Right, Wrong, and the Age of Excuses..!
We condemn corruption in public, but justify it in private at what cost to our collective soul? SAAD ASLAM In our hurried, hyper-connected world, we like to believe that we are more advanced than any generation before us. We carry the sum of human knowledge in our pockets, speak across continents at the touch of a button, and watch events unfold in real time from anywhere on the globe. Yet, despite all this progress, a nagging question haunts our public and private lives: have we grown in ethics and morality, or merely in cleverness and convenience? Across our social and political landscape, we see a disquieting pattern. Corruption is condemned loudly in speeches but normalised quietly in daily dealings. We criticise dishonesty in leaders but tolerate it in ourselves, calling it adjustment or practicality. We demand accountability from the powerful yet turn a blind eye when small acts of dishonesty benefit us or our own. The language of values remains on our lips, but rarely governs our choices. Ethics and morality are often used interchangeably, but they are not quite the same. Morality speaks to our inner sense of right and wrong the voice of conscience that tugs at us in solitude. Ethics, on the other hand, is how we translate that inner voice into rules, norms, and principles for life in society. A morally aware person may feel guilt in private; an ethical society ensures that this guilt is strengthened by accountability, law, and collective disapproval of wrongdoing. The crisis we face today is not simply that individuals sometimes do wrong, that has always been part of the human story. The real crisis lies in the quiet erosion of our shared standards. Wrongdoing no longer shocks us as it once did; it merely trends for a day on social media before being buried under the next outrage. When scandal follows scandal, when injustice becomes routine, people gradually stop expecting better. Cynicism replaces moral outrage, and that cynicism is far more dangerous than any single act of corruption. The roots of this erosion lie in the culture of convenience we have built. We often choose what is easier over what is right. It is easier to stay silent in the face of injustice than to risk our comfort. It is easier to forward an unverified message than to check its truth. It is easier to blame the system than to ask how we, too, participate in its failures. Little by little, a thousand small compromises weaken our moral spine. This culture touches all spheres of life. In politics, we rationalise unethical conduct as the cost of winning. In business, we celebrate success without asking how it was achieved. In education, we reward marks more than integrity, cleverness more than character. Even in our homes, children too often see that the rules we preach are not the rules we practice. What lesson does a young mind learn when it sees adults cutting corners, justifying lies, and shrugging off responsibility as long as they are not caught? Yet it would be wrong to claim that our society has lost all sense of right and wrong. In every crisis, we also see extraordinary acts of courage, honesty, and compassion. We see ordinary citizens returning lost valuables, standing up for victims, or refusing to be part of unjust practices. These are not isolated miracles; they are reminders that the moral core of our people is not dead, only overshadowed. The challenge before us is to bring this moral core back to the centre of our public life. That begins with an uncomfortable acknowledgement: ethics and morality cannot be outsourced to religious leaders, courts, or governments. They must be lived in our own choices. No law can compel a person to act with integrity who has decided that only personal gain matters. No sermon, however eloquent, can substitute for the daily discipline of doing the right thing when nobody is watching. The first step, therefore, is introspection. We must ask, not in abstraction but in specifics: where do I compromise? Where do I justify what I know is wrong because it is convenient, profitable, or socially accepted? It is easier to condemn the failings of the powerful than to confront the small moral failures within our reach. But without that inner work, our calls for clean governance, fair institutions, and just policies will ring hollow. The second step is to rebuild social norms that reward integrity and stigmatise wrongdoing, regardless of who commits it. When we admire only wealth and power, we send a clear message that the means do not matter. When we celebrate honesty, fairness, and courage in our families, schools, and workplaces, we restore the social respect that ethical conduct deserves. The stories we tell our children, the role models we highlight, and the behaviour we tolerate all of these shape the moral climate around us. Ultimately, ethics and morality are not about abstract philosophy but about everyday choices. They are about the decision to speak the truth when a lie would be safer, to stand with the weak when silence would be easier, to follow rules when breaking them would bring quick benefit. A society that treats such choices as optional cannot long remain just or stable. In an age that worships speed and convenience, it may seem old-fashioned to speak of conscience, duty, and moral courage. Yet it is precisely these old virtues that can help us navigate the storms of our time. Technologies will change, systems will rise and fall, but the question at the heart of every age remains the same: what kind of human beings do we choose to be? If we ignore that question, we risk building a future rich in gadgets but poor in goodness. If we face it honestly, we may yet rediscover that the true measure of progress is not what we possess, but how we live. ( The Author is a columnist and teacher by profession)
Shifting Weather Patterns are Reshaping Kashmirs Present and Future
The weather has changed. Whether we change with wisdom or merely with regret is now up to us ZAHID MUJTABA The seasons in Kashmir once followed a script everyone knew by heart. Autumns burnished chinars gave way to crisp November mornings, December announced itself with snow on the mountains, and by January the Valley would be wrapped in a thick white quilt. Spring came on time, gentle and gradual; summers were brief, mild, and welcome. Today, that script is being rewritten before our eyesand often, to our alarm. Over the past few years, the people of Kashmir have begun to speak of winter the way they once spoke of politics: with uncertainty, frustration, and a sense that something fundamental has gone wrong. Snow arrives late or in violent bursts. November feels like October, and January sometimes feels like March. Summers are not just warmer, they are harsher, drier, and longer. Rains come when they should not, and stay away when they are most needed. The changing weather patterns in the Kashmir Valley are no longer an abstract debate for conferences and climate reports. They are lived realityin our orchards and fields, in our markets and homes, and in the anxious conversations of ordinary people who sense that the Valley they inherited will not be the same one they leave to their children. Winters that no longer feel like winters Kashmirs identity is intertwined with its winters. The three months of chilay kalan have long been seen as both a test of endurance and a time of quiet beauty. But in recent years, snow has often arrived late, fallen unevenly, or melted too quickly. There have been winters with almost no significant snowfall in the plains, followed suddenly by intense spells that disrupt life instead of sustaining it. These shifts are not cosmetic. Reduced and erratic snowfall means reduced snowpack in the mountainsthe natural reservoir that feeds our rivers and streams through the year. When the snow does not accumulate properly, or when it melts all at once during sudden warm periods, the entire water cycle is thrown off balance. Springs that once flowed reliably in villages across the Valley are weakening or drying. Farmers who planned sowing, irrigation, and harvesting around predictable patterns now find themselves guessing rather than knowing. For an economy and culture built around the rhythm of the seasons, this uncertainty is deeply destabilising. Orchards under stress If one wants to measure climate anxiety in Kashmir, one needs only speak to an orchardist. Apple, the backbone of the Valleys horticulture, is acutely sensitive to both temperature and timing. It needs a certain number of cold hours in winter, followed by a steady, predictable shift to spring. Increasingly, the Valley is witnessing warmer winters, sudden spells of extreme cold, and early or uneven flowering. Unseasonal snowfall in late autumn has damaged trees and fruits right before harvest. Untimely rains during flowering and fruit-setting affect yields and quality. Episodes of intense heat in summer cause sunburn on apples, reduce their size, and disrupt traditional grading standards in the market. Small growers, already squeezed by rising costs and fluctuating prices, now face the added burden of a climate that no longer cooperates. The story is similar for other crops. Saffron cultivation in Pampore has been affected by erratic rains and changes in soil moisture. Paddy farmers worry about irrigation water in critical months. Even everyday vegetables face unpredictable pest attacks as warmer temperatures alter the lifecycle of insects and diseases. From floods to droughts: a cycle of extremes Kashmir has always known floods, but what worries scientists and citizens alike is the increasing tendency of the weather to swing between extremes. Years of deficient snowfall and scant rain are followed by cloudbursts, sudden downpours, or intense snowfall events that overwhelm infrastructure and preparedness. On one hand, there is the fear of drought: receding glaciers, shrinking snowfields, and thirsty fields during the growing season. On the other hand, there is the fear of another catastrophic flood, like the one in 2014, when swollen rivers and poor planning combined to devastate the Valley. The same climate disruptions that reduce water availability overall can also increase the frequency of such extreme events. Kashmir now lives with a double insecurity: not knowing whether the coming months will bring too little water or too much, and whether the state is equipped to handle either. A social and psychological toll Climate change discussions often focus on statisticsrising temperatures, reduced snowfall, and changing rainfall patterns. But in Kashmir, the impact is also emotional and cultural. The older generation speaks nostalgically of winters when snow would reach the windowsill, when children skated on frozen ponds, when the first snowfall was a community event. Todays children may grow up knowing snow more as a disruption than a delightshutting schools abruptly, snapping power lines, or arriving so late that Harud (autumn) and winter seem almost to collide. There is also a quiet but growing anxiety in rural households. When your livelihood depends on the orchard, the paddy field, or the saffron karewa, every unpredictable spell of rain or sunshine becomes a source of stress. Farmers speak of sleepless nights before a forecasted storm, of watching the sky as if it were a capricious employer whose mood can ruin a years labour. What must be donebeyond rhetoric Acknowledging the problem is no longer enough. The Valley needs a clear, practical response to changing weather patternsone that combines science, governance, and local wisdom. First, there must be a serious investment in climate-resilient agriculture and horticulture. This means: Second, water management has to move from ad-hoc reactions to long-term planning. Protecting wetlands, restoring traditional water bodies, regulating construction along riverbanks, and upgrading drainage and flood control systems are no longer optionalthey are essential to survival in a climate-uncertain future. Third, the Valley urgently needs reliable, localised data. Weather forecasting, early warning systems, and village-level climate advisories can help farmers and residents make informed decisions. Decisions about sowing, harvesting, or even travel should
Walkability: The Missing Backbone of Future-Ready Indian Cities
It is time for India to build cities that respect the dignity of the pedestrian. Our future mobility depends on it S UMAR BHAT For decades, the Indian urban dream has been paved with asphalt, designed for the internal combustion engine, and measured by the speed of vehicular flow. We have built flyovers that bypass our neighbourhoods and highways that cleave through our social fabric. But as we stand in 2026, amidst a global landscape scarred by energy volatility, soaring inflation, and a deepening climate crisis, it is time to admit a hard truth: our obsession with the vehicle has left our citizens stranded. Walkability is not a boutique urban design concept or a luxury for the elite. It is the fundamental infrastructure of survival and the primary metric of a truly civil society. In a world where crude oil prices fluctuate unpredictably and economic pressures squeeze the common man, the humble footpath is our most resilient asset. Our streets must serve life, not just engines. The Paradigm of Active Travel To reclaim our cities, we must pivot toward a framework of Active Travel. Active Travel focuses on promoting walking, cycling, and other non-motorised modes of transport as key elements of sustainable urban mobility. By encouraging the development of safer streets, accessible infrastructure, integrated transport systems, and healthier urban environments, Active Travel directly contributes to reduced congestion, improved public health, enhanced road safety, and environmentally sustainable cities. It is the foundation upon which future-ready transit must be built. I. The Economic Imperative: From Oil Dependency to Pedestrian Independence The recent global instability has exposed the fragility of a transport system tethered strictly to fossil fuels. As nations grapple with energy security, the private vehicle lifestyle is becoming an unsustainable economic burden for the Indian middle class. Inflation is not just a market phenomenon; it is a spatial one. When a city is designed so that a citizen must drive or take a motorised taxi just to buy a loaf of bread, that city layout has failed its people. Minimising the Cost of Living: Walkable cities act as a natural hedge against inflation. By providing safe, high-quality pedestrian infrastructure, cities allow residents to eliminate forced transportation costs. In Indian commercial hubs, well-designed sidewalks do more than just facilitate movement; they foster street vibrancy and local micro-economies that remain resilient to global economic shocks. Decarbonising the Last Mile: Indias commitment to Net Zero pathways requires a radical modal shift. Walking is the most energy-efficient, zero-emission form of transport in existence. By prioritising the pedestrian within an integrated Active Travel network, we reduce the national drain on foreign exchange reserves spent on crude oil and move steadily toward a truly Viksit Bharat. II. Inclusive Design: A Moral Necessity A city that is not safe for a five-year-old child or an eighty-year-old grandmother is a city that is fundamentally broken. For too long, urban planning has socially segregated those with functional diversity by designing streets that operate as obstacle courses rather than accessible pathways. Safety for the Vulnerable: While walkable neighbourhoods paradoxically see higher pedestrian density, they are associated with lower overall traffic fatality rates when designed correctly. We must move away from rigid, car-centric engineering standards and embrace universal design that inherently considers the user journey of the disabled, children, and the elderly. The Social Public Space: Streets should not be mere movement corridors. They are the living rooms of our citiesplaces where people sit, talk, and watch over their neighbourhoods. Inclusive design restores the unique vibrancy of Indian streets, turning a mundane daily commute into a meaningful social interaction. III. Climate Resilience: The Shaded Footpath as Infrastructure As urban heat islands intensify, walking in an Indian city can frequently feel like a feat of endurance. The widespread use of high-thermal mass materials in roads and pavements traps heat, raising local air temperatures by several critical degrees. Comprehensive pedestrian infrastructure must double as climate infrastructure. Climate-Resilient Strategies: Walkable Urban Cool Spots (WUCS): By integrating dedicated shading, urban vegetation, and cool-surface materials, planners can create localised cool spots that actively protect pedestrians from extreme heat. Green Infrastructure: Strategically allocated green cover can achieve up to a 2C cooling objective in dense urban environments, provided it is seamlessly integrated directly into the pedestrian and cycling networks. The Canopy Effect: Shaded footpaths are not a luxury; they are a public health necessity. Natural tree shade reduces surface temperatures by up to 13C, making the choice to walk viable even in the height of summer. IV. The Path Forward: Making the Choice A safer, more walkable city is a choice we must make collectively. We have struggled for decades to secure even the most basic footpaths, a reality caused by urban planning frameworks that routinely ignore pedestrian infrastructure, leaving conditions both unsafe and inconvenient. This is no longer acceptable. To achieve a sustainable urban future, we must demand: Mandatory Accessibility Standards: Following the progressive models of cities like Varanasi, we need updated city bylaws that hold planners and contractors legally accountable for building inclusive, unobstructed infrastructure. A Shift in Budgetary Priority: Municipal and state funding must pivot away from building car-centric flyovers and look toward funding expansive, interconnected people-centric networks. Cultural Transformation: We must reject the unsustainable lifestyle of unnecessary vehicle consumption and return to a simpler, more grounded way of living where the street is recognised as a shared, democratic resource. Walking is a universal, affordable activity that directly supports both mental and physical well-being. It is time for India to build cities that respect the dignity of the pedestrian. Our future mobility depends on it. (The author is a renowned social reformer/activist with over two decades of experience in community advocacy and mobility reforms. For feedback, email: umarbhat07@gmail.com)
In an anxious, distracted age, a young poet who died in 1821 offers lessons in patience, beauty, and doubt MUBASHIR JEELANI John Keats never saw his thirtieth year. He did not live to witness the age of machines, let alone the age of algorithms. Yet as we scroll through endless feeds, chase productivity targets, and measure our worth in notifications, it is the fragile, fading voice of this Romantic poet that returns with unexpected urgency. In a world that worships speed and utility, Keats insists on slowness and beauty. In an era of data, he defends mystery. At a time of relentless distraction, he asks for stillness. The modern world prides itself on having solved problems that tormented Keatss generation: disease, distance, even death, we are told, can be delayed if not defeated. But behind this confidence lies a quiet, unspoken exhaustion. Anxiety disorders soar, loneliness spreads, and young people inhabit a climate of economic and ecological uncertainty. It is here that Keats becomes our contemporary. For beneath the rich music of his verse lies a simple, unsettling question: how do we live meaningfully when everything we love is doomed to pass away? Keatss own life was a struggle against time. Tuberculosis haunted his family and finally claimed him at twenty-five. Knowing his days were numbered, he did not turn away from the world; instead, he looked at it more intensely. Flowers, autumn light, the movement of clouds across the skythese appear in his poems with an almost painful clarity, as if he were trying to hold them in language before they vanished. The modern culture of the instant, which devours images and throws them away, might learn from this posture of attentive wonder. Today, we are urged to be efficient rather than reflective, employable rather than imaginative. Education becomes a training ground for the market; even leisure is colonised by metrics and performance. Keats offers a quiet but firm dissent. He famously wrote of negative capabilitythe capacity to remain with doubts and uncertainties without rushing to premature answers. In a digital environment that rewards instant opinions and shrill certainties, such a virtue feels almost radical. Democracy itself may depend on recovering this patience with ambiguity, this willingness to listen before we speak. There is, too, a moral dimension to Keatss aesthetics. For him, beauty was not a decorative luxury but a way of honouring existence. When he declares that a thing of beauty is a joy for ever, he is not promising escape from reality, but a deeper form of engagement with it. The beauty he praises is never sterile. It is touched by decay, shadowed by mortality. In the modern world, where we curate filtered versions of ourselves and turn our faces into brands, Keatss celebration of vulnerable, imperfect beauty is a necessary correction. He reminds us that what moves us most is not the flawless image, but the honest one. Keats speaks powerfully, too, to societies on the margins of global power, including our own. He belonged neither to the aristocracy nor to established literary circles. He was dismissed by influential critics of his day, branded as a member of the cockney school of poetry. Yet he continued to write with a stubborn faith that truth could arise from the overlooked and the ordinary. For regions that have historically been misrepresented or silenced, Keatss career is a reminder that the centre does not have a monopoly on beauty or insight. In our conflict-ridden world, where violence and loss are daily realities, Keatss intense awareness of suffering acquires a special resonance. His poems do not deny pain; they dwell in it, seeking some fragile meaning within it. This is not resignation but a form of resistancea refusal to let brutality have the last word. When he writes of half in love with easeful Death, it is not a romantic invitation to oblivion, but an honest admission of despair that nevertheless continues to sing. The very act of creating beauty from grief is a way of asserting that human life, however threatened, still matters. To return to Keats, then, is not to retreat into nostalgia. It is to arm ourselves with a different imaginationone that values depth over display, contemplation over noise, tenderness over cynicism. The modern world will not slow down for us. But we can choose, at least for a moment, to slow down within it: to look at a tree, to listen to a friend, to read a poem with our full attention. In doing so, we stand with Keats in quiet defiance of a culture that measures everything and cherishes little. Nearly two centuries after his death, John Keats remains a companion for our age of fractures and fears. He does not offer solutions in the technocratic sense. What he offers is more demanding: an invitation to feel more deeply, to think more slowly, and to recognise, in the fleeting and the fragile, the only permanence we are likely to know. (The author is a research scholar and columnist)
Remembering Ibn Khaldun and His Enduring Wisdom
His timeless wisdom calls us to conscious action rebuilding social cohesion for a stronger, more resilient future DR HARJEET SINGH Ibn Khaldun (13321406), born in Tunis on 27 May 1332, stands among historys most profound thinkers. A judge, diplomat, statesman, and scholar, he lived through intense political turmoil, plagues, and the repeated rise and fall of dynasties across North Africa and Muslim Spain. These firsthand experiences sharpened his analytical mind. He understood that history is not driven by random chance or blind fate. Instead, it follows clear, observable patterns rooted in human nature, environment, and social forces. He is rightly celebrated as a pioneering historian, a brilliant philosopher of history, and a true forerunner of sociology and modern social sciences. Ibn Khaldun as Historian and Philosopher Traditional historians before him mainly produced simple chronicles. They listed events in sequence, praised rulers, or repeated unexamined stories without critical scrutiny. Ibn Khaldun firmly rejected this superficial method. He insisted that genuine history must explain why events occur by carefully investigating underlying causes. These include social dynamics, economic conditions, environmental factors, psychological elements and geographical influences. In his masterpiece, the Muqaddimah (Introduction to his larger historical work Kitab al-Ibar), he treated societies as living organisms that naturally pass through cycles of growth, maturity, and decline. This scientific and philosophical outlook was revolutionary in the 14th century. He emphasized critical evaluation of sources, avoidance of exaggeration and bias, and the search for universal patterns in human civilization, which he called umran. His groundbreaking ideas laid strong foundations for modern social analysis centuries before Western thinkers such as Montesquieu, Marx, Durkheim, or Comte developed similar concepts. Contributions to Historiography through the Muqaddimah and Asabiyyah The Muqaddimah is far more than a mere introduction. It offers a comprehensive philosophy of history and society. Ibn Khaldun examined economics, education, politics, geography, and social bonds as key forces shaping civilizations. At the core of his theory stands Asabiyyah group solidarity, social cohesion, or collective feeling that binds people together. It usually begins with kinship ties and shared hardship in difficult environments but can be strengthened by religion, common purpose, or alliances. According to Ibn Khaldun, strong Asabiyyah emerges among tough, nomadic or rural groups facing constant adversity. This powerful cohesion enables them to conquer territories, build states, and establish dynasties. Yet success brings its own dangers. Luxury, urbanization, comfort, and sedentary life gradually erode the bond. Rulers grow isolated, indulge in pleasures, depend on mercenaries, and lose touch with their people. Over generations, moral decay spreads widely. Selfishness replaces self-sacrifice, corruption increases, honesty declines, and internal divisions multiply. Eventually, a new group with fresher and stronger Asabiyyah overthrows the weakened dynasty. This cyclical theory of rise through unity, peak of power, and decline through decadence forms Ibn Khalduns most important contribution to historiography. He warned that luxury is particularly destructive because it shifts priorities from the collective good to personal pleasure. This change breeds moral degeneration, widespread corruption, and loss of courage. Religion, he observed, can powerfully reinforce Asabiyyah by creating larger unity beyond blood ties. However, when religious and moral values weaken, societies quickly fragment. Asabiyyah, Moral Degeneration, and the Crisis of Modernity Ibn Khalduns insights feel strikingly relevant in contemporary societies facing fragmentation and moral decline. Many communities today still possess resilient cultural and communal bonds, yet the concept of Asabiyyah clearly reveals both their strengths and growing vulnerabilities. Traditional solidarity rooted in shared values, culture, faith, and collective memory has historically helped societies endure hardships. However, modern realities closely mirror the luxury-induced decay Ibn Khaldun described centuries ago. Rising consumerism, easy money, and general complacency act as dangerous accelerators of moral and social degeneration. These forces fracture families, destroy the potential of young people, and steadily erode trust within communities. What begins as personal comfort soon becomes a broader societal crisis that weakens the mutual support and shared purpose at the heart of Asabiyyah. Luxury in its various forms promotes extreme individualism, hedonism, and moral laxity. As Ibn Khaldun warned, when personal comfort overrides collective responsibility, societies lose their inner resilience and invite decline through internal collapse or external pressures. The results are visible in broken families, diminished social cohesion, and a generation of youth trapped in cycles of despair. Asabiyyah as a Cure and Ibn Khalduns Lasting Legacy Thankfully, Ibn Khalduns theory also points toward renewal and hope. Reviving healthy Asabiyyah not narrow tribalism but positive, inclusive social cohesion grounded in shared values, justice, ethical leadership, education, and genuine mutual support can act as a powerful cure. Families, communities, and leaders must actively rebuild bonds of trust and responsibility. Faith and cultural heritage, when practiced with wisdom and inclusivity, can transcend divisions and restore deeper purpose, exactly as Ibn Khaldun observed about religions unifying role. Education plays a vital part. Teaching the young their rich heritage while equipping them with practical skills and moral strength helps counter moral decay and modern distractions. Community initiatives such as ethical governance programs and collective development projects can rebuild lost resilience. By nurturing Asabiyyah with justice and Tawhid-inspired unity (oneness of purpose beyond narrow interests), societies can interrupt destructive cycles. Ibn Khalduns legacy endures because his ideas speak honestly to universal human nature. On his birthday, we remember a thinker who saw civilizations as dynamic realities shaped by social bonds. His concept of Asabiyyah provide both a mirror to our weaknesses and a practical guide for renewal. Unity builds greatness while fragmentation and moral decay invite decline. For societies worldwide, the message is clear and urgent: strengthen human connections with wisdom, purpose, and ethics, or watch the historical cycle turn against us. His timeless wisdom calls us to conscious action rebuilding social cohesion for a stronger, more resilient future. (The Author is an independent researcher and writes on Sikh Empire, Historiography, Social, Philosophical and Cultural Issues and hails from Tral. He can be reached at:aishxing@gmail.com)
Parenting, AI, and the Weight of Modern Expectations
Between fear, convenience, and the child, we might be forgetting DR SAJAD QAZI In the Kashmir valley and far beyond, a quiet negotiation is underway. On one side are parents, exhausted by long working hours, economic anxiety, and the constant buzz of digital life. On the other side are children growing up in a world where screens are not a luxury but a landscape, and now, where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a new, unseen presence in their education, entertainment, and even emotional lives. Between them lies a powerful, unsettling question: What does good parenting mean in an age when an app may know more about our childrens preferences than we do and when algorithms begin to shape their thoughts before we can? This is no longer a distant, science-fiction worry. AI now quietly powers the videos our children watch, the games they play, the learning apps they use, and the social media feeds they will soon join. It can correct their essays, simplify their homework, translate their doubts into polished answers, and offer suggestions before they can form their own. To some, this is a miracle of convenience. For others, it is a creeping fear: Are we outsourcing what it means to be a parent to a machine? The new pressure cooker of parenting Modern parenting was already under strain long before AI entered the nursery. Parents today are expected to be everything at once: caretakers, income earners, emotional counsellors, career planners, tutors, and moral guides. In our own context, where political upheavals, economic constraints, and social expectations weigh heavily, these pressures multiply. Into this pressure cooker steps AI, promising relief. AI tutors offer personalised learning paths. Language models help children write essays or complete assignments. Recommendation systems promise the right content at the right time. Tired parents can easily be forgiven for seeing AI as a helping hand in an exhausting race. Yet the same technology that lightens the load also raises the bar. If your neighbours child is using AI for exam prep, are you failing your own child by not doing the same? If online platforms boast of AI-enhanced learning outcomes, does a parent who relies only on old-fashioned books suddenly feel inadequate? A new form of competition is emerging: not just Which school? but Which app? Which AI tool? Which subscription? In societies like ours, already sensitive to comparison and social status, this digital race risks deepening inequality between those who can pay for premium AI-driven tools and those who cannot. Children growing up in the algorithmic cradle For todays children, AI is not a separate technology; it is part of the air they breathe. Their cartoons are auto-played, their games are adaptive, and their search results are tailored. Long before they understand what an algorithm is, they live inside one. This has deep implications. Attention and imagination: AI-powered platforms are designed to maximise engagement, not necessarily growth. The more a child watches, scrolls, or plays, the more data is collected and the more accurate the predictions become. The result is a cycle where the machine learns to serve exactly what holds the childs attentioneven if that means content that is shallow, hyper-stimulating, or addictive. Imagination, which once grew out of boredom and unstructured time, now competes with the instant gratification of machine-curated entertainment. Learning and effort: AI tools can summarise chapters, solve maths problems, or even write essays. Used wisely, they can be powerful aids for understanding. Used lazily, they can erode a childs relationship with effort. If the answer is always a click away, the habit of struggling through a difficult conceptso crucial for building resiliencemay quietly fade. Identity and self-worth: As children grow older, AI-driven social media platforms play a decisive role in shaping how they see themselves. Algorithms amplify what gets attention and silence what does not. A teenagers sense of worth becomes entangled with likes, shares, and viewsmetrics optimised by machines, not guided by human compassion. In such a world, parenting cannot remain a passive act. If AI is always present, then so must be the parents conscience, curiosity, and courage. Between fear and dependence Public discourse around AI and children often swings between two extremes. On one side, there is an alarm: AI as a threat to jobs, privacy, mental health, and even democracy. On the other hand, there is enthusiasm: AI as the great equaliser, bringing high-quality education, translation, and information to every home, even in remote regions like ours. Parents are caught in between, trying to balance fear and dependence. They do not want to deprive their children of tools that might help them compete in a globalised, tech-driven world. At the same time, they sense that something intimate may be slipping away: the slow, human process through which a child discovers who they are, not just what the world expects them to be. The essential question, then, is not whether children should use AIthat debate is already settled by reality. The question is how they should use it, and under whose guidance. Rethinking what we expect from children, and from ourselves Modern expectations from children have quietly expanded. We want them to excel academically, speak global languages, master technology, be emotionally intelligent, physically active, socially aware, and morally uprightall while navigating a digital world more complex than anything their parents ever knew. AI often enters the picture as a tool to meet these expectations faster: faster learning, faster homework completion, faster exposure to information. But in this rush, we risk turning childhood into a project, not a journey. What if our expectations themselves are part of the problem? What if, rather than asking, How can AI help my child achieve more?, we began asking, How can AIand Ihelp my child become more human? That shift in question changes everything. Instead of measuring success only in grades and achievements, we begin to value qualities that no algorithm can automate: empathy, patience, ethical judgment, the ability to listen, to doubt, to create something original even when it
Over 5.7 Lakh Stakeholders Participate in Mass PTMs Across Kashmir
RK News Service SRINAGAR, May 23: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Friday said that over 5.7 lakh stakeholders participated in the third round of Mass Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) conducted across schools in the Kashmir Valley. According to DSEK, a total of 6,892 PTM events were organised simultaneously across Kashmir in line with the academic calendar for the 2026 session. The meetings witnessed participation from 3,32,173 students, 1,64,365 parents and 73,479 teachers and school heads. Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani expressed gratitude to parents and the community for their overwhelming participation and termed the response a reflection of growing trust between schools and society. The meetings focused on students academic performance, behavioural development and overall well-being. Schools also held awareness sessions on the ongoing anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir to sensitise parents and students about the dangers of substance abuse. Senior education officials, including Chief Education Officers (CEOs), attended the meetings and interacted with parents to address their concerns. DSEK said the successful conduct of the PTMs reaffirmed the departments commitment towards transparency, inclusivity and community participation in the education sector.
Staff Shortage, Medicine Scarcity Hit Health Services In Sopore
Mansoor Peer Srinagar, May 23: Healthcare services in north Kashmirs Sopore town have been severely affected due to persistent neglect of three major health institutions, with residents raising concerns over inadequate staffing, shortage of medicines, and non-functional facilities. Locals said that serious deficiencies at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore, PHC Tarzoo, and PHC Maharajpora have been causing immense hardship to patients and affecting the delivery of essential healthcare services. Recently, a public delegation from Sopore met the Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department and sought urgent intervention to address the issues confronting the three healthcare facilities. The lack of basic healthcare facilities at SDH Sopore, PHC Tarzoo and PHC Maharajpora is causing immense hardship to the people of the area, said Hakim Rizwan Illahi, a resident of Sopore. He alleged that SDH Sopore is facing a shortage of experienced staff during night hours, resulting in difficulties for emergency patients. He further claimed that essential medicines are often unavailable and that inadequate staffing at ticket counters leads to long waiting times for patients. There is also a need for a female employee or operator for ultrasonography (USG) services to facilitate female patients, he said. The healthcare services at PHC Tarzoo are in deplorable condition, causing significant inconvenience to patients. According to residents, the facilitys X-ray room remains locked and non-functional, depriving people of a basic diagnostic service. Furthermore, out of the 17 medical tests that should be available at the centre, only one is currently being conducted, severely limiting its diagnostic capabilities. The situation is further aggravated by the shortage of essential medicines, including commonly prescribed drugs such as Pantoprazole and antibiotics. Residents also said that the wards at the health centre remain closed, preventing patients from accessing admission and inpatient care facilities. They expressed concern that these deficiencies are adversely affecting healthcare delivery and forcing many patients to seek treatment elsewhere. At PHC Maharajpora, locals alleged that an acute shortage of staff has severely affected healthcare services. They said the lack of adequate medical and support personnel is hampering patient care and limiting the centres ability to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population. Residents urged the Health and Medical Education Department to ensure proper staffing, availability of medicines, functional diagnostic facilities and overall improvement in healthcare services at the three institutions. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Baramulla, Dr. A.G. Raina, refuted the allegations regarding the shortage of medicines, stating that adequate stocks are available in government health institutions. He said that medicines are available in large quantities and that additional supplies are procured at BMO level whenever required to ensure uninterrupted patient care. SDH Sopore caters to nearly 2,500 patients and all of them are provided medicines free of cost, Dr. Raina said. Responding to concerns about the non-functional X-ray facility at PHC Tarzoo, he said that he would look into the matter and verify its status. He also assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure that all prescribed diagnostic tests are conducted at the health centre.
J&K House Chanakyapuri Gets VVIP Makeover
RK NEWS Service New Delhi, MAY 23: Jammu and Kashmir House at Chanakyapuri unveiled its newly redeveloped VVIP accommodation facilities on Friday, adding critical capacity to the Union Territorys hospitality infrastructure for the dignitaries visiting the national capital. Resident Commissioner, J&K, Ramesh Kumar, inaugurated the modernized 4th floor of C-Block in presence of Additional Resident Commissioner Anil Kumar Sharma and senior officers of the Resident Commission. The upgrade has come after the reorganization of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, when A and B Blocks were transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh. That left J&K with only the ageing C-Block, sharply cutting accommodation for the visiting Ministers, MPs, senior civil and police officers, judicial officers and official delegations. To address the gap, the administration undertook a comprehensive revamp of the 4th floor. The redesigned level now houses three suites including Pashmina, Hangul and Chinar and two VVIP rooms named Trikuta and Saffron. These all have been built on contemporary hospitality standards for comfort, security and a professional environment.
JKRLM Approves Rs 36 Crore SVEP Plans to Expand Rural Entrepreneurship Across Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) has approved six Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) worth Rs 36 crore under the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) to expand rural non-farm livelihood opportunities across the Union Territory, officials said on Saturday. The approval was granted at a meeting of the UT-Level Steering Committee (Non-Farm Livelihoods) []
Dy CM Hits Back at LoP, Says Sunil Sharma Was Missing During Budget Session
SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday hit back at Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma over his missing complaint remark targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying the BJP leader himself remained absent during the crucial budget session. Speaking to reporters here, Choudhary said the LoP has a major responsibility during the budget session []
Hailstorms Damage 30 Per Cent of Agriculture, Horticulture in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Kashmirs horticulture and agriculture sector has suffered nearly 30 percent damage due to repeated hailstorms across the Valley this year, leaving growers in deep financial distress and pushing many towards mounting debt, growers on Saturday said. In a joint press conference in Sopore, President Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Fayaz Ahmed Malik @ []
Leh, May 23: The inauguration and upgradation celebration of Ladakh Model Government Higher Secondary School, Chushul was held with great enthusiasm and community participation on May 22. The event marked the upgradation of the school to Higher Secondary level as well as its inclusion under the Ladakh Model School initiative. The occasion was graced by [] The post Ladakh Model Government Higher Secondary School Chushul Inaugurated and Upgraded Amid Grand Community Celebration appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Encounter Underway in Rajouri Forests
SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between miltants and security forces in the forest area of Jammus Rajouri district on Saturday. An official said that the gunfight erupted in the Dorimal forests after security forces launched a cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Militants in the area. At least []
Jammu Kashmir: MeT Forecasts Isolated Rain, Thundershowers and Gusty Winds at Scattered Locations
SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir during forenoon hours from May 23 to 25, with isolated afternoon spells of rain, thundershowers and gusty winds expected at scattered locations. Officials said weather conditions are likely to remain hot and dry across the Union Territory on May 26 and []
229 Candidates Receive Appointment Letters at Rozgar Mela in Jammu
SRINAGAR: As many as 229 candidates were issued appointment letters at a Rozgar Mela held at the Convention Centre in Jammu on Saturday under the Government of Indias nationwide employment initiative aimed at expanding job opportunities for young people, officials said. The event was attended by Divisional Railway Manager Jammu Vivek Kumar as chief guest, []
Over 1 Lakh Passengers Opt For Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Service In 22 Days Of Operation
Jammu, May 23: The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service has recorded more than one lakh passengers within 22 days of commencing commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. Passengers are paying Rs 730, excluding catering charges, for the journey, they said, asserting that the rail route is emerging as an affordable and comfortable travel option as airfares between the two cities range from Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000. According to [] The post Over 1 Lakh Passengers Opt For Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Service In 22 Days Of Operation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
18 Killed in Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russia; Putin Vows Retaliation
SRINAGAR: At least 18 people were killed and 41 others injured after a drone strike hit a student dormitory in Starobilsk in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region on Friday and Saturday, Russian-installed authorities said, with President Vladimir Putin ordering retaliatory measures and accusing Ukraine of targeting civilians, according to reports by Reuters, CNN and RIA Novosti. []
229 Youths Receive Appointment Letters At Jammu Rozgar Mela
Jammu, May 23: The Jammu division of Northern Railway organised a Rozgar Mela on Saturday, during which 229 selected candidates from Jammu and Kashmir received appointment letters for various government jobs. The event was part of the Centres mega employment drive aimed at inducting youth into government services through a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, officials said. More than 5,100 candidates were selected across the country in the latest recruitment round, including 229 from Jammu and Kashmir, they said. Divisional [] The post 229 Youths Receive Appointment Letters At Jammu Rozgar Mela appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu Kashmir Sports Council to Organise Cyclothon 2026 in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council will organise Cyclothon 2026 in Srinagar on June 3 to mark World Bicycle Day, with the theme Ride for the Next Generation. The event is being held under the FIT India movement to promote fitness, healthy living and awareness about the benefits of cycling among youth and the []
KPDCL Schedules Power Shutdown in Kashmir District
SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, has announced a scheduled shutdown of the 33 kV Kupwara Old Line on May 25. According to the notification, the shutdown will be observed from 9 am to 3 pm to facilitate necessary works, resulting in power supply disruption across the entire Lolab Valley and []
Farooq Abdullah Urges People To Celebrate Eid With Humility Amid Global Tensions
SRINAGAR, May 23: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday appealed to people to celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha with humility in view of the prevailing global situation amid tensions in the Middle East. Abdullah paid obeisance at the shrine of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani in the Khankah locality here. Speaking to reporters, the NC chief greeted people ahead of Eid-ul-Azha and urged them to observe the festival modestly. I appeal to the people to celebrate Eid with humility keeping [] The post Farooq Abdullah Urges People To Celebrate Eid With Humility Amid Global Tensions appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Anyone In Administration Or Public Life Connected To Drug Trade Will Face Strict Action: LG Sinha
Srinagar, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday warned of strict legal action against anyone, whether in the administration or in public life, connected to drug trafficking or lending support to it. Sinha joined padyatra in Shopian district of south Kashmir as part of the anti-drugs campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network [] The post Anyone In Administration Or Public Life Connected To Drug Trade Will Face Strict Action: LG Sinha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ladakh Set For A Major Clean Energy Boost As LG Extends ONGC Pact For Geothermal Power Project
Leh/Jammu, May 23: Ladakh is set to take a significant step towards clean energy generation with Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approving the setting up of Indias first geothermal power project by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation at Puga valley in Ladakh, at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. LG approved a five-year extension of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation for the construction of the countrys first geothermal power project, officials said. [] The post Ladakh Set For A Major Clean Energy Boost As LG Extends ONGC Pact For Geothermal Power Project appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K High Court Designates 15 Advocates As Senior Advocates
Jammu, May 23: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has designated 15 advocates as Senior Advocates following approval by the Honble Full Court, subject to furnishing of undertaking under Rule 5 of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2025. According to a notification issued by the Office of the Registrar General (Camp) at Jammu, the designation was approved vide Notification No. 1309 of 2026 RG/LP dated May 23, 2026. [] The post J&K High Court Designates 15 Advocates As Senior Advocates appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Summer Vacations For Schools In Jammu Division From June 1
JAMMU, May 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced summer vacations for schools falling under the Summer Zone of Jammu Division in view of the prevailing weather conditions. Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that the vacations for primary classes will commence from June 1, 2026, while schools for students of Classes 6th to 12th will close from June 8, 2026. The decision has been taken to safeguard students from the rising temperatures during the summer season. The post Summer Vacations For Schools In Jammu Division From June 1 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
UP court raises by 3 years Azam Khans 7-yr prison sentence in double PAN card use case
RAMPUR (UP), May 23: A court in Uttar Pradeshs Rampur district on Saturday increased the prison sentence of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from seven years to 10 years in a case related to alleged use of two PAN cards, while maintaining the seven-year jail term for his son Abdullah Azam Khan. Additional District and Sessions Judge Vijay Kumar passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by the prosecution seeking enhancement of punishment. Earlier, the MP-MLA magistrate court of [] The post UP court raises by 3 years Azam Khans 7-yr prison sentence in double PAN card use case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Javed Rana Reviews Implementation Of Forest Rights Act In J&K
SRINAGAR, May 23: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired an exhaustive meeting to review implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister took a comprehensive review of the status of claims filed under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), functioning of various committees constituted under the Act and measures being taken for safeguarding [] The post Javed Rana Reviews Implementation Of Forest Rights Act In J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
New Delhi , May 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral cooperation across areas such as defence, trade and energy. Rubio briefed PM Modi on Washingtons perspective on the situation in West Asia, and PM Modi reaffirmed Indias consistent support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. According to the Prime Ministers Office, Secretary Rubio briefed the Prime Minister on the sustained progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties.Secretary Rubio shared the US perspective on various regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia, the statement said. It underlined that the Prime Minister reaffirmed Indias consistent support for peace efforts and reiterated the call for a peaceful resolution of the conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister requested Secretary Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to their continued exchanges.In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted that New Delhi and Washington would continue to work closely for the global good. Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good, he said on X Earlier, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, termed the meeting productive between the two leaders.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and US Under Secretary for State Allison Hooker were among those present in the meeting between PM Modi and Secretary Rubio. The US Ambassador said in a post on X, Great to join @SecRubio for a meeting with Prime Minister @narendramodi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen U.S.-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States! Earlier upon his arrival in India, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that Rubios visit will add further strength to India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.Rubio, accompanied by his wife Jeanette D Rubio, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday after concluding his visit to Kolkata earlier in the day. The US Secretary of State will also deliver remarks at the dedication ceremony of the US Embassy Support Annex Building.Earlier in the day, he visited Kolkata, where he paid tribute to Mother Teresa at the Missionaries of Charity.In a post on X, Rubio hailed the legacy of compassion and service of Mother Teresa and said, I was honored to visit the Missionaries of Charity today to pay homage to her legacy and to see the living example of the Catholic faith in action. Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday morning, marking the first visit by a top American diplomat to the eastern metropolis in 14 years.The Kolkata stop marked the beginning of Rubios four-day visit to India from May 23 to 26. The top US diplomat is expected to travel to multiple cities, including Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, during the course of the visit. The high-level engagements are anticipated to focus on trade, technology, energy security and defence cooperation between India and the United States. The visit assumes significance amid growing strategic convergence between the two countries and comes ahead of the upcoming QUAD foreign ministers meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 26. According to the US ambassador, the upcoming engagements will primarily focus on strengthening cooperation in key strategic sectors, including defence partnerships, advanced technologies, trade ties and collaboration under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) framework. (ANI)
3 Engineers Placed As In-Charge Executive Engineers In PWD
JAMMU, May 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has placed three In-charge Assistant Executive Engineers as In-charge Executive Engineers (Civil) in the Public Works (R&B) Department on a stop-gap basis with immediate effect. According to a Government order, the promoted engineers include Mohd Khalid, Zia-Ul-Rehman Qazi and Khalid Owais. See Order Copy Click Here.. The post 3 Engineers Placed As In-Charge Executive Engineers In PWD appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bengal: Security tightened at jhalmuri stall, which PM visited, after owner gets death threats
KOLKATA, May 23: Security has been stepped up at the jhalmuri stall, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited during his campaign for the West Bengal election last month, after its owner allegedly received death threats, police said on Saturday. Bikram Kumar Sau, who runs the jhalmuri stall near Raj College More in Jhargram town, hogged the limelight after the PM stopped at his shop and ate the popular snack while returning from a public rally on April 19. Sau lodged [] The post Bengal: Security tightened at jhalmuri stall, which PM visited, after owner gets death threats appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Millions across J&K determined to eradicate narco-terrorism: LG Sinha
Srinagar, May 23: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcoterrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve heralds the dawn of a new era. From every lane and bylane of UT, voices are rising in unison, demanding that not a single drug smuggler be spared. What began 43 days ago in Jammu has now surged into a powerful grassroots movement, echoing across communities with unstoppable force, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that united by a single purpose and a common goal, millions across Jammu Kashmir are determined to eradicate narcoticsterrorism from this land of paradise. It is now firmly etched in the minds of our people that this is not a distant issue but a challenge confronting us at our very doorstep, one we must face headon with courage and resolve, he said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that the poison of drugs is diverting our youth from the path of progress. He said terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilled. Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences. I assure the people that if even the slightest trace of this infection has seeped into our system, it will be mercilessly cut out without hesitation, the Lieutenant governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that by destroying the lives of our children, thousands of smugglers and narco-terrorists have built their own dark fiefdoms. He said each brick of that sordid realm is being pulled down. The cup of suffering borne by the people at the hands of drug smugglers has overflowed; their collective cry of no more has risen into an unstoppable roar. He further stated that every drug sold in our towns and villages is like a bullet pressed against the chest of the people. Wherever drug smugglers and drug traffickers take root, their first victims are our youth. I know that many parents across Jammu Kashmir live under this shadow of fear, constantly worried that their family could be the next target. We must banish that fear completely and ensure safety for every household in the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that more than 7,000 womens committees have been formed in Jammu Kashmir and it is now the administrations duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively. In the past 43 days, 797 FIRs have been registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers have been sent behind bars. 59 traffickers have been arrested under PITNDPS provisions. 81 narcotic palaces built with the traffickers black money have been demolished. 101 immovable properties have been attached and seized. Other assets worth crores have been attached. 457 driving licenses have been suspended. Recommendations have been made to cancel passports of 22 smugglers and to cancel registrations of 606 vehicles. Large quantities of drugs have been seized. About 5,641 drug stores were inspected; licenses of 268 stores were suspended or cancelled, and FIRs filed against 6 drug stores. A comprehensive rehabilitation policy is also being prepared. The Lieutenant Governor said that our aim is not only to free addicted youth through deaddiction programs but also to reintegrate them into the mainstream by providing employment and jobs.
Sonam Wangchuk says work still in progress following MHA talks on Ladakhs political future
New Delhi , May 23 : Climate activist and Ladakh campaigner Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday indicated that meaningful progress had been made in talks with the Central Government over Ladakhs long-pending demands for democratic representation, even as he cautioned that no final decision had yet been taken. Speaking to ANI, Wangchuk elaborated on the contours of the proposal. Ladakh has always demanded safeguards under Article 244 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and statehood. The government proposed to grant similar safeguards under Article 371, which cannot be implemented without an elected Assembly, he said.Taking to social media, Wangchuk described the outcome of a meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs as an in principle understanding, stating that a broad consensus had been reached on restoring democracy to the Union Territory through a tailor-made legislative body, one that would hold executive, financial, and law-making powers, with safeguards modelled on Article 371 of the Constitution. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body, two key civil society groupings that have been at the forefront of Ladakhs push for greater self-governance since its reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019. On the question of full statehood, a central demand of Ladakhs people, Wangchuk acknowledged the fiscal constraints that currently make it untenable. Right now, Ladakh does not have that much revenue to pay for government employees, he noted, adding that the two sides had proposed an Assembly that, while falling short of statehood, would function at Ladakhs level until sufficient revenue is generated. A significant element of the understanding, Wangchuk pointed out, concerns the control of bureaucracy. Under the proposed arrangement, the elected head of the legislative body would have overall authority over the Chief Secretary and the broader administration, a significant shift from the current structure, where the Lieutenant Governor holds that power. However, Wangchuk was careful to temper expectations, telling ANI, There was only a proposal, and no decision was taken as we need to work on its details. I would say the work is still in progress. (ANI)
Finance Department Fixes Timeline For SNA SPARSH Bill Processing In J&K
JAMMU, May 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has issued fresh directions prescribing strict timelines for processing of SNA SPARSH bills through the Cyber Treasury system to ensure timely payments and smooth functioning of the mechanism. According to a circular issued by the Directorate General of Accounts and Treasuries (DGAT), all treasuries have been directed to scrutinize, process and push SNA SPARSH bills to the Cyber Treasury within two working days of receipt. The circular further states that the [] The post Finance Department Fixes Timeline For SNA SPARSH Bill Processing In J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lieutenant Governor today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian
SRINAGAR, MAY 23: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcoterrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve heralds the dawn of a [] The post Lieutenant Governor today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen Flags Off Two-Day Trekking Festival from Neel Top to Hansraj Top
Banihal, May 23: National Conference leader and MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen today flagged off a two-day trekking festival from Neel Top to Hansraj Top organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Administration and Khah Charitable Trust. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of local youth, trekkers, adventure lovers, and tourists from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The festival aimed at promoting eco-tourism and highlighting the immense tourism potential of the picturesque areas of Neel and adjoining regions of Banihal-Gool constituency. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sajjad Shaheen said that Banihal-Gool possesses unmatched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, vast meadows, forests, trekking routes, and unexplored tourist destinations which need to be brought prominently on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir. He announced that the upgradation of the ChamalwasNeel road, development of a Nagarwan Park at Wasamarg Neel, and establishment of a tourist rest house in the area will be taken up to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve facilities for visitors. He further announced that Tourism Melas will soon be organized in Gool and Mahoo-Mangit to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, local traditions, and tourism potential of these areas. He said such initiatives will not only promote tourism but also generate livelihood opportunities for local youth and help strengthen the rural economy. Welcoming the proposed KatraKulgam via Nandimarg-Gulabgarh four-lane connectivity project, Sajjad Shaheen termed it a major step towards improving Jammu-Srinagar connectivity and opening new avenues for tourism and economic development across the mountainous regions falling along the proposed corridor. He said the project will significantly boost the tourism circuit and help connect several unexplored destinations of Banihal, Gool, Mahoo-Mangit, and adjoining areas with the outside world. The MLA also said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to ensuring balanced development and equal recognition to the regions rich linguistic and cultural diversity. He stated that local dialects and languages including Khasha, Pogli, Siraji, Bhaderwahi, and other native languages represent the unique identity and heritage of the people and deserve full encouragement, preservation, and promotion. A colourful cultural programme featuring traditional folk music and performances was also organized during the event, reflecting the vibrant culture and hospitality of the region. The participants appreciated the initiative and demanded regular organization of such tourism and adventure activities in the area.
Jindal Stainless, Haryana Govt extend partnership to promote stainless steel applications
NEW DELHI, May 23: Jindal Stainless and the Haryana government have extended their agreement to support skill development in the field of stainless steel applications and manufacturing. In a statement on Saturday, Jindal Stainless said the company has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Haryana State Board of Technical Education (HSBTE), Panchkula, for another three years. The renewed partnership aims to continue promoting technical education and skill development in the field of stainless steel applications and manufacturing, it [] The post Jindal Stainless, Haryana Govt extend partnership to promote stainless steel applications appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Heatwave: Taking Toll On Brain, Eye Health; Doctors Advise Caution Amid Soaring Temperatures
NEW DELHI, May 23: With heatwave conditions intensifying across several parts of the country, doctors are warning that prolonged exposure to high temperatures may adversely affect not only physical well-being but also eye and neurological functioning, especially among children, senior citizens and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Health experts say soaring temperatures, dehydration and prolonged exposure to sunlight can disturb the bodys internal balance and trigger fatigue, dizziness, severe headaches, migraines, heat exhaustion and even neurological complications in vulnerable individuals. [] The post Heatwave: Taking Toll On Brain, Eye Health; Doctors Advise Caution Amid Soaring Temperatures appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nasha Mukht Abhiyan: Properties Worth Rs 5 Crore Attached in Srinagar Under NDPS Act
SRINAGAR: Police in central Kashmirs Srinagar district on Saturday attached immovable properties worth nearly Rs 5 crore belonging to alleged drug peddlers and narcotics traffickers in Srinagar and adjoining areas under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action was carried out as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan []
Husband-Wife Duo Serving Tribals In Naxal-Hit Bastar To Receive Padma Shri
NEW DELHI, May 23: Husband-wife duo Dr Ramchandra Godbole and Suneeta Godbole, who have spent more than three decades providing healthcare and social support to tribal communities in the remote Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, will be conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu on May 25. The couple moved to Bastar soon after their marriage in 1990 and have since devoted their lives to serving tribal populations in inaccessible and Naxal-affected areas where healthcare facilities were either limited or [] The post Husband-Wife Duo Serving Tribals In Naxal-Hit Bastar To Receive Padma Shri appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Congress-SP to face another rude shock in UP polls: Naqvi
NEW DELHI, May 23: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Saturday, saying sky-high arrogance and gutter-level politics have converted the grand old party into a lobby of defeated politicians. He also claimed that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are set to face another rude shock in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. Addressing the inaugural session of a BJP training programme in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad, Naqvi [] The post Congress-SP to face another rude shock in UP polls: Naqvi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Future Wars Will Be Multi-Domain With Cyber And Cognitive Aspects, Says CDS Gen Chauhan
SHIRDI (MAHARASHTRA), May 23: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said future wars will be multi-domain with land, sea, air, cyberspace, and cognitive warfare operating together. Speaking at the inauguration of a defence manufacturing unit here in Ahilyanagar district, General Chauhan said modern warfare is not just based on manpower, conventional weapons or platform-centric operations. AI, drones, robotics, cyber systems, autonomous platforms, space technologies, precision strike weapons, and information dominance are giving a decisive shape to future [] The post Future Wars Will Be Multi-Domain With Cyber And Cognitive Aspects, Says CDS Gen Chauhan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Moments After Referral to Srinagar, Woman Delivers Baby in ambulance outside DH Bandipora Gate
Bandipora, May 23: A pregnant woman delivered her baby inside a 108 ambulance just moments after being referred from District Hospital Bandipora to Srinagar, raising serious questions over the handling of the case by doctors on duty.Kulsooma Begum, wife of Azad Ahmad Dar of Laharwalpora, was brought to the District Hospital Bandipora on Friday after developing pregnancy-related complications. According to family members, despite being in active labour pain and in a critical condition, she was referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment. However, shockingly, the woman delivered the baby inside the ambulance immediately after stepping out from the main gate of the hospital, while still within the hospital premises.Relatives strongly questioned the referral decision and alleged negligence by the doctors concerned. They claimed the patient was shifted without proper management despite labour pains already having started.We want a fair investigation. How can a woman in such a condition be referred when she delivered within minutes of leaving the hospital? family members said. Sources said a Consultant from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department had allegedly advised the Medical Officer to manage and refer the patient without personally examining her. Following complaints from the family and public outrage, CMO Bandipora visited the hospital to assess the situation and assured that strict action would be taken if any negligence is found.Meanwhile, the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora has sought written explanations from a Consultant OB/Gynae and a Lady Medical Officer regarding the circumstances that led to the delivery during transit. The doctors have been directed to explain their role, duties performed and the management of the patient within three days, failing which action under relevant service rules may follow. The incident has sparked concern among the public, with many questioning the functioning and patient care system at the district hospital.
International Ties Purposefully Structured To Serve Indias Youth: PM Modi
NEW DELHI, May 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Indias international partnerships are purposefully structured to serve the countrys youth and leaders of global corporations, representing dozens of nations, have talked about Indias youth and its technological advancement. After virtually distributing appointment letters for central government jobs to more than 51,000 youths at a Rozgar Mela, Modi also said the youth will play a crucial role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat (developed India) in the [] The post International Ties Purposefully Structured To Serve Indias Youth: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NEW DELHI, May 23: The Centre has made an offer for constitutional safeguards under Article 371, instead of the Sixth Schedule, and a legislative body for Ladakh, activists from the region said on Saturday, while stressing that discussions were still underway and no final agreement had been reached. Talking to news agency a day after their meeting with a sub-committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), activist Sonam Wangchuk said the government had proposed safeguards for Ladakh on the [] The post Centre Offers Constitutional Safeguards, Legislative Body For Ladakh; Talks Still Underway, Say Activists appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CS Atal Dulloo Reviews Transport Department Performance; Stresses Safer Roads, Smarter Enforcement
SRINAGAR, MAY 23: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Transport Department to assess the progress achieved in road safety, traffic enforcement, technology integration and implementation of key recommendations aimed at improving traffic management and reducing road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting besides ACS PWD and Principal Secretary, Home was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Secretary, Transport; IGP, Traffic; Transport Commissioner; SIO, NIC and other concerned officers. The meeting focused on [] The post CS Atal Dulloo Reviews Transport Department Performance; Stresses Safer Roads, Smarter Enforcement appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Estonia to be gateway to northern Europe for India: Indian envoy
TALLINN, May 23:Estonia can be the gateway to northern European markets for India once the FTA with the European Union comes into effect, Indian Ambassador Ashish Sinha has said, asserting that the bilateral relationship is on an upswing. In an interview with PTI, Sinha said there is a robust base of existing trade to be used as a springboard for further engagement between India and Estonia when the India-EU free trade agreement comes into force. The Indian Ambassador to Estonia [] The post Estonia to be gateway to northern Europe for India: Indian envoy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu Kashmir Forest Minister Boycotts Department Event Over Sidhra Demolitions
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, boycotted a Forest Department event in Srinagar in protest against the recent demolition of structures belonging to Gujjar and Bakarwal families in the Sidhra area of Jammu, according to The Hindu. The report stated that the minister did not attend []
Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces and Militants in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: An encounter between security forces and militants erupted on Saturday in the Gambhir Muglan area of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, following contact during a joint intelligence-based operation. # | # | Today at around 11:30 AM, contact was established with terrorists in the general area of # , []
Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces, Terrorists In J&Ks Rajouri
Rajouri, May 23: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Gambhir Muglan area of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Officials said contact with the terrorists was established around 11:30 am, following which the troops launched a calibrated response. A firefight ensued after contact was established with terrorists in the general area of Gambhir Muglan in Rajouri during an intelligence-based joint operation conducted along with J&K Police and CRPF, officials said. Security forces have [] The post Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces, Terrorists In J&Ks Rajouri appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
LG Sinha Leads Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday participated in the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian, where people from diverse sections of society collectively pledged to eradicate drug trafficking and narco-terrorism from the Union Territory. Addressing a large gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the expanding public mobilisation against drugs signals the []
Contact Established With Terrorists During Joint Operation in Rajouri: Army
Rajouri, May 23: The Contact was established with terrorists during an intelligence-based joint operation launched in the Gambhir Muglan area of Rajouri district on Saturday, officials said. According to the White Knight Corps, the operation, codenamed Op Sheruwali, was launched jointly by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. Today at around 11:30 AM, contact was established with terrorists in the general area of , during an - conducted alongwith Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF. Troops responded swiftly with . Firefight ensued and a has been effectively established. the White Knight Corps said in a post on X. The Army said troops responded swiftly with calibrated action after coming under contact, leading to an exchange of fire in the area.
J&K Govt imposes austerity measures, curtails official expenditure across departments
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has imposed a series of austerity measures for the financial year 2026-27, including a ban on official dinners, restrictions on purchase of new vehicles and foreign travel, and a freeze on creation of new posts. The Finance Department has been directed to enforce fiscal prudence and rationalise expenditure across []
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has rolled out strict austerity measures for the financial year 202627 with the aim of rationalising expenditure and reinforcing fiscal discipline. The guidelines place curbs on official functions, purchase of vehicles, foreign travel, hiring of office accommodation, and the creation of new posts. As per Government Order No. 198-F []
LG Sinha Joins Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian
Srinagar, May 23: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcoterrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve heralds the dawn of a new era.From every lane and bylane of UT, voices are rising in unison, demanding that not a single drug smuggler be spared. What began 43 days ago in Jammu has now surged into a powerful grassroots movement, echoing across communities with unstoppable force, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that united by a single purpose and a common goal, millions across Jammu Kashmir are determined to eradicate narcoticsterrorism from this land of paradise. It is now firmly etched in the minds of our people that this is not a distant issue but a challenge confronting us at our very doorstep, one we must face headon with courage and resolve, he said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that the poison of drugs is diverting our youth from the path of progress. He said terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilled. Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences. I assure the people that if even the slightest trace of this infection has seeped into our system, it will be mercilessly cut out without hesitation, the Lieutenant governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that by destroying the lives of our children, thousands of smugglers and narco-terrorists have built their own dark fiefdoms. He said each brick of that sordid realm is being pulled down. The cup of suffering borne by the people at the hands of drug smugglers has overflowed; their collective cry of no more has risen into an unstoppable roar. He further stated that every drug sold in our towns and villages is like a bullet pressed against the chest of the people.Wherever drug smugglers and drug traffickers take root, their first victims are our youth. I know that many parents across Jammu Kashmir live under this shadow of fear, constantly worried that their family could be the next target. We must banish that fear completely and ensure safety for every household in the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that more than 7,000 womens committees have been formed in Jammu Kashmir and it is now the administrations duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively. In the past 43 days, 797 FIRs have been registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers have been sent behind bars. 59 traffickers have been arrested under PITNDPS provisions. 81 narcotic palaces built with the traffickers black money have been demolished. 101 immovable properties have been attached and seized. Other assets worth crores have been attached. 457 driving licenses have been suspended. Recommendations have been made to cancel passports of 22 smugglers and to cancel registrations of 606 vehicles. Large quantities of drugs have been seized. About 5,641 drug stores were inspected; licenses of 268 stores were suspended or cancelled, and FIRs filed against 6 drug stores. A comprehensive rehabilitation policy is also being prepared. The Lieutenant Governor said that our aim is not only to free addicted youth through deaddiction programs but also to reintegrate them into the mainstream by providing employment and jobs.
SDRF Launches Search Operation in Ganderbal Canal to Trace Missing Girl
SRINAGAR: A search and rescue operation was launched on Saturday by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) at the Ganiwan hydro power canal in the Gund area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district to trace a missing girl suspected to have drowned, officials said. The missing girl has been identified as Rukhsana Bano, daughter of Shabir []
What Happens When Sycophantic AI Chatbots Start Telling Us Only What We Want to Hear?
by Dr Nawab John Dar Research shows that overly agreeable AI can raise confidence, reduce accountability, and make users more likely to trust the wrong answer There is a moment many people will recognise. You share a plan with a chatbot, describe your side of an argument, or ask for feedback on a decision you []
SRINAGAR: Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Saturday said the government is likely to implement the crop insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir within the next two months, while assuring relief to farmers affected by recent hailstorms after completion of damage assessment surveys. Speaking to reporters amid widespread crop damage caused by repeated hailstorms in several []
LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra In Shopian
With Unwavering Voices, Citizens From All Walks Of Life Vowed That NarcoticsTerrorists Will Be Driven Out From Every Corner Of UT: LG Sinha SRINAGAR, May 23: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today Joined Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian where citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcoterrorists will be driven out from every corner of UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said this collective resolve heralds the dawn of a new era. From [] The post LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra In Shopian appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Raghav Chadha Appointed Chairman Of RS Committee On Petitions
New Delhi, May 23: Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha who switched from the AAP to the BJP recently has been appointed as the new chairman of the Committee on Petitions of the Upper House. After reconstituting the Committee on Petitions, Rajya Sabha chairman C P Radhakrishnan nominated 10 members of the house to the panel. Raghav Chadha has been appointed Chairman of the Committee, a Rajya Sabha notification said. The panel has been reconstituted by the Rajya Sabha chairman with [] The post Raghav Chadha Appointed Chairman Of RS Committee On Petitions appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Leadership crisis, loot in BJP govt: Kharge attacks after 3rd fuel price hike
NEW DELHI, May 23: After the third fuel price hike in eight days, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday alleged that the government was looting the publics earnings in instalments. In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge claimed that there was a leadership crisis in the government , saying that while other countries are providing relief to their people, the BJP government here continues to loot them. Petrol has now crossed Rs 100, this time aroundLooting the publics earnings [] The post Leadership crisis, loot in BJP govt: Kharge attacks after 3rd fuel price hike appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Iran slams US for obstructionism as third round of UN nuclear talks end in deadlock
New York, May 23 : Iran on Saturday accused the United States and its allies of obstructionism after the third round of talks on the nuclear proliferation treaty (NPT) torpedoed at the United Nations, with the delegates failing to adopt a final document amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the latters nuclear program. The remarks were shared by the Permanent Mission of Iran to the UN after the third round of the NPT Review Conference ended in a deadlock.In a post on X, it said, U.S. Excessive Demands Push the NPT into Free Fall. The NPT Review Conference failed for the third consecutive time due to obstructionism by the United States and its allies. Irans warning: Without nuclear disarmament, no future can be envisaged for the NPT.NHK Japan reported on Saturday that the delegates at the international conference on nuclear disarmament failed to adopt a final document amid ongoing tensions over Irans nuclear programme with the United States. The United States, across the top echelons of its leadership, time and again expressed that Iran can never develop nuclear weapons.The recent impasse comes on the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which entered its last day on Friday. The conference opened at UN headquarters in New York on April 27.According to NHK Japan, a draft of the final document was revised four times, with many contentious phrases omitted. These included phrases referring to Ukraines nuclear power plant and North Koreas denuclearisation. The Japanese outlet further noted that behind-the-scenes negotiations continued as representatives of Iran demanded the removal of the expression that Iran can never seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons, while the US maintained it should be retained. Do Hung Viet, the president of the conference, said at Fridays meeting that no consensus was reached, calling it very regrettable as per NHK Japan.It further reported that this is the third consecutive time that the NPT review conference, which is held every five years in principle, has failed to adopt a final document. The NPT is a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament, the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs noted.It represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States. Opened for signature in 1968, the Treaty entered into force in 1970 and on 11 May 1995, the Treaty was extended indefinitely.A total of 191 States have joined the Treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon States. (ANI)
Search Intensifies for Man Who Jumped into River Jhelum in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Search operations were resumed on Saturday at Budshah Bridge in Srinagar to trace a man who reportedly jumped into the River Jhelum earlier this week. Officials said the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Quick Reaction Team (QRT) Jhelum, along with River Police, continued the operation in coordination with MARCOS personnel to locate and retrieve []
Nepals Elephants in the Fog creates history at Cannes, wins Un Certain Regard Jury Prize
CANNES, May 23: Nepali film Elephants in the Fog has created history by becoming the first film from the country to win at Cannes, taking home the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the 79th edition of the worlds most prestigious film festival. Written and directed by Abinash Bikram Shah in his feature debut, the film was also the first Nepali film to be selected in the segment, which runs parallel to the main competition for the Palme dOr and [] The post Nepals Elephants in the Fog creates history at Cannes, wins Un Certain Regard Jury Prize appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse is released on bail in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, May 23: A Sri Lankan court released on bail a senior Buddhist monk who was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor, in a case that has stirred heated debate in a country where Buddhism is the main religion. Pallegama Hemarathana, 71, was arrested earlier this month on allegations of abusing a 14-year-old girl. A court ordered him to be kept in custody for questioning, but he spent his time in a hospital, citing health issues. He was [] The post A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse is released on bail in Sri Lanka appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif leaves for China for four-day visit
ISLAMABAD, May 23: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday departed for Hangzhou, China, in the first phase of his four-day visit to promote ties with Beijing and celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi accompanied the Prime Minister, according to a statement by the PMO. The Prime Minister [] The post Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif leaves for China for four-day visit appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Spacex launched upgraded version of Starship spacecraft on maiden test flight
WASHINGTON, May 23: Elon Musks SpaceX has launched the upgraded version of the Starship spacecraft on its maiden test flight from the Starbase launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, according to a live broadcast of the event. SpaceX earlier on Friday canceled the first test launch of the upgraded Starship. Musk later said on X that the scrub was not due to a technical issue with the vehicle, explaining that a hydraulic pin securing the launch tower arm had not [] The post Spacex launched upgraded version of Starship spacecraft on maiden test flight appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Invisible weapons secretly carrying out dangerous attack on country: Akhilesh
LUCKNOW, May 23: In an apparent attack at the BJP, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday alleged that some invisible weapons within the country were secretly carrying out a highly dangerous attack on society and its harmony. In a post on social media platform X, Yadav claimed that lawyers are saying that legality of properties linked to BJP leaders and their associates homes, shops, offices, and establishments should be checked. an account should be demanded of the [] The post Invisible weapons secretly carrying out dangerous attack on country: Akhilesh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Major General among 3 injured in Army helicopter crash in Ladakh; Inquiry ordered
File Photo(ANI) Leh, May 23 : A senior Indian Army commander and two pilots survived a helicopter crash in the high-altitude Ladakh sector on May 20, prompting the military to launch a formal investigation into the incident. An Indian Army Cheetah light helicopter, operating in the strategically sensitive Ladakh region, met with an accident during a routine flight. The helicopter was carrying three personnel, including Division Commander Major General Sachin Mehta, along with two pilots. All three occupants sustained injuries when the aircraft went down.The Cheetah helicopter, a staple of high-altitude logistics and reconnaissance for the Indian Armed Forces, has been the subject of ongoing technical scrutiny due to its ageing fleet.To determine exactly what went wrong, the military has institutionalised a formal probe. A Court of Inquiry has been officially ordered to investigate the technical, mechanical, or environmental factors that led to the accident.Meanwhile, the Indian Army on Friday debunked a press conference video being circulated on various media and social media platforms as fake and misleading, alleging that it was a malicious propaganda campaign designed to malign the forces image and push fabricated narratives. The Indian Army clarified that the individuals featured in the footage were previously dismissed from service for indiscipline and unsoldierly conduct.In a post on X, the Indian Army clarified that the individuals seen in the viral clip, identified as Chandu Chavan, Harendra Yadav and P Narender, had been dismissed. from service on grounds of indiscipline and unsoldierly conduct. It further stated that the fourth individual, Shankar Singh Gujjar, is a deserter, and disciplinary proceedings are currently underway against him in both military and civil courts. Advising citizens to remain cautious, the Army urged people not to fall prey to propaganda and misinformation being spread through such content. A press conference video is being circulated across media and social media platforms with an attempt to malign the image of the Indian Army. It is reiterated that the individuals seen in the video, namely Chandu Chavan, Harendra Yadav and P Narender, were dismissed from service on grounds of indiscipline and unsoldierly conduct. The fourth individual, Shankar Singh Gujjar, is a deserter and disciplinary proceedings are undergoing against him in both military and civil courts, the X post from Indian Army said. These individuals are deliberately spreading fake, malicious and misleading narratives on social media to divert attention from their own misconduct and dismissal from service. Citizens are advised not to fall prey to such propaganda and to remain vigilant against misinformation, the Indian Army post on X. The Army clarification was on the viral clip of a press conference by Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and Rashtriya Janta Dal MP Manoj Jha. (ANI)
Petrol, diesel prices hiked by up to 91 paise; rates jump nearly Rs 5/litre in less than 10 days
NEW DELHI, May 23: Petrol and diesel prices were raised by 87-91 paise per litre on Saturday, taking the cumulative increase in retail fuel rates to nearly Rs 5 a litre in under 10 days as state-owned firms passed on soaring international oil prices. The latest revision pushed petrol prices higher by 87 paise per litre and diesel by up to 91 paise across the country, according to industry sources. The back-to-back increases follow a prolonged freeze in retail fuel [] The post Petrol, diesel prices hiked by up to 91 paise; rates jump nearly Rs 5/litre in less than 10 days appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
We live in slightly difficult times as creative people: Sonakshi Sinha
Its difficult to speak the whole and entire truth in todays time, says actor Sonakshi Sinha, stressing that artists have become careful with the subjects they want to explore in movies. Asked whether mainstream cinema resists hard truth in its narrative, Sinha said it is not always possible to depict reality. If you speak the truth too much, the film also stops in todays time. Its difficult to speak the whole and entire truth. So, I think, people are much [] The post We live in slightly difficult times as creative people: Sonakshi Sinha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM Distributes 51,000 Appointment Letters At Rozgar Mela, Says Govt Committed To Empowering Youths
NEW DELHI, May 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually distributed appointment letters for central government jobs to more than 51,000 youths at a Rozgar Mela. Since the inception of Rozgar Mela, around 12 lakh recruitment letters have been issued through 18 such events held across the country. Addressing the function, Modi said, Today is a very important day for thousands of youths across the country. Today, more than 51,000 young people have received appointment letters for government jobs. [] The post PM Distributes 51,000 Appointment Letters At Rozgar Mela, Says Govt Committed To Empowering Youths appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kartavya is one of the best roles that have come my way: Saif Ali Khan
Actor Saif Ali Khan says he was instinctively drawn to the world of Kartavya, which he described as a gripping, well-crafted story with compelling characters. Directed by Pulkit of Bhakshak fame, the crime-drama follows a police officer (Khan), as he navigates rising threats while grappling with the weight of s duty and the safety of his family. As the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, the film unfolds as a layered exploration of power, guilt, and the consequences [] The post Kartavya is one of the best roles that have come my way: Saif Ali Khan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Police Halt Demolition Drive In Jammu Briefly To Retrieve National Flag
JAMMU, May 23: Police briefly halted a demolition drive in the outskirts of Jammu city on Saturday to remove two tabletop national flags from the building being pulled down, officials said. The police officials stopped the demolition for a brief period and ensured that the Tricolour was taken out of the building with due respect before the operation continued, an official said. The incident occurred during an ongoing demolition drive against properties allegedly belonging to a suspected drug peddler, identified [] The post Police Halt Demolition Drive In Jammu Briefly To Retrieve National Flag appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Arrives At Cannes, Walks Red Carpet In Blue Gown From Amit Aggarwal
CANNES, May 23: Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan finally made her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, walking the red carpet in a sculptural blue gown by designer Amit Aggarwal. Aishwarya, who has represented LOreal Paris at Cannes since 2003 as a global brand ambassador, on Friday greeted waiting photographers with a namaste and posed alongside fellow ambassador and actor Eva Longoria on the red carpet. The two attended the screening of Palme dOr contender The Birthday Party (Histoires De [] The post Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Arrives At Cannes, Walks Red Carpet In Blue Gown From Amit Aggarwal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as director of national intelligence, citing husbands health
WASHINGTON: Tulsi Gabbard resigned as President Donald Trumps director of national intelligence on Friday, saying she needed to step away as her husband battles cancer. She is the fourth Cabinet official to depart during Trumps second term. In her resignation letter, which she posted on social media, Gabbard said she told Trump she would leave []
From farm to house, from grain to grain, That grow with same love, and make the world stronger. All I wonder what would happen if they were no longer near? From basic to every need, from raw to finish, They are the one who makes it possible. The villages where farmers, even women and men, work All night with all their might. From farm to future, from oblivious to respect, This all makes them shine even brighter. They all [] The post From Farm to Future appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Major Abhilasha Barak To Receive 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Of Year Award
New York [US], May 23: Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said. Barak is recognized for her outreach and community engagement activities for women and adolescent girls and gender sensitization training for peacekeepers. In a post on X, the permanent mission said, Proud to announce that Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. [] The post Major Abhilasha Barak To Receive 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Of Year Award appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Armys Cheetah Helicopter Crashes Near Leh; Major General Among 3 Injured
LEH, May 23: Three army officers had a narrow escape after their Cheetah helicopter crashed in the mountainous Tangste region near Leh, officials familiar with the matter said on Friday. The incident occurred on Wednesday but was reported on Friday. A lieutenant colonel and a major were piloting the single-engine chopper and their passenger was Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of 3 Infantry Division, HT has learnt. It was a miracle Officials said all three occupants walked away [] The post Armys Cheetah Helicopter Crashes Near Leh; Major General Among 3 Injured appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
REQUIRED ACCOUNTANT (FULL-TIME) AT GANDHI NAGAR. MINIMUM 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE, HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF ACCOUNTING, GST, TDS, AND EXCEL. AGE: 21-35. GOOD SALARY AS PER MERITS AND EXPERIENCE. NO CALLS. WHATSAPP YOUR PROFILE TO 9796812676, MENTIONING YOUR NAME, EDUCATION & MARKS, EXPERIENCE, AGE, RESIDENCE, CONTACT DETAILS, LAST SALARY DRAWN, AND EXPECTED SALARY. STICK TO THE FORMAT. REQUIRED A SUPERVISOR FOR (EX-SERVICEMAN) FOR NIGHT DUTY IN A PRINTING PRESS INTERESTED MAY CONTACT MOBILE NO: 9419111428 REQUIRED FEMALE COOK AT REHARI COUPLE.. ROOM [] The post EMPLOYMENT (23-05-2026) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio Visits Saint Teresas Mother House, Childrens Home In Kolkata
Kolkata, May 23 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresas Missionaries of Charity, here on Saturday. Rubio arrived in Kolkata this morning, the first stop of his maiden four-day visit to India, and was welcomed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor at the city airport. He visited the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity and spoke with its officials. Accompanied by US Ambassador Gor and other officials, Rubio later visited Nirmala Shishu Bhavan [] The post US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio Visits Saint Teresas Mother House, Childrens Home In Kolkata appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Fresh Snowfall at Razdan Pass as Rain and Hail Lash Kashmir Plains
SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall was recorded at Razdan Pass and other higher reaches of north Kashmir on Saturday, while rain and hailstorm lashed several plains areas across the Valley, officials said. According to details, fresh snowfall was reported from Razdan Pass and upper reaches of Tulail Valley following a fresh spell of weather activity triggered by []
Snow blankets Razdan Pass, hailstorm hits Kashmir plains
Srinagar, May 23: Fresh snowfall was recorded at Razdan Pass and other higher reaches of north Kashmir on Saturday, while rain and hailstorm lashed several plains areas across the Valley, officials said. According to details, fresh snowfall was reported from Razdan Pass and upper reaches of Tulail Valley following a fresh spell of weather activity triggered by an active western disturbance affecting Jammu and Kashmir. Rainfall was also recorded in several plains districts of the Valley during the day. The details said a hailstorm accompanied by gusty winds hit parts of north Kashmir, causing damage to apple orchards, vegetable fields and standing crops. Officials said reports of damage had been received from some affected villages and assessment teams would evaluate the losses. The weather activity also caused waterlogging in low-lying areas and affected traffic movement on several roads during heavy showers. The Meteorological Department said weather conditions are likely to remain unstable over the next few days. According to the forecast, generally dry weather is expected during the forenoon between May 23 and 25, with brief showers likely at scattered places towards late afternoon. From May 26 to 28, weather is expected to remain mainly hot and dry across Jammu and Kashmir, while brief showers are likely at a few places between May 29 and 31. The MeT department advised people, particularly those living in vulnerable and mountainous areas, to remain cautious during thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorm activity. (KNO)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Kolkata as part of his 4-day visit to India
Kolkata, May 23: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday for his four-day diplomatic tour to India, with the city marking the opening leg of a visit that carries considerable political and historical resonance. His arrival in the eastern metropolis ended a 14-year hiatus since an American secretary of state last visited the city, coming only weeks after West Bengal witnessed a landmark political transition with a BJP-led government assuming office. In a post on X, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said, Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister @narendramodi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defense, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days! Later in another post on X, the US Ambassador said, Honored to welcome my friend @SecRubio to India! We have an ambitious agenda ahead, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, focused on advancing @POTUS ' vision for an even stronger U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress together! Rubio became the first US secretary of state to set foot in Kolkata since Hillary Clinton visited the city in May 2012. The US Department of State said Rubio would visit Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in central Kolkata, and the Children's Home in the city. Rubio's India itinerary, scheduled from May 23 to 26 and also encompassing Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, is being viewed as diplomatically significant for his scheduled energy talks with India and the meeting with ministers from the Quad nations. Well, we want to sell them as much energy as they'll buy. And obviously, you've seen I think we're at historic levels of US production, and US export, Rubio told reporters in Miami before he embarked on the trip to Sweden and India. Responding to a question about India being affected by high energy prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio described India as a great partner and said he was looking forward to meeting with ministers from the Quad nations. The Quad meeting is planned for May 26, and it is scheduled to be attended by Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar presiding over it.
Two Drug Peddlers Arrested; Contraband Recovered in South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Saturday arrested two alleged drug peddlers during naka checking in the Kokernag area and recovered contraband substances from their possession. A police party from Police Station Kokernag intercepted the duo at Panzgam during routine naka checking after they were seen moving suspiciously in the area. On being []
Petrol, diesel prices hiked again by up to 94 paise per litre; third increase in 10 days
New Delhi , May 23 : Petrol and diesel prices were increased again across major metropolitan cities on Saturday, marking the third fuel price hike in less than 10 days amid continuing volatility in global energy markets. In Delhi, petrol prices rose by 87 paise to Rs 99.51 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 91 paise to Rs 92.49 per litre.In Kolkata, petrol prices were hiked by 94 paise to Rs 110.64 per litre, while diesel prices rose by 95 paise to Rs 97.02 per litre. Mumbai witnessed an increase of 90 paise in petrol prices, taking the rate to Rs 108.49 per litre, while diesel prices rose by 94 paise to Rs 95.02 per litre. In Chennai, petrol prices increased by 82 paise to Rs 105.31 per litre, while diesel prices climbed by 87 paise to Rs 96.98 per litre. The latest revision comes just days after fuel prices were increased earlier this week. On Tuesday, petrol prices in Delhi rose by 87 paise from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 91 paise from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre. During the earlier revision, Mumbai saw petrol prices rise by 91 paise, bringing it to Rs 107.59 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 94 paise, which stood at Rs 94.08 per litre. In Chennai, petrol prices were raised by 82 paise to Rs 104.49 per litre, while diesel prices climbed by 86 paise to Rs 96.11 per litre. Kolkata had also registered a sharp increase earlier this week, with petrol prices going up by 96 paise to Rs 109.70 per litre and diesel prices increasing by 94 paise to Rs 96.07 per litre. Fuel prices in Jaipur also witnessed an upward revision during the previous hike. Petrol prices in the city increased by 94 paise per litre, while diesel prices rose by 92 paise per litre. Following the increase, petrol prices in Jaipur stood at Rs 108.91 per litre, while diesel was priced at Rs 94.15 per litre.Earlier, the central government increased the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre each on May 15 across the country. The repeated hikes come amid a call for fuel conservation as the world faces an energy crisis amid the West Asia conflict, which led to a blockade in the significant maritime trade route, the Strait of Hormuz. The Brent oil prices have been at a record high in the wake of the US-Israel and Iran war, which began on February 28 this year. The Brent oil price has been hovering over USD 100 per barrel as the US and Iran are attempting to mediate for a long-term ceasefire in the region. The widening of the ambit of the war engulfed the West Asian countries, which are major suppliers of fuel. However, India has maintained that there is no shortage of fuel and has adequate energy supplies. (ANI)
Actor Bilal Baghat Carries Kashmir Pheran to Cannes
SRINAGAR: Kashmiri actor and associate director Bilal Baghat has brought the essence of Kashmirs rich artistic heritage to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with the screening of Bombay Stories, a film inspired by the legendary writings of Saadat Hasan Manto. Bombay Stories, adapted from Bombay Stories of Manto, is directed by noted filmmaker Rahhat Shah []
IUST celebrates World Day for Cultural Diversity
Awantipora, May 22: The Dean of Students, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the IUST Community Radio Station 91.2 FM, successfully observed the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development today. The milestone occasion was commemorated through a special studio-based interaction programme organized under the patronage of the Vice Chancellor (HVC), IUST, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo. During this special broadcast session, Dean of Students Dr. Monisa Qadiri highlighted the significance of the day for university and how IUSTs cultural mileu was enriched with the presence of students from outside Jammu and Kashmir and abroad. The talk involved enriching conversations with non-resident students including Dr Mahboob Alam, Mohammad Shahnawaz, Mohammad Faizan, Khwaja Minnat, from diverse cultural backgrounds studying at the university. The engaging conversation centered around cultural heritage, personal identity, unique traditions, and shared educational experiences. Held at the state-of-the-art IUST Community Radio Station studio recognized widely as a vital platform for public sphere and communicative actionthe programme provided students with an open venue to celebrate diversity, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen inclusivity across the campus. The radio team coordinated by Dr Mujeeb Liyakat, Coordinator Community Radio Station IUST included Najmus Saqib and Junaid Bhat. Through constructive dialogue and lively cultural exchange, the radio broadcast prominently highlighted that despite coming from different geographical and social backgrounds, the university community stands deeply united as one family.
DC Anantnag directs to ensure smooth observance of festival
Anantnag, May 22: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Friday chaired a meeting of officers at DC office to review the arrangements for smooth observance of upcoming Eid-ul-Adha in the district. The meeting was attended by SP, ADC, SE PHE, ACR, SDMs, AC Food Safety, CAHO, DD Fisheries, Exen PDD, ARTO, AD FCS&CA, DSHO, CEO MCA, representatives of F&ES, Legal Metrology, Traffic and Waqf Board, EOs of MCs and other concerned officials. At the outset, the officers briefed the chair about the respective arrangements that have been put in place for smooth observance of the holy and festive days. Addressing the meeting, the DC said it is essential the people and devotees are duly facilitated so they observe the holy days with ease and convenience. He called for providing all requisite facilities to the devotees visiting Khiram Dargah Shareef, Kabamarg, Reshmool, Aishmuqam, Seer Hamdan and other shrines, mosques and Eidgahs on upcoming Eid-ul-Adha. The DC directed officers of Jal Shakti Department and KPDCL to ensure smooth supply of water and electricity across the district. Jal Shakti Department shall keep adequate number of water tankers available at critical locations especially in view of the prevailing high temperatures, he noted. Emphasizing the importance of essential commodities during the festive days, the DC asked the FCS&CA Department to maintain sufficient stocks of rice, atta, sugar, and other daily essentials in the district. He further directed the concerned authorities to intensify market checking to ensure the quality and availability of essential commodities, including bakery and confectionery items, milk, meat, chicken, vegetables, and other essentials in the markets. It is expected that demand of these items will increase ahead of the holy occasion and therefore joint inspections of shops and manufacturing units be carried out by the designated teams to ensure provision of quality edible items at fair prices to the public, the DC observed. DSHO informed the chair that adequate number of sacrificial animals, including sheep and goats, are available in the district. Similarly, CAHO informed that sufficient poultry stock is available to meet public demand during the festive days. Municipal authorities were directed to conduct regular sanitation drives for proper cleanliness and hygiene in and around towns, mosques, shrines and Eidgahs. He instructed the concerned authorities to designate teams and locations for proper collection and disposal of offal, hides and waste to maintain cleanliness and hygiene both in urban and rural areas. Instructions were also issued regarding seamless transport facilities particularly at crucial hours besides proper security and deployment of fire and emergency tenders especially near the Eidgahs, shrines, mosques and places of congregation. The Health Department was asked to deploy medical teams at places of importance to provide immediate healthcare assistance in view of the expected large gatherings. For smooth vehicular movement during the festival, traffic authorities were directed to implement effective traffic management plans around major mosques and marketplaces. At conclusion, SDMs were tasked to establish control rooms for monitoring and facilitating the seamless observance of the festival in their respective subdivisions.
SANJY-2026: DC Sgr, SMC Commr. visit Yatra Transit Camp Pantha Chowk
Review preparedness, arrangements for smooth, seamless conduct of the annual pilgrimage Stress on coordination, timely completion of upgradation works Srinagar, May 22: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo and Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb on Friday visited Yatra Transit Camp at Pantha Chowk to review the onsite arrangements being put in place for the smooth and seamless conduct of the upcoming Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026. The visitwas aimed at ensuringseamless arrangements and better facilities for devotees traveling to the Shri Amarnathji cave during the annual pilgrimage,halting at the Transit camp,Panthachowk. During the visit the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by SSP Security, Kashmir, Sajad Khaliq, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, Probationer, Alfred Thomas, SP Headquarter, Umar Shah, Deputy Commandant (IR), K.Sahu, Joint Commissioner SMC, Syed Abu Qasim, SDPO Panthachowk Zohaib Ahmad, Superintending Engineer Hydraulic, Er. Anbreen Anjum, Superintending Engineer KPDCL, Syed Ahmad Wani, SDM East, Zuber Ahmad,DySP Traffic Suhail Ahmad, Tehsildar Pantha Chowk, Muzamil Zamaan and senior Officers of District Administration, Police, SMC, Information, Fire & Emergency, Health, RTO, Traffic and other line Departments. During the visit, the DC and SMC Commissioner carried out an inspection of the Yatri Facilitation Centre and took stock of its readiness to manage and facilitate pilgrim-related services. They reviewed the facilities and infrastructure being established at the Transit Camp regarding KYC/RFID registration, accommodation, sanitation, drinking water supply, power availability, healthcare facilities, security, traffic management and other essential services. On the occasion, the duo also inspected the readiness of Yatri Facilitation Center, which will handle critical services such as e-KYC verification, RFID card distribution and registration process to streamline the pilgrimage process, thereby ensuring streamlined movement, better crowd management and an efficient pilgrimage experience for the Yatris. They also held detailed interactions with Officers from various line Departments and comprehensively reviewed the preparedness measures undertaken to ensure a smooth, efficient and hassle-free experience for the pilgrims. They assessed the overall coordination mechanism, operational readiness and service delivery framework being put in place for the upcoming Yatra. Emphasizing pilgrim comfort and convenience, the Officers stressed the need for close coordination among all Departments to ensure timely completion of works and augmentation of essential services at the Transit Camp. They laid special focus on maintaining sanitation standards, ensuring availability of clean drinking water, uninterrupted power supply and other civic amenities, besides strengthening facilities at Langars (community kitchens) to provide wholesome meals to the pilgrims. During the visit, the DC was informed that a sufficient number of bathrooms, urinals and mobile toilets have been established at the Transit Camp for the convenience of the Yatris. He was also apprised that, besides a dedicated water supply to the camp, standby water storage tanks with a cumulative capacity of 80,000 litres have been installed to cater to the needs of the visiting pilgrims at the halt camp. On the occasion, the DC directed all line Departments to ensure that all arrangements and facilities are completed in a time bound manner to facilitate the smooth conduct of this years Annual Yatra.
