistic and composite culture. The Union Government must therefore seize this historic opportunity by announcing a structured, time-bound roadmap for the secure, dignified and sustainable return of Kashmiri Pandits. Such a policy would not only fulfil a long-pending national commitment but also reinforce Indias constitutional values of justice, equality and fraternity. Kashmirs story will remain unfinished until its displaced sons and daughters walk once again through the streets of their ancestral villages, offer prayers at their ancient temples, rebuild their homes and participate fully in the life of the Valley. Only then will Kashmir truly regain its soul. Only then will the promise of lasting peace become a living reality. ( The Author is a Senior Supreme Court Lawyer and an accomplished Kashmiri Leader)
After fatal mishaps, Ganderbal seeks canal fencing
Ganderbal, June 30: Residents of several villages in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district have renewed their long-pending demand for the installation of protective fencing along the Upper Sindh Hydro Power Project-II (USHP-II) power canal, says that the decades-old canal has become a major safety hazard due to the absence of adequate safety measures. The canal, constructed in 1965 by the Power Development Corporation (PDC), stretches from Rayil to Ganderbal, passing through Gund, Fraw, Haknar, Surfraw, Sumbal, Kangan and several other villages. According to local residents, the canal supplies water to the Ganderbal, Kangan and Surfraw-Sumbal hydropower projects but has remained largely unfenced for decades despite repeated public appeals. Residents said only a few sections of the canal have been provided with protective fencing, while most of its length remains exposed, posing a serious threat to pedestrians, children, elderly residents and livestock. They said that the canal has claimed numerous human lives over the years, with many drowning incidents reported from different locations along its course. According to the locals, three persons lost their lives in separate incidents in the canal during the month of June, further highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures. The canal has become a death trap. Every year we lose precious human lives and livestock due to the absence of fencing. We want complete fencing on both sides of the canal from Rayil to Ganderbal so that no more families have to suffer, the residents said. They further claimed that the canal has claimed many human lives and animals since its construction and expressed concern that, unless immediate preventive measures are taken, more tragedies could occur in the future. The residents further said that despite repeated requests over several decades, the concerned department has failed to install fencing along vulnerable stretches of the canal. They said the issue has remained unresolved despite several fatal accidents. Demanding immediate action, the locals urged the authorities to undertake a comprehensive fencing project along the entire canal, particularly through densely populated areas, to safeguard residents and prevent further loss of life. Appealing for government intervention, the residents requested the district administration and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally look into the matter and direct the concerned departments to install protective fencing without further delay. They said timely action would help prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of thousands of people living along the canal corridor.
Obesity rises sharply in J&K : Report
NFHS-6 shows prevalence climbing to 42.8% among women, 36.3% among men Srinagar, June 30: Obesity has risen sharply in Jammu and Kashmir, with the latest NFHS-6 data showing prevalence among women increasing from 36.1% to 42.8% and among men from 29.4% to 36.3%, highlighting a growing public health concern in the Union Territory. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21) and NFFS-6 (2023-24), overweight and obesity have increased considerably among adults aged 15-49 years. The prevalence among women has increased from 36.1 percent in NFHS-5 to 42.8 percent in NFHS-6, marking a rise of 6.7 percentage points. Among men, the prevalence has increased from 29.4 percent to 36.3 percent, reflecting an increase of 6.9 percentage points. The findings indicate that overweight and obesity have increased substantially in the UT over the past five years, underscoring the urgent need for preventive interventions from an early age. Although NFHS-6 does not provide obesity estimates for school-age children, school-based studies conducted in J&K show that 8 to 15 percent of children are overweight, while 3 to 8 percent are obese. The studies suggest that childhood obesity is more prevalent in urban areas and affluent households, making it an emerging health challenge requiring immediate attention. Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar, attributed the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in Jammu and Kashmir to several lifestyle-related factors. These include unhealthy dietary habits, such as frequent consumption of fast food, sugary drinks, chips, bakery items, large food portions, excessive rice intake and inadequate vegetable consumption. Physical inactivity is another major contributor, with children spending less time outdoors due to increased dependence on school transport, reduced walking and cycling, and inadequate playgrounds, he said. Health experts also identify excessive screen time, including prolonged use of mobile phones, television, video games and online classes, which significantly reduce recreational physical activity. Other contributing factors include poor sleep, particularly late-night mobile phone use that disrupts hormones regulating appetite, sedentary family lifestyles, frequent consumption of restaurant and junk food, long winters limiting outdoor activities and encouraging calorie-dense diets, and genetic predisposition, as children with overweight parents are at greater risk. Khan said obesity during childhood can lead to numerous health complications. Short-term physical effects include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea, joint pain and reduced physical fitness. The psychological consequences include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, bullying and poor academic performance. In the long term, obese children face a significantly higher risk of remaining obese into adulthood and developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, osteoarthritis, certain cancers and reduced life expectancy, he said. Health experts recommend that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, limit recreational screen time to less than two hours a day, and maintain adequate sleep 10-13 hours for preschoolers, 9-12 hours for school-age children and 8-10 hours for teenagers. He said that parents are encouraged to provide healthier food choices, including fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, whole grains, pulses, milk and curd, eggs, fish, lean meat and nuts in moderation, while avoiding soft drinks, energy drinks, packaged fruit juices, instant noodles, cakes, pastries, burgers, pizzas, fried snacks and excessive sweets.
Govt plans Rs 8 Cr tourism boost for Uri
Srinagar, June 30: In a major push to promote border tourism in north Kashmirs Uri sector, the Jammu and Kashmir government has proposed tourism infrastructure projects worth 8 crore aimed at transforming the frontier town into a key tourist destination while creating new livelihood opportunities for local residents. According to official documents accessed by Rising Kashmir, the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir has sought technically vetted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) from the Public Works (R&B) Department for a series of projects proposed under the Tourism Development Plan for 2026-27. The projects are designed to strengthen tourism infrastructure across several scenic locations in Uri, which has witnessed growing tourist interest in recent years due to its picturesque landscapes, historical significance and proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). The proposal includes the construction of a Tourism Facilitation Centre in Uri town at an estimated cost of 1.50 crore. The facility will house a reception area, tourist information centre and a cafeteria to improve visitor services and encourage longer stays. To promote eco-tourism and trekking, the government has proposed eco-friendly tourist huts, a cafeteria, public conveniences and trekking paths at Bosiyan-Gingal at a cost of 2 crore. Another major component of the plan is the development and beautification of the riverfront park at Mohra, estimated at 1.50 crore. The project includes eco-friendly landscaping, modern lighting, seating spaces and recreational facilities for children and families, with the aim of creating a vibrant public leisure destination. The Tourism Department has also proposed tourist shelters, resting spaces, trekking paths, public conveniences and a cafeteria in the Garkote-Haji Peer area at a cost of 1 crore to improve facilities for trekkers and visitors exploring the border region. Additionally, eco-friendly tourist huts and trekking paths will be developed at Chotali village under a 2 crore project to open another scenic destination for visitors. Officials said the proposed projects are intended to diversify Kashmirs tourism landscape by promoting destinations beyond the traditional tourist circuits and encouraging sustainable tourism in border areas. The objective is to create modern tourism infrastructure while preserving the ecological character of these locations. Border tourism has immense potential in Uri, and these projects will significantly improve the visitor experience, an official associated with the proposal said. Local residents welcomed the governments initiative and expressed gratitude to MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi for pursuing the proposal and securing the budgetary allocation for the promotion of border tourism in the constituency.
SKIMS conducts BHISHM cube drill ahead of yatra
Srinagar, Jun 30: As part of its preparedness for the annual Amarnath Yatra, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura conducted the first training session on the use and deployment of Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri (BHISHM) Cubes at SKIMS MC, Bemina. The training was chaired by Director SKIMS & EOSG and conducted under the supervision of Principal and Medical Superintendent, SKIMS Medical College-Hospital, Bemina. The initiative forms an integral part of SKIMS' disaster management strategy to strengthen emergency medical response, mass casualty preparedness, and critical care services during the Amarnath Yatra and other disaster situations. A detailed demonstration and hands-on training session was conducted by the innovator and lead designer of the BHISHM Cubes, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Dr. Tanmoy Roy, along with his team. Director SKIMS Soura Dr Ashraf Ganie said disaster preparedness, effective emergency response, and continuous capacity building are essential components of a resilient healthcare system, particularly during large public gatherings such as the Amarnath Yatra. He appreciated the participation of all healthcare professionals and reaffirmed SKIMS' resolve to continually strengthen its disaster management capabilities through regular training, skill enhancement, and adoption of advanced emergency response technologies. In view of the Yatra, dedicated BHISHM Cubes have been deployed at SKIMS MC, Bemina, Shadipora Highway, and SKIMS Main Campus to provide critical care support and emergency medical services to pilgrims. The initiative is aimed to ensure robust disaster management, emergency preparedness, and the delivery of timely, efficient, and high-quality healthcare services during one of the country's largest annual pilgrimages, he said. Participants were trained in the operational features, deployment protocols, components, emergency applications, and critical care capabilities of the BHISHM Cubes to ensure their effective utilization during disasters, medical emergencies, and mass casualty incidents. The programme was attended by Heads of Departments, faculty members, medical officers, nursing officers, and paramedical staff, who actively participated in the practical sessions. The training was aimed at enhancing institutional disaster management preparedness, strengthening emergency response mechanisms, improving interdepartmental coordination, and ensuring the seamless deployment of the BHISHM Cubes whenever required.
Baltal all set to welcome Amarnath pilgrims
Baltal, June 30: With only a few days left for the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, preparations at the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district are nearing completion. Authorities, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), security agencies, and local stakeholders are working round the clock to ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable pilgrimage for thousands of devotees expected to visit the holy cave shrine. The Baltal base camp has transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with community kitchens (langars), accommodation tents, medical facilities, sanitation infrastructure, and other essential services being established ahead of the Yatra. Workers and volunteers are making final arrangements while local service providers, including pony owners, palki operators, tent owners, and labourers, are preparing to receive pilgrims. Gaurav Arora of Shiv Bhakti Seva Mandal which has been operating Langar No. 6 at Baltal for nearly 28 years, said the facilities provided this year are significantly better than in previous years. He appreciated the efforts of the administration, stating that any issues faced by langar operators are promptly addressed by the camp authorities. He said roads leading to the base camp have improved considerably, making transportation of supplies easier, while better lighting, separate toilet and bathing facilities for men and women, and enhanced cleanliness have added to the convenience of pilgrims and volunteers alike. Arora also lauded the extensive security arrangements put in place for the pilgrimage, saying security forces have been deployed across the Baltal axis, creating a safe environment for devotees. He expressed confidence that pilgrims would feel secure throughout the Yatra and thanked the administration for its continuous support. Highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, he appealed to pilgrims to maintain cleanliness, avoid the use of polythene, and make proper use of dustbins to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Meanwhile, local pony owner Tariq Khatana from Rajouri said preparations this year are satisfactory and expressed hope for a successful pilgrimage season. Having been associated with the Yatra since 2017, he said the annual pilgrimage provides livelihood opportunities to thousands of people from Jammu, Kashmir, Rajouri, and other regions. He noted that pony owners, palki operators, tent owners, and other workers eagerly await the Yatra every year as it serves as a major source of income for their families. He welcomed pilgrims from across the country and assured them of full support during their spiritual journey. With infrastructure, security, and logistical arrangements entering the final phase, Baltal is all set to welcome devotees for one of the country's most significant annual pilgrimages. Authorities remain focused on ensuring that the Shri Amarnath Yatra is conducted in a safe, well-managed, and spiritually fulfilling atmosphere for all pilgrims.
LG Sinha to flag off first Amarnath yatra batch tomorrow
55,000 pilgrim capacity accommodation in Jammu: Div Com Pilgrims directed to travel only via Jammu-Sgr highway Srinagar, June 30: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday said elaborate arrangements, including accommodation for nearly 55,000 pilgrims and enhanced security measures, have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra beginning July 3. The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu at 4 am on July 2. The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine will commence simultaneously through the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. As of now, arrangements have been made to accommodate around 55,000 pilgrims across the Jammu division. Comprehensive arrangements related to accommodation, food, sanitation, healthcare, transport and security have been put in place so that no pilgrim faces inconvenience, Kumar told reporters in Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti said an even stronger security cover than previous years has been deployed for this years Yatra. He said pilgrims arriving at Lakhanpur between 6 am and 8 am will be escorted to Jammu under security cover, while those arriving after the cut-off timing will have to halt there due to security restrictions. Authorities have directed pilgrims to use only the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, while movement through alternate routes, including Mughal Road and Dhar Road, has been barred for Yatra traffic. Accommodation centres, including government lodging facilities, temporary shelters and arrangements supported by civil society groups, have been established from Lakhanpur to Banihal. Langars, sanitation facilities and healthcare services have also been strengthened along the Yatra route. On-the-spot registration for pilgrims will commence on Wednesday at the Tawi River Front in Jammu, where the registration centre has been shifted to reduce inconvenience for city residents. Mandatory RFID cards for tracking and security will be issued at designated centres, including Jammu Railway Station, Bhagwati Nagar, Tawi River Front, Udhampur, Chanderkote, Banihal, Lakhanpur and Samba. Separate registration facilities have also been established for sadhus at Geeta Bhawan and Purani Mandi temple. The administration has advised elderly pilgrims and those suffering from cardiac or respiratory ailments to undertake the pilgrimage only after obtaining proper medical clearance and carrying mandatory health certificates. Pilgrims travelling in private vehicles have been directed to report at Bhagwati Nagar base camp by 10 pm a day before departure for security checks and other formalities. Drivers have also been urged to avoid fatigue and driving under the influence of intoxicants due to the challenging terrain along the highway. Nearly 2,100 toilets have been installed along the Yatra route, while sightseeing bus services for waiting pilgrims have also been arranged in collaboration with the Tourism Department and Jammu Municipal Corporation.
Er Rashid returns to Tihar jail after interim bail
Srinagar, June 30: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Tuesday said that Member of Parliament from Baramulla and AIP President Er Rashid returned to Tihar Jail after the expiry of his five-day interim bail granted by the Court from 25th June to 30th June to attend the Chahlum of his late father. According to reports, emotional scenes were witnessed at Er Rashid's Srinagar residence as family members, relatives and well-wishers bid him farewell with tears in their eyes before he left for New Delhi in compliance with the Delhi High Court's directions. Inam Un Nabi said Er Rashid has always respected the rule of law and every order of the judiciary. However, his prolonged incarceration continues to cause immense hardship to his family and deprives the people of the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency of direct access to their elected representative. Inam Un Nabi appealed to the Government of India and the Judiciary to release Member of Parliament Er Rashid, enabling him to freely discharge the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.
Javid Dar meets public delegations at Civil Secretariat
Jammu, June 30: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Tuesday met senior officers of the Rural Development, Animal Husbandry and Horticulture departments besides interacting with several public delegations at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu. During the meetings, the Minister reviewed a wide range of public issues and developmental projects pertaining to the concerned departments. He took stock of the progress of ongoing initiatives and emphasized the need for timely implementation of development works to ensure effective delivery of public services. The public delegations apprised the Minister of various issues and demands concerning their respective areas. Giving a patient hearing to all the representations, Javid Dar assured the delegations that every genuine grievance would be addressed in a phased and time-bound manner.
