Jammu & kashmir

From Tral To Tech: How Murtaza Rafiq Is Transforming Kashmirs Delivery Economy

At an age when most 15-year-olds are occupied with school, exams and deciding what they want to become, Murtaza Rafiq had already discovered his passion. Armed with a camera, basic editing software and an internet connection from his home in Tral in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, he began creating videos with little more than curiosity and determination. Nearly a decade later, that teenage experiment has grown into two successfulcareers,one as a digital creator followed by hundreds of thousands online, and the other as the founder of one of Kashmirs fastest-growing quick-commerce startups. Known online as Emminerr, the 24-year-old YouTuber and entrepreneur has built a career that bridges content creation and technology-driven business, demonstrating how the creator economy can flourish even in a region more often associated with conflict than innovation. His latest venture, SpeedyKart, is attempting to reshape how people across Kashmir shop, order food and receive everyday essentials. I never wanted to stop at making videos, Murtaza says. I always wanted to build something that could create jobs and solve a real problem. A Camera, A Dream And A Small Room Murtazas journey began long before quick-commerce became Indias latest startup buzzword. He was just 15 years old when he started experimenting with content creation from a modest setup at his home in Tral. Like many young creators, he began with dubbed music videos, hip-hop recordings and simple edits, teaching himself production skills through trial and error. For Murtaza, content creation was never simply about entertainment. Acting fascinated him, travelling inspired him, and social media became the platform where he could combine both passions. Growing up in Tral, a town with limited opportunities and exposure, Murtaza dreamed far beyond the Valley. As a teenager, he began travelling solo, visiting countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Thailand, Turkey, South Korea and more. Each journey broadened his perspective and enriched his storytelling, helping him connect with audiences through experiences that were uncommon for a young creator from Kashmir. As his confidence grew, so did his ambitions. He gradually shifted towards lifestyle and travel vlogging, documenting journeys across eight to nine countries while introducing audiences to destinations and luxury experiences through the lens of a young Kashmiri creator. His videos became more ambitious, both in scale and production quality. Inspired by international creators, particularly MrBeast, he ventured into large-scale challenge videos and giveaways. From distributing bicycles to children to giving away iPhones, his content began attracting millions of impressions and significantly expanded his audience. A defining milestone came in 2025 when he met global YouTube sensation MrBeast during a shoot in Riyadh. For many creators, such a meeting would have been the culmination of years of work. For Murtaza, it became a source of inspiration. It showed me that content can become much bigger than entertainment, he says. It can build businesses, communities and opportunities. Today, his online presence spans more than 330,000 YouTube subscribers, 135,000 Facebook followers and 100,000 Instagram followers, making him one of Kashmirs most recognised digital creators. Beyond Views And Subscribers Despite his growing popularity online, Murtaza believed content creation alone wasnt enough. While Indias metropolitan cities witnessed the rapid rise of quick-commerce platforms, Kashmir continued to depend largely on conventional retail and slower delivery systems. Rather than waiting for established companies to enter the Valley, he decided to create a local solution. Development on SpeedyKart began in 2022. For nearly two years, Murtaza and his team worked on building the technology, delivery network and operational infrastructure required for a service that had little precedent in Kashmir. The app officially launched on August 5, 2024. Unlike conventional delivery platforms, SpeedyKart operates through two verticals. Its express-delivery service, Hotbox, focuses on delivering food, groceries and daily essentials within an average of 30 minutes across a 10-kilometre radius. Its second arm, SpeedyMart, caters to fashion, electronics and other e-commerce products with delivery extending beyond Kashmir to customers across India. The model has been designed around Kashmirs unique geography, where weather conditions, dispersed populations and logistical challenges often complicate supply chains. Building Jobs Alongside Business For Murtaza, launching the platform wasnt only about introducing faster deliveries. It was equally about creating employment. Today, SpeedyKart employs around 100 people across Tral, Awantipora, Anantnag, Verinag, Srinagar and Hazratbal. Since quick-commerce was still relatively unfamiliar in Kashmir, he personally trained nearly 70 per cent of the workforce. We werent just hiring delivery executives, he says. We were introducing an entirely new way of working. The company has since expanded beyond logistics, operating multiple retail outlets while also establishing a 2,000-square-foot fine-dining concept in Rajbagh, signalling ambitions beyond app-based deliveries. The Numbers Behind The Vision SpeedyKarts growth reflects increasing consumer confidence in locally built technology. Within its first year, the startup recorded an annual revenue of aroundRs 1.5 crore. By its second year, that figure had increased to nearlyRs 2.5 crore. Over the past two years, the platform has completed more than 2.5 lakh deliveries, maintaining an average delivery time of approximately 30 minutes. For Murtaza, however, these figures represent more than business success. They represent trust, he says. Every order means someone chose to believe in a homegrown Kashmiri company. A New Generation Of Entrepreneurs For decades, Kashmir has been known for its artisans, apple growers, tourism and handicrafts. Today, another identity is quietly emerging: that of digital creators, startup founders and technology entrepreneurs building businesses from within the Valley. Murtaza Rafiq belongs to this new generation. His journey illustrates how a camera can become a catalyst for entrepreneurship, how social media can evolve into sustainable enterprise, and how local innovation can solve local challenges. From filming videos in a small room in Tral at the age of 15 to building a company that now serves thousands of customers across Kashmir, his story reflects the aspirations of a generation that is equally comfortable creating content, building technology and generating employment. For Murtaza Rafiq, success was never just about going viral. It was about creating something that lasts.

Heavy rain halts Yatra on Baltal route

Srinagar, Jul 31: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra remained suspended from the Baltal route on Friday after heavy rainfall damaged sections of the track, forcing authorities to halt the movement of pilgrims as a precautionary measure. Official sources said the decision was taken in view of inclement weather and the need to undertake urgent restoration work on vulnerable stretches of the Baltal track. The suspensionwas aimed at ensuringthe safety of thousands of pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine. Continuous rainfalltriggered damage toportions of the trekking route, making it unsafe for pilgrims. Soon after the weather deteriorated, authorities reviewed the situation and decided to suspend the yatra from Baltal until the track is restored. Engineering teams, disaster response personnel and other concerned agencies were immediately pressed into service to repair the damaged stretches and clear debris from the route. Restoration work is underway on a war footing, officials said, adding that every effort is being made to reopen the track as soon as conditions permit. No pilgrim was allowed to proceed from the Baltal base camp on Friday. Officials said fresh movement towards the holy cave shrine will remain suspended until engineers certify the route as safe and weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, the pilgrimage from the traditional Pahalgam route alsocontinued to remain suspended due to adverse weather and ongoing restoration works.With both routes temporarily closed, authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and reviewing weather forecasts beforetaking any decisionon resuming the yatra. The administrationhasadvised all pilgrims to remain at their designated base camps and refrain from attempting to move towards the shrine without official permission. Public address systems and officials at the camps are regularly updating pilgrims about the prevailing situation. Officials said adequate arrangements, including accommodation, food, drinking water, medical assistance and security, have been put in place at the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps to ensure that stranded pilgrims do not face inconvenience during the temporary suspension. Authoritieshaveappealed to devotees to cooperate with the administration and exercise patience. They reiterated that the safety and well-being of pilgrims remain the highest priority and that the yatra will resume only after the tracks are fully restored and declared safe for travel.

Govt regulates release of balance funds

Srinagar, Jul 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has issued fresh guidelines for the release of balance budgetary allocations and regulation of expenditure during the last quarter of the Financial Year 2026-27, aiming to ensure timely execution of works, optimal utilisation of funds and prevent the year-end rush in spending. According to a circular issued by the Budget Division of the Finance Department, the balance allocation for any work will be released only after at least 80 per cent of the funds already released have been spent, as reflected on the BEAMS portal and Treasury accounts. The circular directs Administrative Departments to submit proposals for release of the remaining allocation immediately after achieving the prescribed utilisation instead of waiting for expenditure under other works. In a special provision, the Finance Department said that if a work included in the Annual Action Plan (AAP) 2026-27 and uploaded on BEAMS has been completed, the concerned department or executing agency may seek release of the entire approved balance allocation. Such requests will be considered after verification, with the condition that the corresponding bills are submitted to the Treasury within 15 days of fund release. Failure to meet the deadline will make the release liable for withdrawal, while any further release will require fresh consideration by the Finance Department. The departments have also been instructed to continuously monitor the pace of expenditure to avoid delays in fund release and ensure timely execution of works. The circular further stipulates that expenditure during the last quarter of the financial year (January-March 2027) shall not exceed 25 per cent of the Budget Estimates 2026-27 under each object head or work, except in cases involving unavoidable contractual, statutory or court-mandated liabilities with prior approval of the Finance Department. The instructions have come into immediate effect and are to be read alongside the existing financial management guidelines issued by the Finance Department.

Monsoon showers sweep away pollution, clear Kashmirs air

Srinagar, Jul 31: After enduring prolonged dry spells, dust-laden winds and declining air quality earlier this year, Kashmir is breathing easier again as widespread monsoon showers cleanse the atmosphere, dramatically improving visibility and restoring the Valley's famed crystal-clear horizons. From Srinagar to the foothills of the Pir Panjal, the transformation has been remarkable. The Zabarwan range overlooking Dal Lake appears unusually sharp, the distant Pir Panjal mountains stand out against deep blue skies, and even far-off Himalayan peaks have become visible after remaining veiled behind atmospheric haze for weeks. For many residents, the return of these spectacular vistas serves as a reminder of the pristine environment that has long defined Kashmir. Every spell of monsoon rainis doing far more than replenishing rivers, lakes and forestsit is actingas nature's own air purification system. Environmental scientists explain that rainfall washes away suspended dust, smoke, pollen, soot and microscopic pollutants, temporarily restoring the Valley's atmosphere to a state rarely witnessed during prolonged dry weather. The refreshing transformation is not only visible but can also be felt. The air becomes noticeably lighter, breathing feels easier, and the Valley is enveloped in the distinctive earthy fragrance that follows rainfall. According to studies conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and international atmospheric research organisations, moderate to heavy rainfall can reduce particulate matter concentrations by 30 to 70 per cent, depending on rainfall intensity, duration, wind conditions and atmospheric stability. The improvement becomes visible within hours. The haze that usually blankets Srinagar during dry spells disappears, sunlight becomes brighter, colours appear more vibrant and distant mountain ranges emerge with remarkable clarity. Senior environmentalist and geographer Dr Tanveer Ahmed Khan said rainfall naturally purifies the atmosphere through several interconnected physical and chemical processes. As raindrops fall through the atmosphere, they capture dust particles, smoke, soot, pollen and fine particulate matter suspended in the air. At the same time, microscopic aerosols serve as cloud condensation nuclei around which water vapour condenses before falling as rain, naturally removing these pollutants from the atmosphere, he explained. Dr Khan said rainfall also absorbs several water-soluble gases, including sulphur dioxide (SO Environmental experts note that although Srinagar generally enjoys better air quality than many Indian metropolitan cities, pollution levels rise significantly during prolonged dry spells because of road dust, increasing vehicular emissions, construction activities, biomass burning, brick kiln emissions and seasonal temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground. Rainfall provides immediate relief by washing these pollutants from the atmosphere, often resulting in a sharp improvement in visibility and overall air quality. Once rainfall ceases and roads begin to dry, dust particles become airborne again because of traffic movement, construction activity, wind erosion and other human disturbances. Nature periodically cleans the atmosphere, but sustainable air quality can only be achieved by preventing pollutants from entering the atmosphere in the first place, Dr Khan said. Scientists say preserving that picture throughout the year will depend not on the generosity of the monsoon, but on society's willingness to embrace cleaner transport, sustainable development, responsible construction practices and stronger environmental safeguards. Only then, they say, can Kashmir's celebrated crystal-clear horizons remain a permanent feature rather than a fleeting gift of the rain.

12 of 15 Srinagar traffic signals defunct: MVD

Srinagar, July 30: The Motor Vehicles Depart-ment (MVD), J&K, has flagged serious short comingsinthefunction-ing of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) in Sri-nagar, revealing that 12 out of 15 inspected traffic signal junctions are non-functional, severely impactingtraf-fic management and enforcement across the city. An official status report prepared by the Technical Team-UT Enforcement, following a field inspection of traffic signalinstalla-tions, found that sev-eral key junctions, including Fire & Emergency service Junction Batamaloo, PCR junc-tion jehangir Chowk, Near Hotel Lala rukh Lal Chowk, Regal chowk, MA road, Polo view junction, Badyari chowk Dalgate, Oberoi junction Dal Lake, Chashma Shahi/ Botanical garden Junc-tion, Kral Sangri, Brein Nishat, Habak Crossing, Sheeraz Chowk Khanyar and Khayam Chowk, have non-func-tional traffic signals. Only TRC Junction, Zind Shah Masjid (Rain-awari) and Mumta Chowk were found operational. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, an official from the Motor Vehicles Department said the inspection was carried out to assess the present status of traffic signal infrastructure and identify gaps in the operationalisation of the ITMS. The official said the department has submitted the report to the competent authorities with recom-mendations for imme-diate corrective measures to ensure the system functions as intended. The report recom-mends the immediate restoration of all non-functional traffic signals, a comprehensive technical audit of all ITMS junctions, and inspection of ANPR, RLVD, CCTV/PTZ cam-eras, communication systems and other as-sociated equipment. It also calls for the full integration of ITMS with the VAHAN data-base to enable real-time verification of vehicle registration, fitness certificates, permits, insurance, vehicle tax, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, own-ership details, repeat traffic violation his-tory and e-Challan services. The department has further recommended the development of an automated mechanism to identify vehicles operating with expired or invalid statutory documents, besides establishing a live dash-board to monitor the operational status of traffic junctions across Srinagar

Forces must be ready for asymmetric warfare: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Jul 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said the transformation in Jammu Kashmir over the past six years is the result of a sustained commitment to rebuilding trust, enabling citizens to lead lives of their own choosing and restoring the dignity that had long been overshadowed by instability. The LG made these remarksduringinteraction with officers attending the Higher Command Course - 55 at Army War College, Mhow. Addressing the officers and faculty members at Lok Bhavan, Sinha highlighted the pressing geo-political and geo-strategic challenges of the present era, along with a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy anchored in a whole of government approach aimed at dismantling terror networks. The Lieutenant Governor said that effective administration must reach out to every household in the most remote village and serve the most marginalised citizen with unwavering dedication and responsibility. I have consistently emphasised that governance cannot be managed from a distance. Effective administration must reach out to every household in the most remote village and serve the most marginalisedcitizen,with unwavering dedication and responsibility, he said. Sinha added, Our forces must be ready to tackle the challenges of asymmetric warfare. The strategic value of data analysis and algorithmic precision is as important as conventional kinetic operations today. The Lieutenant Governor said that strong action has been taken with surgical firmness against the terror ecosystem and the conflict entrepreneurs who were working to keep terrorism alive in Jammu Kashmir. Strong action has been taken with surgical firmness against the terror ecosystem and the conflict entrepreneurs who were working to keep terrorism alive in Jammu Kashmir. The systematic infiltration of terrorist sympathisers into government machinery over the past 30 years was decisively dismantled, delivering an unambiguous message of zero tolerance to terror and public money will no longer sustain those quietly subverting the nation from within, he said. Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, Commandant, Army War College, faculty members and senior officers of the Security Forces were present during the interaction.

21st century belongs to those who integrate knowledge: LG Sinha

Jammu, Jul 31: The future belongs to those who recognise possibilities, not boundaries, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday, as he inaugurated a series of groundbreaking academic programmes at Cluster University, Jammu, calling the Design Your Degree initiative a revolutionary step towards student-centric learning. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor declared that the 21st century will welcome not specialists in just one subject, but those who possess the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and discover new solutions. The frontiers of knowledge are continuously expanding. Problems are multidimensional, and their solutions are possible only through multi-disciplinary approaches. I believe that the 21st century will welcome those young people who are not specialists in just one subject but possess the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and discover new solutions. This initiative empowers students to shape their own academic journeys, combining subjects according to their interests, talents, and aspirations, he said. The inauguration also marked the launch of integrated programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, and Geography. The Lieutenant Governor underscored that science thrives on interconnectedness, and these courses will nurture students as holistic researchers capable of addressing complex challenges. The LG added, The study of climate change is not limited only to environmental science. Chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography and others play an equally important role. If we provide our students with a broader perspective from the very beginning, they will not become specialists in just one subject, but will emerge as researchers and thinkers capable of understanding complex problems in their entirety and finding solutions. By encouraging cross-disciplinary study, Cluster University, Jammu is preparing students not only to master theoriesbutto generate new ideas and innovations. Cluster University, Jammu has also introduced a one-year PG Diploma in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems, along with the establishment of the Department of Vedic Studies. The Lieutenant Governor said true education must balance science with values. He stressed that India's intellectual heritage, from Panini's grammar to Aryabhata's astronomy, from Ayurveda to linguistics, represents a treasure of systematic thought and scientific vision. As modern knowledge is essential, it is equally essential that we understand who we are, what our intellectual tradition has been and what our civilisation has contributed to the world. Giving expression to this very sentiment, the establishment of the Department of Vedic Studies and the launch of the one-year PG Diploma programme in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems today is a significant step, Sinha said. Hesaid thestudents will get the opportunity to understand that the Indian Knowledge System is not limited only to ancient beliefs or religious rituals but that Indian philosophy, the Upanishads, the Vedas, ancient mathematics, medical science, astronomy and linguistics constitute an invaluable heritage of profound intellectual research, science and logical thinking that our ancestors gave to the world. This programme, he said, will allow students to engage deeply with India's civilisational wisdom while pursuing modernknowledge, he said. LG Sinha also inaugurated the Semiconductor Skilling Programme in collaboration with IIT Madras, describing it as a vital step in India's technological mission. He observed that semiconductors are the backbone of modern innovation, powering everything from mobile phones to space missions. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has resolved to become a leader in technology development and manufacturing. This skilling initiative will equip students with cutting-edge expertise, aligning them with the needs of future industries and strengthening India's position in the global deep-tech landscape, he said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon students to focus on skill development and innovation. He said every skill acquired and every innovation pursued will contribute to India's journey towards self-reliance and global leadership. He expressed confidence that these programmes will not only enrich individual academic journeys but also give new direction to Jammu and Kashmir's progress. The new programmes at Cluster University, Jammuisthe beginning of a new philosophy of education. Rooted in India's cultural identity and oriented towards global aspirations, these initiatives promise to empower students to dream, innovate and lead, the Lieutenant Governor said. The occasion also witnessed the launch of Post-Graduate Programme in Environmental Sciences with Minor Specialisation in Renewable Energy; One year Post-Graduate diploma in Dogri Translation; release of Nasha Mukt Bharat activity report, and renaming of Vice-Chancellors office-cum-secretariat complex as Suryaputri Tawi Bhawan and old IIM Campus as Chandrabhaga Campus. Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Shri Ankur Mahajan, Registrar, HoDs and office bearers of the Cluster University of Jammu; heads of several Constituent colleges of the University, faculty, and students attended the inaugural ceremony.

BJP condemns rights violations in PoJK

Jammu, July 31: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians and urging the international community and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to raise their voice against the reported incidents. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Jammu, party spokesperson Dr Tahir Chowdhary and BJP leader Dr Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia expressed concern over the situation in PoJK and claimed that people there were looking towards India with hope. Dr Tahir Chowdhary alleged that Pakistans security forces were responsible for attacks on civilians, including women and children, and claimed that videos from the region showed residents seeking international attention over alleged violations. He questioned the silence of global organisations and political voices that had earlier raised issues related to Jammu and Kashmir at international forums. Referring to the prevailing situation in PoJK, Chowdhary claimed that people in the region were increasingly identifying with India due to development and governance on this side of Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged that Pakistan was attempting to suppress such sentiments by creating hardships for residents, including restrictions related to essential supplies. The BJP leader also questioned the silence of regional parties, including the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Congress, alleging that they had not spoken against the reported developments in PoJK. The BJP has always maintained that PoJK is an integral part of India and remains committed to the reunification of the region with India, Chowdhary said. He also referred to statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on PoJK, saying the party would continue to highlight issues concerning the region. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia recalled historical events associated with Mirpur during the 1947 conflict and alleged that the people of the region had suffered immensely during that period. Jasrotia also criticised political leaders of the National Conference and PDP, including Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, alleging that they had remained silent on issues concerning PoJK. He further criticised Pakistans leadership and accused Islamabad of suppressing civilian voices in the region. The BJP leaders reiterated their demand for international attention to alleged rights violations in PoJK and said the party would continue to raise the concerns of people living there.

UP Ulema hail Waqf Boards shrine development model

Srinagar, July 31: A delegation of Imams and Ulema from Uttar Pradesh on Friday praised the development initiatives undertaken at prominent shrines across Jammu and Kashmir, describing the work carried out by the J&K Waqf Board as a model for the country. The delegation, which visited several spiritual shrines in the Union Territory, was accompanied by Maulana Farooq Naqashbandi from Rajouri during its spiritual tour. Later, the delegation called on J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi at the Waqf Headquarters in Srinagar and appreciated the Boards efforts in improving infrastructure and facilities at religious sites. During the interaction, the delegates lauded the development works carried out at shrines and expressed appreciation for the initiatives aimed at improving facilities for devotees. Dr Darakhshan Andrabi said that her administrative experience with the Central Waqf Council helped her undertake reforms and introduce greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the J&K Waqf Board after assuming charge as its first Chairperson under the Central Waqf Act. She said Waqf institutions across the country had earlier been used for political interests but claimed that reforms under the present government had brought significant changes in the Waqf management system. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, we see changes everywhere and the Waqf system has also witnessed transformative changes across the country, Andrabi said. She added that appreciation from visitors and stakeholders encouraged the Board to continue its development initiatives. The Waqf Board Chairperson assured the delegation that the mission of development with transparency would continue and that spiritual spaces across Jammu and Kashmir would witness further improvements in the coming days.

Ladakh gets legal protection for 23 heritage sites

Leh, July 31: The Ladakh Administration has declared 23 historic sites across the Union Territory as Protected Monuments, marking a significant step towards preserving the region's rich cultural, archaeological and spiritual heritage. The decision brings several historically important sites under statutory protection, paving the way for their scientific conservation, restoration and long-term preservation. The protected sites include ancient petroglyphs, prehistoric rock carvings, centuries-old forts, caves and iconic Gompas that have long been exposed to natural deterioration and human-induced damage. Officials said the notification provides a legal framework to safeguard these heritage assets and ensure their protection for future generations. Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena said the move is aimed at conserving Ladakh's invaluable cultural treasures while strengthening institutional mechanisms for their maintenance and preservation. He said the statutory protection would help prevent encroachments, regulate activities around the notified monuments and facilitate systematic conservation and restoration of the sites. The LG said the initiative reflects the administration's commitment to preserving Ladakh's unique civilisational heritage alongside its developmental aspirations. He added that the effort is guided by Prime Minister 's vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi, which seeks to promote development while safeguarding the country's historical and cultural legacy. Officials believe the notification will strengthen heritage management in Ladakh, encourage responsible tourism and create greater awareness about the Union Territory's rich historical and spiritual traditions, while ensuring that its invaluable monuments are preserved for generations to come.

PDP warns of road protest over fruit truck halt

Qazigund (Anantnag), July 31: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Friday issued a 24-hour deadline to highway authorities to reopen the Qazigund stretch of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, warning of protests if fruit-laden trucks continue to remain stranded. Addressing reporters at the site, Mufti said apple growers were facing heavy losses due to the highway restrictions and alleged that the delay was affecting Kashmirs fruit industry during the peak season. She claimed that growers had informed her that the price of an apple box had fallen from around Rs 2,000 a week ago to Rs 600 on Friday. A corporate houses apples get sold while Kashmiri apples dont? We will not let that happen, she said, alleging that the interests of local growers were being compromised. Mufti criticised the government over its response to the issue, saying an elected administration with a strong mandate should have intervened to address the concerns of fruit growers. Does statehood prevent the Chief Minister from coming here and standing with our fruit growers? she asked, adding that people who supported the government were now disappointed. She said highway maintenance work should be completed within a short period and questioned the timing of the repairs during the crucial apple transportation season. Responding to the governments statement that the highway does not fall under its jurisdiction, Mufti said the administration could still intervene by visiting the affected area, engaging with growers and coordinating with concerned authorities. She also criticised the Chief Ministers priorities, alleging that issues affecting common people were being overlooked. Mufti said a similar situation had occurred last year when, according to her, fruit remained stranded on the highway for weeks due to maintenance-related restrictions. She announced that growers and traders would hold a protest at Qazigund from the day after tomorrow if the highway stretch was not reopened by Saturday.

Govt plans GI tag for Kashmir willow bats

SRINAGAR, JULY 31: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Friday directed the concerned departments to launch a coordinated drive to revive willow cultivation across Kashmir and expand plantations to ensure a sustainable supply of quality timber for the cricket bat industry. The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting convened to deliberate upon the challenges confronting the willow sector and to formulate a long-term roadmap for its revival and growth. The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, Sarvesh Rai; Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani besides senior officers of the Forest Department and other concerned departments. Addressing the meeting, the Minister observed that Kashmir occupies a unique position as the country's only source of the specialised willow wood used for manufacturing cricket bats, making the region the national hub of the cricket bat industry. He said that hundreds of manufacturing units, predominantly located in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people engaged in willow cultivation, timber trade and bat manufacturing. Rana expressed concern over the declining availability of quality willow timber, describing it as one of the biggest challenges confronting the cricket bat industry. He attributed the shortage to the indiscriminate felling of mature willow trees without adequate replantation, resulting in uncertainty in raw material supply and increased production costs for local manufacturers. The declining availability of willow timber is a matter of serious concern. Expansion of plantations, introduction of improved willow clones and systematic replantation must become a priority so that the industry continues to flourish without facing any shortages of raw material, Rana asserted. The Minister also noted that the area under willow plantations has witnessed a steady decline, particularly on private lands, owing to changing land-use patterns. He stressed that unless timely corrective measures are taken, the long-term sustainability of the industry could be adversely affected. He called upon the Forest Department to identify suitable low-lying and marshy areas across the Valley for expanding willow plantations, in coordination with the Deputy Commissioners. It was decided that the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) will introduce improved willow species and clones and ensure the availability of quality planting material to enhance productivity and sustainability. Our objective is to build a self-sustaining willow cultivation ecosystem through scientific management, quality planting material, identification of new plantation areas and greater farmer participation. This will secure livelihoods while preserving Kashmir's unique position as the country's cricket bat manufacturing hub, asserted the Minister. The Agriculture Department was directed to identify the departmental farms and research blocks for raising quality willow planting material to support large-scale plantation drives. The meeting also deliberated upon scientific management and expansion of government willow plantations, timely disposal of mature and over-mature trees to augment raw material availability, streamlining of the permission system for felling and transportation of willow timber, branding and Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for Kashmir willow bats. Emphasis was also laid on stronger coordination among the Forest, Agriculture, Industries & Commerce, MSME and allied departments to prepare a long-term roadmap for the sector.

Centre releases Rs 4,055 crore for Poshan 2.0 in J&K

Srinagar, July 31: Jammu and Kashmir has received Rs 4,055.87 crore under the Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme between 2014-15 and 2024-25, according to official data tabled by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The official year-wise figures show that the Union Territory received Rs 260.31 crore in 2014-15, Rs 273.63 crore in 2015-16, Rs 267.32 crore in 2016-17, Rs 193.28 crore in 2017-18 and Rs 374.07 crore in 2018-19. The Centre released Rs 320.00 crore in 2019-20, Rs 289.02 crore in 2020-21, Rs 405.74 crore in 2021-22, Rs 478.82 crore in 2022-23, Rs 530.88 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 662.79 crore in 2024-25, marking the highest annual allocation during the period. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development said that year-wise and state-wise details of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and projects under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, are available on the Poshan Tracker public dashboard. The minister said Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with implementation carried out by the respective State Governments and Union Territory administrations. The matter regarding infrastructure is regularly taken up with the States and UT administrations through sustained engagements and video conferences so as to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services to the beneficiaries, the minister said.

KU marks milestone with first FYUGP completion

Srinagar: The University of Kashmir has achieved a major milestone by completing the first cycle of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The university has declared the results of the 8th Semester of the FYUGP 2022 batch, marking the successful completion of the first four-year undergraduate programme under the new education system. The achievement is being seen as an important step in the implementation of NEP 2020, which aims to bring flexibility, multidisciplinary learning and research opportunities into higher education. University officials said the successful completion of the programme reflects the collective efforts of teachers, students and administrative staff. This is a proud moment for the University of Kashmir. The completion of the first FYUGP cycle shows our commitment towards academic reforms and providing better learning opportunities to students, an official said. The official added that the university had worked continuously to implement the new curriculum and credit-based system as per the guidelines of NEP 2020. The successful declaration of the 8th Semester results is an important achievement. It will help students move ahead with new opportunities in higher education, research and career development, the official said. With this achievement, the University of Kashmir has strengthened its position among institutions leading the transition towards the new education framework in the country.

Hoteliers urge Shrine Board to avoid Yatra suspensions

Katra, July 30: A joint delegation of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra (HRAK) and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Jammu Region, on Thursday urged the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to minimise complete suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra during adverse weather and instead use alternative routes wherever safety permits. The delegation, led by HRAK President and PHDCCI Chairman Rakesh Wazir, called on SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya and submitted a memorandum seeking measures to improve pilgrim facilities, boost Yatra footfall, increase visitors' stay in Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen the local economy. The delegation appreciated the Shrine Board's commitment to pilgrim safety and said the suspension of the Yatra following the recent flash flood tragedy was justified. However, it maintained that complete suspension of the pilgrimage should remain an exceptional measure. Rakesh Wazir said frequent interruptions could adversely affect the long-term growth of the pilgrimage and impact tourism-dependent businesses in Katra. He suggested that during heavy rainfall or weather alerts, pilgrims should be diverted through safer alternative routes instead of halting the Yatra altogether. He said the existing old track and the Tarakote route could be utilised, wherever considered safe, to ensure the pilgrimage continues without compromising safety. The memorandum warned that repeated suspensions could discourage pilgrims at a time when major religious destinations across the country are competing to attract devotees. HRAK Chairman Shyam Lal Kesar described pilgrimage tourism as the backbone of Katra's economy and sought financial relief for Shrine Board licensees who suffered losses during periods when the Yatra remained suspended following the Pahalgam terror attack, the India-Pakistan conflict, the flash flood tragedy and subsequent weather-related restrictions. The delegation requested waiver or refund of licence fees for the affected period or an extension of licence tenure, similar to the relief granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior Vice President HRAK and PHDCCI Katra Head Virender Kesar called for increasing manpower at RFID registration counters, particularly at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, to reduce waiting time during peak arrivals. Other members of the delegation also sought preparation of a comprehensive master plan for Katra's integrated development, including improvements in civic infrastructure, underground cabling, uninterrupted power and water supply, sanitation and other public amenities. CEO SMVDSB Sachin Kumar Vaishya assured the delegation that all issues raised in the memorandum would be examined sympathetically.

Non-local labourer killed, another injured in Kulgam terror attack

Srinagar: A labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed and another from the same state was injured in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday, officials said. The assailants targeted the labourers at the brick kiln in the Kelam area of the south Kashmir district late in the evening. []

LG directs security forces to step up anti-terror operations

Political parties condemn attack Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday condemned the terror attack on non-local labourers in Kulgam district and directed security forces to step up operations to eliminate terrorists. A labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed and another from the same state was injured in a terrorist attack at a []

Our forces must be ready to tackle challenges of asymmetric warfare: LG

Interacts with officers of Higher Command Course-55 Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday interacted with the officers attending Higher Command Course 55 at Army War College, Mhow. In his address to the officers and faculty members of Army War College at Lok Bhavan, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the pressing geo-political and geo-strategic challenges []

J&Ks Road Carnage Demands More Than Concern

The numbers are grim, and they should unsettle every conscience in Jammu and Kashmir. In five years, 4,287 lives have been lost in road accidents across the Union Territory. Of these, 1,255 deaths occurred on National Highways alone a stark reminder that the regions fastest roads are also among its deadliest. When nearly a third of all fatalities are concentrated on highway stretches, the debate can no longer be reduced to routine statements about road safety and human error. This is not merely a statistics problem. It is a public safety failure. Roads are meant to connect people, markets and opportunities; in J&K, far too often, they are turning into corridors of tragedy. The toll is especially painful because it is concentrated among the young and the vulnerable. The fact that the 18 to 25 age group recorded the highest number of highway deaths between 2022 and 2025 should shock policymakers into action. These are not abstract numbers; they are sons, daughters, students, workers and breadwinners whose futures were cut short on roads that should have protected them. Even more disturbing is the heavy burden borne by pedestrians. With 1,011 deaths over five years, pedestrians account for nearly a fourth of the total fatalities. That means a dangerous road environment is harming not only drivers and passengers but also ordinary men and women walking to school, work, home, or a bus stop. The sharp rise in pedestrian deaths in 2025, whether due partly to improved eDAR reporting or not, still points to an unacceptably lethal road culture. The government is right to say that accidents arise from a mix of human, vehicular and infrastructural factors. But the emphasis must now shift from explanation to execution. Education, enforcement, engineering and emergency care are useful pillars, but they cannot remain a slogan. Road safety audits must identify black spots and dangerous design flaws in a time-bound manner. Highway authorities must ensure better signage, lane discipline, pedestrian crossings, lighting, crash barriers and speed management. Over speeding and reckless driving must invite consistent punishment, not occasional outrage. The law must be visible on the road, not just on paper. Equally important is the medical response. A road accident is often a race against time. If emergency care is delayed, a survivable injury can become fatal. The PM RAHAT scheme and the claims already initiated in J&K are welcome, but access to cashless treatment, trauma care and ambulance response must be widened and streamlined. A state that can count its dead so precisely must also build systems that save them with equal precision. The tragedy of J&Ks road deaths is that many are preventable. Every fatal crash should be treated not as an isolated event, but as evidence of a system that needs urgent repair. Until roads are made safer for pedestrians, stricter for violators and faster in emergency response, the death toll will continue to rise and with it, the publics sense that this loss is becoming routine.

J&K among lowest-paying UTs for Anganwadi incentives

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmirs Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) are among the lowest paid in the country when it comes to additional incentives provided by the Union Territories and States, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Lok Sabha. The Jammu and Kashmir Government provides a monthly top-up of Rs 600 to Anganwadi Workers and Rs 300 to Helpers, in addition to the Centres honorarium of Rs 4,500 and Rs 2,250 respectively. AWWs and AWHs also receive performance-linked incentives of Rs 500 and Rs 250 per month. With the UT contribution included, an Anganwadi Worker in Jammu and Kashmir receives Rs 5,600 per month, while a Helper gets Rs 2,550, excluding performance-based incentives. The data revealed that Jammu and Kashmirs additional payment of Rs 600 for AWWs is the second-lowest among States and UTs providing such incentives. For Helpers, the Rs 300 top-up also remains among the lowest in the country. In comparison, several states provide substantially higher incentives. Kerala offers an additional Rs 8,300 to AWWs and Rs 6,800 to AWHs, while Tamil Nadu provides Rs 9,780 and Rs 6,270 respectively. Haryana gives Rs 10,250 to AWWs and Rs 5,650 to AWHs. Goa reported the highest additional incentive range, with AWWs receiving Rs 15,000 to Rs 23,000. The Ministry informed Parliament that the central honorarium for Anganwadi Workers was last revised in October 2018, when payments were increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 for AWWs and from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,250 for AWHs. The Centre stated that States and UTs are free to provide additional financial incentives from their own resources, resulting in significant variations across regions. The Ministry said Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are honorary workers engaged from local communities and provide services related to child care, nutrition and development under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. The government also highlighted welfare measures for workers, including annual leave, maternity benefits, insurance coverage, healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat and expanded promotion opportunities. Under the scheme, 50 per cent of Anganwadi Worker posts can be filled through eligible Helpers, while 50 per cent of Supervisor posts can be filled through promotion of eligible Workers. The Centre has also encouraged States and UTs to enrol Anganwadi Workers and Helpers under pension and insurance schemes, besides providing smartphones and the Poshan Tracker application to improve monitoring and digitisation of Anganwadi services.

80% utilization mandatory before seeking balance funds: Finance Dept

Jammu: In a significant move to regulate the release of balance budgetary allocations and expenditure during the last quarter of the financial year 202627, the Jammu & Kashmir Government on Friday ordered that balance allocation for any work will be released only after at least 80 percent of the funds already sanctioned have been utilized. []

MeT forecasts wet spell till Aug 7

Srinagar: Heavy overnight rainfall triggered flash floods in parts of north Kashmir on Friday, inundating roads and a government school in Bandipora district, while the Meteorological Department forecast intermittent rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next week. Officials said that flash floods hit Saderkoot Bala in Bandipora, where muddy water entered the []

AIIMS Awantipora to be completed by Dec

New Delhi: The physical progress of the upcoming AIIMS at Haryanas Rewari and Jammu and Kashmirs Awantipora are 64.85 per cent and 78 per cent, respectively, with both projects targeted for completion by December 2026, the Lok Sabha was informed Friday. In a written reply on the current status of the AIIMS at Rewari, Awantipora, []

J&K Govt notifies uniform building permission fee across urban areas

SRINAGAR: In a significant reform aimed at streamlining the building permission process across Jammu and Kashmir, the Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD) has notified a Uniform Building Permission Fee Schedule under the provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2021, vide government order number 157-JK(HUD) of 2026. The new fee schedule has []

21st century will welcome those who integrate knowledge across fields: LG

Says future belongs to those who see possibilities rather than boundaries Jammu: Cluster University, Jammu on Friday celebrated a historic occasion as Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha inaugurated a series of groundbreaking academic programmes designed to redefine the future of higher education in the region. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significance of the []

J&Ks online G2C services jump from 1,548 to 1,710

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Friday held a meeting of all the concerned Administrative Secretaries to assess Jammu and Kashmirs performance on the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) and reviewed the progress made by the Information Technology Department towards expanding the digital governance ecosystem across the Union Territory. During the meeting, the Chief []

Kulgam Attack Reopens the Wound of Terror

The killing of a non-local labourer and the injury of another in Kulgams Kellam area is yet another grim reminder that terrorism remains committed not only to violence, but to fear. When armed men target workers who come to Kashmir to earn a living, they are striking at the most basic idea of normalcy, that ordinary men can move, labour and survive without becoming statistics in a cycle of bloodshed. This attack is not merely another incident to be condemned in routine language. It is an act meant to unsettle society, frighten vulnerable workers, and create the impression that no space in Kashmir is safe from terror. The outrage expressed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is both necessary and expected. His direct engagement with the top security leadership and the instruction to intensify operations against the terrorists underline the seriousness of the moment. But condemnation, however strong, can only be meaningful if it is matched by speed, precision and results on the ground. The perpetrators must be tracked down and brought to justice without delay. Anything less will only embolden those who believe that murder can be used as a political message. What makes such attacks especially sinister is their target. Labourers are not combatants, not participants in conflict, not voices in the political contest over Kashmirs future. They are workers seeking livelihood, and their presence in the Valley is part of the economic and human bridge that has slowly been rebuilt despite years of uncertainty. To fire upon them is to attack that bridge itself. It is to remind people that terror survives by disrupting trust trust between communities, trust in public order, trust in the possibility of shared daily life. Kashmir has witnessed many such attempts to push it back into fear. Each time, the response must be stronger than the attempt. Security forces have already cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, but the larger challenge lies beyond one operation. It lies in ensuring that those who plan, shelter and execute such attacks understand that there will be no impunity. The fight against terror cannot afford to be reactive alone; it must be preventive, sustained and uncompromising. At the same time, the administration must send an unmistakable message to non-local workers and all vulnerable civilians that their safety is not negotiable. Swift medical care for the injured, support for the bereaved family, and visible reassurance on the ground are essential. So too is the broader political and social consensus that terror attacks on unarmed labourers will not be allowed to define Kashmir. This attack should awaken a deeper urgency. Terrorists may seek to project strength through cowardice, but the state must answer with resolve, intelligence and accountability. The only fitting reply to such cruelty is not rhetoric, but action that restores confidence, protects lives and denies the killers the space they seek.

Science, Soul, and the Limits of Cloning

The announcement of another scientific breakthrough in cloning, or even the mere possibility of it, is often met with two kinds of excitement: one rooted in wonder, the other in unease. Science, after all, has always carried this double burden. It can heal and it can harm; it can enlighten and it can unsettle. Cloning is no exception. It is one of those rare subjects that forces humanity to look not only at what it can do, but at what it should do. And in that distinction lies the whole moral struggle. In the simplest terms, cloning refers to the creation of a genetically identical copy of a living organism. In the laboratory, this can mean cells, tissues, or animals. In the broader public imagination, however, cloning immediately invokes the possibility of human beings being copied as though they were documents from a photocopier. That fear is not entirely irrational. It touches a raw nerve in human conscience because it challenges the uniqueness of life, the individuality of personhood, and the dignity that we attach to each human being. Supporters of cloning often argue that the technique holds immense promise. It can be useful in medical research, regenerative therapy, and the treatment of inherited diseases. It may help in producing organs, repairing damaged tissues, and understanding complex genetic disorders. These are not small benefits. In a world where millions suffer from organ failure, degenerative diseases, and genetic conditions, the scientific possibilities are understandably attractive. To dismiss cloning outright would be to ignore the genuine hope that biotechnology can bring to human suffering. But the ethical question does not disappear simply because the technology is useful. In fact, utility often makes ethical scrutiny more urgent. History is full of examples where scientific progress moved ahead faster than moral reflection, and the consequences were not always noble. The great danger with cloning lies in the temptation to reduce life to a technical achievement. Once human beings begin to view creation as something that can be engineered at will, the door opens to all kinds of moral distortions. The issue is no longer merely scientific. It becomes philosophical, religious, cultural, and deeply human. The first ethical concern is that cloning threatens the uniqueness of the human person. Every human being enters the world with a distinct genetic identity, but personhood is not merely a matter of genes. It is also shaped by experience, memory, relationships, suffering, and freedom. Yet the idea of cloning tends to blur this delicate distinction. If a person can be replicated, even genetically, it encourages the troubling notion that human beings are objects to be reproduced rather than mysteries to be respected. That is a dangerous shift in moral imagination. Then comes the issue of identity. A clone is not a duplicate soul, nor a repetition of a life. It would still grow in a different environment, under different pressures, with different choices. But socially and psychologically, the burden of being seen as a copy could be immense. Imagine a child growing up under the shadow of comparison, expected to resemble another person in talent, character, or destiny. The emotional cost of such expectations could be heavy. Human beings need the freedom to become themselves, not the pressure to imitate a genetic original. There is also the ethical question of consent. A cloned individual cannot consent to being created in the first place, yet the decision to bring such a being into existence may already carry embedded expectations and purposes. Was the clone created for companionship, for replacement, for experimentation, or for organ harvesting? Each of these possibilities raises profound moral discomfort. The very act of creating life with a predetermined function can violate the principle that life should never be treated merely as a means to an end. This is where the ethics of cloning intersects with older moral traditions. Most civilizations, whether religious or secular, have held that human life has intrinsic worth. It is not something to be manufactured like a machine part or customized like a consumer product. Once this principle is weakened, the logic of the marketplace begins to invade the sanctity of life. People start asking not whether something is morally right, but whether it is feasible, profitable, or desirable. That is a loss not just for ethics, but for civilization itself. Religious objections to cloning are especially strong, and for good reason. Many faith traditions see life as a sacred trust, not a human invention. To intervene in the process of creation in such an extreme way may be seen as overstepping the limits placed upon human beings. The phrase playing God is often used, sometimes carelessly, but in this context it carries genuine moral weight. It does not mean that science is forbidden to explore life. It means that science must remain humble before life. There is a difference between healing what is broken and arrogating the power to remake existence according to human desire. However, even those who do not approach the issue from a religious standpoint can see the dangers. Secular ethics also has strong reasons for caution. Human rights depend on the recognition that every person has equal dignity and worth. Cloning could complicate that principle if society begins to assign value based on genetic origin, intended purpose, or perceived similarity to another individual. It could also deepen inequality if cloning technologies are available only to the wealthy, turning reproduction itself into another arena of privilege. In such a world, the rich could quite literally buy biological advantage while the poor remain excluded. A particularly alarming possibility is the commercialization of reproduction. If cloning becomes accepted without strict moral limits, it may be absorbed into a market logic that already governs so much of modern life. One can then imagine a future in which people seek to clone children for appearance, intelligence, athletic ability, or to preserve certain family traits. This would not be parenthood in the noble sense. It would be selection, control, and design. The child would no longer arrive as a gift, but as a product. That shift alone should trouble anyone with a conscience. Opponents of cloning are often accused of fearing progress. But caution is not the enemy of progress. Sometimes caution is what keeps progress humane. A society that rushes toward every technological possibility without asking ethical questions may become powerful, but it will not necessarily become wiser. The real measure of advancement is not how much we can do, but how responsibly we can do it. Science without ethics is like a vehicle without brakes: impressive in speed, disastrous in direction. The debate also reveals something deeper about modern civilization. We live in an age that often celebrates mastery over nature, as though every boundary exists only to be crossed. Yet human greatness does not lie in domination alone. It lies in restraint, reverence, and moral discipline. There are some frontiers that should not be crossed lightly, because crossing them changes not only our capabilities but our character. Cloning is one such frontier. Once we normalize the replication of life, we may also normalize the idea that life itself is a manipulable object. This does not mean all scientific work related to cloning should be rejected. Research that helps cure disease or understand biology may still be morally defensible when conducted within strict boundaries. The problem arises when scientific inquiry slips into human reproduction, identity engineering, or the commodification of life. There is a crucial difference between using cloning-related techniques to heal and using them to manufacture human beings. Ethics must draw that line clearly, even if technology prefers to erase it. The law, too, has a role to play. Ethical reflection without legal safeguards often remains too abstract. Governments and international bodies must ensure that cloning is regulated with seriousness, transparency, and public accountability. Clear limits should be placed on any attempt to clone humans, while biomedical research must remain under strict moral review. The absence of regulation would not create freedom; it would create vulnerability. The powerful would experiment, while the weak would bear the consequences. Ultimately, the cloning debate is not only about science. It is about what kind of people we want to become. Do we wish to live in a world where life is respected in its natural dignity, or in one where life is increasingly engineered, selected, and controlled? Do we want human beings to be treated as ends in themselves, or as raw material for ambition and advantage? These are not technical questions. They are civilizational questions. The greatest danger of cloning is not simply that it may produce copies. It is that it may slowly teach us to think of ourselves and others as copyable things. That mental shift, once normalized, could corrode the moral foundation on which human society stands. The body may be replicated, but the soul of ethics cannot be. For that, humanity must choose wisdom over arrogance, restraint over vanity, and dignity over design. Science can illuminate life, but it must never be allowed to diminish it. Cloning may expand human power, but ethics must decide whether that power serves justice, compassion, and truth. Without that moral compass, we may end up with greater control over life, but far less respect for it. And that would be a price too high for any civilization to pay. ( The author is PhD scholar and columnist)

The Lessons No Girl Should Have to Learn

Speaking from personal experience, I do not exactly remember when I first heard these words Be careful but I am sure every girl once did. I remember taking countless local bus journeys from school and tuition centers. I must have been in my teens and my mothers instructions kept ringing in my head every time I boarded the bus. She would often tell me, Sit close to women. Keep your bag in front. Do not let anyone stand too close. If someone makes you uncomfortable, move away. If the bus empties, get off and wait for another one. As a teenager, all these instructions did not sound unusual then. They were spoken with the tenderness only a mother possesses. But years later, I realized something unsettling. While boys of my age were learning routes and destinations, girls were learning survival. And as I grew older, these lessons multiplied. Do not board an auto-rickshaw without looking carefully at the driver. Memorize the registration number. Share your live location with someone at home. Avoid deserted roads, even if they are shorter. Do not wear earphones while walking. Pretend to be on a phone call if you feel someone is following you. Return home before it gets dark. Sadly, every woman I know carries almost a similar list unconsciously in their heads. These habits are not born out of imagination but passed on to daughters by their mothers and then from sisters to younger sisters, friends to friends. It is an inheritance no one wishes to receive, yet every girl does. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, fear becomes a part of the routine. The tragedy is not only that sexual abuse exists but the horrifying fact that girls begin preparing for such situations way before they even encounter them. Girls learn caution before they learn confidence. We label these precautions as common sense but I believe there is nothing common about asking a child to carry the burden of protecting herself from the failures of society. What breaks my heart the most is that these conversations begin so early for us. We have to tell girls not to trust strangers, not to smile too freely or wander alone. We rarely pause to question why these warnings have become an unquestioned part of growing up. Somewhere, we as a society have accepted that changing girls is easier than changing society. Sexual abuse is often mentioned only after headlines appear on the frontpages. Yet its shadow stretches far beyond the crime itself. It lives in the woman who instinctively changes seats on a bus. It lives in the student who clutches her bag a little tighter. It lives in the daughter who lies to her parents that she has reached safely because she does not want them to worry. It lives in every mother who cannot sleep until she hears the latch on the front door click shut. Violence does not merely injure the body. It rearranges the geography of a girls life. Perhaps the greatest cruelty is not only what happens to the survivors but also the silence that follows. Moreoften than not, families fear gossip more than injustice. Communities protect reputations more fiercely than their own children. Questions are raised on survivors but culprits are rarely questioned. And in that everlasting silence, another generation learns to hide that truth as speaking it can make one lonelier than enduring pain. Oftentimes, I wonder what it would feel like to board a bus without having to scan every face and judge. To walk home after dusk without calculating every mishap. To enter a cab without memorising its number. These remain distant luxuries for countless women. Perhaps this is the reason every incident of abuse hurts us all. It reminds us of the collective failure of society where we are still teaching young girls to navigate fear instead of eliminating it from society. The day a mother no longer needs to whisper, Be careful before her daughter steps outside, we will know that we have not merely made our roads safer. We have made our society kinder. Until then, every such warning remains a quiet reminder that the childhood of too many girls is interrupted not by age, but by fear. (The author is a poet, columnist, and doctoral researcher. Feedback at: writerbali007@gmail.com)

India Tightens the Noose on Paper Leaks

Tens of thousands of students sit for government exams, each year, across India. The majority of them come from diverse backgrounds. These students work hard for months, sometimes years to qualify, they carry along the hope for a better future. Then comes paper leaks and a racket changing the outcome of the results. Everything falls apart. Students start feeling dejected about the democratic process, the trust deficit grows and everything stops mattering, especially their own hard work. The issue of paper leaks has persisted in India for long, and have been happening again and again, state after state. Denying the qualified and eligible students a fair chance and hampering the social mobility of underprivileged. Two years back, Parliament tried to fix this with the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act. In 2014, it was India's first strong law against paper leaks and organised exam fraud. Though it was a good start. But a good start is not the same as a solution, and the leaks persisted. Following the four week-long student protests, the government has reciprocated and brought a new Bill, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, to close the gaps. As per the new bill the three clear mandates are: punish the culprits harder, investigate faster, and deliver justice on a deadline. Strict Punishment The old law's punishments were deemed to be lenient to stop the organised rackets across the country. As per the formal provision, an individual caught cheating or involvement in fraud was punished for 3 to 5 years in jail and additional fine of up to INR 10 lakh. Now the punishment has gone harsher, i.e. the punishment is up to 5 to 10 years, and an additional INR 50 lakh fine. Earlier, any service provider who ran or enabled the fraud could get a INR 1 crore fine and a 4-year ban, but as per the new bill up to INR 5 crore fine and an 8-year ban will be imposed on the service provider. Directors and senior managers who look away while their company cheats students now face up to INR 5 crore in fines. And for organised exam-fraud syndicates, the fine floor has jumped from INR 1 crore to INR 10 crore, with jail terms starting at 7 years instead of 5. The increase in the punishment matters in a way that earlier soft fines were not acting as a deterrent for people involved in cheating. The government is becoming tougher for other illegal operations especially in drug trafficking and terror-related cases. Authorities demand the cost of cheating and fraud in public examinations should be higher than the profit. About Investigation The 2024 law allowed police (in some cases a central agency), investigate exam fraud. The process was vague in a way that it had no clear deadline. Often these cases could get dragged on for months with no end in sight. However, the mandate of the 2026 Bill is to fix these gaps. Firstly, the new bill will allow the Government to set up a dedicated Special Task Force just for these cases, so one team owns the investigation instead of the file getting passed around. Secondly, it will put a hard two-month limit on finishing the investigation, no matter what. These two provisions of the time-bound will allow state and union territory to set up a Special Fast Track Court, just for exam fraud cases. These courts have to hear matters day after day, without long gaps, and finish the trial within three months of the chargesheet being filed. Even old cases already pending elsewhere will be moved here and the verdict finalized within three months of the transfer. Each state will also appoint a Special Public Prosecutor whose only job is arguing these cases. If the accused faces other related charges too, everything is tried together in the same court, so the case does not get split up and delayed across different benches. A Fair, Fast Appeal For the first time, the law also spells out how appeals work. Any decision from a Special Fast Track Court, including bail orders, can be appealed to the High Court, heard by two judges, who must try to finish it within three months. Appeals must normally be filed within 30 days, with an outer limit of 90 days even with a good excuse. No other court can be approached, which keeps the process quick and final. None of this brings back a lost exam attempt or a wasted year. But it changes what happens next. A racket that once got away with a fine and a slap on the wrist now faces real prison time and crushing penalties. A case that once dragged for years now has to move through investigation and trial within months. For the student who studies honestly, this Bill is a promise: cheat the system, and the system will find and penalize you, fast. (Courtesy: PIB Srinagar)

Recruitment probe: ACB orders height recheck of 552

Srinagar, Jul 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau, ACB, has directed 552 candidates selected in the Fire and Emergency Services Department during the 2020 recruitment to undergo fresh height measurement as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the selection process. According to official directions, all identified candidates have been asked to report at their designated venues on August 3 at 10 am. The exercise is being conducted in connection with FIR No. 01 of 2025 registered at Police Station ACB Central, Jammu. The ACB has instructed the Director General, Fire and Emergency Services, to ensure that the selected candidates, presently serving in different districts, appear for the verification process. District police authorities have also been asked to inform the candidates through the concerned Police Control Rooms and ensure their presence at the scheduled venues. As per the plan, 130 candidates from Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal will report at DPL Srinagar, while 124 candidates from Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara will appear at DPL Baramulla. Another 93 candidates from Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama and Kulgam have been directed to report at DPL Anantnag. In the Jammu division, 82 candidates from Jammu, Kathua and Samba will report at DPL Jammu. Fifty six candidates from Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban have been assigned DPL Doda, 38 from Rajouri and Poonch will report at DPL Rajouri, while 29 candidates from Udhampur and Reasi have been asked to appear at DPL Udhampur. The ACB has also directed Assistant Directors of the Fire and Emergency Services Department to facilitate the attendance of candidates from their respective jurisdictions. The fresh verification is part of the Bureau's investigation into the 2020 Fire and Emergency Services recruitment, which had resulted in the selection of 690 candidates, including 592 Firemen and 98 Fireman Drivers. The ACB had earlier said it was probing allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process, and the latest height measurement exercise forms a key part of that investigation.

Intl Film Festival of Kashmir set for Sept 1-2

Srinagar, Jul 30: The sixth edition of the International Film Festival of Kashmir (IFFK) will be held in Srinagar on September 1 and 2, 2026, with organisers announcing a diverse line-up of films from across the world to mark the festivals 20-year journey. The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone for the festival as it celebrates two decades of promoting cinematic excellence, cultural dialogue and creative exchange through the medium of film. Announcing the festival, the organising committee said the upcoming edition has received an overwhelming response from filmmakers worldwide, with more than 200 entries submitted for consideration. Festival Director Yaqut Mushtaq said 24 films have been selected for official screening after an extensive review by the programming team. We are delighted by the remarkable response received from filmmakers around the world. Out of more than 200 submissions reviewed by our programming team, 24 outstanding films have been selected for official screening at this years festival, she said. According to the organisers, this years programme will showcase a distinguished selection of films, including several South Asian and Asian premieres, giving audiences an opportunity to experience compelling works by both emerging and established filmmakers. The official selection reflects a wide range of perspectives, cultures and storytelling traditions, reaffirming the festival's commitment to fostering artistic excellence and meaningful cultural engagement. Over the years, the International Film Festival of Kashmir has evolved into a prominent cultural platform, bringing together filmmakers, artists, academics, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. Through its carefully curated programmes, the festival has continued to contribute to the growth of film culture and promote intercultural understanding. The organisers said details regarding the screening schedule, special events, guest delegates and industry activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Over 3.6 lakh J&K homes yet to get tap water: Center

Srinagar, Jul 30: More than 3.60 lakh rural households in Jammu and Kashmir are yet to receive Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) under the Centres flagship Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), according to data presented in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. As per the Ministry of Jal Shakti, 15,64,303 out of 19,24,945 rural households in Jammu and Kashmir have been provided tap water connections, while 3,60,642 households still remain uncovered as of July 18, 2026. The information was shared by Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha regarding universal coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The Ministry stated that the Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal), launched in August 2019, aims to provide every rural household with an assured supply of potable drinking water through tap connections at a service level of 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD), conforming to BIS:10500 standards on a regular and long-term basis. It further informed Parliament that the Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 till December 2028, with an enhanced financial outlay and a restructured implementation framework focused on structural reforms in the rural drinking water sector. The Ministry noted that drinking water is a state subject, making the planning, implementation, operation and maintenance of water supply schemes the responsibility of the respective State and Union Territory governments. The Centre, it said, provides only technical and financial assistance under the mission. Nationally, the government said that when the mission was launched in 2019, only 3.24 crore rural households (16.72 per cent) had tap water connections. As of July 18, 2026, the number has increased to 15.89 crore households, covering 82.09 per cent of the countrys 19.36 crore rural households. According to the state-wise data, West Bengal has the highest number of uncovered rural households at 75.74 lakh, followed by Rajasthan (44.02 lakh), Kerala (31.74 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (27.85 lakh) and Jharkhand (27.84 lakh). Jammu and Kashmir accounts for 3.60 lakh uncovered households, while neighbouring Ladakh has only 699 households yet to receive tap water connections. The Ministry did not specify a separate timeline for Jammu and Kashmir but said the missions overall target is to achieve universal rural tap water coverage by December 2028 under the extended Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.

Two separate incidents leave eight injured in Ganderbal

Ganderbal, July 31: Eight persons were injured in two separate incidents, including a gas cylinder leakage and a road accident, in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Friday. All the injured were initially treated at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kangan before being referred to SKIMS Soura for specialized treatment. In the first incident, three persons sustained burn injuries after a gas cylinder reportedly leaked inside a private hut at Surfraw Gund. The injured were identified as Abdul Hameed Wani (37), son of Ghulam Nabi Wani; Manzoor Ahmad Ganie (40), son of Ghulam Nabi; and Shahriyar Majeed (40), son of Abdul Majeed, all residents of Wakura in Ganderbal. According to the attendants of the injured, the burns were caused by a gas cylinder leakage inside the private hut. The injured were immediately shifted to SDH Kangan, where doctors provided first aid and necessary medical treatment. Owing to the nature of their injuries, all three were referred to SKIMS Soura for advanced treatment. Meanwhile, in a separate road accident, five persons were injured after a Xylo vehicle (Registration No. JK10-5974) collided with an electric pole near Hayan Bridge in Kangan. The injured were identified as the driver, Ashgar Ali (27), son of Mohd Hassan Ali, a resident of Kargil, along with Hassan Askri of Leh, Junaid Iqbal of Leh, Liyaqat Ali, son of Ghulam Abbas of Leh, and 10-year-old Mohd Danish, son of Abdul Bari, also a resident of Leh. Soon after the accident, all the injured were rushed to SDH Kangan, where they received initial treatment. Doctors later referred them to SKIMS Soura for further medical care. Police have taken cognizance of both incidents and initiated the necessary proceedings. Authorities are ascertaining the exact circumstances surrounding the gas cylinder leakage and the road accident.

SC seeks Centres response on plea to declare polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Centres response on a plea to declare the practice of polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional for being violative of constitutional provisions. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice to the Centre on a petition filed by womens []

Hyderabad Police book cases against Meta India head, social media users

Facebook posts on PM Modi HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Police have registered a case against the head of Meta India over multiple videos posted on the companys Facebook platform that depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an abusive manner, a senior police officer said on Friday. Police are preparing to send a notice to Meta Platforms regarding []

NPCI urges public to stay alert against text message scams, shares safety tips

SRINAGAR: With digital payments becoming an integral part of daily life and driving Indias transition towards a digital-first economy, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has urged citizens to remain vigilant against fraudulent text message scams that exploit fear, urgency and curiosity to deceive people into revealing sensitive information or transferring money. NPCI said []

Who chose saffron? Hockey India president, players question decision to replace blue jersey

NEW DELHI: Indias decision to replace its traditional blue jersey with saffron for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup has triggered opposition from former players and officials within Hockey India. The federation said the change was made for technical reasons after consultations with players and coaches. However, five members of the mens and womens teams []

JKSC begins Junior Boys Football trials for National Cship

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Friday commenced open selection trials for the Junior Boys Football Team for the 2026-27 Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy National Football Championship, organised under the aegis of the All India Football Federation, with 375 players from across the Union Territory registering for the process. Simultaneous divisional trials began []

Nasas Curiosity rover finds honeycomb-like shapes on Mars. What do they mean?

NEW DELHI: Nasas Curiosity rover has spotted an unusual field of polygon-shaped rock patterns on the surface of Mars, a discovery that could help scientists better understand the planets ancient environment and the geological processes that shaped it billions of years ago. The newly released images show hundreds of interconnected polygonal ridges spread across a []

Europes relentless heatwave reveals Nazi-era warships as rivers recede

NEW DELHI: Nazi-era warships have emerged in Europe as a scorching heatwave made water levels in the Danube River shrink, revealing the once-sunken ships. Europes punishing heatwave is leaving its mark across the continent, and its doing so in a way that goes beyond record-breaking temperatures. As prolonged heat and an acute lack of rainfall []

Three Killed as Nepal Battles Growing Hindu-Muslim Unrest; PM Appeals for Calm Amid Curfews

SRINAGAR: Nepal is grappling with its worst communal unrest in recent years after clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities in the countrys southern plains left three people dead, prompting curfews across multiple districts and appeals for peace from the countrys top leadership. Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday made his first major national address since []

Govt plans wool production clusters in J&K

Srinagar, July 30: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the status of wool industry and progress achieved under 27 projects of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) aimed at strengthening the sheep husbandry and wool sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting held a detailed assessment of the existing wool production ecosystem, infrastructure, processing and shearing facilities, HADP interventions, market linkages and value addition. It also deliberated on measures required to enhance the returns to sheep breeders and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural youth. Addressing the meeting, Javid Dar called for a comprehensive strategy to transform the wool sector of Jammu and Kashmir from a largely raw-material-based activity into a modern, value-added and market-driven industry. The Minister directed the concerned departments to identify the villages and clusters with a high concentration of livestock and substantial potential for wool production and develop them as specialised wool-production and processing clusters. He called for focused interventions in such areas, including capacity building, modern shearing practices, wool grading, processing, value addition, packaging and marketing. Emphasising the importance of improving the quality of locally produced wool, Javid Dar directed the department to organise specialised training programmes for the sheep breeders, rural entrepreneurs and youth in modern wool processing and allied activities. He stressed that improving quality at the production level, coupled with modern processing and effective marketing, would substantially enhance the economic value of J&K wool. The Minister laid special emphasis on youth engagement in the wool and livestock sector. He directed the officers to ensure that young people are provided adequate training, technology, financial assistance, infrastructure and market support to take up wool processing, value addition and allied enterprises as viable livelihood and entrepreneurial activities. He further directed for strict monitoring and regular performance assessment of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) receiving financial assistance under different components of HADP. He called for ensuring that subsidies and government support are utilised effectively and translate into measurable improvements in production, productivity, value addition, employment and farmers' income. Javid Dar stressed the need for stronger convergence among the Sheep Husbandry Department, HADP, industry stakeholders, FPOs and other concerned agencies to establish an integrated wool value chain in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for greater emphasis on breeding, sheep health, scientific shearing, wool collection, grading, processing, value addition, branding and market linkages. He said that a well-developed value chain would not only increase the income of sheep breeders but also generate employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in rural areas. The wool industry has the potential to become a game changer for sheep breeders, farmers and rural youth, the Minister said, stressing that the sector must be developed as a commercially viable industry rather than being confined to traditional production practices. He directed the officers to ensure timely implementation of all approved HADP interventions, effective utilisation of funds and regular field-level monitoring besides undertaking periodic assessment of the economic impact of these interventions on sheep breeders.

Sunil Sharma Condemns Kulgam Terror Attack

Srinagar, July 31, 2026: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Friday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kulgam district that claimed the life of a labourer from Chhattisgarh and left another injured. Describing the incident as a cowardly and barbaric act, Sharma said that targeting innocent civilians and labourers was an attack on humanity and an attempt to disturb peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack, stating that such acts of violence have no place in a civilised society and that those responsible must be brought to justice at the earliest. Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Sharma prayed for eternal peace for the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured labourer. He urged the security forces to intensify anti-terror operations and ensure that those behind the attack are identified and brought to justice. Sharma also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to remain united against terrorism and not allow such incidents to disrupt communal harmony and peace. The entire nation stands with the victims family in this hour of grief. There is full confidence that our security forces will take decisive action against those responsible for this dastardly attack, Sharma added.

Girl Injured After Being Hit by Speeding Bike at Tengpora Bypass

Srinagar, July 31: A teenage girl was injured after being struck by a motorcycle at Tengpora Bypass in Srinagar on Friday evening, while the rider also sustained injuries in the accident. According to reports, a Pulsar motorcycle (Registration No. JK05E-0293), ridden by Nazim Ashraf, hit the girl, whose identity has been withheld. The impact left both the pedestrian and the biker injured. Police personnel from Police Post Tengpora, assisted by local residents and CRPF personnel, immediately rushed to the scene and shifted both the injured girl and the rider to JVC Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources said both are undergoing treatment. Police Post Tengpora has taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident.

LG Manoj Sinha Condemns Kulgam Terror Attack, Orders Intensified Anti-Terror Operations

Srinagar, 31st July, 2026: The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the brutal terror attack on labourers in Kulgam. The Lieutenant Governor spoke with the Director General of Police, J&K and top security officials. He has directed the security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists. The Lieutenant Governor wrote on X:I spoke with the DGP, Shri Nalin Prabhat and top security officials following the brutal terrorist attack in Kulgam in which a labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed. I strongly condemn this cowardly act. I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists. J&K Police and Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Another injured labourer from Chhattisgarh has been rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and I am praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. J&K administration and the entire nation stand with the families.

NC Will Continue Fight for Statehood, Constitutional Rights: Farooq Abdullah

SRINAGAR: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday reiterated his partys commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmirs statehood and constitutional and democratic rights, asserting that the NC would continue its political struggle until these objectives are achieved. Addressing party workers and supporters, Dr Abdullah said the National Conference had overcome numerous political challenges throughout []

LG Sinha Condemns Kulgam Attack, Directs Security Forces to Intensify Operations

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday condemned the militant attack in Kulgam in which a labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed and directed security forces to intensify operations against the attackers. Sinha said he spoke with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and senior security officials following the attack and directed the []

One Non-Local Worker Killed, Another Injured in Kulgam Terror Attack

Kulgam, July 31 : One non-local worker was killed and another injured after terrorists opened fire on them in the Kellam area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday evening. Officials said the terrorists targeted the two workers at Kellam, leaving both injured. They were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. One of the workers later succumbed to his injuries, while the other was shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for advanced treatment. Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers. Further details are awaited.

Two Road Projects in Uri, Sopore Cleared After Baramulla MPs Recommendations: AIP

SRINAGAR: Two long-pending road projects in Uri and Sopore have been approved and put to tender following recommendations made by Baramulla Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) said on Friday. AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the projects were included in an e-NIT issued by the Office of the Chief []

CS Launches 162 New Online Services on eUNNAT, Pushes WhatsApp Integration

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday launched 162 new district-level online citizen services on the eUNNAT portal, taking the total number of digital Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services in Jammu and Kashmir to 1,710, while directing departments to remove obsolete compliances and expand access through WhatsApp and Single Sign-On (SSO). The directions were issued during a []

Suspected terrorists fire at labourers in Kulgam, one dead

Srinagar: Suspected terrorists opened fire on non-local labourers at a brick kiln in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, July 31, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to another, officials said. The assailants targeted the labourers at the brick kiln in Kelam late in the evening. Officials said that Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Jammu Kashmir: Govt Regularises 11 In-Charge Engineers in R and B Department

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has regularised 11 in-charge engineers in the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department, including seven as Assistant Executive Engineers (Civil) and four as Executive Engineers (Civil), with retrospective effect from dates ranging from September 2013 to May 2021. The regularisation was sanctioned by the Public Works (R and B) []

Lieutenant Governor interacts with officers of Higher Command Course-55

Srinagar, July 31, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha interacted with the officers attending Higher Command Course 55 at Army War College, Mhow. In his address to the officers and faculty members of Army War College at Lok Bhavan, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the pressing geo-political and geo-strategic challenges of the present era, along [] The post Lieutenant Governor interacts with officers of Higher Command Course-55 appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

1 Killed, 1 Injured As Terrorists Open Fire On Non-Local Workers In Kulgam

Kulgam: One non-local worker was killed and another injured after terrorists fired upon them in Kellam area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday evening. Officials said the terrorists targeted two non-locals in Kellam. Both were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. One of them later succumbed to injuries. The injured worker has []

One Killed, Another Injured in Kulgam Attack

SRINAGAR: A non-local worker was killed and another injured after suspected militants opened fire on them in the Kellam area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday evening. Officials said the attackers targeted the two workers while they were in Kellam. Both sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. One []

Jammu Kashmir: FDA Seizes Over 2,500 Litres Ghee, 2,600 Kg Meat in Food Safety Drive

SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has seized more than 2,500 litres of ghee after four brands were declared unsafe by the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad, while a separate action in Srinagar led to the seizure of 2,600 kg of frozen meat over alleged labelling violations and unhygienic storage. The FDA []

MP Mian Altaf Seeks Priority Passage for Fruit-Laden Trucks on Sgr-Jmu National Highway

Srinagar, July 31 : Member of Parliament for the AnantnagRajouri constituency, Mian Altaf Ahmad, has urged the administration and traffic authorities to ensure smooth movement of fruit-laden trucks on the SrinagarJammu National Highway (NH-44), citing repeated traffic disruptions that are causing heavy losses to the horticulture sector. In a post on X, Altaf Ahmad said the recurring disruptions on the vital highway are adversely affecting the transportation of fresh fruit from Kashmir to markets across the country. He called upon the administration and @Traffic_hqrs to guarantee uninterrupted and prioritized passage for trucks carrying perishable produce. The MP said delays on NH-44 are resulting in severe economic losses for local fruit growers and dealers because of the highly perishable nature of the produce. He stressed that timely transportation is essential to preserve the quality of fruits and ensure fair returns for farmers and traders.

BSF ASI Found Dead With Bullet Injury In Boniyar Baramulla, Probe Launched

Barmulla, July 31:A BSF Assistant Sub-Inspector was found dead with a bullet injury at his place of posting in Boniyar area of Baramulla district on Friday. The deceased has been identified as ASI Shiv Dutt, S/o Late Shimru Singh, R/o Shoran, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. He was about 56 years old, an official told GNS. Officials said Singh was serving with 175 Bn BSF and was posted with E Company, Boniyar. According to official sources, the ASI was found dead with a bullet mark. It is suspected that he died after shooting himself with his service rifle. A police team from Police Station Boniyar reached the spot immediately and has taken up an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to his death.Further details are awaited.(GNS)

J&K Police MRT Teams Provide Uninterrupted Assistance To Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris Despite Challenging Weather

Srinagar: Mountain Rescue Teams (MRT) of Jammu & Kashmir Police continued their dedicated service to Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris along both the Baltal and Pahalgam axis on Thursday, providing first aid, oxygen support, stretcher assistance and other essential emergency services to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage. In a statement, a police spokesperson said that []

Jammu Kashmir Has Three Recognised Unani UG Colleges, One PG Institute: Centre

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has three recognised institutions offering undergraduate education in Unani medicine with a combined annual intake capacity of 160 BUMS seats, while the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Naseem Bagh Campus, offers postgraduate education with an annual intake of 18 seats, the Union Government informed the Lok Sabha on Friday. []

Mirwaiz Seeks Probe into Rawalakot Killings, Urges Dialogue

Mirwaiz calls for impartial probe into Rawalakot killings, says peace can only be achieved through dialogue, justice and inclusive engagement

BSF ASI Found Dead With Bullet Injury in North Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A BSF Assistant Sub-Inspector was found dead with a bullet injury at his place of posting in Boniyar area of Baramulla district on Friday. The deceased has been identified as ASI Shiv Dutt, S/o Late Shimru Singh, R/o Shoran, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. He was about 56 years old, an official said. Officials said Singh []

Jammu Kashmir Utilises Rs 1,230 Crore Under Anganwadi Nutrition Scheme in Two Years, Centre Tells Lok Sabha

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir utilised Rs 1,229.99 crore under the Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme during 2023-24 and 2024-25, according to data presented by the Union Government in the Lok Sabha. The Ministry of Women and Child Development said JK utilised Rs 595.21 crore against Rs 530.88 crore released in 2023-24, while it []

Jammu AIIMS Functional, Awantipora AIIMS Still Under Construction: Centre

SRINAGAR: The Union Government has said that the AIIMS at Vijaypur in Jammu is functional, while the AIIMS project at Awantipora in Kashmir remains under construction under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The status was disclosed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a written reply to an unstarred question in []

ACB Calls 552 Jammu Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services Selectees For Height Test in 2020 Recruitment Probe

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has directed 552 candidates selected in the Fire and Emergency Services (FES) Department in 2020 to undergo fresh height measurement as part of its investigation into irregularities in the recruitment process. According to an official communication, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Police Station ACB Central, JK, Jammu, []

All 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Jammu Kashmir Functional, Over 1.03 Crore Beneficiaries Served in Five Years: Centre

SRINAGAR: All 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Ayush) approved for Jammu and Kashmir are functional, with more than 1.03 crore beneficiaries reported to have availed services at these centres between 2021 and 2025, the Union Ministry of Ayush informed the Lok Sabha on Friday. In a written reply to an unstarred question, Minister of State (Independent []

Cooperatives Department, UT Ladakh Organizes BuyerSeller Meet to Promote Ladakh Pashmina in Srinagar

Srinagar, July 31: The Cooperatives Department, Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. and J&K Bank, organized a BuyerSeller Meet today at the DIPR Auditorium, Srinagar. The programme aimed to establish direct interaction between Ladakh Pashmina herders and leading buyers, exporters, traders and business organizations, ensuring better price realization for the actual Pashmina herders, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries, and strengthening sustainable market linkages through the cooperative movement. The programme was graced by Shri Nitish Rajora , IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the unique geographical landscape of Changthang, which is home to nearly 1.84 lakh Changra goats. Among those present were Mr. Thinles, Secretary, All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd.; representatives of J&K Bank, the Cooperatives Department, the District Administration, Changthang; besides members of cooperative societies, artisans, weavers, and media representatives. The event witnessed the participation of more than 100 buyers, exporters, traders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of leading business organizations from Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country. The meet provided a valuable platform for direct business interaction between Pashmina growers and prospective buyers, enabling discussions on quality, pricing, long-term procurement, and market requirements. Prominent participants included Mr. A.P. Vicky Shaw, Chairman, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir; Mr. Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), J&K; Mr. Javed Ahmad Tenga, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI); Mr. Mubashir Ahmad, President, Kashmir Pashmina Welfare Trust; Mr. Mohd. Rafiq Sofi, President, Tahafuz Society; and Mr. Muzaffar, Zonal Head, Srinagar, J&K Bank, who interacted with the cooperative members and explored avenues for long-term collaboration. Addressing the gathering, Shri Nitish Rajora, IAS, highlighted the global recognition of Ladakh Pashmina for its exceptional quality and emphasized that cooperative societies play a vital role in empowering nomadic herders by improving market access, ensuring fair remuneration, and preserving the authenticity of Ladakh Pashmina. He reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration towards strengthening the cooperative movement and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for Pashmina-growing communities. During the programme, members of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. showcased authentic Ladakh Pashmina and value-added products before buyers, exporters, and traders. The interaction enabled buyers to directly understand the production process, quality standards, and the unique characteristics of Ladakh Pashmina, while allowing herders to understand market expectations. It was informed during the meet that a dedicated digital platform/mobile application for Pashmina growers, artisans, and cooperative members will be developed in the coming days. The proposed platform is expected to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem by facilitating digital payments, improving access to government schemes, providing market information, and creating direct linkages between producers and buyers. An interactive open session followed, during which buyers, exporters, industry representatives, and cooperative members exchanged views on quality assurance, branding, GI certification, value addition, digital marketing, and expanding domestic as well as international market opportunities for Ladakh Pashmina. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Deputy Registrar Cooperatives, Sachin Bali, who thanked all the participants and stakeholders for making the event a grand success. The Cooperatives Department, UT Ladakh, reaffirmed its commitment to organizing more such BuyerSeller Meets to strengthen direct market linkages, promote authentic Ladakh Pashmina, empower cooperative societies, and ensure that the benefits of value addition and market access reach the actual Pashmina herders of Changthang.

Jammu Kashmir Gets Rs 3,46,555 Lakh Under Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan 2.0 in 11 years

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 3,46,555.87 lakh, or around Rs 3,465.56 crore, in funds released under the Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme between 2014-15 and 2024-25, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The figures show that the annual release []

Jammu Kashmir Had No Exclusive Special Court Under SC, ST Atrocities Act from 2018-19 to 2024-25: Centre

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir had no Exclusive Special Court established under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, during the financial years 2018-19 to 2024-25, according to data presented by the Union Government in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The data, provided by the Ministry of Law and Justice, showed that []

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LG Sinha inaugurates transformative academic initiatives at Cluster University, Jammu

Jammu, Jul 31: Cluster University, Jammu today celebrated a historic occasion as Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha inaugurated a series of groundbreaking academic programmes designed to redefine the future of higher education in the region. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significance of the Design Your Degree programme, calling it a revolutionary step towards student-centric learning. He noted that the world today demands multi-disciplinary thinkers who can integrate knowledge across diverse fields. The frontiers of knowledge are continuously expanding. Problems are multidimensional, and their solutions are possible only through multi-disciplinary approaches. I believe that the 21st century will welcome those young people who are not specialists in just one subject but possess the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and discover new solutions. The future belongs to those who recognise possibilities, not boundaries. This initiative empowers students to shape their own academic journeys, combining subjects according to their interests, talents, and aspirations, he said. The inauguration also marked the launch of integrated programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, and Geography. The Lieutenant Governor underscored that science thrives on interconnectedness, and these courses will nurture students as holistic researchers capable of addressing complex challenges. The study of climate change is not limited only to environmental science. Chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography and others play an equally important role. If we provide our students with a broader perspective from the very beginning, they will not become specialists in just one subject, but will emerge as researchers and thinkers capable of understanding complex problems in their entirety and finding solutions. By encouraging cross-disciplinary study, Cluster University, Jammu is preparing students not only to master theories but to generate new ideas and innovations, the Lieutenant Governor said. Cluster University, Jammu has also introduced one-year PG Diploma in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems, along with the establishment of the Department of Vedic Studies. The Lieutenant Governor said the true education must balance science with values. He stressed that Indias intellectual heritage, from Paninis grammar to Aryabhatas astronomy, from Ayurveda to linguistics, represents a treasure of systematic thought and scientific vision. As modern knowledge is essential, it is equally essential that we understand who we are, what our intellectual tradition has been and what our civilisation has contributed to the world. Giving expression to this very sentiment, the establishment of the Department of Vedic Studies and the launch of the one-year PG Diploma programme in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems today is a significant step. The students will get the opportunity to understand that the Indian Knowledge System is not limited only to ancient beliefs or religious rituals but that Indian philosophy, the Upanishads, the Vedas, ancient mathematics, medical science, astronomy and linguistics constitute an invaluable heritage of profound intellectual research, science and logical thinking that our ancestors gave to the world. This programme will allow students to engage deeply with Indias civilizational wisdom while pursuing modern knowledge, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Semiconductor Skilling Programme in collaboration with IIT Madras, describing it as a vital step in Indias technological mission. He observed that semiconductors are the backbone of modern innovation, powering everything from mobile phones to space missions. Under the leadership of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has resolved to become a leader in technology development and manufacturing. This skilling initiative will equip students with cutting-edge expertise, aligning them with the needs of future industries and strengthening Indias position in the global deep-tech landscape, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon students to focus on skill development and innovation. He said every skill acquired and every innovation pursued will contribute to Indias journey towards self-reliance and global leadership. He expressed confidence that these programmes will not only enrich individual academic journeys but also give new direction to Jammu Kashmir's progress. The new programmes at Cluster University, Jammu is the beginning of a new philosophy of education. Rooted in Indias cultural identity and oriented towards global aspirations, these initiatives promise to empower students to dream, innovate and lead, the Lieutenant Governor said. The occasion also witnessed the launch of Post-Graduate Programme in Environmental Sciences with Minor Specialisation in Renewable Energy; One year Post-Graduate diploma in Dogri Translation; release of Nasha Mukt Bharat activity report, and renaming of Vice-Chancellors office-cum-secretariat complex as Suryaputri Tawi Bhawan and old IIM Campus as Chandrabhaga Campus. Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Shri Ankur Mahajan, Registrar, HoDs and office bearers of the Cluster University of Jammu; heads of several Constituent colleges of the University, faculty, and students attended the inaugural ceremony.

SC dissolves Omar Abdullahs marriage with estranged wife

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday, July 31, agreed to dissolve the marriage of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with his estranged wife Payal Abdullah after taking note of their submissions that they have embraced freedom. The apex court took note of the submissions of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

JK Students Union urges Rahul to raise paper leak in Parliament

Srinagar: J&K Students Association (JKSA) said on Friday, July 31, that it has written to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi to raise Jammu and Kashmirs alleged recruitment scams, paper leaks and institutional failures in the Parliament. Nasir Kheuhami, national convenor of JKSA said they have written to LoP Rahul Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Cop injured after his rifle goes off accidentally in Kokernag

Srinagar: A Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel of Jammu and Kashmir police sustained a bullet injury after his service weapon accidentally went off in the Kokernaf area of south Kashmir on Friday, officials said An official said that the cop suffered a gunshot wound to his foot and was immediately shifted to sub-district hospital Kokernag []

ACB Summons 2020 Fire & Emergency Services Selectees For Height Measurement On Aug 3

Janmu:The Anti-Corruption Bureau, J&K, has directed candidates selected in the Fire & Emergency Services Department vide Order No. 823 of 2020 dated 04.10.2020 to report for a height measurement test on August 3. According to a letter issued by the Sr. Superintendent of Police, Police Station ACB Central, J&K, Sidhra, Jammu, a copy which lies []

They will pay price: Ghalibaf condemns US for spilling blood of innocent after strikes on Qeshm island

Tehran , July 31 : Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday (local time) strongly condemned a reported strike on residential areas on Qeshm Island, labelling it a terrorist attack and accusing the United States of deliberately targeting civilians. In a post on X, Ghalibaf asserted that the incident follows a pattern of similar atrocities in Minab and Lamerd. Slamming US for spilling the blood of the innocent, the diplomat vowed stern retaliation from Iran. The United States soils its hands with a new crime every day; the terrorist attack on the residential homes of civilians on Qeshm Island is a continuation of the atrocities in Minab and Lamerd. Americans have grown accustomed to making up for the slaps they receive on the battlefield by spilling the blood of the innocent. They will pay the price, he wrote in a post on X. His remarks stem from US Central Command (CENTCOM) claiming to have carried out a heavy wave of strikes against dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran on Wednesday (local time), calling the action a response to attempted Iranian missile strikes on US forces in West Asia. The strikes, completed at 10 p.m. ET on July 29, targeted IRGC military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defence sites, and maritime capabilities, according to a CENTCOM press release. The US military further stated that on July 28, Iranian forces launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on US personnel stationed in the Middle East, adding that all of the missiles were successfully intercepted. CENTCOM also said that more than 50,000 US service members remain deployed across the Middle East and are highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready. The broader regional hostilities intensified significantly, with Tehran claiming that it had destroyed three US F-35 fighter jets and heavily damaged three others at Jordan's Al-Azraq Air Base on Thursday in retaliation for American attacks on Qeshm Island. According to a statement by the state media, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched several ballistic missiles at the deployment ramp and maintenance facilities housing US F-35 fighter aircraft at Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan. The IRGC claimed the strike completely destroyed three F-35 aircraft and caused heavy damage to three others, adding that several US officers and technical and maintenance personnel were also killed in the attack. According to the statement, the operation was carried out in response to a US airstrike on Qeshm Island on Wednesday night. The IRGC alleged that American forces, operating from bases in Jordan, targeted two residential houses with bunker-busting bombs, killing three of a family, including a child, while injuring two other children. (ANI)

NH-44 Remains Closed For Traffic, Restoration Work Underway Between Udhampur And Banihal

Srinagar: The JammuSrinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains closed for all types of traffic on Friday as restoration work is in progress, officials said. An official of Traffic Police told GNS that, work is underway between Jakheni in Udhampur district and Gangroo, Banihal in Ramban district. The closure follows an advisory issued yesterday by the District []

J&K Govt Approves 6.59 Crore for Conservation of Historic Imambara Zadibal

Srinagar, July 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a 6.59 crore project for the conservation and upgradation of the historic Imambara Zadibal in Srinagar. According to a post shared by the Office of the Chief Minister, J&K, on X, the project aims to preserve the Imambara's rich heritage while upgrading essential facilities for devotees and visitors. The initiative aims to preserve its rich heritage character while upgrading essential facilities for devotees and visitors.

Committee on Govt Assurances reviews action taken on fake news, misinformation

Journalism degree should be compulsory for journalists: Members SRINAGAR: The Committee on Government Assurances of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday convened a meeting at the Assembly Complex here to review the Action Taken Report (ATR) on assurances pertaining to the Information Department, with particular focus on measures undertaken to tackle fake news, []

Tanvir Sadiq unveils FC1 Jersey for historic Durand Cup debut

Calls it milestone for J&K football SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq Thursday unveiled the official jersey of FC1 for the clubs historic debut in the 135th Durand Cup, alongside the FC1 team and representatives of TCI Max Cements, describing the occasion as a landmark moment for []

Nationalism cant be enforced through fear: Er Rashid in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Amid unprecedented scenes of chaos and repeated disruptions in the Lok Sabha, Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid entered the Well of the House while raising strong objections during the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which extends statutory protection to Vande Mataram and provides for imprisonment []

NC welcomes Omar govts landmark directive to protect tribal rights

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar Thursday welcomed Omar Abdullah-led Governments landmark decision to accelerate the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, calling it a decisive step towards protecting the rights of tribal communities across Jammu and Kashmir. In []

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Closed as Restoration Work Continues at Vulnerable Stretches

SRINAGAR: Vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained completely suspended on Friday after the district administrations of Udhampur and Ramban ordered a temporary closure to facilitate restoration and stabilisation works at vulnerable locations. According to the authorities, the closure was imposed to enable intensive road restoration, debris clearance and slope stabilisation works at []

3 Kashmir train services suspended till Aug 14

Srinagar, July 30: Northern Railway has extended the cancellation of three passenger train services operating on the BanihalBudgamBaramulla section until August 14, 2026, to facilitate scheduled track maintenance aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of rail operations. According to a notice issued by the Office of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, the affected services will remain suspended from July 31 to August 14 (JCO) to enable pre-BCM high-temperature destressing of Long Welded Rails (LWR) on the BanihalBaramulla section. The suspended services include Train No. 74615 (BanihalBaramulla), Train No. 74632 (BaramullaBudgam), and Train No. 74628 (BudgamBanihal). With the extension of the cancellation, the 10:50 a.m. BanihalBaramulla passenger service, which is widely used by daily commuters, students, and office-goers travelling between Banihal and various stations across the Kashmir Valley, will continue to remain off the tracks during the maintenance period. Railway officials said the extension was necessary to complete the planned rail destressing and track maintenance works, which are crucial for ensuring the safe, smooth, and efficient operation of train services on the section. Passengers have been advised to make alternative travel arrangements and verify the latest train schedules before undertaking their journeys to avoid inconvenience.

IUST Hosts National Conference on Innovative Pedagogies to Advance DYoD Implementation

Awantipora, July 31: A Two-Day National Conference on Innovative Pedagogies for Future-Ready Higher Education begins at Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Thursday to strengthen the implementation of the Design your own Degree (DYoD) framework aligned with NEP 2020. The conference brings together educators, academic leaders, researchers and policymakers to deliberate on innovative pedagogical approaches aligned with NEP 2020. The participants included Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU, Prof. Jawaid Iqbal, Vice-Chancellor, BGSBU, Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Shobha Bagai, University of Delhi, Dean Academic Affairs IUST Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Registrar IUST Prof Shamim Ahmad Shah and principals of various colleges from J&K. During the inaugural ceremony, Prof. Dinesh Singh was the Chief Guest. While delivering the keynote address, he acknowledged the progressive nature of J&K's educational landscape and said, I believe India can discover a new path for higher education through Jammu and Kashmir. The spirit of innovation and academic experimentation I have witnessed here is rarely seen elsewhere in the country. NEP 2020 is founded on the belief that learning is a lifelong journey. Every day is a day of learning, and the policy reflects a deeply considered vision shaped by years of educational experimentation and experience. I congratulate IUST for taking the lead in organising this conference. Such initiatives demonstrate the kind of academic leadership needed to carry the vision of NEP 2020 forward, he further added. Earlier, while delivering the welcome address, VC IUST Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo underlined the significance of this conference that brought together universities and colleges under one umbrella to discuss taking forward NEP 2020. The real challenge before us is how we build the capacity of our teachers and transform teaching in the spirit of NEP 2020. As we move into the second phase of its implementation, the colleges and universities of Jammu and Kashmir have the opportunity to demonstrate a model that can guide the rest of the country, Prof. Romshoo said. Reflecting on the significance of the conference, he remarked that the deliberations had written a new chapter in advancing innovative pedagogy and emphasised that while information is readily available everywhere, he real privilege is to design one's learning, underscoring the transformative vision of the DYoD initiative. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Inayet Rasool, Coordinator, Design Your Degree (DYoD) Programme. The first day of the conference witnessed two technical sessions. The first technical session deliberated on DYoD Implementation in J&K Institutions. The participants included vice chancellors of universities and heads of institutions, and the session was moderated by Prof. Dinesh Singh. The speakers highlighted that the Design Your Degree (DYoD) initiative is transforming higher education by shifting from traditional examination-based systems to experiential, interdisciplinary, and student-centred learning aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. They emphasised the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Python, and Digital Humanities into academic programmes, while encouraging innovation, undergraduate research, and socially relevant problem-solving. The discussion also underscored the significant institutional and pedagogical reforms required to implement DYoD, including retraining faculty, reshaping curricula, and fostering a mindset change among both teachers and students. Stressing the importance of preserving academic leadership in the age of rapidly advancing technology, the speakers noted that educators must play a central role in guiding these transformations so that technological advancements strengthen, rather than dictate, the future of higher education. The 2nd technical session deliberated on the theme DYoD in J&K: Challenges, opportunities and the Way forward. The participants were DYoD Coordinators from universities and institutions in J&K and was moderated by Prof. Bagai. A documentary 'DYoD Heritage Journey,' was also screened during the event. The remaining two technical sessions, student project presentations and the valedictory session will be held on the second day of the conference.

Heavy rains trigger flash floods in SK Bala, traffic restored after police action

Bandipora: Heavy rains on Friday triggered flash flood-like conditions in the SK Bala and Doudwan areas of north Kashmirs Bandipora district, blocking the main road and several link roads, disrupting traffic and causing inconvenience to commuters. Officials said that incessant rainfall led to flash floods, washing debris, mud and uprooted trees onto roads in Doudwan []