Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Takes Charge As New Navy Chief
NEW DELHI, May 31: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday assumed charge as Indias new chief of the Naval Staff amid a fast evolving regional maritime security scenario. He succeeds Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who retired from service. Admiral Swaminathan was serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. The Indian Navy stands vigilant to protect national interests wherever they are and is very actively deployed in a regional security environment that continues to remain challenging, complex, unpredictable, [] The post Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Takes Charge As New Navy Chief appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
REQUIRED REQUIRED CHEF (NORTH INDIAN/ CONTINENTAL/ CHINEESE)-3 SERVICE BOYS/GIRLS FOR RESTAURANT-6 HOUSEKEEPING/ CLEANERS-3 INTERESTED CANDIDATES CONTACT AT 6005888670/ 8899397499 (CHANNI HIMMAT, JAMMU) SALARY-NEGOTIABLE JOBS IN VIEW OF THE UPCOMING TATA STEEL REBAR /TMT PLANT AT LUDHIANA, HSCFORTUNE PVT. LTD. (AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR OF TATA TISCON) IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION. CUSTOMER SERVICE ENGINEER (CSE) JAMMU (1 POST) ELIGIBILITY: CIVIL ENGINEERING GRADUATE / DIPLOMA 3-5 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN REBAR ESTIMATION FOR BUILDINGS REQUIREMENT: MUST OWN A TWO-WHEELER NOTE: LOCAL CANDIDATES WILL [] The post EMPLOYMENT (31-05-2026) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Govt Cuts Windfall Tax On Petrol, Diesel, ATF Exports
NEW DELHI, May 31: The government has halved windfall gains tax on export of petrol to Rs 1.5 litre, while reducing the levy on diesel to Rs 13.5/litre and aviation turbine fuel to Rs 9.5/litre effective June 1. The finance ministry in a notification said road and infrastructure cess will be nil on export of petrol and diesel. Also, there is no change in the existing duty rates on petrol and diesel cleared for domestic consumption. The special additional excise [] The post Govt Cuts Windfall Tax On Petrol, Diesel, ATF Exports appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
341 Kg Narcotics Seized, Assets Worth Rs 200 Cr Attached In 50 Days Of Nasha Mukt J&K Mission
JAMMU, May 31: Touted as the biggest crackdown on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, the first 50 days of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan have seen the arrest of over 1,000 peddlers, confiscation of 341 kg of narcotics, and attachment and demolition of properties worth more than Rs 200 crore, officials said. Launched by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on April 11, the initiative has targeted the entire narcotics ecosystem in the Union territory, dismantling trafficking and narco-terror networks in its [] The post 341 Kg Narcotics Seized, Assets Worth Rs 200 Cr Attached In 50 Days Of Nasha Mukt J&K Mission appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Gen Subramani Takes Charge As Indias New Chief Of Defence Staff
NEW DELHI, May 31: Gen NS Raja Subramani, widely known as an expert on Pakistan and China, on Sunday took charge as Indias new Chief of Defence Staff with a primary mandate to implement the ambitious military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-services synergy. He succeeded Gen Anil Chauhan, who signed off after completing his tenure as the countrys senior-most military commander on Saturday. Gen Subramani was serving as the Military Advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). He retired [] The post Gen Subramani Takes Charge As Indias New Chief Of Defence Staff appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre Relaxes Deputation Rules For IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Clears Way For Fresh Central Assignment
Srinagar, May 31: In a major administrative development, the Central Government has relaxed the mandatory cooling-off period for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, paving the way for his fresh deputation to a Central Government assignment ahead of schedule. According to an official order approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking exemption from the cooling-off requirement for the 2003-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer has been accepted. [] The post Centre Relaxes Deputation Rules For IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Clears Way For Fresh Central Assignment appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CM Omar calls crucial meeting of NC MLAs on Wednesday
Srinagar: In a significant political development, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called a meeting of National Conference (NC) legislators on Wednesday to deliberate on what he has referred to as matters of collective importance and issues concerning public welfare. Sources said that the Chief Minister has personally invited all party MLAs to attend the meeting. []
SEC to Assess Preparations for J&K Panchayat, DDC Polls on June 34
Srinagar, May 31 : The State Election Commission (SEC) has scheduled high-level meetings on June 3 and 4 to review poll preparedness for Panchayat and District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said. State Election Commissioner Shantmanu will chair separate meetings with election authorities from the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The Jammu division review will be held physically on June 3, while Kashmir division officials will join virtually on June 4, they said.District Election Officers (DEOs) and other senior officials will attend the meetings to assess logistical, administrative and electoral arrangements for the smooth conduct of the polls.Sources told KNS, elections to all tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) cannot be held simultaneously due to legal provisions governing Block Development Councils (BDCs). Since BDC members are elected indirectly by elected Panchs and Sarpanchs, Panchayat elections must be completed before BDC polls can take place.The Jammu and Kashmir government is likely to take a decision soon on the recommendations of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Commission, a key requirement for conducting local body elections. The report is expected to be placed before the cabinet for approval, sources added.The OBC Commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) Janak Raj Kotwal, had submitted its report in February 2025 on OBC reservation in Panchayats, Municipalities, BDCs and DDCs. Finalisation of the reservation framework is considered essential before election notifications are issued.Jammu and Kashmir has been without elected Panchayats since January 2024, while municipal bodies completed their tenure in late 2023. The term of DDCs ended in February 2026, leaving all grassroots local governance tiers without elected representatives.The SEC has recently completed the revision of Panchayat electoral rolls. The updated voter list has over 72.24 lakh electors, including more than 3.39 lakh newly enrolled voters. The final electorate comprises 36.62 lakh male voters, 35.61 lakh female voters and 141 third-gender voters, officials said. (KNS)
Jammu Kashmir Hajj Pilgrims Decry Baggage Curbs Ahead of Return Flights
SRINAGAR: As the return phase of Hajj-2026 approaches, the Jammu Kashmir pilgrims in Mina have voiced resentment over fresh baggage restrictions, demanding restoration of the traditional 40-kilogram luggage allowance. They questioned the decision to transport baggage separately by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar. A video shows pilgrims expressing concern that the reduced baggage allowance could []
Revenue Dept Shopian bids adieu to Abdul Rashid Malla
Shopian, May 30: Revenue Department Shopian on Saturday organised a farewell function in honour of Abdul Rashid Malla, Senior Assistant, SDM Office Zainapora, on his retirement from government service after attaining superannuation. The function was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Shopian, Dr. Nasir Ahmad lone, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Shopian, Shakoor Ahmad Dar, SDM Zainapora, Bilal Ahmad, tehsildars, officials of the Revenue Department. Speaking on the occasion, the officers and employees appreciated the sincere and dedicated services rendered by Abdul Rashid Malla during his long tenure in the Revenue Department. They described him as a hardworking, honest, and cooperative officer who carried out his duties with commitment and professionalism. The speakers highlighted his valuable contribution to the department and wished him good health, happiness, and success in his post-retirement life. On the occasion, mementos and tokens of appreciation were presented toAbdul Rashid Malla in recognition of his dedicated services. In his address, Abdul Rashid Malla thanked the colleagues for their support and cooperation throughout his career.
Transport Commissioner felicitates CBSE toppers
Jammu, May 30: Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Mahajan, attended a felicitation programme at a coaching institute in Jammu as the chief guest and honoured students for their performance in the CBSE Class 12 examinations. The Transport Commissioner congratulated the students for their hard work and success. He encouraged them to remain focused, work with dedication and pursue their future goals. He interacted with the students and shared guidance on career opportunities, personal growth and facing challenges. Vishesh Mahajan also appreciated the efforts of the institute for their contribution towards students academic development. Those felicitated include Diya Rakesh, Ananya Slathia and Arham Jain.
DLSA Gbal conducts awareness program on NALSA Scheme
Ganderbal, May 30: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Sind Forest Division Ganderbal, organized an awareness programme on the NALSA Scheme for Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict, 2025 at Conference Hall of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sind Forest Division Ganderbal. The programme was conducted under the Supervision of Abdul Nasir, Chairman, DLSA Ganderbal and under the guidance of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal. The programme was organized with the objective of sensitizing participants about the provisions and benefits of the NALSA Scheme for Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict, 2025, which aims to provide legal assistance, facilitate access to compensation and rehabilitation measures, and ensure effective legal support to affected persons and their families. The programme commenced with an inaugural address by Iqbal Rasool, Divisional Forest Officer, Sind Forest Division Ganderbal, who highlighted the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict and emphasized the importance of forest conservation, protection of wildlife habitats, and public awareness to minimize such conflicts. He observed that destruction of forests and natural habitats often compels wild animals to move towards human habitations, resulting in increased human-wildlife interactions. He appreciated the initiative of DLSA Ganderbal in creating awareness regarding the legal rights and remedies available to victims. Tanveer Ashraf and Shaheena Ali, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels, informed the participants about the NALSA Scheme for Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict, 2025 and explained the procedure for seeking compensation and legal assistance. They highlighted the ex-gratia relief available in cases of death, permanent incapacitation, grievous injuries, and minor injuries resulting from human-wildlife conflict. The participants were also informed about the documents required for compensation claims, including medical records, postmortem reports, FIRs, photographs, and other relevant records. Awareness material was distributed among the participants. They further highlighted the role of DLSA in providing free legal aid, facilitating access to compensation and rehabilitation measures, and assisting victims and their families in availing the benefits of various welfare schemes. The participants were also informed about the mandate of the Legal Services Authorities under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and various welfare schemes implemented by NALSA for vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. The participants appreciated the joint initiative of DLSA Ganderbal and Sind Forest Division Ganderbal and observed that such awareness programmes are highly beneficial for the public as they create awareness about legal rights, compensation mechanisms, and the remedies available to victims of human-wildlife conflict. The programme concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen awareness, environmental conservation, and legal empowerment of communities affected by human-wildlife conflict, thereby ensuring greater access to justice and welfare benefits. Among others present on the occasion were Range Officers of Sind Forest Division Ganderbal, along with officials of the Forest Department and members of the public.
Central Kashmir Excise Range destroys poppy cultivation at multiple locations
Srinagar, May 30: Central Kashmir Excise Range intensified its crackdown against the Illicit cultivation of Narcotic crops (Poppy) under the Nasha Mukht Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan and destroyed illegal poppy cultivation at multiple locations across the Srinagar-Budgam-Ganderbal Excise Range. The drive was conducted in collaboration with Police, Revenue and Agriculture Department and the FIR was lodged under the relevant sections of NDPS Act at the concerned Police Stations. All legal formalities including seizure, Sampling and destruction were reportedly completed on spot and Case FIR No. 16/2026 and U/S 8/18 NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Lar Ganderbal and investigation has been taken up. The enforcement action exemplifies the commitment of the Excise Department to curbing illegal activities and upholding the rule of law under the supervision of the Excise Commissioner and the Deputy Excise Commissioner (Executive), Kashmir.
GM NHPC Uri-I Stage-II issues rebuttal to concerns being circulated on social media
Baramulla, May 30: General Manager (Civil), Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project of NHPC Limited, has issued a rebuttal to concerns being circulated on various social media platforms regarding the safety of construction activities associated with the Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project. In a communication, NHPC clarified that the project has secured all major statutory clearances, including environmental, forest, defence and other requisite approvals, besides obtaining no-objection certificates from the concerned ministries and departments. The GM stated that the proposed tunnel is located approximately 400 metres inside the mountain cover, with an additional lateral cover ranging between 300 and 500 metres, thereby ensuring the safety of the construction activities. It was further informed that any blasting required for project execution will be carried out through controlled methods under the supervision of experts from NHPC and government-approved national-level technical institutions. Describing the project as one of national importance, NHPC emphasized that the safety and security of local residents and establishments had been accorded due consideration during the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The organization reiterated its commitment to adhering to all prescribed safety standards and regulatory requirements during the execution of the project.
Div Com reviews SANJY-2026 arrangements, interacts with stakeholders at Pahalgam
Emphasises seamless facilities, expeditious completion of Yatra works Anantnag, May 30: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Saturday visited Pahalgam and chaired a review meeting at Pahalgam Club to assess the preparedness and arrangements being put in place for the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag (Yatra Officer Pahalgam Axis), Dr. Bilal Mohuddin Bhat, Chief Engineer, KPDCL, CEO PDA, ADC, SP, CPO, SEs Hydraulics, PWD and KPDCL, ACD, SDM Pahalgam, CMO, CAHO, DFO, ALC, AD FCS&CA, CEO MCA, EO MC Pahalgam, officers from Beacon, F&ES, Traffic Police, SDRF, representatives of telecom service providers and other concerned officials. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner undertook a comprehensive review of arrangements being put in place along the Pahalgam axis and other locations connected with the Yatra. Detailed discussions were held regarding augmentation of infrastructure, strengthening of essential services and ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments. Reviewing the preparedness of the Jal Shakti Department, the Divisional Commissioner directed officers to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply at all camps, halting stations and along the Yatra route. He stressed the need for installation of adequate water storage facilities and regular monitoring of water quality. While reviewing the preparedness of KPDCL, he directed the department to ensure seamless power supply at all camps, service establishments and locations of importance. He also called for adequate backup arrangements to prevent any disruption during the Yatra period. The BRO authorities were directed to expedite road maintenance and repair works and ensure that all roads connected with the pilgrimage remain motorable and safe for pilgrims and service vehicles. They were further instructed to explore the possibility of early installation of two way bridge at Sarbal besides expediting the work on construction of rain shelter sheds at all identified locations along the track towards the Holy Cave. Reviewing healthcare arrangements, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Health Department to ensure adequate deployment of medical personnel, availability of medicines, emergency response systems including ambulances and fully functional healthcare facilities at designated locations. The Municipal authorities and Rural Development Department were instructed to ensure robust sanitation measures, effective waste management and cleanliness at all camps and along the Yatra route. Further, CEO PDA, SDM and EO MC, Pahalgam were asked to devise a proper strategy for full sanitation and cleanliness of main town Pahalgam as well as the adjoining areas. The Fire and Emergency Services Department was directed to keep adequate firefighting and rescue arrangements in place, while the concerned telecom agencies were asked to ensure the communication facilities remain active thoughout the pilgrimage period. The Divisional Commissioner emphasized the need for close inter-departmental coordination and directed all departments to complete their assigned works within stipulated timelines so that all arrangements are put in place well ahead of the commencement of the Yatra. He further asked the departments to ensure the respective service providers are issued the RFID Cards well in advance for facilitating their mobilisation on the Yatra track. On the occasion, the Div Com was also briefed about the plans devised for effective transport management, status of essential commodities stocking, on spot registration facilities and other vital aspects of the Yatra. Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner chaired an interaction meeting with various stakeholders and service providers associated with the annual pilgrimage, including representatives of Pony Walas, Tent Associations, Taxi Operators, Hoteliers and other groups. During the interaction, the stakeholders projected various issues, concerns and requirements related to the forthcoming Yatra and shared suggestions aimed at improving facilities and services for pilgrims. The Divisional Commissioner gave a patient hearing to all participants and assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority. Hailing the crucial role of service providers in successful conduct of previous Yatras, the Div Com observed that they are an integral component of the pilgrimage management and have always been in the forefront ensuring comfort, convenience and enriching experience to the devotees. He urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination with the administration and expressed confidence that they would continue to uphold the tradition of hospitality and dedicated service during SANJY-2026. Besides supporting the pilgrimage, these stakeholders also play an important role in promoting tourism and boosting visitor experience in the region, he noted. Later, the Div Com visited Chandanwari and reviewed the on-ground arrangements being made for the forthcoming pilgrimage. He inspected various facilities and assessed the progress of ongoing works at the site. During the visit, he directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all pending works and maintain the highest standards in the provision of essential services and public utilities. Anshul Garg also visited the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Pahalgam to review its functioning including management of sewage and waste treatment. He inspected the functioning of the plant and emphasized the importance of maintaining sanitation and environmental sustainability. He directed the concerned agencies to ensure optimum functioning of the facility so that the waste is managed in a scientific and eco-friendly manner. Concluding the visit, the Div Com visited Base Camp Nunwan and took first hand stock of the facilities being installed at the location. He asked the concerned agencies that all necessary facilities be installed well before the commencement of the Yatra as good number of pilgrims are accommodated at this important location. Reiterating the administrations commitment towards the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, the Div Com called upon all departments, stakeholders and service providers to work in close coordination and ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for the devotees.
Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan:Sgr Police attach Rs 2 cr properties of drug peddlers
RK News Service Srinagar, May 30: Continuing its sustained and intensified crackdown against drug trafficking and narcotics networks under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police attached multiple immovable properties worth approximatelyRs 2 crore belonging to individuals involved in narcotics-related activities. Police Station Bemina attached immovable property worth approximatelyRs 1.5 crore belonging to accused drug peddler Mudasir Ahmad Pir alias Sahil alias Doge, son of Shareef-U-Din, a resident of Firdous Colony, Bemina, Srinagar, a police spokesperson said, adding that the attachment proceedings were carried out under Section 68F(1) of the NDPS Act after obtaining confirmation from the Competent Authority SAFEMA, Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, New Delhi. The attached property comprises a double-storey residential house along with approximately four marlas of land situated at Firdous Colony, Bemina, Srinagar. Investigations revealed that the property was acquired through proceeds generated from illicit narcotics trafficking. In another significant action, Srinagar Police attached a residential house along with land worth approximatelyRs 50 lakh belonging to notorious drug peddler Shafiq Ahmad Khawaja, son of Fateh Joo, a resident of Dildar Karnah, District Kupwara. The property was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, 1985, in connection with FIR No. 10/2024 registered under Sections 8/21-29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station M.R. Gunj. The attachment proceedings in both cases were carried out after following due legal procedures and establishing that the properties were acquired through proceeds generated from illicit narcotics trafficking. These actionsreflect the firm resolve of Srinagar Policeto dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networksand toensure that illegally acquired assets of drug peddlers are identified and attached under the provisions of law, the spokesperson said. J&K Police remains committed towards eradicating the menace of drugs from society and appeals to the general public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to drug peddling and narcotics activities in their areas, the spokesperson added.
CM Omar backs innovation as SANGAM-3.0 begins at NIT Sgr
Event aims to boost collaboration, research, global networking: Director RK News Service Srinagar, May 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday extended his greetings as the two-day global alumni reunion SANGAM-3.0 commenced at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, expressing confidence that the initiative would promote innovation, mentorship, collaboration and knowledge-sharing while contributing to the academic and professional growth of the institution and the region. Organised by the Office of Dean Alumni and International Affairs in collaboration with the Alumni Association of REC-NIT Srinagar, the event aims to strengthen alumni engagement, foster academic and professional collaboration, and reconnect former students with their alma mater. The inaugural ceremony was held at the Common Hall of the institute and commenced with the National Anthem, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and formal welcome of alumni, guests, and dignitaries. On the occasion, CM Omar Abdullah conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the organisers and participants, the NIT said in a press release. In his message, the Chief Minister lauded NIT Srinagar for fostering a strong alumni network and providing a platform that reconnects generations of graduates.He expressed confidence that SANGAM-3.0 would strengthen collaboration, innovation, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, while contributing to the academic and professional growth of the institution and the region. Director NIT Srinagar, Prof B K Kanaujia, while addressing the gathering, said that SANGAM-3.0 represents the Institutes vision of building stronger bridges with its alumni community across the globe. Our alumni are the pride and strength of this institution. SANGAM is a celebration of our collective achievements, shared memories and future aspirations. The success stories of our alumni continue to inspire students and contribute immensely towards the growth and reputation of NIT Srinagar at national and international levels, he said. Prof Kanaujia saidthatthe institute is actively working towards enhancing research collaborations, innovation ecosystems and industry-academia partnerships with the support and guidance of its alumni network. Institute Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, said that the alumni meet provides an important platform for meaningful interaction between alumni, faculty members, and students. The institute deeply values the emotional connection and continued support of its alumni. Such events help in strengthening institutional identity and creating opportunities for mentorship, networking and collaborative initiatives, he said. Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof M A Shah, said the overwhelming response to SANGAM-3.0 reflects the strong bond alumni continue to share with the institute despite being spread across different parts of the world. We are witnessing participation from alumni belonging to different batches and professions. The event has been designed not only as a reunion but also as a platform to promote innovation, academic collaboration, entrepreneurship, and student mentorship, he said. SANGAM is not just an event but a long-term movement aimed at reconnecting generations of alumni with the institute and encouraging them to contribute towards academic excellence, research, innovation and institutional growth, Prof. Shah said. President Alumni Association REC/NIT Srinagar, Er Malay Chatterjee, described the alumni community as the torch bearers of the institution and urged graduates to remain connected with their alma mater through academic, professional and philanthropic contributions. Guest of Honour, MLA Surankote and distinguished alumnus, Er. Chaudhary Muhammad Ikram, MLA Surankote termed the alumni meet a bridge between the government and the alma mater and appreciated the institute for reconnecting generations of alumni through SANGAM-3.0. Vice President of Alumni Association REC/NIT Srinagar, Er Sayed Parvez Qalandar, while addressing the gathering, stressed the importance of maintaining strong alumni-institute relations and called upon former students to actively contribute towards mentoring and supporting young graduates. Chairman Bureau of Public Enterprises, J&K Government,ErTalat Parvaz (IAS), also addressed the gathering and highlighted the growing role of technical institutions in shaping future leadership, governance and innovation. The institute also felicitated silver, golden, and diamond jubilee batches along with ten distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions in academics, administration, engineering, entrepreneurship and public service. Earlier Er. Irfan Bashir Ashai, General Secretary of the Alumni Association REC/NIT Srinagar, delivered the Welcome address and warmly welcomed the guests, alumni, faculty members, and participants. He highlighted the importance of staying connected with the alma mater and strengthening the bond among alumni of NIT Srinagar. A major highlight of the inaugural session was the release of Bridges & Beacons: A Chronicle of NIT Srinagar, a publication documenting the Institutes journey, milestones, achievements and contributions over the decades. During the programme, the Member-Secretary of the Alumni Association Election Commission presented an exclusive report regarding the elected members of the Alumni Association and highlighted the role of alumni in strengthening the institutes outreach and development initiatives. Later, alumni shared their professional experiences and success stories during the Voices of Experience session, inspiring students and young graduates with valuable insights from diverse fields. Associate Dean Alumni and International Affairs Dr H S Pali presented the vote of thanks and appreciated the efforts of organisers, faculty members, volunteers, alumni and participants for making the event successful. In the afternoon session, alumni participated in the Alumni Back to Classroom (ABC) programme, and the overall event was coordinated by Dr Dinesh Kr. Rajendran. The alumni interacted with students in various departments and shared professional experiences, industry insights, and career guidance. Alumnus also visited the library, workshop, CRF, WRC, laboratories, and research centres of the institute to witness recent academic and infrastructural advancements achieved by NIT Srinagar. The first day of SANGAM-3.0 concluded with a cultural programme featuring performances by students and alumni at the Common Hall.
LG Sinha urges writers to shape positive discourse, inspire people
Inaugurates third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival in Srinagar, urging writers on shaping positive discourse through fiction, non-fiction and other creative forms and inspire people because writers craft lives not only in words, but in the pulse of people. Addressing []
Demographic changes in border districts most serious challenge: HM
Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has termed the demographic changes in border districts as the most serious challenge before the country, and called for strict monitoring and reporting of these developments. Shah, who chaired a security review meeting at Bhuj in Gujarats Kutch district located along the India-Pakistan border on Friday, also stated that []
J&K Hajj pilgrims decry baggage curbs
Demand restoration of 40 kg allowance; official cites Srinagar runway repairs, says remaining baggage to reach by road from Ahmedabad Srinagar: As the return phase of Hajj-2026 approaches, the Jammu & Kashmir pilgrims in Mina have voiced resentment over fresh baggage restrictions, demanding restoration of the traditional 40-kilogram luggage allowance. They questioned the decision to []
Hajj pilgrims concerns to be thoroughly examined: Minister
Pulwama: Cabinet Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday assured that concerns of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will be thoroughly examined. The minister also launched a sharp attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming it for the political developments that unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Speaking to reporters after the []
Mehbooba accuses J&K govt of silence on TET issue
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of remaining silent on the TET issue, while other states are fighting to protect their teachers by filing review petitions before the Supreme Court. In a post on X, Mufti said thousands of teachers in J&K face uncertainty, anguish, []
Govt takes stock of hailstorm damage across Kashmir
Minister Sakeena Itoo directs immediate assessment, relief measures Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Saturday expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by a recent hailstorm that severely impacted orchards and agricultural lands across several areas of Kashmir division, including D.H. Pora in Kulgam district. The []
National Wushu Coaching Camp underway
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: The National Wushu Coaching Camp (NCC), sanctioned by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on the recommendation of the Wushu Association of India (WAI), is currently in progress at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex (SKISC), Srinagar, from May 20 to June 8, 2026. The Wushu Association of India is also conducting the final selection trials from June 5 to 8 at SKISC, Srinagar, for shortlisting the Indian Wushu team for the 20th Asian Games, [] The post National Wushu Coaching Camp underway appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SMVDU TBIC signs MoU with I3C IIT Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, May 30: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Technology Business Incubation Centre (SMVDU TBIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute Incubation and Innovation Council (I3C), IIT Jammu to strengthen collaboration in startup incubation, innovation and entrepreneurship. The MoU was signed by Dr Sanjay Mohan, CEO, SMVDU TBIC and Dr Nalin Kumar Sharma, Faculty Incharge Startup & Investment, I3C IIT Jammu in the presence of Dr Rashi Taggar, Deputy CEO, SMVDU TBIC and Akash Sharma, Manager, [] The post SMVDU TBIC signs MoU with I3C IIT Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K filmmaker Tariq Khans Bombay Story receives warm response at Cannes
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: Filmmaker Tariq Khan from Jammu and Kashmir has earned international recognition with the world premiere of his latest feature film Bombay Story at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, featuring actor Mouni Roy in a lead role, received an enthusiastic response from audiences and was screened before a packed theatre at the prestigious event. Inspired by the works of renowned Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, Bombay Story explores human emotions, social realities and the spirit [] The post J&K filmmaker Tariq Khans Bombay Story receives warm response at Cannes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SCERT Jammu organizes Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani 202526
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: The Divisional Office Jammu of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), J&K, organized the Divisional Level 53rd Rajya Stariya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani (RSBVP) 202526 at Kisan Bhawan, Jammu under the theme STEM for Viksit and Atamnirbhar Bharat. The exhibition aimed at fostering scientific temperament, creativity, innovation, and experiential learning among students through diverse thematic areas. A total of 1,350 innovative models from 98 educational zones were initially showcased at the zonal level, [] The post SCERT Jammu organizes Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani 202526 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
POWERGRID marks Swachhata Pakhwada with awareness drives across Jammu region
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: POWERGRID Northern Region-II is observing Swachhata Pakhwada from May 16 to 31 with a series of awareness programmes aimed at promoting cleanliness, hygiene and environmental sustainability. As part of the fortnight-long campaign, the organisation conducted Swachhata pledges, cleanliness drives, signature campaigns, medical camps, awareness sessions and radio campaigns across the region to encourage public participation in maintaining a clean environment. A major awareness programme was organised at Trikuta Nagar Sabzi Mandi on Friday, featuring a [] The post POWERGRID marks Swachhata Pakhwada with awareness drives across Jammu region appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Educatus Expo 2026 helps students explore higher education options in Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: Educatus Expo 2026 concluded on a successful note in Jammu with a large number of students and parents visiting the two-day higher education exhibition held at Hotel Vivanta, Jammu City Centre near Exhibition Ground. The event brought together over 50 universities, colleges, career experts and admission counsellors from across the country, providing students with information on professional courses and career opportunities. Students seeking admission to courses such as B.Tech, BBA, MBA, BCA, MCA, Law, Design, [] The post Educatus Expo 2026 helps students explore higher education options in Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PDUNASS, GNLU launch EDP on Labour Laws & Social Security
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS), Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), in collaboration with Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, launched the inaugural batch of the Executive Development Programme (EDP) on Labour Laws and Social Security Compliance (EPFO at Core) during an online session held last evening. The session was graced by Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC), EPFO, and attended by Kumar Rohit, Director, PDUNASS; Prof (Dr) S Shanthakumar, [] The post PDUNASS, GNLU launch EDP on Labour Laws & Social Security appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction
Dr Sushil Kumar Sharma kumarsushildm@yahoo.co.in World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31st May across the globe under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO). The day was established in 1987 to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to encourage governments, institutions, and individuals to take collective action against tobacco addiction. Tobacco consumption continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide. Despite scientific evidence about its dangers, [] The post Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Strength of BJP lies in its ideology, discipline: Sat Sharma
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, accompanied by district president, Rajeev Pandita, addressed the district-Level Training Camp organized by BJP district Kashmir Displaced under the ongoing Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan-2026. Former MLC spokesperson, BJP Girdhari Lal Raina, Prabhari KDD Chand Ji, Seh Prabhari KDD, Hira Lal Bhat, district office bearers, Mandal presidents and general Secretaries, Morcha representatives, and grassroots activists from across the district. Sat Sharma, while addressing the party leaders, [] The post Strength of BJP lies in its ideology, discipline: Sat Sharma appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Carbon rules, sustainability norms make ESG a compliance priority for industry: Experts
NEW DELHI, May 30: Frameworks such as the EUs carbon tax and the proposed Carbon Credit Trading Scheme by India are rapidly transforming environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices from a voluntary disclosure exercise into a key business and compliance priority for industries, say experts. Without credible carbon data systems and traceable reporting mechanisms, companies could face increasing compliance risks and competitive disadvantages in global markets, they said. The next phase of ESG will be driven by implementation readiness and [] The post Carbon rules, sustainability norms make ESG a compliance priority for industry: Experts appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Congress condemns attack on Abhishek Banerjee, slams BJPs politics of vendetta
NEW DELHI, May 30: The Congress today strongly condemned the attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengals Sonarpur and said the deliberate lack of adequate police protection for a prominent opposition leader speaks volumes about the BJPs politics of vendetta and persecution. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was roughed up on Saturday allegedly by locals when he visited Sonarpur to meet families of post-poll violence victims, police said. Stones, shoes and eggs were hurled at the MP [] The post Congress condemns attack on Abhishek Banerjee, slams BJPs politics of vendetta appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Import duty cut to improve cotton supply, lower input costs: Textile Ministry
NEW DELHI, May 30: The Centres move to exempt all customs duties on cotton imports for five months till October 30 will ensure adequate availability of cotton for the textile industry, lower input costs and boost the competitiveness of Indian textiles, the Textile Ministry said today. Industry bodies welcomed the decision, terming it a much-needed relief for the apparel sector. The measure is expected to augment the availability of cotton for the Indian textile and apparel sector and provide much-needed [] The post Import duty cut to improve cotton supply, lower input costs: Textile Ministry appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Israeli strikes reportedly pound near Crusader-built castle in Lebanon
ADLOUN, May 30: Israels air force and artillery struck areas close to a strategic mountain housing a Crusader-built castle in southern Lebanon Saturday as fighting raged in villages close to the southern city of Nabatieh. Israels military issued evacuation warnings for more than a dozen villages in southern Lebanon, a day after Lebanese and Israeli military officials held their first direct talks in decades at the Pentagon. The situation in southern Lebanon was discussed during a meeting Saturday between Lebanons [] The post Israeli strikes reportedly pound near Crusader-built castle in Lebanon appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Govt says 27 more airports to have DigiYatra by next year
NEW DELHI, May 30: The Civil Aviation Ministry today said DigiYatra facility, which has reduced the average airport entry time for passengers, will be available at 27 more airports by next year. Digi Yatra enables contactless, seamless movement of passengers at airports using Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) and is now available at 38 airports. In a release, the ministry said the DigiYatra app has enabled over 10 crore seamless journeys with over 2.4 crore downloads. By replacing manual document verification, [] The post Govt says 27 more airports to have DigiYatra by next year appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Paks Dadu sets new temperature record at 51.5 deg C
KARACHI, May 30: A new record high temperature of 51.5 degrees Celsius was recorded today in Dadu as a searing heat wave continued to grip large parts of Sindh province of Pakistan. Data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) showed that Dadus previously recorded highest temperature was 51.4 degrees Celsius on May 18, 2016. By late afternoon on Saturday, 51 degrees Celsius temperature was also recorded in Jacobabad while in three other places Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah), Larkana and Mohenjodaro [] The post Paks Dadu sets new temperature record at 51.5 deg C appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CCPA slaps Rs 7 lakh fine on Vajiram & Ravi for misleading UPSC success claims
NEW DELHI, May 30: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of Rs 7 lakh on Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre for publishing misleading advertisements, which claimed credit for candidates who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, most of whom had enrolled only in its free interview guidance programme. The regulator found that a majority of candidates cited in the institutes advertisements had enrolled only in its free interview guidance programme (IGP), a short-duration course [] The post CCPA slaps Rs 7 lakh fine on Vajiram & Ravi for misleading UPSC success claims appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
US says it disables another commercial ship trying to breach blockade and reach Iran
WASHINGTON, May 30: The US military has stopped another merchant vessel trying to break through the American blockade of Iranian ports, a US official with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press today. The Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star ignored multiple warnings from US forces overnight as it tried to enter an Iranian port, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. The ship was disabled by US aircraft in the Gulf of Oman [] The post US says it disables another commercial ship trying to breach blockade and reach Iran appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shaurya Intl School felicitates toppers
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 30: Shaurya International School organised an Excellence Award Ceremony to honour students who excelled in the CBSE Class X and XII board examinations. Dr Narinder Singh Raina, MLA, RS Pura, was the chief guest on the occasion. Chairman of the School Management Committee Harinder Mahajan, Vice Chairman Sahil Mahajan, and Directors Pooja Mahajan and Miho Mahajan were also present. The programme commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp, followed by a welcome song and dance [] The post Shaurya Intl School felicitates toppers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Omar calls MLAs meet on Wednesday
Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called a meeting of NC legislators on Wednesday to deliberate on matters of collective importance and issues concerning public welfare. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Sources said that the Chief Minister has personally invited all party MLAs to attend the meeting. Omar has written to the legislators that the meeting will deliberate on matters of collective importance and public welfare. The meeting is scheduled to take place at [] The post Omar calls MLAs meet on Wednesday appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Asif Khora asifkhorasmailbox@rediffmail.com The mountains of the Chenab Valley once stood as symbols of resilience and natural grandeur. Their snow-capped peaks, thick forests, and winding rivers shaped the identity of Doda district for generations. Today, however, those majestic horizons are slowly vanishing beneath an ever-expanding curtain of grey dust. The hills are no longer breathing freely. They are choking. Across Doda district, an environmental crisis is unfolding with alarming speed. A dangerous combination of geological fragility and unchecked industrial expansion [] The post The Choking Hills of Chenab How Illegal Stone Crushers and Hot Mix Plants Are destroying Dodas Fragile Ecosystem appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Runway curbs force Haj baggage cut for return flights
*Excess luggage will reach pilgrims within days: HCJK Nawshaba Iqbal SRINAGAR, May 30: The Haj Committee J&K (HCJK) today said the reduction in baggage allowance for returning Haj pilgrims was necessitated by operational restrictions at Srinagar International Airport due to ongoing runway maintenance. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Committee assured pilgrims that the remaining luggage would be transported separately and delivered within a few days of their arrival, as return flights from Saudi Arabia are scheduled to [] The post Runway curbs force Haj baggage cut for return flights appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pahari identity in Chenab Valley region
Sadaket Ali Malik sadaketjammu@gmail.com The Chenab Valley region, comprising the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, represents one of the most intricate and historically layered linguistic landscapes in the Indian subcontinent. This mountainous region, marked by geographical isolation and cultural continuity, has preserved a distinct ethnolinguistic identity that is deeply rooted in the Western Pahari linguistic tradition. Despite this, the official statistical representation of the region, particularly in the Census of India [] The post Pahari identity in Chenab Valley region appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Vietnam BrahMos deal already signed, Indonesia pact in final stages: DS
India ready to work with partners across region SINGAPORE, May 30: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Saturday that a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam had already been signed, while a similar pact involving Indonesia was in the final stages. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Singh is in Singapore to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, and his comments were in response to a question on potential buyers of the missile system. My understanding is that with both Indonesia [] The post Vietnam BrahMos deal already signed, Indonesia pact in final stages: DS appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
ISI-underworld network cracked, 8 arrested
NEW DELHI, May 30: The Delhi Police today said that they busted a Pakistan-backed ISI-underworld terror module and arrested eight suspected operatives, including a Nepali national, allegedly planning attacks on vital installations, security establishments and police personnel in Delhi and other cities. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made in a coordinated multi-state operation that exposed a conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), underworld operatives and gangster-turned-handler Shahzad Bhatti, with plans to target locations in [] The post ISI-underworld network cracked, 8 arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Central Pay Comms J&K visit from today
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 30: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has initiated preparations for the visit of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), which is scheduled to visit the Union Territory from May 31 to June 5, 2026, to interact with various stakeholders, including Government employees, unions and associations. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp According to an official communication, issued by the Finance Department (Codes Division), Civil Secretariat Jammu/Srinagar, the Pay Commission has fixed an interaction and [] The post Central Pay Comms J&K visit from today appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Salary denied for more than 2 years, Olympian judge moves CAT
SRINAGAR, May 30: International water sports star and high-profile sports administrator Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department at the Central Administrative Tribunal for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years despite a clear order by the tribunal in February to release it. The contempt petition, filed against the Commissioner Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services and Sports Department, and the Director General of the department, mentions that the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) [] The post Salary denied for more than 2 years, Olympian judge moves CAT appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kishtwar Timeless land of sacred springs and spiritual traditions
Dr Daisy Parihar daisy.parihar@gmail.com Hidden within the majestic Himalayas of Kishtwar lies a region where spirituality survives not merely in temples or shrines, but in forests, rivers, sacred springs, mountain caves, oral traditions, and the collective memory of generations. Kishtwar is not simply a district known for scenic beauty; it is one of the oldest spiritual landscapes of the Chenab region where faith, mysticism, folklore, and history continue to coexist with remarkable depth. For centuries, Kishtwar remained geographically isolated because [] The post Kishtwar Timeless land of sacred springs and spiritual traditions appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
From the Hills of Doda Sirajis / Sarazis: A Distinct Pahari Ethnic Group
Shyam Bijyal A group of people or a community that speaks the same dialect/language, professes the same faith/religion, and demonstrates cultural cohesiveness by following the same traditions, festivals, customs, rituals, and practices constitutes a distinct ethnic group or ethnicity. Saraz or Siraj, and Siraji or Sarazi, are interchangeable terms. While Siraj/Saraz refers to an area, Siraji/Sarazi represents both the dialect and the people who speak it as their first language. The vast area of Siraj, marked by steep slopes and [] The post From the Hills of Doda Sirajis / Sarazis: A Distinct Pahari Ethnic Group appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Modern Times Through Kafkas Eyes
How a century-old writer captures todays anxieties DR SAQIB ASAD SHAH It is sometimes said that every age finds its own writer of truth. For our times, few authors feel as uncannily relevant as Franz Kafka, a man who died more than a hundred years ago, before television, the internet, or artificial intelligence. And yet, when we look around at the world we inhabit today, a world of endless paperwork, faceless institutions, and a constant sense of unease it is difficult to escape the feeling that we are living inside Kafkas pages. Kafka wrote in early 20th-century Europe, in an empire that no longer exists, using a language many in our part of the world do not speak. Still, the emotions that run through his work feel instantly familiar: anxiety in front of power, guilt without clear cause, fear of being judged by standards we do not understand, and a crushing sense of being reduced to a number in a file. His imagination can still describe our condition in the 21st century tells us something uncomfortable perhaps the modern in modern times is less about technology and more about the way power presses down on the individual. The ordinary man versus invisible power One of the most striking features of Kafkas fiction is its ordinariness. His heroes are not warriors, saints, or revolutionaries. They are clerks, salesmen, sons trying to please their fathers, and office workers trying to understand a rule. They are, in other words, people like us. In The Trial, Josef K. is arrested without being told what crime he has committed. A court he cannot see and a law he cannot read judge him. He runs from office to office, lawyer to lawyer, searching for a process that will bring clarity. But the more he seeks explanation, the more he is entangled in confusion. This feeling is not far from what citizens experience today when dealing with heavy bureaucracies, whether it is a government office, a bank, a visa application centre, or even an online platform deciding silently what we can see or say. In our own societies, common people find themselves moving from one window to another, from one portal to another, carrying certificates and documents, searching for a name, a signature, a stamp. Often, they are told that some system in some distant office has rejected their application or flagged their identity. No human face is visible behind the decision. The reasons are hidden in some digital file. The individual is made to feel guilty without being told why a thoroughly Kafkaesque situation. Kafka grasped something essential about modern power: it does not always shout. Often, it whispers in legal language, in official letters, and in polite refusals. It does not always torture; it delays, confuses, and exhausts. It pushes people to give up their search for justice simply because the process is too draining. The terror here lies not only in violence but in the slow erosion of dignity. The age of algorithms and digital trials If Kafkas world was ruled by obscure offices and dusty files, our world is ruled by algorithms and endless streams of data. But the deeper structure has changed less than we like to think. Today, financial scores determine who can buy a house, unseen software decides whose CV will be shortlisted, and invisible rules decide what news appears on our screens. If your social media post disappears, if your account is blocked, if your loan application is rejected, you may receive a short message, but rarely a thorough explanation. This decision was taken by our system, we are told. Which system? Who designed it? On what principles? The answers are often hidden. Here, too, Kafka feels like a guide. Josef K. does not know which law he has broken because the law exists but is not accessible to him. In a similar way, the rules that shape our online lives exist in code and corporate policy documents but remain beyond the understanding of the average citizen. There is law, but it is not transparent. There is judgment, but it is not accountable. This should worry us, not because technology is evil in itself, but because the combination of technology with unaccountable power can multiply the sense of helplessness. When a machine decides our fate, we look for a human to appeal to, and when we find none, the experience is strangely similar to what Kafkas characters feel: abandoned in a maze built by others. Alienation in the crowd Kafka also speaks powerfully to another aspect of modern life: loneliness in the middle of crowds. His characters are often surrounded by people colleagues, family members, officers yet they remain fundamentally isolated. They cannot communicate their deepest fear, nor can others fully understand their suffering. We live in an age that promises constant connection. Our phones vibrate with messages, our feeds are full of updates, and our schedules leave little time for silence. Yet mental health experts across the world warn of rising levels of anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of alienation, especially among the young. Kafkas famous story The Metamorphosis begins with a simple but devastating sentence: Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning and finds himself transformed into a giant insect. His family, who once depended on him, now see him as a burden and an embarrassment. He is physically present in the house, but emotionally expelled from the human circle. He can hear his family, but he cannot converse with them in any meaningful way. This image of a person becoming an insect is often read as a symbol of dehumanisation under industrial capitalism. But we might also see in it a picture of what happens when individuals no longer feel recognised by those around them. Many people today, even while living in crowded cities and busy households, carry the silent feeling of having become invisible, or of being valued only for their productivity, not their humanity. Kafka does not offer easy solutions for this condition.
Why Are Heart Attacks Increasing Among Young Adults?
Young people must understand that health cannot be taken for granted. In todays fast-paced world, protecting heart health is not optional; it is essential DR MUZAFFAR AHMAD MIR HEALTH WATCH This trend has become one of the most concerning medical issues of modern times. Hospitals are seeing younger patients with blocked coronary arteries, high cholesterol levels, uncontrolled hypertension, and even sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiologists repeatedly warn that heart disease is no longer limited to old age. Lifestyle changes, stress, poor dietary habits, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and lack of physical activity have collectively contributed to this growing crisis. India already carries one of the worlds largest burdens of cardiovascular disease. According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular diseases contribute significantly to deaths in India each year. Studies have also shown that Indians tend to develop heart disease nearly 510 years earlier compared to many Western populations. This means that conditions commonly seen in people in their sixties elsewhere are increasingly appearing in Indians in their forties or even thirties. The rise in heart attacks among young adults is particularly alarming because it affects individuals during the most productive years of life. A cardiac event at a young age not only affects physical health but also creates emotional, social, and financial stress for families. Changing Lifestyle Patterns One of the biggest reasons behind the increase in heart disease among young adults is the dramatic change in lifestyle over the past two decades. Modern life has become increasingly sedentary. Many people spend most of their day sitting in offices, working on computers, using mobile phones, or watching screens for prolonged periods. Daily physical activity has sharply declined. Walking, outdoor sports, and routine exercise have decreased considerably in urban populations. At the same time, dietary habits have changed significantly. Processed foods, sugary drinks, fried snacks, excessive salt intake, and fast food have become a regular part of daily life. Such foods contribute to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, all major risk factors for heart disease. Obesity itself has emerged as a major public health problem. Central obesity, commonly referred to as abdominal or belly fat, is particularly dangerous because it is strongly associated with coronary artery disease. Many young adults consider weight gain only a cosmetic issue and fail to recognise its long-term impact on heart health. Stress and Mental Exhaustion Stress is another major contributor to early cardiovascular disease. Todays younger generation faces constant pressure related to academics, careers, competition, financial responsibilities, and social expectations. Fast-paced lifestyles, irregular schedules, and excessive screen exposure have increased mental exhaustion. Chronic stress affects the body in multiple ways. It increases blood pressure, raises stress hormone levels, affects sleep quality, and promotes unhealthy habits such as overeating or smoking. Over time, these changes damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks. Sleep deprivation is also becoming increasingly common. Many young adults sleep less than six hours due to work schedules, late-night mobile use, or irregular routines. Poor sleep has been linked to hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk. Smoking and Vaping Smoking remains one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease. Tobacco damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen supply, accelerates plaque formation inside arteries, and increases the risk of blood clots. Even occasional smoking significantly increases cardiovascular risk. Despite growing awareness, smoking continues to be common among young adults. In recent years, vaping and e-cigarettes have also gained popularity, particularly among teenagers and young professionals. Many people mistakenly believe vaping is harmless compared to traditional smoking. However, medical research suggests that vaping can also damage blood vessels and negatively affect heart function. The increasing use of nicotine products among youth is therefore becoming another contributor to rising cardiovascular disease. The Situation in Jammu & Kashmir Like the rest of the country, Jammu & Kashmir is also witnessing increasing cases of lifestyle-related diseases. Doctors in the region have noted a rise in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and coronary artery disease among younger age groups. Regional studies conducted in Kashmir have identified smoking, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary habits, obesity, and stress as important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Cold weather conditions may also contribute indirectly by increasing blood pressure and vascular stress during the winter months. Several hospital-based observations from the region have shown that coronary artery disease is no longer uncommon among relatively younger individuals. Increasing urbanisation, changing food habits, reduced physical activity, and rising stress levels are believed to be contributing factors. Another important concern is the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in the population. Since both conditions often remain undiagnosed for years, many individuals only discover them after developing serious complications. The Misconception of Healthy Appearance One of the most confusing aspects of modern heart disease is that some heart attacks occur in people who appear physically fit. Doctors explain that external appearance does not always reflect internal cardiovascular health. Some individuals maintain muscular physiques but may still have high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking habits, poor sleep, or significant stress. Additionally, the misuse of gym supplements, anabolic steroids, fat burners, and performance-enhancing substances has become increasingly common. Steroid abuse can increase blood pressure, alter cholesterol balance, enlarge the heart muscle, and increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. Intense exercise without proper medical evaluation can also occasionally trigger cardiac events in individuals with previously undiagnosed heart conditions. Physical fitness is beneficial, but extreme or unregulated practices can sometimes be harmful. Ignoring Early Warning Signs Another reason why heart attacks in young adults can become dangerous is the delayed recognition of symptoms. Young individuals often ignore warning signs such as chest discomfort, sweating, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, jaw pain, shoulder pain, or palpitations. Many assume these symptoms are due to acidity, anxiety, or exhaustion because they believe heart disease occurs only in older people. This delay in seeking medical attention can prove fatal during an actual heart attack. Cardiologists emphasise that timely treatment is critical because early restoration of the blood supply can save heart muscle and reduce complications. Importantly, heart attacks in younger individuals
Safeguarding Kashmirs Wetlands
From natures sponges to climate shields, the Valleys wetlands are being smothered by encroachment, pollution, and apathy YOUNIS QADRI Wetlands in the Kashmir Valley were once spoken of with great pride. They were the winter homes of thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia, the natural sponges that absorbed the Jhelums fury, and the living pantries for communities that depended on fish, reeds, fodder, and water. Today, that pride is increasingly tinged with anxiety. The Valleys wetlands from Hokersar and Wular to Mirgund, Shallabugh, and the remnants of Anchar and Brari Nambal are shrinking, silting, and suffocating before our eyes. This is not just a story of lost birds and vanishing lotus leaves. It is a story about our safety, our economy, and our identity. Over the last few decades, unplanned urbanisation, illegal encroachments, and relentless dumping of solid waste and sewage have eaten into the wetland margins. Where water once spread out to absorb excess rainfall and snowmelt, we now see concrete, road embankments, and housing colonies. Each kanal of marsh converted may seem like a private gain, but collectively it is a public loss, a loss that comes back as urban flooding, waterlogging, and degraded water quality. The 2014 floods were widely described as a wakeup call. Many experts pointed out that the floodplains and wetlands that once buffered the Jhelum had been steadily narrowed and choked. Yet, nearly a decade on, the pattern of behaviour remains familiar: hurried announcements after a disaster, committees and surveys, but very little sustained, onground reversal of damage. The wetlands continue to be treated as wastelands waiting to be reclaimed, rather than as critical infrastructure that protects life and property. Equally worrying is the steady decline in ecological health. Siltation from deforested catchments, untreated sewage from expanding habitations, and nutrientrich runoff have turned many waterbodies into shallow, weedclogged pools. This has altered bird migration patterns and hit traditional livelihoods based on fishing, wickerwork, and aquatic vegetation. The people who have lived in closest relationship with wetlands are ironically the first to feel the cost of their degradation. Policy responses have often been fragmented. One department draws up a conservation plan, another relaxes landuse norms, while local bodies struggle with basic waste management. On paper, many wetlands enjoy legal protection. In reality, the boundary pillars are missing or pushed quietly inward, the flow channels are blocked, and enforcement is weak. When shortterm political or commercial interests collide with longterm ecological security, the latter has almost always been sacrificed. If we are honest, this is not merely a governance failure. It is also a social and cultural shift. We have begun to see water only as something to be extracted through pipes and taps, not as part of a living landscape that needs space to breathe. Wetlands are remembered during bird festivals or winter picnics, then forgotten for the rest of the year. Until they flood. Until a disease outbreak is traced to polluted water. Until a fisherman quietly abandons a profession his family held for generations. There is still time to bend this story in another direction but that window is narrowing. The first step is to recognise wetlands as lifesaving assets, not vacant land. This must reflect in strict protection of their notified boundaries, a complete halt to fresh encroachments, and timebound removal of illegal constructions in the most sensitive zones. Such measures are not easy and will require political will, clear compensation policies, and transparent communication with affected communities. Second, conservation cannot succeed if it is pursued only as a technical exercise led by distant agencies. Local communities, especially those that depend directly on wetlands, need to be partners and beneficiaries. Communitybased monitoring, where residents help track water levels, pollution, and illegal filling, could strengthen enforcement and rebuild a sense of shared ownership. School and college curricula must bring back the stories of our lakes and marshes, not as romantic backdrops but as living systems that sustain our cities and villages. Third, urban planning in the Valley must start treating wetlands as integral to climate resilience. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the cost of ignoring natural buffers will rise sharply. Investing in sewage treatment, solid waste segregation, desiltation of feeder channels, and restoration of natural inflows may not be as visible as a new road or flyover, but these are the kinds of projects that will determine how we fare in the next big flood. The story of Kashmir has always been entwined with water from the Dal and Nigeen lakes to the oncevast marshes that cradle the Jhelum. Allowing wetlands to disappear is not just an environmental loss; it is an erosion of the Valleys character and security. We can either continue down the current path of neglect, counting the costs after each disaster, or we can choose a different path: one that treats wetlands as the lungs and kidneys of our landscape. The choice, ultimately, is ours. But nature will have the final word. If we do not give our wetlands space today, they will take it back tomorrow in ways far more sudden, destructive, and unforgiving than we can afford. ( Author is an environmental activist, public speaker and researcher)
In the last few years, a new kind of jugaad has entered our lives one that does not require safety pins or rubber bands but prompts. Welcome to the jugaadu age of Generative AI PROF. SUKRITI ARORA A piece of my mothers earring broke loose on the night of my brothers wedding. An uncle, known in the family for his quick wit, came to the rescue. He managed to put it back together with nothing but a simple thread borrowed from the banquet receptionist. The earring survived the night, and my uncle was hailed for this jugaad. Long before hacks became a trending phrase across the world, Indians were quietly using jugaad for several everyday tasks be it for fixing broken items, building crude equipment or getting the work done with settings. If you could come up with creative, makeshift solutions that bypassed conventional processes, you would be complimented for being jugaadu. In the last few years, a new kind of jugaad has entered our lives one that does not require safety pins or rubber bands but prompts. Welcome to the jugaadu age of Generative AI. By now, most of us are quite familiar with the use of GenAI tools and their sweeping impact on every industry and our everyday lives. From drafting business plans to writing assignments, from designing logos to creating ones own caricature, tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and other largelanguage models have taken over the everyday tasks of ideating and creating. While many discussions about artificial intelligence centre on the technological impact, some focus on a deeper, perhaps psychological issue our sense of competence raising the question of whether AI is diminishing it, substituting for it, or enhancing it. The meaning of competence, in its barest form, is the ability to do something efficiently or successfully. Traditionally, the route to becoming competent required time and effort a lengthy process of learning, practicing, and perfecting. But in India, competence often looked like jugaad, the ability to somehow figure things out, quickly and efficiently. Navi Radjou, Jaideep Prabhu, and Simone Ahuja, in their work on frugal innovations, define jugaad asan intuitive, improvised skill that emerges not from textbooks alone, but from ontheground experience and necessity. This pragmatic skill and the attitude of getting things done, irrespective of procedural purity, has always been appreciated and rewarded in our society. A cinematic example that comes to mind is of Three Idiots, where Phunsuk Wangdu (a.k.a. Rancho) creates several jugaads to tackle tricky situations and is, of course, hailed for it. This socio-cultural context is exactly where the comfort of our society with AI-assisted work finds its footing. Surveys have shown enthusiastic adoption of AI tools by Indians. Microsoft and LinkedIn 2024 Work Trend Index showed that 92% of knowledge workers in India use AI in their workplaces, significantly more than the 75% global mark. The report further held that 91% of leaders in India believe that AI integration at the workplace has become a necessity. Adding to it, the EY Work Reimagined Survey 2025 placed India amongst its highest rankers in their AI Advantage score, with workers saving at least 2 hours more than their global counterparts every day using AI tools. The survey further highlighted that 86% of Indian workers believe that GenAI has a positive impact on their productivity, 82% believe that AI has improved their quality of work, and 75% believe that GenAI has enhanced their decision-making abilities. This comfort and confidence with the use of AI is not exactly mirrored by other global figures. A study conducted by Elon University in 2025 showed a high prevalence of imposter syndrome amongst Americans using GenAI tools. Similar patterns were echoed in the research conducted by the consulting firm, Korns Ferry, highlighting that 43% employees in the middle and higher management across the globe also struggle with imposter syndrome. Questions like Did I do this or did AI? and Am I really worth my job without AI? still plague a lot of workers as traditional markers of competence continue to change. This stark contrast emerges from the prevalent Indian attitude where practical outcome is often valued more than the authenticity of the process. With a mindset culturally supporting jugaadu efficiency, the discomfort and anxiety around AI-dependence gets easily offset for many and AIassisted work tends to feel less like cheating and more like smart work. This does not imply that AI-induced imposter syndrome does not exist in India, but data has shown that the readiness to adopt AI far outweighs any feelings of fraudulence. Many, in fact, are worried about falling behind if they dont jump on the bandwagon soon enough. The Indian Brand Equity Foundation reflected in its study that mid-career professionals are actively seeking additional training in AI to upskill and stay relevant. Studies conducted with HRs and senior managers across organisations further showcased that an increasing number of job seekers are listing the knowledge of AI tools in their resumes, as employers, too, are preferring candidates with this skillset. The notion of competence has, therefore, evolved from being time and effort-intensive to a type of digital jugaad that saves all of those resources and yet produces results. The argument that legitimate competence can only stem from original self-generated ideas and creations from the scratch is gradually losing its footing. The scenario bears some similarities to previous tech revolutions that workplaces and societies have experienced be it the industrial revolution, the digital advancements or the internet revolution workers had to learn the new ropes and negotiate their changing roles. Each time, there was anxiety around the reworkings and a fear of losing hard-earned skills, but our present scenario is already a testament to our adaptableness. But there are two key differentiators from then and now the speed at which AI is sweeping the industries, and the outsourcing of thinking, a task that was previously exclusive to humans. In this light, it becomes even more imperative for people to
Dr Farooq, Omar Pay Tributes to Khawaja Ghulam Rasool Tramboo
RK News Service Srinagar, May. 30: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday paid glowing tributes to veteran National Conference leader and long-time associate of Sher-e-Kashmir, Khawaja Ghulam Rasool Tramboo of Shamaswari, Srinagar, on his death anniversary. Remembering his invaluable contributions to the party and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of Sher-e-Kashmir, the duo described GR Tramboo as a dedicated political worker who devoted his life to serving the people and strengthening the National Conference at the grassroots level. Dr. Farooq recalled his close association with the late leader and lauded his sincerity, humility, and steadfast dedication to the cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Ghulam Rasool Tramboos services and sacrifices for the party would always be remembered with respect and gratitude. Omar Abdullah also paid homage to the departed leader, stating that his legacy of commitment, loyalty, and public service continues to inspire generations of National Conference workers. The party rank and file also remembered Ghulam Rasool Tramboos enduring contribution to the National Conference and the socio-political life of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Feroze of Sopore Joined AIP
RK News Service Srinagar, May 30: Awami Itihaad Party has designated former BMO and DIO Dr Firdouse Bhat as District President Kupwara, while senior party leader Ajaz Ahmad Lone of Shrakwara has been designated as District President Baramulla. Quoting Party General Secretary Prince Parveez, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said that the appointments have been made in view of the organizational capabilities, public connect and long-standing contribution of both leaders towards strengthening the party at the grassroots level. Prince Parveez expressed confidence that both Dr Firdouse Bhat and Ajaz Ahmad Lone will work with commitment and dedication to further strengthen the party structure in their respective districts and effectively represent public aspirations. Meanwhile, noted scholar from Dangerpora Sopore, Dr Feroze, joined Awami Itihaad Party and was warmly welcomed into the party fold by senior party leaders including Vice President Adv G N Shaheen, State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq , Constituency incharge Sopore Adv Mursaleen, Adv Ubaid Shamas, Syed Uzair, Mohammadi Shafi. The party leadership termed the joining of Dr Feroze as a valuable addition to the party and expressed hope that his academic and social contribution will further strengthen the partys outreach among the people.
Omar Govt Fast-Tracking Srinagar Development: Sagar
Tours Khanyar constituency; reviews ongoing development works RK News Service Srinagar, May, 30: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar on Saturday asserted that Srinagar, as the face of Kashmir and the political, cultural and economic nerve centre of the Valley occupies a pivotal place in the developmental vision of the Omar Abdullah-led government. Sagar made these remarks during his day-long tour of the Brein and Baba Demb areas of the Khanyar Assembly Constituency, where he undertook an extensive public outreach programme, reviewed ongoing developmental works and interacted with residents from different walks of life. During the visit, Sagar met locals, youth, traders and representatives of various community groups. He made several stopovers to assess the availability of ration supplies and other essential civic amenities and took stock of the pace and quality of developmental works being executed in the area. Interacting with people, Sagar said, Srinagar is not merely a city; it is the face of Kashmir and a reflection of our collective aspirations, heritage and identity. Its development is intrinsically linked with the progress of the entire region, he said adding The Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to ensuring that Srinagar witnesses planned, balanced and sustainable growth through focused interventions across key sectors. He said the elected government led by CM Omar has adopted a comprehensive development strategy aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens while addressing long-pending infrastructural deficiencies. In a veiled criticism of previous administrations, Sagar said that successive non-National Conference governments had historically failed to accord Srinagar the attention and resources it deserved, resulting in the accumulation of developmental deficits and civic challenges over the years.
Bukhari Concerned Over Difficulties Faced by Hajj Pilgrims
Calls on the government to take up matter with Hajj Committee RK News Service Srinagar, May 30: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday expressed deep concern over reports that Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are facing undue hardship while preparing to return home after completing their sacred pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. In a statement, Altaf Bukhari said, It is deeply concerning that Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, who are preparing to return home after completing their sacred pilgrimage, are reportedly being subjected to unnecessary hardship due to the insensitive and non-cooperative approach of the concerned Hajj authorities and airline officials. Referring to the concerns raised by the pilgrims, he said, These pilgrims state that before departing for Saudi Arabia, they were instructed to reduce their luggage by 15 kilograms. They are now being informed that in the AhmedabadSrinagar sector they will be allowed only 5 kg of check-in baggage and 7 kg of hand baggage, while the remaining luggageup to 30 kgwill be transported separately by road. This abrupt decision has caused grave concern among the pilgrims, who fear that sacred items, gifts, and perishable goods purchased during their stay in Saudi Arabia could be damaged, lost, or spoiled during transit. Such uncertainty has added needless stress and anguish to their journey, he added. Urging the government to intervene in the matter, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, The Jammu and Kashmir Government must intervene immediately and take up the matter with the Hajj Committee of India and the concerned airline authorities. Pilgrims who have completed a sacred journey deserve dignity, respect, and proper facilitation.
TET Row: J&K Govt to Move SC Next Week
Aatif Qayoom Srinagar, May 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday said it will file a review petition before the Supreme Court next week over the Teachers Eligibility Test, TET, issue concerning service teachers in J&K. Education Minister Sakina Itoo, in a post on X, said the government has acted responsibly and proactively on the matter and has taken concrete steps to safeguard the interests of teachers. She said the administration has consistently pursued the issue and has earlier also acted to protect the interests of the teaching community. The Government has already accorded sanction to file a review petition before the Honble Supreme Court, the minister said in her post. She further stated that the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, through a communication dated May 26, 2026, has directed its Standing Counsel to initiate the necessary legal proceedings. According to the minister, the review petition has already been prepared and will be filed before the apex court in the coming week. We remain fully committed to safeguarding the interests of our teachers, she added. The statement comes days after the Supreme Court dismissed a batch of review petitions challenging its earlier verdict that made TET mandatory for in-service teachers for continuation in service as well as promotions. A bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan, while upholding the earlier judgment, extended the deadline for acquiring the TET qualification till August 31, 2028. The court had earlier fixed August 31, 2027, as the deadline. The extension was granted after the apex court took note of the practical difficulties faced by thousands of teachers across the country. The issue has triggered concern among teachers in J&K, with political parties and teachers groups urging the government to ensure legal and administrative protection for the affected employees.
Fresh Hailstorm Damages Shopian Orchards
Raja Zaid Shopian, May 30: Apple growers in south Kashmirs Shopian district suffered another setback on Saturday evening after a fresh hailstorm, accompanied by strong winds, damaged orchards across several areas, raising fears of substantial crop losses. The latest weather event marks the third spell of adverse weather to hit the district within a week, leaving orchardists worried about the impact on this years apple harvest. According to residents, the weather changed abruptly around 6:15 pm. What began as light rainfall soon intensified into strong winds and heavy hail that lasted for nearly 10 minutes. Areas including Keegam, Meemandar, Reshnagri, Zawoora, Gagren, Sindu Shirmal, Daramdoora, Largam, Jamnagri, Chek Saidpora and parts of Shopian town were among the worst affected. Hailstones blanketed orchards and agricultural fields, while waterlogging was reported in several low-lying localities. Growers said the repeated hailstorms have caused extensive damage to apple orchards, the primary source of livelihood for thousands of families in the district. We have suffered huge losses. This spell alone has damaged a large portion of our crop, and when combined with the earlier storms, the losses are even greater, said an orchard owner. Residents from Zawoora said the intense hailstorm dislodged young apples from trees, while growers in Reshnagri and adjoining areas reported broken branches and widespread orchard damage due to strong winds and hail. Following the weather event, the Horticulture Department advised farmers to drain stagnant water from orchards to prevent root damage. The department also urged growers to spray recommended fungicides within 24 to 48 hours, warning that hail-inflicted injuries could leave trees vulnerable to diseases such as apple scab. Meanwhile, growers and local agricultural groups have appealed to the administration to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage and provide compensation to affected farmers. They have also sought urgent relief measures to help orchardists recover from the repeated weather-related losses.
Govt Orders Ground Assessment of Hailstorm Damage to Orchards
Sakeena Itoo takes stock of hailstorm damage across Kashmir Srinagar, May 30: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by a recent hailstorm that severely impacted orchards and agricultural lands across several areas of Kashmir division, including D.H. Pora in Kulgam district. The Minister described the hailstorm as an unfortunate natural calamity that has dealt a significant setback to orchardists and farmers who depend heavily on the forthcoming harvest season for their livelihoods. Taking prompt cognizance of the situation, Sakeena Itoo established direct communication with the district administrations and the Director Horticulture to obtain a detailed assessment of the damage caused by the hailstorm. She directed the Deputy Commissioners to undertake immediate ground-level assessments and ensure that affected orchardists and farmers receive timely assistance and compensation as per the established government norms. The Minister emphasized that the district administration has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of losses, facilitate expeditious relief measures, and extend all possible support to the affected farming community without delay. She further directed the concerned departments, including Horticulture, Agriculture and Revenue, to work in close coordination to expedite the compensation process and provide necessary technical guidance and support to farmers for crop recovery wherever feasible. Reiterating the Governments commitment towards the welfare of farmers and orchardists, Sakeena Itoo said that the Government stands firmly with the affected families during this challenging period and will ensure that genuine losses are assessed fairly and compensated in accordance with the prescribed norms. The Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioners to maintain a strong field presence through officers and officials, ensure close coordination among all stakeholders, and address the concerns of affected farmers on priority so that no farmer is left unattended during this difficult time.
Statehood Day celebration of Goa Held in Lok Bhavan
Srinagar, 30th May 2026: Lok Bhavan Jammu Kashmir today hosted a special programme to mark the statehood day of Goa. The event was attended by the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, senior officials, invited guests from Goa who are living in Jammu Kashmir and artists. The Lieutenant Governor said that between 1946 and 1961 many [] The post Statehood Day celebration of Goa Held in Lok Bhavan appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Jammu Kashmir Govt to file Review Petition in Apex Court for TET Review
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said it will file a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) issue, assuring the protection of teachers interests. Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that the review petition has been prepared and will be filed before the apex court in the coming []
Satish Sharma meets Union Railway Minister
NEW DELHI, MAY 30: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today met Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw and strongly projected the long-pending demand for rail connectivity to the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. During the meeting, Satish Sharma urged the Union Railway Minister to accord priority to the proposed JammuAkhnoorDori DagerSunderbaniNowsheraRajouriPoonch rail corridor. He described it as a project of immense strategic, economic and social significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those residing in the border districts. The Minister highlighted that a survey for the proposed rail alignment had been conducted in the past and stressed the need for its revival and early execution. He underscored that Rajouri and Poonch remain among the few major regions in the country without rail connectivity despite their strategic importance and substantial population. Satish Sharma informed the Union Minister that the twin border districts frequently face connectivity challenges due to adverse weather conditions, road disruptions and difficult terrain, which adversely impact the movement of people, essential commodities and emergency services. He maintained that rail connectivity would provide a reliable, all-weather transportation network, significantly improving the accessibility, boosting economic activity and enhancing the overall quality of life of the people. Emphasizing the national security dimension of the project, Sharma noted that Rajouri and Poonch share a sensitive international border and have historically played a crucial role in safeguarding the nations interests. He said that a rail corridor to these districts would not only strengthen the civilian connectivity but also enhance logistical capabilities and facilitate faster movement of personnel and resources, whenever required. The Minister stated that the project would open new avenues for tourism, trade, industry and employment generation in the region. Improved rail infrastructure, he said, would help integrate the border districts more closely with the national economy and accelerate their socio-economic development. During the discussion, Satish Sharma urged the Railway Ministry to immediately commission a fresh feasibility study based on the earlier survey, declaring the project a national priority in view of its strategic location and consider appropriate budgetary provisions for its implementation. He also conveyed the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir government to extend full cooperation at every stage of the project, including survey work, land acquisition, clearances and other administrative requirements. Reiterating the aspirations of the people of Rajouri and Poonch, Sharma said that rail connectivity is not merely an infrastructure project but a long-awaited developmental necessity that would bring the border districts closer to the national mainstream and ensure equitable access to growth opportunities. The Union Railway Minister assured the J&K Minister that the concerns and demands raised during the meeting would be examined sympathetically. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the long-pending project would receive due consideration and move towards implementation in the larger interest of the people and the strategic development of the region. In addition to railway infrastructure, Satish Sharma also raised several issues pertaining to the Information Technology sector. He sought enhanced support from the Government of India for accelerating Jammu and Kashmirs digital transformation journey. The Minister urged the Union Minister to facilitate establishment of advanced IT infrastructure and innovation ecosystems in Jammu and Kashmir, including IT parks, incubation centres and digital skill development hubs. He emphasized that such initiatives would create new employment opportunities for the youth and position the Union Territory as an emerging destination for technology-driven investments.Satish Sharma highlighted the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmirs young and educated workforce. He called for greater collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the UT Government in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-governance, digital service delivery and startup development. He stressed that focused investments in the IT sector would help generate sustainable livelihoods and reduce regional disparities. The Minister also sought support for expanding the digital infrastructure in remote and border areas, ensuring seamless internet connectivity and access to the digital services. He noted that improved digital access would strengthen the governance, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and citizen service delivery, particularly in underserved regions.
8th Central Pay Commission Delegation to Visit Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has stated that the delegation of the 8th Central Pay Commission will visit the Union Territory from May 31 to June 5, 2026, to engage with stakeholders including government employees, unions and associations as part of its consultative process. According to an official communication issued by the Finance Department []
Kashmirs Eid-ul-Adha Livestock Trade Hits Rs 384 Crore: KMDA
SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley witnessed a good influx of sacrificial animals during the Eid-ul-Adha this year, with nearly 1,200 trucks carrying sheep entering the Valley during the last 15 days, the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) said on Saturday. The Association General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din said each truck carried more than 160 sheep on average, taking the []
Sakeena Itoo Orders Immediate Damage Assessment After Hailstorm Ravages Kashmir Orchards
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Saturday directed district administrations across Kashmir to carry out immediate ground-level assessments of extensive damage caused by a recent hailstorm that severely affected orchards and agricultural land in several areas, including DH Pora in Kulgam district. Expressing deep concern over the []
J&K Govt To File Review Petition In Apex Court For TET Review
Srinagar, May 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said it will file a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) issue, assuring the protection of teachers interests. Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that the review petition has been prepared and will be filed before the apex court in the coming week. Taking to microblogging site X, Itoo said, On the TET issue concerning J&K teachers, the Government has always acted responsibly and proactively. [] The post J&K Govt To File Review Petition In Apex Court For TET Review appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu Kashmir Minister Presses Centre for Rail Link to Rajouri, Poonch
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, on Saturday strongly pitched for rail connectivity to the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch during a meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, describing the proposed corridor as a []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Places 29 Senior Prosecuting Officers as Incharge Chief Prosecuting Officers
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the placement of 29 Senior Prosecuting Officers as Incharge Chief Prosecuting Officers in the Prosecution Department for six months or until regular appointments are made on the recommendations of the Departmental Promotion Committee or Public Service Commission, whichever is earlier. According to Government Order No. 313-Home of []
Kashmir Quarrying Case Sent to Magistrate Court After Sessions Drops MMDR Charge
SRINAGAR: A Srinagar court has dropped charges under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act against three accused in an illegal mining and death case, holding that cognisance of the case cannot be taken without a formal complaint by an authorised government officer. The order was passed by the Court of Additional Sessions Judge []
40-year-old Shepherd Critically Injured in Bear Attack in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A 40-year-old shepherd was critically injured in a bear attack in the Gagrian area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday while he was grazing cattle, officials said. Health officials at a local medical facility said the injured man, identified as Mahmood Ahmad, son of Mohammad Akbar, was received with multiple injuries []
Div Com Kashmir reviews SANJY-2026 arrangements, Interacts with stakeholders at Pahalgam
ANANTNAG, MAY 30: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today visited Pahalgam and chaired a review meeting at Pahalgam Club to assess the preparedness and arrangements being put in place for the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag (Yatra Officer Pahalgam Axis), Dr. Bilal Mohuddin Bhat, Chief Engineer, KPDCL, CEO PDA, ADC, SP, CPO, SEs Hydraulics, PWD and KPDCL, ACD, SDM Pahalgam, CMO, CAHO, DFO, ALC, AD FCS&CA, CEO MCA, EO MC Pahalgam, officers from Beacon, F&ES, Traffic Police, SDRF, representatives of telecom service providers and other concerned officials. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner undertook a comprehensive review of arrangements being put in place along the Pahalgam axis and other locations connected with the Yatra. Detailed discussions were held regarding augmentation of infrastructure, strengthening of essential services and ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments. Reviewing the preparedness of the Jal Shakti Department, the Divisional Commissioner directed officers to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply at all camps, halting stations and along the Yatra route. He stressed the need for installation of adequate water storage facilities and regular monitoring of water quality.While reviewing the preparedness of KPDCL, he directed the department to ensure seamless power supply at all camps, service establishments and locations of importance. He also called for adequate backup arrangements to prevent any disruption during the Yatra period. The BRO authorities were directed to expedite road maintenance and repair works and ensure that all roads connected with the pilgrimage remain motorable and safe for pilgrims and service vehicles. They were further instructed to explore the possibility of early installation of two way bridge at Sarbal besides expediting the work on construction of rain shelter sheds at all identified locations along the track towards the Holy Cave. Reviewing healthcare arrangements, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Health Department to ensure adequate deployment of medical personnel, availability of medicines, emergency response systems including ambulances and fully functional healthcare facilities at designated locations. The Municipal authorities and Rural Development Department were instructed to ensure robust sanitation measures, effective waste management and cleanliness at all camps and along the Yatra route.Further, CEO PDA, SDM and EO MC, Pahalgam were asked to devise a proper strategy for full sanitation and cleanliness of main town Pahalgam as well as the adjoining areas. The Fire and Emergency Services Department was directed to keep adequate firefighting and rescue arrangements in place, while the concerned telecom agencies were asked to ensure the communication facilities remain active thoughout the pilgrimage period. The Divisional Commissioner emphasized the need for close inter-departmental coordination and directed all departments to complete their assigned works within stipulated timelines so that all arrangements are put in place well ahead of the commencement of the Yatra. He further asked the departments to ensure the respective service providers are issued the RFID Cards well in advance for facilitating their mobilisation on the Yatra track. On the occasion, the Div Com was also briefed about the plans devised for effective transport management, status of essential commodities stocking, on spot registration facilities and other vital aspects of the Yatra. Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner chaired an interaction meeting with various stakeholders and service providers associated with the annual pilgrimage, including representatives of Pony Walas, Tent Associations, Taxi Operators, Hoteliers and other groups. During the interaction, the stakeholders projected various issues, concerns and requirements related to the forthcoming Yatra and shared suggestions aimed at improving facilities and services for pilgrims. The Divisional Commissioner gave a patient hearing to all participants and assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority.Hailing the crucial role of service providers in successful conduct of previous Yatras, the Div Com observed that they are an integral component of the pilgrimage management and have always been in the forefront ensuring comfort, convenience and enriching experience to the devotees. He urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination with the administration and expressed confidence that they would continue to uphold the tradition of hospitality and dedicated service during SANJY-2026. Besides supporting the pilgrimage, these stakeholders also play an important role in promoting tourism and boosting visitor experience in the region, he noted.Later, the Div Com visited Chandanwari and reviewed the on-ground arrangements being made for the forthcoming pilgrimage. He inspected various facilities and assessed the progress of ongoing works at the site. During the visit, he directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all pending works and maintain the highest standards in the provision of essential services and public utilities. Anshul Garg also visited the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Pahalgam to review its functioning including management of sewage and waste treatment. He inspected the functioning of the plant and emphasized the importance of maintaining sanitation and environmental sustainability. He directed the concerned agencies to ensure optimum functioning of the facility so that the waste is managed in a scientific and eco-friendly manner. Concluding the visit, the Div Com visited Base Camp Nunwan and took first hand stock of the facilities being installed at the location. He asked the concerned agencies that all necessary facilities be installed well before the commencement of the Yatra as good number of pilgrims are accomodated at this important location. Reiterating the administrations commitment towards the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, the Div Com called upon all departments, stakeholders and service providers to work in close coordination and ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for the devotees.
12 Officials Given Higher Charge in Jammu Kashmir Architects Organisation
SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a major administrative restructuring within the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organisation, placing several officers and officials against higher posts on an in-charge basis. According to Government Order No. 110-JK(HUD) of 2026 issued on 29 May 2026 by the Housing and Urban Development Department, sanction has been []
They wanted to kill me: TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on attack on him during visit to Sonapur
Sonarpur, May 30 : The Trinamool Congress on Saturday alleged that party leader Abhishek Banerjee was lynched and attacked by a few BJP supporters while he had gone to meet the family of a person murdered by BJP with the TMC general secretary also alleging an attempt to kill him. They wanted to kill me The whole incident has been captured on camera. We will definitely let the high court know about this. We will also let the governor know about this I will definitely move to court, Abhishek Banerjee, MP, told media persons. Abhishek Banerjee was attacked during his visit to Sonarpur to meet the post-poll violence victims families.Its all BJP-sponsored. Look what they have done. This is their example of democracy. It hasnt even been a month, and the police are nowhere to be seen, he added. TMC leader Derek O Brien slammed the Centre and asked why Abhishek Banerjees security was withdrawn. He said Abhishek Banerjees life was at risk.What is happening now in Bengal. The Lok Sabha Leader of the second largest Opposition party @AITCofficial went to visit the family of a person murdered by BJP in post poll violence. @abhishekaitc was lynched and attacked by a few BJP supporters. Life at risk. Where are the police ? Why was security withdrawn on the day of counting ? Let the Home Minister answer, he said in a post on X. Abhishek Banerjee earlier said that he visited the family of a party worker who was killed. TMC lost the Bengal assembly polls last month and BJP formed its first government in the state. Today, I visited the family of Biswajit Pattanayak in Beleghata. Biswajit was a dedicated Trinamool Congress worker whose brutal murder exposed the dangerous climate of violence that has engulfed Bengal since @BJP4Bengal CAPTURED power, he said in a post on X. No family should have to endure such loss. Yet, as I spoke to his loved ones, I saw not only grief but also a burning desire for justice. BJP may attempt to shield its miscreants, but truth cannot be buried forever. We will continue to fight against this atmosphere of fear and lawlessness and ensure every victim receives justice, he added. (ANI)
Home Minister Amit Shah Chairs Security Review Meeting On Border-Related Issues
NEW DELHI, May 30: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a security review meeting in Bhuj, Gujarat, focusing on security-related issues concerning the border and coastal districts of Gujarat situated along the India-Pakistan Border (IPB). Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Chief Secretary, DGP, Gujarat, along with other senior state government officials, as well as the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Kutch, Vav-Tharad, and Patan were present in the meeting. With a [] The post Home Minister Amit Shah Chairs Security Review Meeting On Border-Related Issues appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Over 500 Agniveers inducted into Army after training in JK
Srinagar: A fresh batch of 540 Agniveers was inducted into the Army on Saturday, May 30, after completing months of rigorous training here in Jammu and Kashmir. An Attestation and Passing Out Parade was held at the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) Regimental Centre on the outskirts of the city here, a defence spokesman Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
12 Officials Given Higher Charge In J&K Architects Organisation
JAMMU, May 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the placement of 12 officers and officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organisation against higher posts on an in-charge basis. According to an order issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, the placements have been made against available vacancies in the categories of Senior Architect, Divisional Architect and Assistant Architect. Consequent upon the placements, the Government has also ordered the postings and adjustments of 13 officials with immediate [] The post 12 Officials Given Higher Charge In J&K Architects Organisation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Over 500 Agniveers Inducted Into Army After Training In J&K
SRINAGAR, May 30: A fresh batch of 540 Agniveers was on Saturday inducted into the Army after completing months of rigorous training here in Jammu and Kashmir. An Attestation and Passing Out Parade was held at the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) Regimental Centre in the outskirts of the city here, a defence spokesman said. In a splendid display of military precision, discipline and patriotism, 540 Agniveers of the seventh batch successfully passed out from the Jammu and Kashmir [] The post Over 500 Agniveers Inducted Into Army After Training In J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Vineshs comeback dream ends at Asian Games selection trials, loses to Meenakshi in semifinals
NEW DELHI, May 30: The cheers were loud, the emotions raw and the expectations of a fairytale comeback unmistakable, but Vinesh Phogats return to competitive wrestling ended in heartbreak on Saturday following a 4-6 loss against Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg semifinals of the Asian Games selection trials. Vinesh thus fell short in her bid to re-enter the national team after the trauma of the 2024 Paris Olympics. I do not feel I have failed. I was fighting a whole [] The post Vineshs comeback dream ends at Asian Games selection trials, loses to Meenakshi in semifinals appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lieutenant Governor Inaugurates Third Edition of Kashmir Literature Festival
SRINAGAR, MAY 30: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival in Srinagar. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor urged writers on shaping positive discourse through fiction, non-fiction and other creative forms and inspire people because writers craft lives not only in words, but in the pulse of people.Addressing [] The post Lieutenant Governor Inaugurates Third Edition of Kashmir Literature Festival appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
D K Shivakumar Elected Cong Legislature Party Leader, Set To Be New Karnataka CM
BENGALURU, May 30: Karnataka state Congress President D K Shivakumar was elected leader of the legislature party on Saturday, paving the way for him to take over as the next chief minister of the state. Senior leader Siddaramaiah, the outgoing chief minister, proposed Shivakumars name as the new leader of the legislature party at the meeting held at Vidhan Soudha. The meeting was overseen by AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. However, the CLP meeting to [] The post D K Shivakumar Elected Cong Legislature Party Leader, Set To Be New Karnataka CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Salary Denied For More Than 2 Years, Olympian Judge Bilquis Mir Moves CAT
SRINAGAR, May 30: International water sports star and high-profile sports administrator Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department at the Central Administrative Tribunal for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years despite a clear order by the tribunal in February to release it. The contempt petition, filed against the commissioner secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services and Sports Department, and the director general of the department, mentions that the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) [] The post Salary Denied For More Than 2 Years, Olympian Judge Bilquis Mir Moves CAT appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Summer Vacations For Colleges In Jammu Division From June 1
JAMMU, May 30: Minister for Education, Higher Education, Health and Medical Education, and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, today announced summer vacations for all Government and Private Colleges in the Summer Zone of Jammu Division from June 1 to July 15, 2026. Sharing the information on X, the Minister said the decision has been taken in view of the onset of the summer season and in the interest of the well-being of students and staff. She also wished students, teachers and [] The post Summer Vacations For Colleges In Jammu Division From June 1 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
LG Directs Ladakh Admin To Adopt Austerity Measures As Per PMs Call
LEH/JAMMU, May 30: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday directed departments to promote austerity, adopt sustainable practices and ensure the judicious use of natural resources, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modis austerity call. The directions aim to reduce government expenditure, cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, encourage the use of sustainable products, strengthen local livelihoods and enhance environmental sustainability, officials said. Saxena also called for greater promotion of domestic tourism, natural farming, renewable energy [] The post LG Directs Ladakh Admin To Adopt Austerity Measures As Per PMs Call appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Demographic Changes In Border Districts Most Serious Challenge: Amit Shah
AHMEDABAD, May 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has termed the demographic changes in border districts as the most serious challenge before the country, and called for strict monitoring and reporting of these developments. Shah, who chaired a security review meeting at Bhuj in Gujarats Kutch district located along the India-Pakistan border on Friday, also stated that administrations of border districts should formulate SOPs to ensure identification of existing infiltrators and the tracking of threats related to drones and narcotics, [] The post Demographic Changes In Border Districts Most Serious Challenge: Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Erase Every Trace Of Colonial Mindset: Sinha Urges Writers To Shape Positive Discourse On India
SRINAGAR, May 30: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called for erasing every trace of colonial mindset, and urged writers on shaping positive discourse on India through fiction, non-fiction and other creative forms. The LG inaugurated the third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival here, an official spokesperson said. Addressing the gathering, the LG urged writers on shaping positive discourse through fiction, non-fiction and other creative forms and inspire people because writers craft lives not only in words, [] The post Erase Every Trace Of Colonial Mindset: Sinha Urges Writers To Shape Positive Discourse On India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Dr Jitendra Launches AI-CHATBOT For Complainants, Terms It Democratisation Of Grievance Redressal
NEW DELHI, May 30 : The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, today launched the CPGRAMS AI-enabled Voice Chatbot Samadhan Didi, developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with Bhasini, at Kartavya Bhawan, here. Delivering the keynote address on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh termed [] The post Dr Jitendra Launches AI-CHATBOT For Complainants, Terms It Democratisation Of Grievance Redressal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No proposal before Centre to declare cow national animal, ban slaughter nationwide: Meghwal
NEW DELHI, May 30: There is currently no proposal under the Centres consideration to declare the cow the national animal or impose a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has said, noting that such demands continue to be raised by various groups. Meghwal noted that laws relating to cow slaughter vary across states and decisions are often taken based on local considerations. Responding to a question on calls for granting the cow national animal status [] The post No proposal before Centre to declare cow national animal, ban slaughter nationwide: Meghwal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
