Ladakh LG Saxena gets Addl charge of J
Saxena to administer oath to new CJ today Jammu Tawi, Sep 08:The President of India on Tuesday appointed Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, to discharge the functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in addition to his own duties, during the absence on leave of Manoj Sinha, the incumbent LG of [] The post Ladakh LG Saxena gets Addl charge of J&K appeared first on Northlines .
No adjournment after obituary references, 4 days for Govt Business Jammu Tawi, Sep 08:The upcoming 10day autumn session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly will be spread over seven sittings, the provisional calendar issued by the Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday revealed. According to the calendar released by the Assembly secretariat, September 21 has been [] The post 7 sittings in 10day autumn session of J&K Assembly appeared first on Northlines .
Medical Interns call off strike after assurance on stipend revision
Medicos resume duties after written assurance Northlines Correspondent Jammu Tawi, Sep 08: The MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday called off their strike and resumed duties after the government gave a written assurance that their long-pending demand for enhancement of stipend would be resolved within one month. The decision came after [] The post Medical Interns call off strike after assurance on stipend revision appeared first on Northlines .
Ladakh-Centre talks to resume today
LAB, KDA to press for Sixth Schedule safeguards, stronger hill councils Jammu Tawi, Sep 08:Talks between representatives of civil society groups in Ladakh and the Centre are set to resume in New Delhi on Wednesday, with both sides returning to the negotiating table after a series of fresh confidence-building measures in the Union Territory. According [] The post Ladakh-Centre talks to resume today appeared first on Northlines .
22 JKAS Probationers get confirmation in Service
Arvind Sharma JAMMU Tawi, Sept 08: In a significant administrative development for officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), the General Administration Department (GAD) has formally confirmed the probation of22 Junior Scale JKAS probationersbelonging to the 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 batches. The decision was issued throughGovernment Order No. 1498-JK(GAD) of 2026, [] The post 22 JKAS Probationers get confirmation in Service appeared first on Northlines .
Govt revokes posting of JKAS officer in Assembly Sectt
Srinagar, Sept 08:The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday cancelled its order posting a Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer in the Assembly Secretariat. In a fresh directive, the General Administration Department (GAD) revoked Government Order No. 1415JK(GAD) of 2026 dated August 19, which had transferred and posted Bilal Ahmad Mir, JKAS, SubRegistrar Khansahib/Budgam, [] The post Govt revokes posting of JKAS officer in Assembly Sectt appeared first on Northlines .
Jammu Tawi: The annual three-day Kailash Kund Yatra commenced on Tuesday in the Bhaderwah Valley, with the sacred Charri Mubarak departing from the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple at Gatha, officials said. The pilgrimage also draws devotees from adjoining districts. A batch of pilgrims from the Dudu area of Udhampur district joined the yatra after being [] The post Kailash Kund Yatra begins appeared first on Northlines .
Enforcement agencies discuss ways to curb drug menace in J
SRINAGAR: Representatives of various enforcement agencies, including ED, BSF, NIA, Customs and DRI, on Tuesday deliberated on ways to curb the drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir, official said. The discussion took place at the 2nd UT Level Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting on narcotics control for the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and [] The post Enforcement agencies discuss ways to curb drug menace in J&K appeared first on Northlines .
CISF jawan shoots himself at Jammu Airport
Jammu Tawi: A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan allegedly shot himself in the head with his service rifle at Jammu Airport on Tuesday, officials said. The incident occurred outside the airports exit gate, where the jawan identified as Sunil Jasrotia was posted on security duty, the officials said. Quoting initial reports, the officials said [] The post CISF jawan shoots himself at Jammu Airport appeared first on Northlines .
IFFJK opens dialogue on building J
CS highlights film policy, skilling, single-window clearances SRINAGAR: The second day of the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK-2026) witnessed an engaging policy dialogue on the prospects of building a sustainable cinematic ecosystem in the Union Territory, with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasising the need to create an enabling environment for local [] The post IFFJK opens dialogue on building J&K into a sustainable cinematic ecosystem appeared first on Northlines .
New-born dies after woman leaves Rajouri Hospital
Woman returns with severe bleeding; hospital employee suspended, inquiry ordered Jammu Tawi, Sept 08:A new-born baby died following delivery in a private room in Rajouri after a pregnant woman admitted to Government Medical College and Associated Hospital (GMC&AH) Rajouri allegedly left the hospital ward during her treatment, officials said. The incident has prompted the hospital [] The post New-born dies after woman leaves Rajouri Hospital appeared first on Northlines .
Jammu Tawi, Sept 08:A dead body was found near a bus-stop shed in the Balicharana area of Jammu on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the body was noticed near the bus stand shed, following which police were informed. He said police reached the spot and initiated necessary proceedings to ascertain the circumstances surrounding [] The post Body found at Belicharana appeared first on Northlines .
Jammu Tawi, Sep 08:BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Tuesday said the party will fight for peoples rights and expose the alleged failures of the National Conference-led government during a public outreach programme in Poonch and Rajouri. In a statement issued, a Spokesperson said the [] The post BJP will fight for peoples rights, expose NC failures: LoP appeared first on Northlines .
J&K, Ladakh agencies step up joint fight against drug trafficking
Srinagar, Sep 8: The second UT-level Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting on narcotics control for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was held at the Police Control Room in Srinagar on Tuesday, with enforcement agencies calling for stronger coordination to combat drug trafficking networks. The meeting was chaired by the DDG (NWR), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and IG Crime/ANTF of J&K Police. Senior officers from the ED, BSF, State Drug Controller, IB, Customs, DRI, Income Tax, NIA and police, including SSPs of Jammu, Srinagar and Ganderbal, participated. The agencies discussed emerging trends in drug trafficking, inter-State linkages, illicit cultivation, information sharing, joint investigations, financial probes and effective prosecution. Officials also reviewed measures for implementing the Vision Document on Drug Control (20262029) announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the 10th apex-level NCORD meeting in New Delhi on June 26. The meeting stressed a network-centric approach, along with greater inter-agency coordination, joint interrogation, financial investigation and use of information-sharing mechanisms. The meeting concluded with a call for sustained cooperation and a whole-of-government approach to detect, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks across J&K and Ladakh.
Ladakh LG to swear in HC Chief Justice
Srinagar, Sep 8: The September 9 swearing-in of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will have a first-of-its-kind dimension for the Union Territory of Ladakh, with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena set to administer the oath of office. Top official sources told Rising Kashmir that the ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Convention Centre in Srinagar at 11 am. The move assumes significance as Vinai Kumar Saxena will be the first Ladakh Lieutenant Governor to administer the oath to the Chief Justice of the common High Court after Ladakh attained Union Territory status in 2019. The unprecedented oath-taking arrangement comes at a significant juncture for Ladakhs judicial system, particularly after a new regulation providing for the sitting of a Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the Union Territory came into force on September 5. Ladakh LG Saxena before a week had announced the implementation of the regulation in a post on X, describing it as a major step towards bringing judicial services closer to the people, especially those residing in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. He said the move would help litigants save valuable time and resources and would further strengthen access to justice across Ladakh. The LG had also expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for promulgating the regulation and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their continued support for the inclusive development of Ladakh. Against this backdrop, Justice Bhatis assumption of office is being viewed as another important development for the common judiciary of the two Union Territories. President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Bhati as Chief Justice on September 5 following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium made on August 31. The appointment notification stated that he would assume office from the date he takes charge. Justice Bhati will succeed Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who has been functioning as Acting Chief Justice since June 2. A judge of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Bhati was elevated to the Bench on November 16, 2016, and brings substantial judicial experience to his new assignment. While Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have separate administrative establishments, they continue to have a common High Court. The recent provision for a Bench to sit in Ladakh is expected to make judicial proceedings more accessible to residents of the Union Territory. The September 9 ceremony will therefore carry significance beyond the formal change of leadership, with the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor administering the oath for the first time since the Union Territory came into existence in 2019, even as the region moves towards greater institutional access to the common High Court.
Marriage, Not Market Competition
In Kashmir, weddings have always been more than private ceremonies. They are social events, family milestones and moments of joy that bring together relatives, neighbours and communities. But in recent years, the scale and expense of these celebrations have grown into a quiet burden, especially for middle-class and low-income families. What was once a simple and dignified occasion is increasingly being turned into a display of wealth, status and social competition. The problem is not celebration itself. Kashmiris have every right to rejoice, to mark important occasions with warmth and hospitality, and to preserve their cultural traditions. The concern arises when weddings become extravagant beyond reason, with lavish venues, excessive food, imported dcor, costly attire, multi-day functions and pressure to keep up with others. For many families, this is no longer a matter of choice but of compulsion. They fear social judgement if they keep things modest, and in that fear, they stretch themselves beyond their means. The result is predictable and painful. Families go into debt, sell assets, take loans or drain savings meant for education, healthcare or future security. In some cases, parents spend years recovering financially from a single wedding. Young couples begin married life under the shadow of financial strain. This is hardly the foundation for a stable household or a healthy society. Equally worrying is the social message this sends. Lavish weddings create an unhealthy culture in which worth is measured by spectacle rather than sincerity. They deepen inequality by making ordinary families feel inadequate. They also place unnecessary pressure on young people, especially in a region where unemployment and economic uncertainty already weigh heavily on households. In such conditions, extravagance is not merely indulgence; it becomes a form of collective social harm. There is also a moral dimension that cannot be ignored. Kashmirs religious, cultural and ethical traditions have long favoured moderation, dignity and restraint. A wedding should be memorable for its blessings, not for the size of its budget. The true beauty of marriage lies in the union it represents, not in the money spent to impress guests. When customs begin to overshadow values, it is time for society to pause and reflect. This is where community leadership matters. Religious scholars, elders, social organisations and local influencers must speak clearly in favour of simplicity. Families should be encouraged to reject needless showmanship and to treat modest weddings not as a compromise but as a virtue. Public opinion must shift so that a simple wedding is respected, not mocked. If the Valley can normalise restraint, it can relieve countless households of pressure and preserve the spirit of celebration. Lavish weddings may offer a few hours of admiration, but they can leave behind years of financial stress. Kashmir needs to rediscover the dignity of simplicity. A wedding should unite families in joy, not divide them through debt and competition.
The New Climate Reality in Kashmir
The international conference on Plant Resilience in a Changing Climate: From Molecules to Ecosystem hosted by the University of Kashmirs Department of Botany has done more than bring scientists and scholars together; it has once again placed before us a truth that can no longer be ignored. Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern to be discussed in global forums with abstract language and polished declarations. It is already altering the rhythm of life in the Himalayas, reshaping crops, disturbing ecosystems and challenging the very basis of agriculture in a region that depends heavily on its fragile natural balance. What makes the KU conference important is not merely its academic scope, but the clarity of the alarm sounded by the experts who participated in it. Their message was simple: the changes are visible, measurable and worsening. Crop calendars are shifting. Harvesting periods are no longer what they used to be. The quality and storage life of produce are being affected. Ecosystems that once followed predictable biological patterns are now under stress. In a region like Kashmir, where agriculture, horticulture and natural resources remain central to livelihoods, such disruptions are not minor adjustments. They are warning signs. Prof. Nilofer Khan rightly stressed that universities and research institutions have a crucial responsibility in generating knowledge that helps communities adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions. That responsibility is especially heavy in the Himalayan region, where ecological sensitivity makes every climatic shift more consequential. Her emphasis on translating scientific knowledge into practical interventions from seed improvement and appropriate plant cultivation to sustainable practices and stronger research collaborations should serve as a roadmap not only for academics, but also for policymakers. The challenge, however, is that climate change is often treated in narrow terms, as if it were only an environmental issue. As Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganai pointed out, its implications extend far beyond nature and must be understood in their wider social and developmental context. That is where much of the policy failure lies. Climate stress does not remain confined to scientific reports. It enters the lives of farmers, changes market outcomes, affects food security and deepens rural uncertainty. Any response that ignores this larger picture will remain incomplete. The caution sounded by Dr Mahendra Kumar Verma about changes in the biological calendar of crops is equally significant. Kashmirs agriculture has already begun to feel the pressure of altered seasons, erratic weather and changing temperature patterns. Technology and predictive modelling can certainly help, but they must be backed by seriousness at the level of planning and implementation. Without timely adaptation, farming systems will continue to be exposed to avoidable losses. The conference is therefore timely, but it must not end as a ceremonial exchange of ideas. It should lead to sustained collaboration, field-based research and practical strategies that strengthen resilience at every level from the laboratory to the farm, from the classroom to the policy table. The Himalayas cannot afford complacency. If the region is to preserve its crops, protect its ecosystems and secure its future, climate action must move from discussion to decisive action.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar to visit Gujarat on Sept 10-11, focus on electoral transparency
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 9 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will undertake his first visit to Gujarat as the head of the Election Commission of India on September 10 and 11, with interactions with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) members and citizens planned around the theme of Transparency from Roll to Poll. Kumar, who took charge as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner in February last year, will begin his two-day visit by paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram. He will then visit the historic Adalaj Stepwell as part of a programme introducing him to Gujarat's cultural heritage. On the evening of September 10, CEC Kumar is scheduled to visit the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) premises, where he will interact with citizens on Conducting Elections in India The World's Largest Democracy. On September 11, the CEC will interact with more than 500 BLOs from across the state at Atal Kalam Hall at Gujarat University. The programme is intended to focus on the role of grassroots election officials in maintaining transparency in the electoral process. CEC Kumar will later interact with more than 1,000 members of Electoral Literacy Clubs at the AUDA Auditorium in Shela. The programme will include an introduction to the vision, mission and key features of the recently launched ELC 2.0. The Election Commission has been promoting ELCs as platforms for familiarising young citizens with electoral processes and democratic values. An information session on ECINET, the Election Commission's one-stop digital platform for election-related information and services, will also be held. ECINET was launched by the Commission in January this year and is available in 22 scheduled languages, besides English. Senior Election Commission officials will provide technical and media-related guidance during the programmes through PowerPoint presentations. They include Director General (Media) Ashish Goyal, Director General (IT) Seema Khanna, Director Shubhra Saxena and Deputy Director (Media) Apoorva Kumar Singh. The interactions have been planned by the office of Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Sagale to communicate Gyanesh Kumar's emphasis on Transparency from Roll to Poll and provide direct engagement with officials involved in electoral work and voter awareness.
The Addas Kaballa Crisis: Why Our Generation Next is Falling Down Between Two Stools
In the golden days of our youth, an unwritten code governed the lanes. If two friends, or even total strangers, walked together and a glint of a lost coin or currency note appeared on the ground, a race of wit began. The moment the finder reached down, the companion would shout with spontaneous force: Addas Kaballa! In our native Kashmiri, this phrase meant Half of it is mine. It was a rule. The finder, by cultural law, would immediately and willingly split the prize. It was a shared blessing. Fast forward to a vibrant recent wedding. As the groom arrived for the reception, he was garlanded with crisp hundred-rupee notes. In the hustle, the thread broke, and the entire garland fell to the earth. A group of older friends, walking behind the groom, saw it happen. An instant memory ignited. One elderly gentleman shouted, Addas Kaballa! His friend, smiling at the flash of their childhood, immediately picked up the money and handed him an exact half. A group of younger boys, perhaps fifteen, rushed over, eager to claim a piece of the ooty. But when they tried to speak to the elders, a quiet tragedy unfurled. Their words were fractured, a clumsy mix of home-induced Urdu and a few forgotten words, spoken with a modern twang that rendered them incomprehensible. They were, in the stark idiom, falling down between the two stools. The wise elder offered a challenge: I will gladly give you my entire sharethe whole thingif you can simply ask for it using the core phrase: 'Addas chuiey kaballa. ' The boys tried. They muttered, mispronounced, and garbled the sounds. Not one could utter it correctly. They had been encouraged to abandon their mother tongue in homes and schools, pushing for a 'foreign' language they could not master, while losing the 'sweet and rich' language that defined their roots. So the game, and the entire booty, was lost to them. This incident, both funny and heartbreaking, is a mirror to our current crisis. The broken, fractured Urdu our next generation now speaks is our Addas Kaballa half-understood, half-uttered, leaving us with neither. There is absolutely nothing wrong with learning other languages; multilingualism is a great strength. But in discarding our mother tongue to adopt a foreign one, in owning it as our primary identity, we commit the suicide of an unsound mind. Linguists estimate that of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, nearly half are endangered and may disappear by the end of this century. They vanish when a language, once vibrant, stops being passed to children at home, or when communities, for reasons often rooted in economic pressure or self-loathing, hate their own language. When a language dies, we lose its unique folk wisdom, proverbs, oral history, and humour. We are not just heading toward a world where children cant speak to their grandparents; we are creating a generation linguistically adrift, disconnected from the very phrases that, in our youth, could claim a fair share of any treasure. We are allowing a sweet, rich legacy to become a laughing stock. To reclaim our future, we must begin to value the language that already belongs to us. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
Building a Greener Urban Future for Kashmir Valley
Kashmir Valley stands at a difficult but decisive turning point. The pressure of population growth, unplanned expansion, traffic congestion, housing demand, shrinking green spaces, and climate stress has turned urban planning from a technical issue into a question of survival. If cities and towns in the Valley continue to expand in a fragmented and careless manner, the cost will not only be visible in jammed roads and concrete sprawl, but also in polluted water, weakened drainage, vanishing farmland, and a slow erosion of the Valleys natural charm. Future sustainable urban planning in Kashmir must therefore be based on balance between development and ecology, between modern needs and local realities, and between ambition and restraint. The idea of sustainability in Kashmir cannot be borrowed blindly from elsewhere. Urban planning here has to respond to the Valleys unique geography, climate, and cultural setting. Unlike plains where cities can spread outward with relative ease, Kashmir is a compact ecological basin enclosed by mountains, rivers, wetlands, orchards, and fertile land. Every piece of land carries value. Every wetland has a function. Every stream, road, and hillside is part of a larger environmental system. This means the future of urban planning in Kashmir cannot be measured only in terms of roads built, buildings raised, or commercial complexes approved. It must be judged by whether the Valley remains livable, resilient, and beautiful for generations to come. One of the most urgent needs is to stop the habit of unregulated horizontal expansion. Towns and peri-urban areas are consuming agricultural land at a frightening pace. Orchards are being cut, wetlands filled, and low-lying areas converted into colonies without adequate drainage or planning. This kind of growth may look profitable in the short term, but it is deeply damaging in the long run. Sustainable urban planning must protect agricultural belts and green buffers around cities. Kashmir cannot afford to treat fertile land as empty land. Once lost, such land is almost impossible to recover. At the same time, the Valley must rethink how it builds upward. Vertical development is often presented as a solution to land scarcity, but in Kashmir it must be handled with care. High-rise construction without proper infrastructure, parking, water supply, waste management, fire safety, and disaster planning can create new problems more severe than the old ones. Sustainable urban growth is not simply about building taller structures; it is about building smarter neighbourhoods. Compact housing, mixed-use development, walkable streets, and efficient public services should replace the present pattern of scattered, road-dependent development. Transport planning is another critical pillar. Kashmirs cities are increasingly choking under private vehicles, narrow roads, and poor public transit. The result is not only congestion but also higher emissions, more noise, and wasted time. A sustainable urban future demands investment in reliable public transport, safe pedestrian pathways, cycling corridors, and traffic-sensitive road design. Cities like Srinagar need mobility systems that reduce dependence on private cars and make daily movement easier for ordinary people. A city is not sustainable if a short journey takes an hour because planning failed to anticipate growth. Drainage and flood management must also be central to any future urban vision. The Valley is highly vulnerable to rainfall extremes, waterlogging, and flood risk. Yet much of urban construction has ignored natural waterways, blocked drainage channels, and weakened wetlands that once acted as buffers. Sustainable planning requires restoring and protecting those natural systems. Nallahs, lakes, streams, and marshlands should be treated as part of infrastructure, not obstacles to it. Urban design must work with water, not against it. If this lesson is not learned, the Valley will continue to face the same cycle of damage after every heavy rain. Waste management is another area where sustainability will either succeed or fail. Rapid urban growth has outpaced scientific disposal systems, leading to garbage accumulation, plastic pollution, and public health risks. A sustainable city must separate waste at source, strengthen recycling systems, improve collection networks, and reduce dependence on open dumping. Public awareness is important, but awareness alone cannot replace a functioning municipal framework. Urban planning must include the hidden systems of sanitation, sewage treatment, and solid waste management, because a clean city is not a luxury it is the foundation of dignity and health. Equally important is the preservation of Kashmirs identity. Urban planning is not only about efficiency; it is also about character. The Valley has a distinctive architectural heritage, human-scale neighbourhoods, traditional courtyards, local materials, and an aesthetic relationship with landscape that modern development often ignores. If all new construction follows the same ugly, disconnected, concrete-heavy model, Kashmir will lose not only beauty but also cultural continuity. Sustainable planning should encourage designs that respect local climate, use energy-efficient materials, preserve views, and reflect Kashmiri architectural sensibilities. Development should not mean making Kashmir look like everywhere else. There is also a social dimension to urban sustainability. Planning must serve all sections of society, not only the powerful or the well-connected. Affordable housing, accessible public spaces, basic services, and safe neighbourhoods are essential if cities are to remain inclusive. Many urban problems in Kashmir are intensified by inequality where some areas receive better services while others remain neglected. A sustainable city must reduce such gaps. Planning should be transparent, participatory, and fair. Residents, experts, local bodies, and civil society should all have a voice in shaping the future of their towns and cities. Climate change adds another layer of urgency. Rising temperatures, unpredictable snowfall, altered rainfall patterns, and environmental stress are already affecting life in the Valley. Sustainable urban planning must therefore be climate-responsive. Buildings should be designed for energy efficiency and insulation. Green spaces should be expanded. Tree cover must be protected. Renewable energy should be encouraged where possible. Urban resilience is no longer optional. It is a necessity in a region where climate shocks can quickly turn into social and economic disruption. The role of governance cannot be overlooked. Even the best planning ideas fail when implementation is weak. Kashmir needs coordination among development authorities, municipal bodies, environmental agencies, and local administration. Approvals must be based on long-term public interest rather than short-term private gain. Illegal constructions, encroachments, and violations should not be normalised. Sustainable urban planning requires rule-based development, not selective enforcement. Without accountability, every policy remains a paper promise. Future sustainable urban planning in Kashmir Valley must also embrace a broader change in mindset. The conversation should move away from uncontrolled growth as an end in itself and toward quality of life as the real measure of progress. A city is not successful because it spreads endlessly; it is successful because it remains healthy, efficient, inclusive, and beautiful. In Kashmir, this principle is even more important because the land is limited and the ecological stakes are high. The challenge is serious, but so is the opportunity. Kashmir can still shape a model of urban development that respects nature while meeting modern needs. It can build towns that are compact rather than chaotic, green rather than grey, and humane rather than hollow. For that, planning must begin now, with clarity, discipline, and vision. The future of Kashmirs urban spaces should not be left to accident or pressure. It must be designed carefully, because once the Valley loses its balance, recovery will be far harder than prevention. Future sustainable urban planning in Kashmir is not just about managing cities. It is about protecting a fragile homeland while preparing it for a modern future. That is the real test before planners, policymakers, and citizens alike. (The author is a lecturer in HED, columnist and public speaker)
It is understandable that growth of cities like Jammu and Srinagar is necessary for improved avenues and better quality of life. But this doesnt mean creating concrete jungles without taking care of ecology and nature. People sitting in flights which take off or land in Jammu can have an idea about people and the governments [] The post Cities Need Nature Too! appeared first on Northlines .
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday watched Mirzapur: The Movie at INOX Multiplex in Shivpora here and interacted with its lead actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu, who are in Kashmir to participate in the ongoing International Film Festival Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK). Tripathi, who reprises his popular role of Kaleen Bhaiya, and Divyenndu, known []
Hakeem Yaseen pays tribute to Sheikh Abdullah, recalls 1953 fallout
Srinagar, Sep 8: Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Tuesday paid tribute to National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 44th death anniversary, recalling his role in Jammu and Kashmirs political and social history. Yaseen described Sheikh Abdullahs dismissal and arrest in 1953 as a historic blunder, saying its political repercussions continued to be felt in J&K. He said the developments of 1953 contributed to political uncertainty and alienation in the region for decades. Referring to the 1975 Sheikh-Indira Accord, Yaseen said it represented an attempt to address the political developments that had followed Sheikh Abdullahs dismissal and restore stability. Yaseen urged the National Conference to remain committed to Sheikh Abdullahs legacy of safeguarding the political, economic and social interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The legacy of Sheikh Abdullah should not remain confined to ceremonial tributes; it should be reflected in political action and commitment to the people, he said. Yaseen also called upon people to remember Sheikh Abdullahs contribution to J&K while drawing lessons from the political developments that shaped the regions subsequent history.
When Actors become producers: Taking back control of the movies
Bollywood, Tamil, Telegu, Kannada, Malayalam: Industries see change By TN Ashok There was a time when an actors job ended at the studio gate. The producer raised the money; the director controlled the set and the actor waited for the next script. That division of labour is steadily disappearing. Across Bollywood and the four [] The post When Actors become producers: Taking back control of the movies appeared first on Northlines .
Bukhari seeks removal of 10+2 cap for JKSSB MTS posts
Srinagar, Sep 8: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to remove the maximum educational qualification of 10+2 prescribed for recently notified Class-IV (MTS) and sanitation worker posts. Bukhari said the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) notification, by restricting eligibility to candidates with qualifications up to 10+2, had left thousands of graduates and postgraduates ineligible to apply. By prescribing a maximum qualification, the Government has effectively told thousands of young people that being more educated can make them ineligible for a government job, Bukhari said. He said the policy could further discourage youth from pursuing higher education at a time when college admissions have already been declining. Bukhari urged the government to reconsider the notification and allow all otherwise eligible candidates, including 10+2 pass-outs, graduates and postgraduates, to compete for the posts. The solution cannot be to close the doors of employment to those who have acquired higher qualifications, he said.
ABVP protests at JNU, burns effigies over alleged delay in sexual harassment case
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) JNU unit on Monday staged a protest on the campus and burnt effigies of the universitys Internal Committee (IC) and a professor accused of sexual harassment, alleging that the case was being delayed due to political influence. According to an ABVP press release, several female students have levelled serious allegations of sexual harassment against a JNU professor, who is also a Congress MP. The complaints have been submitted to the universitys Internal Committee, and the matter is under process. The student organisation claimed that despite the gravity of the allegations, no concrete action has been taken so far. ABVP alleged that the accused professor was being protected because of his political affiliation. The organisation questioned whether the fact that the professor is a Congress MP was the reason for the lack of action. It further accused the leftist representatives on the JNU Internal Committee of delaying the hearing under political pressure from their leadership. In the press release, ABVP JNU President Mayank Panchal said the absence of prompt action on the complaints filed by female students exposed the true face of the Left-dominated Internal Committee and leftist organisations on campus. He claimed that several activists associated with leftist groups had faced sexual harassment allegations in the past yet continued to remain active. ABVP JNU Minister Praveen Kumar Piyush demanded the immediate resignation of the leftist representatives elected to the Internal Committee, describing them as incapable. He alleged that in a recent case involving a complaint against an AISF cadre, the leftist members of the IC had not attended any of the hearings, which, according to him, reflected their insensitivity towards womens issues. The organisation stated that if the investigation or hearing of such complaints was being influenced or unnecessarily delayed due to any individual, organisation or political pressure, it was a matter of serious concern. ABVP maintained that the leftist representatives on the internal committee, who claim to champion womens rights, were failing to protect the complainants in this case.
Calcutta HC warns of lifting interim stay on demolition of Abhishek Banerjee's Amtala party office
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday cautioned that the interim stay on the demolition of the party office of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, at Amtala in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The single-judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh gave this caution after being displeased by repeated seeking for further dates by Abhishek Banerjee's counsel for presenting arguments in the matter. Justice Ghosh also cautioned the Trinamool Congress General Secretary's counsel on the matter. The hearing of the case related to the demolition of the office in Amtala was held on Tuesday. In this court hearing, the counsel of Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banewrjee, asked for time. Justice Ghosh expressed her dissatisfaction with Abhishek Banerjee seeking time in the matter. Thereafter, Justice Ghosh said the next hearing in the matter will be held on September 22 and if on that date Abhishek Banerjee's counsel would not come prepared for argument, the period of the interim stay will not be extended. A person named Sushant Mondal had filed a complaint on May 17 alleging that Abhishek Banerjee's office in Amtala was illegally constructed. The state administration took action in response to that complaint. A part of the Amtala office was demolished on July 18. The demolition work began again on July 19. The Calcutta High Court, which observed a holiday on Sunday, issued a stay order. The office was registered in the name of a corporate entity Leaps & Bounds Private Limited, which is linked to the Banerjee family. The notice sent by the administration was also in the name of that organisation. The Trinamool Congress faction led by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee had accused the administration of beginning the demolition work without serving prior notice in the matter. It also accused the administration of not providing any information about the basis of which the action was being taken. The faction also alleged that the demolition of the office began without giving any opportunity to speak. The court, considering the arguments of both parties, ordered an interim stay on the demolition of the office.
Rural job demand rises 23.8% in August under new VB-G RAM G scheme
Demand for jobs under the new rural employment scheme increased in August. Work sought by households rose significantly from the previous month. Millions of people sought employment opportunities across various Indian states. The new law provides more guaranteed employment days annually. It also sets a minimum daily wage for all workers.
AIP seeks hike in veterinary interns stipend
Anantnag, Sep 8: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to address the long-pending demand of veterinary students for enhancement of their internship stipend. Reacting to the peaceful protest staged by students of SKUAST-Jammu and SKUAST-Kashmir, Inam Un Nabi while speaking to media persons at Anantnag, said the issue, pending with the Finance Department since 2023, warranted an early decision. The students are seeking a fair and reasonable stipend, not any preferential treatment. Their demand deserves to be considered on merit and addressed without further delay, he said. According to the Jammu & Kashmir Veterinary Students Association, interns at the two universities currently receive 6,000 per month for six months and 9,000 for the remaining six months, including an additional 3,000 contributed by ICAR. The association has cited significantly higher stipends at several veterinary institutions across the country. Inam Un Nabi said the disparity should be examined by the concerned authorities, particularly in view of the clinical training, field work and emergency duties involved in veterinary internships. Inam Un Nabi also referred to the Veterinary Council of Indias communication dated May 19, 2026, cited by the students, and urged the administration to review the pending proposal and take a time-bound decision. Inam Un Nabi said the veterinary students protest comes amid ongoing stipend-related agitation by MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the need for a broader review of internship stipends across professional health and veterinary institutions.
Punjab T20 League: Jalandhar Warriors held their nerves to steal a win against Ludhiana Lions by seven runs in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The Warriors posted 169/8 in 20 overs after Ludhiana's bowlers put up a strong show. Jalandhar got off to a poor start and were reduced to 16/3 in just the second over. However, Prabhsimran Singh and Gourav Makan joined hands to steady the innings. The two batters played carefully at first before finding their rhythm and adding valuable runs. Prabhsimran scored 39 off 30 balls before being dismissed, leaving Jalandhar in another difficult position. Gourav continued his good form and scored a crucial half-century. He made 52 off 43 balls before losing his wicket, but his knock gave Jalandhar a strong base for the final overs. Aryan Yadav then took charge and provided the late push Jalandhar needed. He remained unbeaten on 35 off 26 balls to help the Warriors reach 169/8. For Ludhiana Lions, Krish Bhagat was the best bowler. He picked up four wickets for 37 runs in four overs, while Kartik Chadha finished with 1/21 in his four overs. Ludhiana made a steady start to the chase, with openers Abhijeet Garg and Bikramjeet Singh adding 49 runs for the first wicket. However, the Lions then lost a few quick wickets and were reduced to 79/3. Arjun Rajput and Salil Arora then gave Ludhiana hope by putting together a 54-run partnership. Rajput scored 45 off 33 balls before being dismissed, while Salil made 26 off 24 balls. The Lions needed 19 runs from the final two overs to win. Krish Bhagat kept the chase alive by hitting a six off the final ball of the 19th over, reducing the target to 10 runs from six balls. Randeep Singh bowled the final over and made an immediate impact, dismissing Aseem Kohli for 11 off seven balls off the first delivery. He then removed Havneet for a duck off the next two balls, leaving Ludhiana in deep trouble. The Lions needed 19 runs from the final two overs to win. Krish Bhagat kept the chase alive by hitting a six off the final ball of the 19th over, reducing the target to 10 runs from six balls. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories As a result, Jalandhar Warriors secured a thrilling seven-run victory, while Ludhiana Lions fell just short despite a late fightback and were restricted to 162/8 in 20 overs. Article Source: IANS
Tata Advanced Systems Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder in the Army's prestigious Project Zorawar defense contract. This pivotal initiative centers around creating a new light battle tank specifically designed for high-altitude operations. TASL is set to produce and showcase two prototype tanks within the next 130 weeks. In addition, Mahindra Defence Systems, the second-lowest bidder, will also be working on their own prototype.
Train diversions, cancellations to end before puja
Benjamin Franklin's timeless quote conveys that virtue surpasses material riches like gold and diamonds. In today's world, it serves as a reminder that true wealth is found in honesty, kindness, and integrity rather than mere accumulation of money. By prioritizing ethical choices and respecting others, we can cultivate valuable character traits that endure far beyond material possessions.
Bukhari says J&K at critical phase, highlights post-2019 changes
Srinagar, September 8: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday described Jammu and Kashmir as being in a critical phase, saying the developments of August 2019 marked a major turning point for the erstwhile state. Addressing an event at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where several political and social activists from the Hazratbal constituency joined the Apni Party, Bukhari criticised what he described as the silence of traditional political leadership following the abrogation of J&Ks special constitutional status and statehood. Bukhari said the changes made in August 2019 had affected what he termed J&Ks exclusive rights over land and employment. He claimed the Apni Party subsequently engaged with the Centre and contributed to the restoration of protections for local residents. This was the Apni Partys contribution at that critical juncture, he said. On the domicile issue, Bukhari said that had the Apni Party received a mandate in the 2024 Assembly elections, it would have sought to increase the residency requirement from 15 to 50 years. He also criticised the present government for, according to him, failing to raise the issue despite six years having passed. Welcoming the new entrants, Bukhari assured them of the party leaderships support and urged them to work for the welfare of people in their respective areas. Among those who joined the party were Khair-ul-Nisa, Ghulam Mohammad Rather, Adil Fayaz, Fazil Fayaz, Waheeda Ji, Naira Bano, Gulshana Ji, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Sajid Fayaz, Asif Ali, Abdul Rashid, Owais Israr and Nayeema Rather, among others.
Sheikh Abdullahs legacy continues to inspire: Rana
Srinagar, Sep 8: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today paid rich tributes to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 44th death anniversary. The Minister offered prayers and remembered Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as a visionary and far-sighted leader whose contribution to the political, social and economic transformation of Jammu and Kashmir occupies an important place in the regions history. Speaking on the occasion, Rana said that few leaders have commanded the kind of enduring popular faith and affection that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah earned during his lifetime. He described him as a fearless, uncompromising and deeply committed leader who remained devoted to the interests of his homeland and its people, inspiring generations to uphold the values of public service, dignity and social justice. Rana said Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs political journey represented a sustained struggle against systems of oppression, inequality and injustice. His vision, he said, transcended narrow and sectional considerations and remained firmly anchored in the aspirations, dignity and welfare of the common people. The Minister recalled Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs historic movement against hereditary rule, describing it as a decisive turning point in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. According to Rana, the movement sought to replace autocratic governance with popular empowerment and greater political participation, laying the foundation for a more representative social and political order. He also highlighted Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs far-reaching socio-economic reforms, saying that they challenged entrenched feudal structures and sought to dismantle longstanding systems of inequality. These measures, Rana said, contributed significantly towards expanding social justice, strengthening the position of ordinary people and creating the conditions for broader and more inclusive political representation. The Minister further underscored Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs contribution to institution-building in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that his legacy extended beyond electoral and political leadership, encompassing the establishment and strengthening of institutions and public systems that continued to shape the regions developmental and administrative landscape over the decades. Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was not merely a political leader; he was a transformative figure whose vision, struggles and reforms left a lasting imprint on the social and political consciousness of Jammu and Kashmir, Rana said. Rana observed that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs legacy continues to remain deeply woven into the political, social and historical fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. His emphasis on the dignity and empowerment of the people, he said, continues to hold relevance and inspire successive generations.
Sukhbir Badal calls for registration of suicide abetment case against Punjab Minister
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 8 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday called for registration of an abetment of suicide case against Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and all others named by suicide victim Gulzar Singh in his dying declaration. The SAD President visited the residence of Gulzar Singh at Tur Banjara village of Sangrur district and assured all help to the aggrieved family. He also asserted the SAD would take this case to its logical conclusion and would not rest till Cheema was arrested and punished for his crime. Talking to the media, Badal said Gulzar Singh's only fault was that he spoke the truth at a Lok Milni addressed by the Minister. Gulzar was devastated at the sale of the 'chitta' drug which had also led to his son becoming addicted to the same. This is why he asked Cheema about the rampant sale of drugs in his village which was not to the Minister's liking. The Minister's accomplices in the village also harassed Gulzar and pressurised him to apologise for speaking the truth. Since Gulzar was not able to stomach this harassment, he ended his life, the SAD Chief added. Asserting that a statement given as part of a dying declaration was sacrosanct, Badal said: Supreme Court guidelines are also clear. A case has to be registered in case of a dying declaration. An FIR should be registered against the Finance Minister and all others named by Gulzar. The police should not try to protect the culprits. He added that it was shocking that people were resorting to such extreme acts like suicide due to the wrong policies of the Aaam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government. The drug menace has crossed all boundaries. Things have come to such a head that home delivery of drugs is taking place in the state. He also asserted that AAP leaders were patronising the drug mafia and protecting them against police action in lieu of monthlies. This is why drug addiction and drug overdose deaths are on the rise, the former Deputy Chief Minister added.
Maharashtra real estate tribunal orders demolition of additional wing in Ambernath housing project
BJP launches J&K outreach, targets NC government over failures
Poonch/Rajouri, Sep 8: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday led a senior BJP delegation on a public outreach programme in Poonch and Rajouri, targeting the National Conference-led government over what the party termed failures in governance and development. The delegation, comprising senior BJP leaders and functionaries, interacted with public delegations and sought feedback on issues related to development, basic services, employment and welfare. Sharma said the outreach marked the beginning of a wider grassroots campaign to highlight the gap between the NCs pre-election promises and its performance in government. The people are asking where is the promised development, where are the jobs and where is the relief in their day-to-day problems? Sharma said. He accused the government of failing to provide responsive and accountable governance and said the BJP would visit districts and constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir to raise public grievances. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve performance, accountability and developmentnot excuses and empty promises, he said. Sharma said the campaign would be expanded across the Union Territory, with senior BJP leaders undertaking visits to different districts to highlight public concerns and hold the government accountable.
A.R. Rahman is bringing together members of a new generation of artists and entertainers to celebrate the musical legacy of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle. Among those associated with the special tribute is actor Janhvi Kapoor, whose participation has added a contemporary presence to the upcoming musical celebration. The Oscar-winning composer recently announced a special tribute song for Asha Bhosle, which he had recorded with the legendary singer before her passing. The song is scheduled to be released on her birth anniversary and will serve as a tribute to her decades-long contribution to Indian music. The special project is expected to bring together several prominent names from the entertainment industry. The celebration will reportedly recreate elements of a star-studded event that A.R. Rahman had envisioned during Asha Bhosles lifetime. The initiative aims to connect the younger generation of performers and audiences with the singers extensive musical legacy. Rahman recently took to X to express his gratitude to those who helped bring the tribute together. He specifically acknowledged Janhvi Kapoor for being part of the project and praised her contribution to the special celebration. A new generation coming together to celebrate a voice that has belonged to every generation. Thank you, @JanhviKapoor, for adding your warmth to this special tribute to Asha Bhosle ji, he said. A new generation coming together to celebrate a voice that has belonged to every generation. Thank you, @JanhviKapoor, for adding your warmth to this special tribute to Asha Bhosle ji. Thank you @BoneyKapoor for making this happen. #AshaForever #ComingSoon A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 7, 2026 Rahman also expressed his gratitude to filmmaker Boney Kapoor for helping facilitate the collaboration. Janhvi Kapoors involvement brings together her association with contemporary Hindi cinema and the legacy of one of Indian musics most celebrated voices. The tribute comes as the industry continues to remember Asha Bhosles influence across generations. Known for her versatility and extensive body of work, the singers contribution spans multiple decades and musical genres. With A.R. Rahman leading the musical tribute and several personalities from the entertainment industry coming together, the project is expected to offer audiences a special celebration of Asha Bhosles enduring legacy. Janhvis participation further underlines the focus on bringing a younger generation into the tribute. Also Read: AR Rahmans Asha Forever song to use AI to recreate his original vision for Asha Bhosle
Jeff Bezos reportedly spent $75 million on a support ship equipped with a helipad so his pilot wife, Lauren Snchez, could fly alongside their $500 million superyacht Koru. But their lavish Miami estate in Indian Creek has strict rules that prohibit private helicopter landing areas, creating an unusual restriction for the billionaire couple.
Jio-bp, DRIVN in pact to explore charging solutions for commercial EV fleet
Jio-bp, the operating brand of Reliance BP Mobility Ltd -- a joint venture of Reliance Industries and bp -- on Tuesday announced it has signed an MoU with electric vehicle (EV) leasing platform DRIVN, to explore opportunities to strengthen charging infrastructure across India for commercial EVs, including trucks and buses. The collaboration brings together DRIVN's commercial EV leasing capabilities and Jio-bp's charging network to address the evolving needs of fleet operators and support the expansion of commercial electric mobility, a statement said. Together, the two companies will explore integrating Jio-bp's charging network with DRIVN's leasing platform, including enhanced charging-location discoverability for fleet drivers. The partnership will also explore preferential tariffs and turnkey EV charging projects across identified cities and highways. Alpna Jain, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, DRIVN, said, As commercial EVs become a larger part of fleet operations, ...
Florida utilized processed FGD scrubber material in twelve road-base projects between 1977 and 1989. This material demonstrated satisfactory performance and durability in stabilized road bases without freeze-thaw issues. Other states like Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio also successfully employed FGD scrubber material in road construction.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone Share Joyful Family Moments as They Prepare for Second Child
Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone share heartwarming family photos as they await the arrival of their second child. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone Share Joyful Family Moments as They Prepare for Second Child
Security review held for Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra
Ganderbal, Sep 8: A detailed security and preparedness review meeting was held on Tuesday in connection with the upcoming Annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra 2026, with senior police officers assessing arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage. The meeting was convened by SDPO Kangan and chaired by SSP Ganderbal, with DySP SOG Ganderbal, SHO Kangan and other concerned officers in attendance. During the meeting, officers undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing security situation along the yatra route and discussed the proposed deployment of security personnel at vulnerable and strategically important locations. The meeting also focused on logistical preparedness, disaster-response mechanisms, communication arrangements and contingency plans to deal with any eventuality during the pilgrimage. The officers assessed the availability of necessary resources and coordinated measures among different agencies to ensure prompt response in case of emergencies. Particular emphasis was laid on strengthening communication and maintaining effective coordination between field personnel and concerned departments. The SSP Ganderbal directed the concerned officers and agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that all arrangements are put in place well in advance. Necessary directions were also issued regarding force deployment, emergency preparedness and other operational requirements.
Ladakh L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena given additional charge of J&K in absence of Manoj Sinha
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Sep 8 (IANS) The Lt Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has been given additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir during the absence of the incumbent Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena was on Tuesday given additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir during the absence, on leave of incumbent Manoj Sinha. Sinha, who took charge as the L-G of Jammu and Kashmir on August 7, 2020, is currently in the US on an official visit, official sources said. The President of India is pleased to appoint Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lt. Governor of Ladakh to discharge the functions of the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, in addition to his own duties, during the absence, on leave, of Shri Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is currently on an official visit to the United States. Manoj Sinha travelled to Chicago, Illinois, for an official visit. He delivered an address at the IIT (BHU) Global Alumni Meet. During his speech, he called India an unstoppable and rising nation. He discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence in modern development. He also spoke about how the removal of Article 370 brought positive change and growth to Jammu and Kashmir. Born on July 1, 1959, in Mohanpura, Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, Manoj Sinha passed Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and a Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU), Varanasi. He began his active public life in 1982 by serving as the president of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Students' Union. He was elected to the Lok Sabha for three terms (1996, 1999, and 2014), representing the Ghazipur constituency in Uttar Pradesh. He served in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government as the Minister of State for Railways (20142019) and later as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Communications (20162019).
Two injured after 15-foot Ganesh idol falls from trolley in Kurla
The Ganesh idol was damaged in the incident which took place while the trolley was crossing a speed breaker near Sheetal Talao in Kurla area, said a police official
Civic polls: Over 1k patta files put on hold in Jaipur as MCC halts waivers
Will make all in Punjab Congress stakeholders in party: Sachin Pilot
Sachin Pilot has officially assumed the role of AICC general secretary for Punjab. He called upon state Congress leaders to act as disciplined and committed stakeholders for the party's future. Pilot highlighted the importance of making every leader feel valued within the Congress party, emphasizing the necessity of mutual respect among colleagues. This comes at a time when the Punjab Congress unit is grappling with internal strife.
Dont just chase jobs, create them for others, Telangana guv tells OU graduates
Raj govt issues new guidelines for school toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission
NGT pulls up Raj forest dept over encroachment notices sans survey
Notices Created Terror In Residents Minds
Proposed mining project raises threat to Ramappa Temple, lake
Punjab enforces no work, no pay rule as employees extend strike till Sept 11
HC scraps elections of Hisar, Jind, Barwala and Narwana bar associations
Ganesh idol topples over speed breaker in Mumbai, 2 suffer minor injuries
BJP, Cong tweak strategy in JMC polls amid shift in voter demography
BJP govt faces test as PHED workers begin indefinite strike amid ULB polls
Khachariyawas targets BJP over law & order, healthcare, IIFA spending
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha slams AAP for incessantly targeting him
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for incessantly targeting him since he quit the party soon after its leaders questioned his status as a voter registered in the state of Punjab in a press conference held on Tuesday. I seem to be haunting Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party. Day and night, all they think about is Raghav Chadha and how to attack him, he said in a statement issued late on Tuesday. Ever since I left the corrupt Aam Aadmi Party, its leadership has been unable to cope with it. They are behaving like a bitter ex who has just been dumped, he stated. Chadha was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab as an AAP member in 2022. In April this year, he joined the BJP with six other AAP MPs, complying with the stipulated requirement under the anti-defection merger laws. Earlier also, AAP leaders had claimed that Chadha lives in Delhi, and not Punjab, and that his name can be deleted as a voter in Punjab if he was not found residing at the declared address. Alleging that Chadha was trying to get his name included as a voter in Delhi through a backdated process, they claimed that he did not have a moral right to be in Parliament, nor occupy government accommodation allotted to him as a Rajya Sabha member. Taking to the social media platform X, Chadha last week claimed the Punjab AAP governments politics of revenge to be behind his name being marked as permanently shifted in his voter record in Mohali. The draft electoral rolls were prepared after the Election Commissions recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state going to polls next year. On Tuesday, calling out AAP over baseless allegations, Chadha alleged his former organisation had opened a full-time department just to target me, claiming his voter registration is now its latest assignment. Their formula is always the same: decide on an allegation first, scramble to find an argument to fit it later, he said. The facts are simple and straightforward. I have followed all applicable ECI guidelines and procedures and availed the prescribed remedies, he claimed, adding, AAP has confused electoral rolls with its party membership register. It wants to cut out everyone who walks away from Kejriwal and his corrupt AAP.
31 stretches repaired, 45 more to go before pujas
PM Modi has launched development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore, highlighting the successful completion of the 2,800-km Dedicated Freight Corridor project. He also discussed reforms under the National Education Policy aimed at enhancing the skills of citizens. During the inauguration of a new BJP office in Navsari, Modi praised the contributions of local people while also taking an indirect swipe at opposition leaders over the spread of misinformation.
Political storm in Punjab over farmers suicide after questioning minister on drugs
Arifa brings a human story of Kashmir to screen
Srinagar, Sep 8: Arifa, directed by Rohin Raveendran Nair and written by Durgesh Singh, explores themes of family, memory and reconciliation against the backdrop of Kashmir. Produced by Gubbara Entertainment, the film follows an estranged daughter who returns to Kashmir to visit her dying father. As buried memories resurface, the reunion gives the two a final opportunity to confront their past and make peace. Arifa is one of three films in the anthology Kashmir Muhabbat Se, which seeks to present a more intimate and human portrayal of Kashmir and its people, looking beyond headlines and stereotypes. The anthology aims to highlight the Valley through personal stories, relationships and everyday experiences, offering a warm and nuanced perspective on its people and culture.
Harsimrat approaches national womens panel over handling of 2 rape cases in Punjab
Punjab govt work hit as employees go on strike till Sept 11
Jamiyat Ulama-e-Hind Delegation Visits Saharanpur to Address Mosque Demolition Concerns
A delegation from Jamiyat Ulama-e-Hind visited Saharanpur to discuss legal and social issues following the demolition of a historic mosque. Jamiyat Ulama-e-Hind Delegation Visits Saharanpur to Address Mosque Demolition Concerns
Blue tees, jeans: Samajwadi student wing gets new look
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced a new dress code of blue T-shirt and jeans for the party's student wing, Chhatra Sabha, along with a two-week student awareness campaign. The move aims to connect with young people in educational institutions, familiarise them with the party's ideology, and promote socialist values. Yadav explained the symbolism of the blue colour, associating it with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, and the 'Bahujan samaj', while jeans represent rebellion and workers. The initiative is part of the party's broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak, and also Prem, Daya, Apnapan) campaign to establish social justice.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan pushes MP's Vidisha towards regional cancer-care hub with new centre
Digital Desk | Vidisha, Sep 8 (IANS) A new cancer day-care facility was inaugurated at the government medical college in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha on Tuesday, marking the first phase of a larger plan to provide advanced cancer treatment closer to patients in the state's smaller cities and surrounding districts. Union Agriculture Minister and Vidisha MP Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who inaugurated the facility along with Minister of State Jitendra Singh, said the initiative would help patients avoid repeated trips to major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi for treatment. Cancer does not affect only the patient; it causes financial and mental distress to the entire family. When patients have to travel to Mumbai or Delhi for treatment, the cost of travel and accommodation itself can run into lakhs of rupees, Chouhan said. The facility at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College has been developed with technical support from Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), with an MoU also signed between the medical college and AIIMS Bhopal. The centre will provide chemotherapy, diagnostics and specialist consultation, while serious cases will be linked to AIIMS Bhopal for further treatment. The initiative is also being expanded into a comprehensive cancer-care programme. Minister of State Jitendra Singh said a radiotherapy facility with a Linear Accelerator is expected to become operational at the medical college within two to three years. He added that two doctors and seven nursing officers from Vidisha had already undergone specialised oncology training at Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Mumbai. Surgeons and other surgical staff will also receive advanced training in oncology procedures. A regional cancer registry and a local data centre are planned to help generate reliable data on the cancer burden in the area and support prevention and treatment strategies. The cancer-care programme began with a gap analysis conducted by a multidisciplinary TMC team in June, followed by a screening and awareness camp. According to the Department of Atomic Energy, 586 cancer patients and 254 suspected cases were identified during the screening programme. The proposed expansion will cover medical and surgical oncology, radiotherapy, pathology, early detection, prevention, cancer registration and palliative care. Getting cancer treatment in Vidisha itself will be a major relief for patients and their families. Our effort is to ensure that people do not have to travel to big cities for every stage of treatment, Chouhan said. Minister of State Jitendra Singh said the Vidisha initiative was part of a wider national effort to take specialised cancer-care facilities beyond major metropolitan centres through the Department of Atomic Energy and TMC. The programme was attended by Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, doctors, medical college officials and representatives of TMC and AIIMS Bhopal.
Prajwal Revanna, prison mate sent to two-day police custody over phone use in jail
BJPs Sudhanshu Trivedi Critiques Congress for Alleged Shift Towards Radicalism
Sudhanshu Trivedi accuses Congress of succumbing to radical influences, calling it a 21st-century Muslim League. BJPs Sudhanshu Trivedi Critiques Congress for Alleged Shift Towards Radicalism
Bijli, Sadak, Pani: UP BJP bets on BSP; orders road repairs & development works
The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up for the upcoming elections by focusing on improvements in electricity, road infrastructure and water supply. With road repair initiatives set to begin after the monsoon in October, officials are also addressing issues in rural areas affected by water pipeline projects. Additionally, the administration is closely tracking the progress of drinking water initiatives to address concerns over anti-incumbency after 10 years in power.
Would rather die than be called a coward, says judge who gave 23 death sentences
Ravi Kumar Diwakar raised concerns over the alleged influence of the mafia and gangsters on the judicial system, especially in western Uttar Pradesh, and said he has received threats from the mafia
Man robbed of Rs 1.5 crore at gunpoint on Netaji Subhash Marg
City calamities: Magisterial probes flag systemic lapses, but action mostly taken against jr staff
CM reviews flood relief, infrastructure restoration
Srinagar, Sep 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed the relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures being undertaken for people affected by this years floods and took stock of the ongoing restoration efforts across Jammu Division. Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures being undertaken across the division. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the relief and rehabilitation measures for families affected by loss of life, injuries and damage to houses and property. He also took stock of the assistance being provided to affected families and the status of cases seeking allotment of State land, particularly for families rendered landless due to natural calamities. The Chief Minister was briefed on the extensive damage caused to roads and bridges across several districts and the progress made in restoring connectivity. The meeting also reviewed the restoration of damaged road stretches being undertaken by various agencies, including R&B, NHAI, NHIDCL and SAMPARK. Omar Abdullah stressed the need for coordinated and time-bound restoration of damaged infrastructure, with priority to be accorded to restoring connectivity to affected and remote areas. He called for close monitoring of restoration works and directed the concerned departments to ensure that temporary arrangements are followed by durable and permanent restoration works wherever required. The meeting also reviewed the damage caused to livestock, cattle sheds and crops, besides taking stock of the availability and utilisation of disaster relief funds across the districts. The Chief Minister directed the administration and concerned departments to remain prepared to respond promptly to any further weather-related eventuality and ensure that relief reaches affected people without delay. He emphasised the need for continued inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring of relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures. The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana and Javid Dar, and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta and other concerned officers also attended the meeting.
Delay in Ayush Dept. submitting seat matrix leaves aspirants jittery
NIA arrests key accused in Punjab National Bank fake currency case
The News Mill
Nepal Earthquake: 5.0 Magnitude Tremors Jolt Nepal Days After Flash Floods
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Nepal late on Tuesday, adding to a run of tremors across the Himalayan region at a time when the country is still dealing with severe flood damage in its northern districts. India's National Center for Seismology
Plan for Joint Survey of Disputed Lands Close to Forests
Farmers say forest officials are making wrong claims on their lands, harassing them
9 undertrials found with phones in M'luru jail
Youth in Karnataka urged to join Viksit Bharat Quiz on MY Bharat
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Delhi BJP leader assures safety of Northeast residents after musician
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Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma advocates triple engine government
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CS Dedicates Rehabilitation Centre for Drug Abuse Victims at IMHANS Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday dedicated to the public a Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Centre for drug abuse victims at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar, marking the operationalisation of the Phase-I pilot of the Jammu and Kashmir governments rehabilitation scheme. The centre has been established under the Rehabilitation & []
Major facelift worth Rs 10cr sanctioned for Puttur temple
Indian mens hockey team departs for Japan to defend its Asian Games gold medal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The Indian Mens Hockey Team departed for Japan on Tuesday evening to defend their continental crown at the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. The hockey competition will be played in Kakamigahara, located approximately 35 km from Nagoya. Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian side will be determined to put behind their disappointing eighth-place finish at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, held last month in the Netherlands and Belgium, and shift focus towards the crucial continental assignment. With the Asian Games gold medal offering direct qualification to the LA 2028 Olympic Games, India will aim to successfully defend the title they won at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. The Indian team showed glimpses of its quality at the World Cup but struggled to maintain consistency at key moments, ultimately paying the price in closely-contested encounters. The team will now look to draw from that experience and deliver a more composed and consistent performance in Japan. India have established themselves as the dominant force in Asian hockey over the past decade, with the team comfortably securing the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asia Cup. The defending champions will be keen to maintain that supremacy and secure another Olympic berth by retaining their gold medal. We dont want to think too far ahead and will focus on one game at a time, said India captain Harmanpreet. There are no easy games because you want to play well consistently throughout the competition and not let up. The aim is to keep improving with every match and hit peak form when it matters the most during the knockout phase. Chief coach Craig Fulton would also want the players to remain focused on execution of plans rather than thinking about the eventual outcome. Four-time champions India have been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The defending champions will open their campaign against Indonesia on September 20 and conclude their pool engagements against Bangladesh on September 28. The knockout phase will see the semifinals played on October 1, while the final is scheduled for October 3. With qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games at stake, the Indian team will aim to maintain its stronghold and return home with a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah meets Mirzapur cast at festival
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