Centre Pushes States to Speed Up LPG-to-PNG Shift
New Delhi, Aug 23: The Centre has asked states and Union Territories to appoint district-level nodal officers to accelerate the shift of households from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where piped gas is available, citing the need for a faster and more coordinated transition. In an August 21 letter to state chief [] The post Centre Pushes States to Speed Up LPG-to-PNG Shift appeared first on Northlines .
PM Modi Urges Youth to Push India
New Delhi, Aug 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called on Indias youth to dream bigger, innovate further and explore new frontiers as he hailed the countrys growing capabilities in space on National Space Day. In a social media post, Modi greeted the nation on the occasion and highlighted the expanding role of young [] The post PM Modi Urges Youth to Push Indias Space Frontiers appeared first on Northlines .
Parliament Session Still Not Prorogued, Fueling Delimitation Bill Buzz
New Delhi, Aug 23: Ten days after both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, the Monsoon Session has not yet been formally prorogued, triggering speculation that the government may seek to pass key legislation without convening a fresh session. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die on August 13, but the [] The post Parliament Session Still Not Prorogued, Fueling Delimitation Bill Buzz appeared first on Northlines .
India to Serve Hafiz Saeed Court Summons in Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack
New Delhi: India is set to send court summons to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed through diplomatic channels in connection with the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack case, sources said, in a move aimed at establishing that the accused was given an opportunity to appear before the court and present his defence. The summons will be [] The post India to Serve Hafiz Saeed Court Summons in Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack appeared first on Northlines .
India Test-Fires First Fully Indigenous AK-203
New Delhi: India has achieved a major milestone in small arms indigenisation with the manufacture and successful test-firing of the first fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named Sher, at the Korwa ordnance facility in Amethi. The rifle has been produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between India and Russia established in [] The post India Test-Fires First Fully Indigenous AK-203 Sher Rifle at Amethi appeared first on Northlines .
Heavy rain, thunderstorms lash parts of J&K; Ramban admin issues safety alert
Ramban , August 23 : Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, prompting district administrations to issue safety advisories. In Ramban district, intense downpours and lightning were reported in different parts of the district. Taking precautionary measures, the Ramban district administration issued an alert, advising residents--especially those living in upper reaches and in close proximity to rivers, streams, and other water bodies--to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the inclement weather. Simultaneously, rain lashed several parts of the neighbouring Udhampur district, bringing down temperatures and causing wet conditions across the region. According to meteorological data, widespread precipitation and overcast conditions have led to a noticeable dip in temperatures across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, accompanied by extremely high humidity levels. Srinagar City recorded a temperature of 16.2 degrees Celsius with 100 per cent rainfall, while Jammu City registered 22.4 degrees Celsius with 98 per cent rainfall. Among other major stations, the tourist resort of Gulmarg recorded the lowest temperature in the region at 10.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded 14.2 degrees Celsius alongside 96 per cent rainfall. In the Jammu division, Katra recorded 20.8 degrees Celsius with 95 percent rains, Banihal witnessed 17.4 degrees Celsius with 93 per cent showers, and Kupwara recorded 17 degrees Celsius under cloudy skies. According to the five-day forecast issued by the IMD, rainfall activity is expected to gradually taper off over the coming days, transitioning to scattered light showers across parts of southern and eastern districts including Ramban, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, and Anantnag. However, the weather department has cautioned about the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching up to 60 km/h at isolated places, alongside the persistent risk of localised flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in vulnerable hilly terrains over the next five days. According to IMD data, across the country, very heavy rainfall was recorded over Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, East Uttar Pradesh, West Uttar Pradesh, and East Madhya Pradesh yesterday. Additionally, heavy rainfall was also reported over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam and Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. Additionally, the weather agency predicted isolated heavy rainfall for Uttarakhand from August 22 to 28. Additionally, fairly widespread rainfall is expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim between August 22-28, over Jharkhand from August 23-28, and over Bihar between August 24-26. (ANI)
Special NIA Court Declines Bail to Insha Jan in Pulwama Attack Case
SRINAGAR: A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu has rejected the bail plea of Insha Jan alias Insha Tariq, an accused in the conspiracy behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel, holding that sufficient material existed on record to presume that the allegations against her were prima facie true. []
National Space Day : LG Manoj Sinha Hails Indias Space Achievements
Srinagar , 23 August : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended greetings to scientists, engineers and the entire space community on the occasion of National Space Day. In a post on X, Sinha lauded the perseverance and brilliance of Indias space professionals, saying their achievements have made the country proud and strengthened the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also highlighted the role of Indias space programme in inspiring the younger generation to explore new frontiers in science and space. Sinha said the countrys progress in space technology should ultimately contribute to the welfare of humanity.
Iran has not compromised on any clause of MoU: President Pezeshkian
Tehran [Iran], August 23 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (local time) said Tehran has not compromised on any clause of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed amid efforts to address the ongoing tensions with the US and Israel, while asserting that Iran seeks a solution through dialogue and logic, Al Jazeera reported. We signed the memorandum of understanding because we believe that we cannot achieve anything through war, Pezeshkian said in a speech to mark Doctors' Day, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iran's IRNA news agency. We are not going to bow our heads and give in to the enemy. We can solve our problems with strength but with logic, he added. Pezeshkian said the MoU was considered the best possible path by all members of Iran's Security Council and rejected claims that Tehran had compromised on any part of the agreement. In the Security Council, all those who had a hand in the fire believed that this was the best memorandum of understanding, and on that basis, we all signed it, he said. There is not a single clause in the memorandum that we have compromised, Pezeshkian added. The Iranian President said the country needed to make decisions to move away from a situation of neither war nor peace, while calling for internal unity and cohesion. Pezeshkian also said that Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had accepted that we must take this path to escape this situation, according to Al Jazeera. His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over US economic pressure measures against Iran and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States fulfilled its commitments and changed its behaviour. The Strait of Hormuz is closed, despite American claims, and will not open until America corrects its behaviour, Rezaei said. Rezaei also accused US President Donald Trump of creating uclear insecurity instead of strengthening global nuclear security, claiming that Washington's actions against Tehran had increased interest among countries in acquiring nuclear weapons. Instead of nuclear security, Trump has created nuclear insecurity, Rezaei said in an interview with IRIB. In another warning, Rezaei urged neighbouring countries not to join the US economic campaign against Tehran, saying Iran would consider such countries enemies if they participated. We are telling all surrounding countries not to participate in the economic war with America, otherwise we will consider it an enemy, Rezaei said. He further warned that Iran could target oil routes if regional countries supported Washington's economic pressure measures. If the countries surrounding Iran join the Americans in the economic war, not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and we will also target other routes through which oil is exported from the Persian Gulf, Rezaei said. The remarks followed US President Donald Trump's announcement of what he described as an Economic D-Day campaign against Iran, calling it the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country and urging US allies to join Washington in isolating Tehran. Trump said the measures would target Iran's economic lifelines, including oil smuggling networks, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies. Iranian officials have rejected the US pressure campaign, arguing that previous sanctions failed to alter Tehran's policies and would instead strengthen resistance. (ANI)
J&K govt colleges see 16% rise in UG admissions for 2026-27
Srinagar, Aug 22: Government Degree Colleges across Jammu & Kashmirhaverecorded a sharp rise in undergraduate admissions for the 2026-27 academic session, with 47,150 students admitted during Phase-I. According to Directorate of Colleges, HED, J&K, the admissions are around 16 per cent higher than the nearly 40,800 students admitted during the corresponding phase last year. Of the total admissions, 35,040 were made through direct allocation, while 12,110 students secured seats through the walk-in process. The Directorate of Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K, said the admission process was conducted through the Centralised Admission Portal, jkadmissions.in, based on 10+2 merit. The portal provided a Union Territory-wide merit list and allowed students to upgrade their allotted seats through successive rounds. It also enabled eligible candidates to compete for programmes of their choice across J&K. Director Colleges, HED, J&K, Dr Sheikh Ajaz Bashir said merit remained the foundation of the admission process at every stage, including college allocation and allotment of Major, Minor, Multidisciplinary and Skill Enhancement Courses. He said 106 Government Degree Colleges recorded an increase in enrollment compared to the previous academic session, while most other colleges maintained their previous enrollment levels. The Directorate described the rise as significant against the broader trend of declining enrollment across several areas of higher education in the country. It said the admission process was completed within the scheduled timeline, with college principals, admission coordinators and verification teams playing a key role in its implementation. The Directorate also attributed the increased interest among students to positive feedback about teaching standards and academic opportunities available in Government Degree Colleges. Phase-II admissions will be opened against vacant seats after the results of the biannual and supplementary higher secondary examinations are declared. The schedule for Phase-II will be notified separately. Candidates eligible for the second phase have been advised to follow the Centralised Admission Portal for updates.
Amarnath Yatra enters final phase
Anantnag, Aug 22: The sacred Chhari Mubarak, the holy silver mace of Lord Shiva, reached the Shiv Temple in Bijbehara onSaturday withMahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of Chhari Mubarak,leadingthe contingent of Sadhus. The holy mace was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, SSP Anantnag and local residents of Bijbehara, who gathered at the temple to receive the religious procession. Speaking to reporters, Mahant Giri said that the procession was being taken forward on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Shukla Paksha Dashami for the main yatra. He said the contingent was proceeding from Mahadev Bramhlin Mahadev Giri for the main pilgrimage, carrying the sacred representations of Shiva and Shakti, as part of the traditional rituals associated with the annual pilgrimage. The Chhari Mubarak, which holds immense religious significance, is traditionally carried along the pilgrimage route amid prayers and religiousceremonies and marksthe concluding phase of the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra. The Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 will conclude on Raksha Bandhan,with thefinal religious ceremonies marking the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Baba Amarnath. This year, the pilgrimage has witnessed a massive response, with more than 4.80 lakh pilgrims having paid obeisance at Baba Barfani.
Confidence in our girls augurs well for J&Ks future: CM Omar
Srinagar, Aug 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that educational institutions are not merely producing educated girls but are nurturing confident young women, whose confidence provides a strong assurance that the future of Jammu and Kashmir is secure. The Chief Minister was addressing the Annual Day function, titled Clock Tower Cosmos, organised by Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Rajbagh, Srinagar. The school is also commemorating 250 years of the Presentation Congregation and its own 90-year legacy in Kashmir. Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Provincial Leader-North India Sister Gleetus Rani, Principal Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School Mary Jarsi, faculty members, parents, students and other dignitaries attended the function. Reflecting on the role of the institution in shaping generations of students, the Chief Minister said, We are not just producing educated girls. We are producing confident girls. And this confidence gives me the confidence that the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be secure. Recalling his association with the institution, the Chief Minister said he had started his schooling here as a kindergarten student nearly five decades ago, when the school was a co-education school. He remarked that this often comes as a surprise to many, as Presentation Convent in Kashmir has long been perceived as an institution that has been exclusively for girls. Expressing happiness at returning to his alma mater, Omar Abdullah said it was particularly heartening to witness the confidence, talent and composure of the students today. Fifty years ago, I was a student of this great institution, he recalled. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the rich history of the Presentation Congregation and the institution, saying that the ideals with which the congregation was founded 250 years ago and the ethos that led to the establishment of Presentation Convent School in Srinagar continue to remain alive. He said the school had transformed over nine decades from being merely a school into a distinguished institution, with its reputation reflected in the demand for admission. Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School is one of those institutions where people seek recommendations for admission. That is a testament to the success that Presentation Convent School has been able to attain in its 90 years of history here, he said. Recalling his school days, the Chief Minister fondly remembered the school grounds where students assembled and marched to music, besides recalling the teachers and Sisters who had led the institution over the years. He said Presentation Convent has contributed significantly to society by producing civil servants, doctors, police officers, engineers, business leaders, sportspersons and lawmakers. The Chief Minister stressed that education must go beyond academic achievement and should encourage young people to think independently and speak up. We have to teach our children not just to follow, not just to obey, but to question, to ask, to demand, he said. Referring to the cultural performances presented by the students, Omar Abdullah said one of the most powerful messages of the evening came through a musical skit that questioned whether society was truly equitable and fair to its daughters. The skit highlighted several serious social issues concerning women and girls, including child marriage, acid attacks, female foeticide, domestic violence, and gender based violence. The Chief Minister particularly appreciated the message conveyed by the students that responsibility for violence and discrimination against women cannot be placed on the victims. It is not the girl who is responsible for what happens. It is us who have not been able to teach our sons how to be better human beings, he recalled, describing the message as an eye-opening one for society. He said the confidence, talent and composure displayed by the students were particularly encouraging. The talent that we saw here, the confidence, but also the ability to not get shaken, gives me immense confidence, he said. The Chief Minister emphasised that parents and society as a whole have a responsibility to ensure that girls grow up in a safe and equitable environment. I believe our girls are safe here. And I believe with such confident students of this school, the future of Jammu and Kashmir is safe with girls of this calibre, he said. Earlier, students presented a series of cultural performances showcasing the history and 90-year journey of Presentation Convent in Kashmir, as well as the legacy of its founder Nano Nagle and the Presentation Congregation. The performances combined music, dance, drama and storytelling to highlight the institutions enduring contribution to education and society. The Chief Minister congratulated the principal, faculty, students, parents and the entire Presentation Convent community for organising the Annual Day function and commemorating the institutions remarkable journey. I wish the Presentation Congregation all the very best for the next 250 years. And I wish Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School all the very best for the next not just 90 years but many more after that, he said. He concluded by extending his best wishes to the school and its students for their continued success and contribution to Jammu and Kashmir.
IIM Jammus 10th Anniversary : Real exams take place in boardrooms, markets: LG
Jammu, Aug 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the real examinations take place in corporate boardrooms, markets and in life itself, where the data is often incomplete, stakeholders have differing opinions and there is no teacher to provide readymade answers. The LG joined the Board of Governors, faculty, students, alumni and dignitaries to celebrate 10 years of IIM Jammu. In his address, he said, IIM Jammu should define its own bold and distinctive ideas and turn the boardrooms of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh into living case studies, to root research in border economies and frontier development and to ensure every graduate builds something real before they leave campus. Reflecting on IIM Jammu's remarkable journey, Sinha said that from a modest beginning to its current standing as one of India's fastest-emerging business schools, the institute has scripted a new history while setting out an ambitious roadmap for the decade ahead. Recalling that IIM Jammu started a decade ago with just 56 students on a temporary campus on Canal Road, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the institute has since grown into a nationally recognised and internationally engaged centre for management education. He observed that IIM Jammu is now the fifth IIM in the country to hold both AMBA and EFMD accreditation, and it has built academic partnerships with institutions across France, Morocco, South Korea, Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Poland, Sweden, Taiwan and, most recently, Brazil. The research output at the institute has also expanded sharply, growing from just two published papers in 2017 to close to 350 this year. He commended the hard work and a decade of consistent effort under the leadership of Director Professor B.S. Sahay, the faculty and the Board of Governors, describing the institute's trajectory as a model that other business schools are beginning to look to for inspiration. I have seen details of one achievement after another, along with several distinctive initiatives that have become an inspiring example, a role model, for other business schools. I am certain that, in the future, people will remember these achievements as a standard and an ideal, and will seek to emulate them, he said. The LG invoked the founding stories of three of the world's most respected business schools - Harvard, built on the discipline of case-based learning; Stanford, built on connecting the classroom to real-world enterprise through Silicon Valley; and Wharton, built on mastering the complexities of global capital markets. Each, the Lieutenant Governor observed, succeeded not by trying to be everything, but by committing to one distinctive idea and pursuing it with patience over generations. He said that IIM Jammu now stands at a similar starting point and the decisions it makes over the coming years will shape its identity for decades to come. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised four priorities for the IIM Jammu. First, a distinctive academic identity should be the priority. Rather than relying primarily on case studies drawn from Western business schools, IIM Jammu should build its own tradition of case writing rooted in the realities of Indian enterprise, including the logistical and entrepreneurial challenges unique to Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. Second, experiential learning should be a focus. Education must move beyond the lecture hall. Every student should undertake a real, tangible project before graduation, whether through the institute's Entrepreneurship Centre, a policy challenge, or direct engagement with local businesses supported by its Centre for Small Business Development. Third, research with a sharp edge should be the focus. Building on the institute's rapid growth in research output, a deeper focus should be on questions specific to border economies, sustainable development and frontier entrepreneurship, areas where IIM Jammu is uniquely positioned to lead. Fourth, placements should be seen as a nation-building exercise. I hope within a decade, IIM Jammu graduates would be recognised for reshaping major companies and founding leading enterprises. Each graduate should be seen as a contributor to India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the Lieutenant Governor said. IIM Jammu's growth must now be converted into new discoveries. IIM Jammu must ask itself what can be done in the fields of administration, sustainable development and entrepreneurship in the economies of border areas. I believe that great institutions are great because, when the nation faces difficult questions, it looks to them for answers. If IIM Jammu continues to move forward with complete confidence over the next ten years, I am certain that its name will be spoken across the world with immense pride and respect, Sinha said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released seven coffee-table books of IIM Jammu. Padma Shri Dr. Milind Pralhad Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG), IIM Jammu; Sriram Dandekar, Former Chairman, BoG, IIM; Anand Kripalu, Member, BoG, IIM Jammu; Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director IIM Jammu; S. Shivakumar, Operating Partner, Advent International; Vice Chancellors of various Universities; Head of Departments, Faculty and students of IIM Jammu; prominent citizens and senior officials of Police and Civil Administration were present.
Additional burden on traders, businesses: KTA
Srinagar, Aug 22: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has strongly opposed the latest electricity tariff hike approved by the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), terming it an additional burden on consumers, traders and businesses at a time when the economy of Jammu and Kashmir is already passing through a difficult phase. KTA president Aijaz Shahdhar, in a statement issued here, said the tariff increase could further weaken economic activity and hurt businessesthat arealready struggling with rising operational costs, subdued demand and declining purchasing power. He said that instead of providing an impetus to the economy and extending support to the business community, the government was creating additional difficulties for people and enterprises. The economy of Jammu and Kashmir is already facing a downslump. At such a time, the priority of the government should be to provide an impetus to economic activity, support businesses and reduce the burden on people. Instead, increasing electricity tariffs will raise the cost of doing business and put further pressure on an economy that is already struggling, Shahdhar said. He said the tariff hike was particularly difficult to justify when consumers continued to face power curtailments and unreliable supply in several areas. People were promised relief in electricity bills, including 200 units of free electricity, but instead they are now being asked to pay more. This is a contradictory approach. Consumers cannot be expected to continuously bear higher costs while the quality and reliability of supply remain a concern, he said. KTApresident said traders, manufacturers, hotels, restaurants, workshops and other commercial establishments would be directly affected by the increase,withhigher electricity billsaddingto their already substantial operating expenses. Every increase in the cost of electricity has a cascading effect. Businesses will either have to absorb the additional cost, which will affect their viability, or pass it on to consumers through higher prices. Neither option is good for an economy that needs growth and recovery, he said. The KTA urged the government to reconsider the tariff hike and take up the matter with JERC in the larger public interest. It also called for urgent measures to strengthen the power sector by reducing transmission and distribution losses, improving revenue collection and ensuring reliable electricity supply. The government should be reducing the cost of doing business and creating an environment where trade and industry can expand. Burdening consumers and businesses with higher power tariffs at this juncture will only make economic recovery more difficult, Shahdhar said. The KTA said it would continue to oppose measures that impose an additional financial burden on the people and business community of Jammu and Kashmir.
Subsidised tariff rates notified for FY 202627
Srinagar, Aug 22: The approved subsidised electricity tariff rates for the financial year 202627 have been notified for different categories of consumers, including domestic, commercial, agricultural, industrial, government, electric vehicle charging stations, and traction supply. According to the latest details, the tariff schedule specifies separate energy, fixed, and demand charges, wherever applicable. Domestic consumers For Below Poverty Line (BPL) consumers with consumption up to 30 units per month, the energy charge has been fixed atRs1.40 per kWh, along with a fixed charge ofRs5 per kW per month. For metered domestic connections, the tariff has been fixed atRs2.45 per kWh for consumption up to 200 units,Rs4.20 per kWh for 201400 units, andRs4.60 per kWh for consumption above 400 units. The fixed charge isRs10 per kW per month. For unmetered domestic connections up to 2 kW, the charge isRs284 per month for everykW, while connections above 2 kW will be chargedRs2,272 for 2 kW plusRs568 for every additionalkW or part thereof. Commercial consumers For metered non-domestic connections, single-phase consumers up to 200 units per month will be chargedRs3.75 per kWh, while consumption above 200 units will attractRs5.70 per kWh. Three-phase connections will be chargedRs6.15 per kVAh. The fixed charge has been fixed atRs75 per kW per month for single-phase andRs140 per kVA per month for three-phase connections. Agricultural consumers For metered agricultural connections up to 20 HP, the energy charge isRs1.05 per kWh, while connections above 20 HP will be chargedRs6.30 per kWh. Fixed charges have been fixed atRs23 per HP per month up to 20 HP andRs47 per HP above 20 HP. For unmetered agricultural connections, the charge isRs375 per HP per month up to 20 HP andRs2,048 per HP per month above 20 HP. Industrial consumers For LT industrial supply, the energy charge has been fixed atRs4.60 per kVAh with a fixed charge ofRs63 per kVA per month. For HT industrial supply at 11 kV, the energy charge isRs4.50 per kVAh, and the demand charge isRs184 per kVA per month. For HT PIU connections, the energy charge isRs5.30 per kVAh at 11 kV andRs5.25 per kVAh at 33 kV, with a demand charge ofRs236 per kVA per month. Government and bulk supply For general-purpose bulk supply at 11 kV, the energy charge has been fixed atRs5.90 per kVAh with a demand charge ofRs250 per kVA per month. Government departments, public street lighting, and LT/HT public water works have also been included in the tariff schedule. LT supply will attract an energy charge ofRs8.30 per kVAh and a fixed charge ofRs42 per kVA per month, while HT supply will have a fixed charge ofRs110 per kVA per month. Public street lighting under unmetered connections will be chargedRs5,005 per kW per month. EV charging stations and traction supply Electric vehicle charging stations will attract an LT supply energy charge ofRs7.00 per kVAh. For traction supply at 11 kV, the energy charge has been fixed atRs5.70 per kVAh, with a demand charge ofRs315 per kVA per month. The notified tariff schedule will remain applicable for FY 202627 and covers different categories of electricity consumers with separate energy
Excessive Force Cannot Be Used against civilians, says AFT in Poonch Custodial-Death Case
SRINAGAR : The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has upheld the severe displeasure censure imposed on a former Rashtriya Rifles sector commander over the December 2023 custodial deaths of three civilians in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district, observing that security forces cannot resort to excessive force even during intense counter-insurgency operations. Dismissing the plea of Brigadier []
DAC reviews My Bharat registrations in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Aug 22: A District Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting to review registrations on the My Bharat Portal was held on Saturday at DC Office, Ganderbal, under the chairmanship of the District Development Commissioner (DDC), Ganderbal. The meeting was attended by the District Youth Officer (DYO), My Bharat Ganderbal, along with concerned Nodal Officers (BDOs) and other officials. During the meeting, the progress of My Bharat registrations across Ganderbal district was reviewed in detail. The concerned officers were directed to intensify efforts and ensure the registration of all eligible Job Card holders in the age group of 1829 years on the My Bharat Portal within the stipulated two-day timeframe. The DDC emphasized the importance of achieving maximum registration of eligible youth and directed all concerned Nodal Officers to accord top priority to the registration drive. The officers were further advised to work in close coordination with field-level functionaries to ensure effective and timely implementation. The meeting also stressed the need for regular monitoring and timely reporting of registration progress. It was reiterated that the matter is being monitored at the higher level and that any lapse or non-compliance with the directions will be viewed seriously. The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned departments and officers to make concerted efforts towards achieving the registration targets and ensuring wider participation of youth from Ganderbal district in the My Bharat initiative.
FDA J&K conducts special enforcement drive
Srinagar, Aug 22: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K conducted a special enforcement drive across the Union Territory to check the quality and safety of milk and milk products and ensure compliance with the prescribed food safety standards. During the drive, 198 inspections were conducted and 178 samples of milk and milk products were collected from different districts for testing of prescribed quality and safety parameters. The inspections also covered establishments dealing with milk and milk products, including checks of hygiene and sanitary conditions, handling practices, storage conditions and compliance with food safety requirements. The samples collected during the drive have been forwarded to the designated Food Testing Laboratories for analysis. The analytical results will be examined and further regulatory action, wherever required, shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Food & Drugs Administration, J&K will continue inspection, sampling and surveillance of milk and milk products across the Union Territory to monitor compliance with prescribed food safety standards and ensure that safe and quality milk is made available to consumers. Consumers have been requested to report suspected cases of unsafe or adulterated food through the Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.
HUDD J&K warns against use of electric shock devices for street dogs
Srinagar, Aug 22: The Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD), J&K, has taken serious note of the advertisement and sale of an electrically operated shock device being marketed as a Dog Stick and promoted for safety from dogs and wild animals in streets. The device is being advertised by M/s Gambs Enterprises, Old Bus Stand, Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. The Department has cautioned that electric shock guns, stun devices, electric prods or similar devices shall not be used for stray animals as it violates Sections 3 and 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which impose a duty to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and prohibit treating an animal so as to subject it to unnecessary pain or suffering. The Department has also drawn attention to the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016. Under Section 5 of the Arms Act, sale, transfer, exposure or offer for sale, or possession for sale of firearms or other prescribed classes of arms requires the requisite licence. Contravention of Section 5 may attract Section 25(1)(a) of the Act. The Arms Rules, 2016 specifically regulate Electronic Disabling Devices (EDDs). Depending upon their statutory classification and specifications, such devices may fall within the restricted or permissible arms categories, and Rule 89(3) provides that EDDs shall be sold only through authorised arms and ammunition dealers holding the requisite licence. The Department has accordingly taken cognisance of the advertisement by M/s Gambs Enterprises and is examining the matter with the competent authorities to ascertain the legal classification of the device, the authority/licence under which it is being sold and its intended use. All dog catchers, ABC agencies, contractors, Animal Welfare Organisations, municipal bodies and members of the public are also advised not to procure or use electric shock devices for catching, restraining or handling street dogs. HUDD J&K reiterates its commitment to humane, scientific and lawful management of the street-dog population and adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards cruel methods used against animals.
Quality, customer service our top priority: Rahul Bansal
Srinagar: Rahul Bansal, Managing Director of Kashmir Ispat, and business leader Amogh Bansal underlined the importance of quality, technological advancement and customer service as Shakti Thermex hosted its Dealer Meet 2026 in Srinagar, bringing together dealers and distributors from across Kashmir. The event was organised to appreciate the companys dealer network, showcase its latest manufacturing capabilities and brief business partners about the companys new technological initiatives and future plans. Addressing the gathering, Rahul Bansal said the companys long journey in the steel sector had been built around quality, innovation and its ability to adapt to changing technology and market requirements. He said the companys continued investment in modern machinery was aimed at strengthening its manufacturing capabilities while ensuring that dealers and customers received products meeting high quality standards. Rahul Bansal also stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with dealers and distributors, saying they were an integral part of the companys growth and market reach. He said the introduction of Shakti Thermex represented a new phase for the company while retaining the legacy and trust associated with the Shakti brand. He emphasised that technological advancement would remain an important part of the companys future strategy, with continuous improvement necessary to meet the changing expectations of the steel market. Bansal said the company would continue working towards improving production efficiency, maintaining product quality and strengthening its service network so that dealers could serve customers more effectively. He also highlighted the importance of faster supply and efficient order processing, saying timely delivery was essential for maintaining confidence among dealers, retailers and end consumers. Speaking on the occasion, business leader Amogh Bansal said the dealer meet was primarily aimed at appreciating the contribution of dealers who have played an important role in the companys growth and market expansion. He said the companys journey began in 1971, when Late Shri Dewan Chand Bansal laid the foundation of the steel plant, marking the beginning of a legacy that has continued for more than five decades. He said the vision of Late Shri Dewan Chand Bansal was rooted in quality, integrity, commitment and continuous improvement, values that have been carried forward by successive generations of the family. Our journey began in 1971 with Late Shri Dewan Chand Bansal, who laid the foundation of the steel plant. The values he establishedquality, commitment and continuous improvementcontinue to guide us even today. Our responsibility is to carry that legacy forward while embracing the technology of tomorrow, Bansal said. He said the company has been associated with steel manufacturing for more than five decades and has consistently focused on upgrading its technology and manufacturing capabilities. Technology keeps changing, and we have never hesitated to invest in new technology or move forward, Amogh Bansal said, adding that the companys philosophy was to keep improving its products and manufacturing processes with time. According to him, the company has invested in advanced machinery imported from Germany to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and bring production standards in line with international requirements. He said the investment reflected the companys effort to remain ahead of technological changes and provide customers with better-quality products. Amogh Bansal also highlighted the transition of the companys legacy Shakti brand into Shakti Thermex, saying the dealer meet was also aimed at creating awareness about the new identity and the technology supporting the brand. He said the company had already started research into the next generation of technology and would continue to invest in new developments. Our research has already started on what the next technology will be. Just as we brought the latest technology to North India, our aim is to bring future technologies at the earliest, he said. Describing Kashmir as an important and knowledgeable market, Amogh Bansal said dealers and customers in the region were well aware of steel quality and understood the difference between genuine quality products and inferior material. He said the companys approach was not limited to increasing profits but was focused first on improving product quality and customer experience. Our first thought is how we can improve our quality and enhance our customer service, he said. The dealer meet also provided an opportunity for distributors and dealers from different parts of Kashmir to share their experiences with Shakti Thermex. Dealers from Pulwama, Budgam and other areas highlighted the companys product quality, customer service and quick order processing. One of the dealers from Pulwama said the companys adoption of advanced technology had given the brand a new identity while maintaining the quality associated with its long-standing presence in the market. He particularly appreciated the companys loading and dispatch system, saying vehicles were processed quickly, enabling dealers to maintain regular supplies. Another dealer, who said he had been associated with the company for nearly two decades, described its product quality, delivery system and business dealings as major strengths. He said timely deliveries had helped build confidence among retailers and customers and contributed to the companys growing market presence. A dealer from the Budgam area also highlighted the companys response to repeat orders, saying customers who purchased Shakti Thermex products often returned with fresh requirements. He said orders could be processed and vehicles dispatched within a short period, helping ensure that products reached customers without unnecessary delays. The dealer meet concluded with an emphasis on technology, quality, customer service and stronger dealer relationships.
Woodlands House School showcases talent at Science & Art Exhibition
Srinagar, Aug 22: Woodlands House School hosted a vibrant Science & Art Exhibition as part of its 60th Anniversary Celebrations, showcasing the creativity, curiosity, and talent of its students. The exhibition featured innovative science models, colourful paintings, drawings, and creative artworks. Students enthusiastically presented their projects, reflecting their imagination and dedication. The event was graced by Dr Sameer Kaul, renowned oncologist, Riki Singh, Chairman WHS, Farid Singh, & Viraj Singh, Directors WHS whose presence encouraged and inspired the young participants. The exhibition was a fitting celebration of student achievement and six decades of Woodlands House Schools legacy of excellence.
Dir Agri Kashmir visits S.M Farm Tapper Kreeri
Srinagar, Aug 22: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah on Saturday visited Seed Multiplication Farm Tapper Kreeri and took stock of various agriculture activities there. The Director inspected different blocks, hi-tech poly houses at the farm and reviewed various innovative interventions and technologies adopted at the farm. Speaking on the occasion, the director expressed satisfaction over the transformation of the farm and appreciated the concerned officers for their role in the successful implementation of different modern technologies. The director said that the department is committed to transform all the seed multiplication farms of Kashmir into model farms so as to achieve the seed production at optimum levels. He said Tapper form is one of the most productive vegetable farms in the UT of J&K. He asked the concerned officers to strategize the cultivation operations in an environment friendly manner with minimum stress on natural resources. Director Agriculture was accompanied by Chief Agriculture Officer Baramulla and Seed Production Officer Srinagar.
DC Sgr lays foundation stone for Addl. Accommodation Block at Zila Sainik Bhawan
Srinagar, Aug 22: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who is also the President, Zila Sainik Welfare Board on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the construction of an Additional Accommodation Block at Zila Sainik Bhawan in presence of Director Sainik Welfare Department, J&K, Brigadier Pankaj Chib, SM, VSM. The proposed block is aimed at strengthening the existing infrastructure of Zila Sainik Bhawan and providing additional accommodation and welfare facilities for ex-servicemen, war widows, serving personnel and their families from across the districts of the Kashmir Division. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the commitment of District Administration Srinagar towards the welfare and safe and comfortable accommodation for ex-servicemen and their dependents. He emphasized the need to ensure accessible and adequate support to members of the armed forces community through dedicated welfare infrastructure. The DC said that the additional accommodation block will enhance the accommodation capacity of Zila Sainik Bhawan and facilitate better delivery of various welfare services to eligible beneficiaries, particularly wards of ex-servicemen and martyrs who temporarily stay in Srinagar for educational purposes. He further stressed the need to incorporate a Skill Development Training Centre in the proposed block to impart skill-based training to wards of ex-servicemen and martyrs, besides local students, thereby enhancing their employability and self-reliance. On the occasion, the DC appreciated the efforts of the concerned Officers, including the Chief Planning Officer Srinagar, Superintending Engineer R&B, Executive Engineer R&B and the Zila Sainik Welfare Board, for their dedicated efforts in accelerating and completing various projects at Zila Sainik Bhawan, including the parking shed and solarisation. The DC also mentioned that 100 beded hostel for wards of ex-servicemen and martyrs has already been completed at Peerbagh and urged the Zila Sainik Welfare Board to take necessary steps for its early operationalisation so that the intended beneficiaries can avail benefit of the facility. Additional Deputy Commissioner Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, IAS Probationer Aakash Garg, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Superintending Engineer, R&B North, Shabir Ahmad, Executive Engineer R&B Karan Nagar Division, Abdul Qayoom, District Social Welfare Officer, Mohammad Yousuf, Tehsildar South, Sajad Rasool Shah and senior official of Zila Sainik Bhawan including Abdul Rasid War were present on the occasion. A number of ex-servicemen, war widows, veterans and family members from various districts of the Kashmir Division also attended the event.
Tariff shocker: J&K power bills to rise 6.83% from Sep 1
Srinagar, Aug 22: Jammu and Kashmir electricity consumers are set to face higher power billsfromSeptember 1, 2026,withthe Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC)approvinga 6.83 per centhike in tariffsacrossconsumer categories. The increase comesat a time when households are already grapplingwith rising living costs, adding to the financial burden on consumers across the Union Territory. The decision comes despite repeatedassurances from the governmentthat consumers would not face a general tariff hike. Chief Minister Omar Abdullahhad in January statedthat there would be no general increase in electricity tariffs during 202526. The latest JERC order, accessed by Rising Kashmir, however, provides for revised tariffs for consumers of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), effective from 1 September 2026 through 31 March 2027. The Commission approved a net Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) ofRs10,275.72 crore for the two distribution companies. At the existing tariff, their estimated revenue wasRs7,352.87 crore, leaving a gap ofRs2,922.85 crore. With the revised tariff, revenue is projected to rise toRs7,854.94 crore, while the remainingRs2,420.78 crore will be met through subsidy and grant-in-aid support from the J&K Government. The Commission, as per the order,hasreviewed the tariff proposal submitted by JPDCL and KPDCL,where a 5 per cent tariff increase across categories was submitted.The Commission reviewed the letter issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Power Development Department (Letter No. PDD-ACC/11/2026-05 dated 08.05.2026) regarding the reduction of existing consumer categories and sub-categories in terms of RDSSnorms and tariff hike for the proposed categories and sub-categories at 5 per cent across the board. The Commission reviewed the submission made by the Petitioners and approved the revision in existing consumer categories and sub-categories appropriately, asper details provided in the detailedorder. The Commissionhasfactored in the financial support ofRs2,420.78 crore committed by the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as tariff-related subsidy support under Section 65 of the Electricity Act, 2003, subject to payment or release of subsidy in accordance with law. The Commission observes that if the entire unmet revenue gap at existing tariff is met through tariff increase alone, without considering grant-in-aid or subsidy support, the tariff increase would be around 40 per cent, which would result in tariff shock to consumers in the UT of J&K. Accordingly, theCommission hasapproved a moderate tariffincrease and has consideredthe Government subsidy or grant-in-aid support to meet the balance unmet revenue gap for FY 202627. The approved average tariff increase in FY 202627 over FY 202526 is 6.83 per cent. For metered domestic consumers, the revised energy charge will beRs2.45 per unit for consumption up to 200 units,Rs4.20 for 201400 units, andRs4.60 per unit beyond 400 units. The order also rationalises consumer categories and sub-categories in line with Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) norms and provides for Time-of-Day tariff provisions for eligible consumers.
LG Sinha briefs PM Modi on J&Ks 100-day anti-drug drive
New Delhi, Aug 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and presented him with a specially curated coffee table book documenting the journey and collective efforts of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan 100 Days Campaign. The book, designed, curated and published by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) J&K, captures the spirit and impact of the 100-day campaign aimed at building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign, launched earlier this year, combines enforcement measures, awareness drives and community mobilisation to address rising drug addiction across the Union Territory. During the presentation, the Lieutenant Governor briefed the Prime Minister about the various initiatives undertaken during the campaign, including rallies, counselling sessions, on-the-ground checks and testing drives across all districts, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth groups, civil society members and officials. The coffee table book, a visual chronicle of the campaign, showcases the unwavering commitment of the administration, security forces, civil society and the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their collective resolve to combat the menace of substance abuse and build a healthier, drug-free future for the region.
Struggle Today, Success Tomorrow
(The Author is a Former Tutor, Department of Health Services, Jammu & Kashmir)
From Shelves to Screens: How Digitisation is Transforming Libraries in Jammu & Kashmir
There was a time when a library was imagined as a quiet hall lined with shelves, where knowledge waited patiently between the covers of books. Today, that image is changing. Across Jammu & Kashmir, libraries are gradually evolving into dynamic centres of digital learning, research and knowledge discovery. The transformation is not about replacing books with computers. Rather, it is about extending the reach of the library beyond its physical walls and connecting readers with a much larger world of knowledge. Digitisation has brought a remarkable change to the way students, teachers, researchers and professionals discover and use information. A student no longer has to wait for a particular book or journal issue to arrive on a library shelf. With authenticated digital access, scholarly articles, e-books, databases, clinical resources and multimedia learning materials can be accessed within moments. This transformation is particularly significant for the academic and medical institutions of Jammu & Kashmir. Medical education is advancing rapidly, and access to current and authoritative information has become indispensable. Digital resources allow students and medical professionals to consult the latest literature, clinical evidence, textbooks and research from leading publishers around the world. One of the most significant developments in this direction is One Nation One Subscription (ONOS). The initiative represents a major step towards creating a more inclusive knowledge ecosystem in the country. Through a nationally coordinated subscription model, eligible government higher educational institutions and research institutions can access a vast collection of international scholarly literature. The ONOS platform currently provides access to more than 13,000 full-text journals from major international publishers, with access through institutional networks and authorised off-campus mechanisms. For libraries in Jammu & Kashmir, initiatives such as ONOS have the potential to significantly strengthen the research environment. A researcher sitting in a library in Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, kulgam , Baramulla or any other part of the region can increasingly connect with the same global body of scholarly knowledge that supports research institutions across the country. This is perhaps the most powerful aspect of digital libraries: geography becomes less of a barrier to knowledge. The transformation is equally visible in medical libraries. Resources such as AccessMedicine have added another important dimension to medical learning. The platform brings together authoritative medical textbooks, clinical resources, multimedia content, case studies, review questions and other learning tools in a single digital environment. Through such resources, medical students can move beyond conventional textbook-based learning and engage with constantly evolving medical knowledge. For a medical student preparing for an examination, a resident looking for a clinical reference, a faculty member preparing a lecture or a researcher searching for evidence, the modern library can now become an information gateway available at the click of a button. But digitisation has transformed more than collections. It has transformed the role of the librarian. The librarian of the digital age is no longer simply a custodian of books. The librarian is increasingly an information navigator, digital resource facilitator, research-support professional and educator. Helping users discover credible information, teaching them how to search scholarly databases, guiding them towards authentic sources and promoting responsible use of digital information are becoming important dimensions of modern librarianship. This change is particularly meaningful in an era of information abundance. The challenge today is not merely finding information; it is finding reliable, relevant and authoritative information. Digital library systems have also made several routine library services more efficient. Computerised cataloguing, barcode-based circulation, automated stock management, digital databases, electronic journals and online discovery tools have reduced dependence on manual processes and improved the ability of libraries to manage growing collections. The modern library is therefore becoming a blend of the traditional and the technological. The printed book continues to hold its place, while the digital resource expands the boundaries of the collection. A beautifully bound medical textbook may still occupy a prominent place on a library shelf, but beside it may now exist thousands of electronic books, journals, clinical resources and research papers accessible through authenticated digital platforms. This transformation also supports the broader vision of a knowledge-driven India. The Government of India has placed considerable emphasis on research, innovation and access to scholarly knowledge. ONOS, for instance, was designed to widen access to high-quality international research literature and strengthen Indias research ecosystem. The scheme is being coordinated nationally through INFLIBNET, bringing together participating institutions under a unified framework. For Jammu & Kashmir, this digital transformation carries special significance. The region has a vibrant academic community, talented students, dedicated teachers, researchers and healthcare professionals. Modern library infrastructure can provide them with an important foundation for learning, research and innovation. The library of tomorrow, therefore, should not be imagined as a room that has abandoned its books. It should be imagined as a knowledge ecosystemwhere books, databases, journals, technology, librarians and readers come together. The journey from shelves to screens is not the end of the library. It is the beginning of a new chapter. And perhaps the most beautiful thing about this transformation is that the fundamental purpose of the library remains unchanged: to bring knowledge closer to the seeker. Only the distance has changed. Yesterday, the reader walked towards the shelf. Today, the worlds knowledge can travel towards the reader. That is the promise of the digital libraryand Jammu & Kashmir is becoming an important part of this exciting journey towards a more connected, informed and knowledge-driven society. (The Author is a Library Futurist who works at a premier Medical college in J%K. Email: waniishfaq0001@gmail.com )
Imran Khan, Pakistan Army at fresh crossroads as political crisis deepens
The political confrontation between jailed Pakistan Tehreek- e- Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and Pakistans powerful military establishment appears to have entered another critical phase, with both sides facing off over his possible release and medical treatment. According to political experts, developments being discussed in Pakistan, Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has made it clear that any arrangement concerning Imran Khan, whether related to his release from prison or his transfer to a private hospital, would have to be negotiated with the military establishment rather than secured solely through an order of the Supreme Court. The issue has further widened the longstanding rift between Imran Khan and the Pakistani military. Since entering national politics, the former cricketer turned politician has repeatedly found himself at odds with successive army chiefs and senior military officers. Imran Khans most complicated relationship with the military establishment has involved three generals: former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former ISI chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed and current Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. After becoming prime minister, Imran Khan appointed Faiz Hameed as Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Hameed subsequently became politically close to Khan. At the time, Hameed was relatively junior in the army hierarchy but was seen as having ambitions to become army chief after Bajwas retirement. Bajwa was eventually given a three-year extension. Political observers at the time speculated that Hameed expected several senior officers to retire during the extension period, potentially improving his chances of becoming army chief. Relations between Imran Khan, Bajwa and Hameed, however, deteriorated. Bajwa, despite his earlier association with Hameed, ultimately backed changes in the ISI leadership. Hameed was removed as ISI chief and transferred as Corps Commander to Peshawar, while Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum was appointed as the new ISI chief. The relationship between Imran Khan and Asim Munir had already become strained. Munir had served as DG ISI under Bajwa in 2018 but was removed from the post after around eight months. Khan was reportedly suspicious of Munir over allegations concerning the leaking of private information relating to his wife, Bushra Bibi. The political confrontation subsequently intensified and culminated in the removal of Imran Khans government in April 2022 through a vote of no confidence and Shehbaz Sharif subsequently became prime minister. Munir was appointed army chief later in 2022. His rise to the top military position effectively ended Faiz Hameeds prospects of becoming army chief. Hameed later resigned from the military and was eventually court-martialled and sentenced to 14 years in prison in a case involving allegations against him. The current confrontation comes at a time when Pakistan is facing multiple political and institutional crises. One major issue is a proposal to reorganise Pakistans existing four provinces into 33 administrative units. The proposal has been politically contentious, with opposition and reservations reportedly emerging within both the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Supporters of the proposal argue that creating smaller administrative units would improve governance and ensure that development funds allocated by Islamabad reach communities at the grassroots level. However, the proposal would require broad parliamentary support and constitutional amendments. Without the backing of major political parties, including PML N, PPP and PTI, any such constitutional package would face serious difficulties in Parliament. The disagreement has also exposed tensions between the military establishment and the countrys major political parties. The military leadership is believed to be seeking political space for a possible accommodation with PTI, while the partys principal demand remains the release of Imran Khan. This has brought the issue of Imran Khans imprisonment and medical treatment to the centre of the political negotiations. Imran Khans camp has maintained that he should either be released through judicial proceedings or shifted to a private hospital on the basis of the Supreme Courts directions, without any political deal with the military establishment. The Supreme Court had issued directions concerning Khans medical treatment and access to his family. The subsequent decision to conduct his medical examination at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, rather than shift him to a private facility, Shafa International Hospital has added another layer to the confrontation. The political situation has meanwhile become more complicated following the announcement of a September 27 protest and proposed long march by the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At the same time, opposition parties in the National Assembly are moving towards greater coordination over Imran Khans imprisonment, his medical treatment and what they describe as non-compliance with Supreme Court orders. Jamiat Ulema e Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also begun consultations with PTI and other opposition parties on the possibility of broader political coordination. If the PPP were to join a broader opposition front, the political arithmetic in Islamabad could change dramatically. A united opposition could potentially seek a vote of no confidence against the Shehbaz Sharif government, creating a situation similar to the one that brought down Imran Khans government in 2022. Pakistan therefore appears to be heading towards another period of intense political uncertainty, with the military establishment, the ruling coalition, PTI and other opposition parties increasingly locked in competing strategies. The coming weeks could prove crucial for Imran Khans political future, the survival of the Shehbaz Sharif government and the balance of power between Pakistans elected institutions, the judiciary and the military establishment. Any direct confrontation between the Supreme Court and the government over compliance with judicial orders could further deepen the constitutional crisis and potentially trigger demands for a change of government or fresh elections. Pakistani political experts believe Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz are likely to remain aligned with Army Chief and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, arguing that Pakistans political history has repeatedly demonstrated the decisive influence of the military establishment over the countrys political system. According to political observers, Nawaz Sharif is aware of the consequences of confronting the military establishment. His political experience, particularly the events surrounding the Kargil conflict and the subsequent military takeover, remains a significant factor in determining his approach towards the army leadership. Observers believe that if the current political confrontation escalates further, Pakistan could once again face a situation in which the military assumes a more direct role in governance, a possibility that remains a major concern for the political leadership as well as the public. The stability of the Shehbaz Sharif government could also become increasingly vulnerable if the Pakistan Peoples Party withdraws its support from the ruling coalition. If the PPP pulls out of the coalition, the PML N would lose its current majority position within the government alliance and would face serious difficulty in sustaining the government without support from other parties. The National Assembly of Pakistan has 336 seats. The ruling coalition currently holds around 243 seats, while the opposition and aligned groups have 89 seats, with the remaining seats comprising independents and vacant positions. The government side includes 132 seats held by the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, 74 by the Pakistan Peoples Party, 22 by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan, four by the Pakistan Muslim League Q, four by the Istehkam e Pakistan Party, one by the Pakistan Muslim League Zia, one by the Balochistan Awami Party, one by the National Party and four government-aligned independents. On the opposition side, 75 seats are held by independents and PTI-backed members. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl has 10 seats, while the Sunni Ittehad Council, Majlis Wahdat e Muslimeen and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party have one seat each. Political analysts say the numbers underline the importance of the PPPs support for the Shehbaz Sharif government. Any withdrawal by the PPP could dramatically alter the balance of power in the National Assembly and force the PML (N) to seek support from other political groups to remain in office. The situation has become particularly sensitive amid growing tensions between the military establishment, the ruling coalition and the opposition led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Political observers believe that the PML (N) is unlikely to risk a direct confrontation with the army leadership, given Nawaz Sharifs previous experience of being removed from power and arrested following the military takeover under General Pervez Musharraf. With political alliances under strain and the opposition preparing for further protests, the coming weeks could determine whether the Shehbaz Sharif government survives the growing pressure or Pakistan enters another period of political instability. (The Author is a Former Bureau Chief Aaj Tak TV, Jammu)
The Fading Notes and Emerging Colours: The State of Art and Music in Kashmir Today
There was a time when music and art in Kashmir were not merely forms of entertainment. They were woven into the very fabric of life. A song accompanied a wedding, a wanwun brought women together in celebration, a mystic verse became a vehicle of spiritual contemplation, and a craftsman transformed wood, paper, wool or stone into an expression of an inherited aesthetic. Poetry was sung, stories were narrated, and music travelled from one generation to another without the need for institutions, archives or digital platforms. Culture lived because people lived it. Today, that world is changing. The Kashmir of the present is witnessing an interesting and sometimes unsettling transition in its artistic and musical landscape. On one side are the fading notes of traditions that once defined the cultural identity of the Valley; on the other are emerging colours, sounds and artistic expressions shaped by technology, global exposure and a younger generation that is no longer confined to the cultural boundaries of its immediate surroundings. The change is neither entirely a decline nor an unqualified renaissance. It is a complicated cultural transformation. Kashmir possesses a remarkable musical heritage. Sufiana music, folk traditions, chakri, wanwun and other indigenous forms have historically provided the Valley with a musical vocabulary of its own. The poetry of Lal Ded, Sheikh-ul-Alam, Habba Khatoon, Arnimal, Shamas Faqir and numerous other poets survived not merely because it was written, but because it was sung and remembered. Their words became part of collective memory. But collective memory becomes fragile when its carriers disappear. One of the greatest challenges before Kashmiri music today is the weakening of the traditional transmission system. Earlier, children did not necessarily attend formal music classes to learn a song. They absorbed it from grandparents, parents, neighbours and community gatherings. A tune was learnt by listening; a verse was remembered through repetition. The home itself was an informal academy. That system is gradually disappearing. The younger generation is growing up in a world of smartphones, streaming platforms, social media and global music. There is nothing inherently wrong with this transformation. In fact, it has opened unprecedented possibilities. A young Kashmiri musician today can listen to music from almost every corner of the world and can present his or her own work before an audience far beyond Kashmir. Geography is no longer an absolute barrier. But there is a danger in replacing cultural inheritance with cultural consumption. A generation that knows international music but cannot recognise its own traditional forms may become globally connected while becoming culturally disconnected from its roots. The problem is not that young people listen to modern music. The problem begins when the music of their own soil becomes unfamiliar to them. Yet, alongside this fading, something new is emerging. Kashmir's young musicians are experimenting. They are bringing traditional melodies into contemporary arrangements, combining Kashmiri poetry with modern instrumentation, and using digital platforms to reach audiences that earlier generations could never have imagined. Some are rediscovering old verses and presenting them in new forms. Others are writing original songs about love, alienation, identity, landscape and contemporary life. This is perhaps the most hopeful aspect of the present moment. Culture has never been static. Every living tradition changes. The music of one generation is rarely identical to that of another. The challenge is therefore not to freeze Kashmiri culture in an imaginary golden past but to allow it to evolve without losing its essential character. The same transformation can be seen in the visual arts. Kashmir has always possessed a rich artistic vocabulary. Its carpets, papier-mch, wood carving, embroidery, shawls and other crafts represent centuries of accumulated knowledge. Behind every traditional design lies a memory of the landscape, the imagination of the craftsman and the aesthetic sensibility of generations. But traditional craftsmanship today faces difficult questions. Mass production, changing consumer preferences and economic pressures have altered the relationship between the artist and the marketplace. A craft that once represented an entire way of life can increasingly become a commercial product detached from the cultural context that gave birth to it. The young artist, meanwhile, is looking in different directions. Canvas, photography, digital illustration, installation art and mixed media are finding new expressions in Kashmir. Contemporary artists are engaging with subjects that previous generations may not have articulated in the same manner: displacement, memory, environmental change, identity, loneliness, urbanisation and the psychological experiences of a rapidly changing society. The landscape itself remains a powerful source of inspiration. Mountains, lakes, gardens, snow, chinar leaves and changing seasons continue to appear in artistic expressions. But beneath the familiar beauty is a different Kashmirthe Kashmir of memories, questions and contradictions. This is where contemporary art becomes important. Art does not merely reproduce beauty. It often reveals what society does not know how to say. A painting can express a silence that words cannot. A photograph can preserve a moment that history may overlook. A song can carry an emotion across generations. A poem can keep alive a memory that physical circumstances have erased. For Kashmir, this role of art is particularly significant because the Valley has undergone profound social and cultural changes. Migration, political uncertainty, technological transformation, economic aspirations and generational shifts have altered the emotional landscape of its people. Artists and musicians are inevitably responding to these changes. But the question remains: are we doing enough to preserve the old while encouraging the new? The answer, unfortunately, is not entirely reassuring. Institutions have a major responsibility here. Schools and colleges can play a much greater role in introducing young people to Kashmir's musical and artistic heritage. Traditional music should not be treated as an occasional cultural performance reserved for official functions. It should become part of cultural education. Similarly, traditional artists need more than applause. They need sustainable livelihoods. A society that celebrates a craftsman on a stage but cannot provide him with a dignified income is not truly preserving its heritage. If young people see traditional craftsmanship as economically unviable, they will naturally choose other professions. Once the last generation of practitioners disappears, revival becomes enormously difficult. Documentation is equally important. Many songs, melodies, oral histories and artistic techniques still exist primarily in the memories of individuals. They need to be recorded, archived and made accessible to future generations. Technology, ironically, which is sometimes blamed for cultural erosion, can become one of the most powerful instruments of cultural preservation. A traditional song recorded today can be heard by a child fifty years from now. An old master demonstrating a craft can become a permanent teacher through digital documentation. A manuscript can be digitised. A forgotten melody can be archived. A young musician can reinterpret it. This is where the fading notes can meet the emerging colours. Kashmir does not have to choose between tradition and modernity. It has to create a conversation between the two. The young generation should not be told that modern music is alien and therefore undesirable. Instead, it should be encouraged to understand where its own musical traditions come from. Give a young musician knowledge of Sufiana kalam, folk melodies and Kashmiri poetry, and then allow that musician the freedom to experiment. The result may not sound like the music of the pastand it should not necessarily sound like it. Tradition should provide roots, not chains. The same principle applies to visual art. A contemporary Kashmiri artist can draw upon traditional motifs without simply reproducing them. The chinar leaf can become something new. The papier-mch design can inspire a modern installation. A centuries-old poetic image can become the foundation of a digital artwork. This is how cultures remain alive. The greatest threat to Kashmir's artistic heritage is not change itself. It is indifference. A tradition survives when people find meaning in it. It survives when a child wants to learn an old song, when a young artist studies an ancient motif, when a musician discovers the poetry of a forgotten saint and gives it a new voice. The future of Kashmiri music and art, therefore, will not be decided simply by government institutions or cultural academies. It will be decided in homes, schools, studios, music rooms and digital spaces. It will be decided by artists who choose to remember and by young people who choose to create. Perhaps the cultural moment before us should not be described merely as a period of decline. It is a moment of transition. Some notes are fading, undoubtedly. Some colours have become faint. Certain traditions are struggling for survival. But new notes are also being composed, and new colours are appearing on the cultural canvas of Kashmir. The task before us is to ensure that the new does not completely silence the old. A culture does not remain alive because it is preserved under glass. It remains alive because each generation takes something from the past, adds something of its own and passes it forward. Kashmir's music and art need precisely that living dialogue. The fading notes must be heard before they disappear. And the emerging colours must be given the freedom to bloom. (The writer is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
From Seniority to Professional Excellence: Reimagining the Teacher
At four in the afternoon, when the light begins to thin over a mountain valley, a teacher closes her notebook and waits for the last question. The class has been discussing a story, but one child has hardly spoken. He is bright, the teacher knows, yet the language of the textbook is not the language in which he thinks at home. She tries a question in another language, draws a picture, waits again. The boy smiles and answers. Nothing dramatic has happened. No certificate has been awarded. Yet this small act contains the essence of teaching: knowing the learner, adapting practice, reflecting in the moment and trying again. Now imagine that such professional growth could be seen, supported and recognised across a teachers career. That is the larger question raised by the recent two-day workshop in Jammu and Kashmir on contextualising the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST). The significance of the exercise lies not in another policy document entering the system, but in the difficult question beneath it: What should make a teachers professional journey count? Experience matters deeply. A teacher who has spent twenty years in classrooms possesses something a textbook cannot supply: memory of children, communities, mistakes, seasons and unexpected successes. But time served and professional growth are not always the same thing. A teacher can teach for twenty years, or teach the same year twenty times. The distinction is uncomfortable, but important. The NPST framework, developed by the National Council for Teacher Education under the NEP 2020 architecture, offers a language for thinking about that distinction. NCTE describes NPST as a public statement of what constitutes teaching quality and a framework for expectations at different levels of expertise across a career. It also envisages the standards informing professional development and, where adopted by States, aspects of career management and recognition. At its heart are three broad standards: Core Values and Ethics; Knowledge and Practice; and Professional Growth and Development. Core Values and Ethics spans two domains, Knowledge and Practice eight, and Professional Growth and Development three. Across these are domains, sub-domains and competencies that make professional expectations more visible. The framework describes three levels of progression Proficient Teacher, Advanced Teacher and Expert Teacher. The most important idea may be the possibility of a career within teaching. A young teacher may begin by learning to understand childrens differences and plan meaningful lessons. With experience and reflection, the teacher can learn to adapt pedagogy, use assessment intelligently, collaborate with colleagues and respond to more complex needs. Later, an expert teacher could mentor others, contribute to curriculum work, conduct practitioner research or lead professional learning without having to abandon the classroom. That possibility changes the question from When will I be promoted? to What am I becoming as a professional? It also shifts the policy conversation from seniority to growth; from designation to demonstrated competence; from routine service to reflective practice; from one-time training to lifelong learning. But standards will work only if teachers experience them as a pathway for improvement rather than another mechanism of inspection. A national framework, made local. That distinction is especially important in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory is not one classroom. A teacher in a well-connected urban school and a teacher in a remote mountain school may share the same professional responsibilities while working under sharply different conditions. J&K brings together difficult terrain, seasonal accessibility, multilingual classrooms, uneven infrastructure, varying human-resource availability and rapidly expanding digital possibilities. Can one professional standard become meaningful across such different classrooms? It can, but only through thoughtful contextualisation. Contextualisation should not mean lowering national expectations. It should mean making them locally meaningful, measurable and achievable. In one school, effective use of digital tools may demonstrate innovation. In another, professional excellence may lie in creating rich learning through local stories, community knowledge and a blackboard. The underlying competency remains the same: the capacity to create meaningful learning in response to learners and context. This is why the J&K exercise matters. Its success will depend on whether the framework is translated from language on a page into the lived realities of teachers. There is another reason to make that translation carefully. NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education have changed the architecture of schooling itself. The 5+3+3+4 curricular and pedagogical structure is not simply a rearrangement of grades. It reflects a different understanding of childhood, learning, pedagogy and assessment across the Foundational, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary Stages. NCF-SE presents this structure as the basis of an integrated curriculum framework for ages 3 to 18. A transformed school structure cannot be sustained by an unchanged conception of the teacher. The teacher working with a five-year-old through play, language and exploration needs a different repertoire from the teacher helping an adolescent weigh evidence, think critically or prepare for further study. Professional standards can help make these stage-specific expectations clearer. The deeper promise of NPST, then, is not a list of competencies. It is a map for professional becoming. Learn. Practise. Reflect. Improve. Mentor. Lead. Inspire. That sequence matters. A workshop certificate can record attendance. Professional growth is visible only when learning changes practice. Teacher education, therefore, cannot remain disconnected from professional standards. Pre-service preparation, induction, continuing professional development, mentoring and career progression need to speak to one another. NCTE envisages NPST informing pre-service teacher education and, where adopted by States, aspects of teacher career management. Yet the danger is equally clear. What happens when a developmental framework becomes a checklist? When evidence of teaching is reduced to files and forms? When teachers in remote schools are judged against conditions they cannot control? When documentation matters more than the child? Standards without support can create anxiety. Standards with mentoring can create aspiration. The difference lies in implementation. From appraisal to professional growth If NPST is to become meaningful in J&K, professional assessment should draw on multiple forms of evidence: classroom observation, reflective practice, professional portfolios, peer learning, mentoring, evidence of student engagement and progress, and meaningful continuous professional development. A teacher should be able to demonstrate growth over time, not perform perfectly on a single inspection day. This is where accountability and autonomy must be held together. A professional is accountable precisely because the profession requires judgement. The answer to weak teaching is not always tighter supervision; sometimes it is better preparation, feedback, mentoring and time to learn. Recognition, too, can change. Imagine a teacher who has spent years strengthening multilingual learning, improving foundational learning in a difficult school and mentoring new colleagues being recognised for professional contribution. Imagine another teacher with fewer years of service progressing because sustained evidence shows exceptional practice. Experience would not lose value; it would gain purpose. The real test of a professional career is not how long one has remained in a role, but how much one has grown within it. There is an ethical dimension as well. Teaching is not merely technical work. Children enter classrooms with different abilities, languages, backgrounds and vulnerabilities. Professionalism includes fairness, inclusion, dignity, responsibility and respect. Knowledge without ethics can instruct; ethical professionalism can educate. For Jammu and Kashmir, NPST could help build a culture in which teachers are seen not primarily as functionaries completing assigned tasks, but as reflective professionals who continually enlarge their capacity. Imagine professional learning circles where teachers study classroom problems rather than merely attend lectures. Imagine mentors who ask not, Did you complete the training? but, What changed in your classroom? Imagine expert teachers being valued because colleagues and children experience the difference that expertise makes. That would be a quiet revolution. And it would begin with something as ordinary as a teacher looking again at a child who has not yet spoken. The deepest competitor for a teacher is therefore not the teacher in the neighbouring school. It is the professional self-one was yesterday. NPST offers Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to make that journey visible. Not by pretending that a framework alone can transform schools, and not by assuming that existing service rules will disappear overnight. Its promise is more grounded: to create a shared language for professional excellence and a pathway through which teachers can keep becoming better at their craft. The movement worth pursuing is from years served to value created; from designation to demonstrated competence; from routine service to reflective practice; from one-time training to lifelong learning; from promotion as the only visible reward to professional progression within teaching itself. The question finally is larger than NPST. If we expect teachers to transform the lives of children, are we equally prepared to transform the way we recognise, support, develop and celebrate the teachers themselves? Jammu and Kashmir now has an opportunity to help answer that question thoughtfully, locally and without losing sight of the national standard. If contextualised with care, implemented fairly and sustained through mentoring and continuous professional learning, NPST could help teachers discover new professional horizons. And perhaps, in the process, help schools become places where not only children, but the adults who teach them, are still learning. (The author is a teacher educator, curriculum developer and a columnist. He works at the intersection of teacher professional development, curriculum reform and educational innovation, with a focus on translating national education priorities into meaningful classroom practice. (Email at: sheikhgulzar1970@gmail.com )
Cluster Resource Coordinators Do Not Ask For Sympathy. They Ask For Fairness
CRCs do not ask the government to ignore its recruitment rules. They ask that the rules governing their engagement should recognise the realities of the work they perform and the responsibilities they carry. A government school may have a building, furniture, and textbooks, but education ultimately depends upon human beings. Rs 25,000 may be a []
Gen Z And Intergenerational Conflict: Why Parents And Young People Think Differently
Generation Z has grown up during a period marked by rapid technological development, social media, and changing social expectations. Their experiences are significantly different from those of their parents and grandparents. As a result, differences in attitudes, communication styles, career aspirations, and ideas about personal freedom have become increasingly visible. These differences are not necessarily []
Malaria, Kala Azar show sharp decline in India: Report
Srinagar, Aug 22: India has made significant progress towards eliminating major vector-borne diseases, with the Health Ministry reporting substantial declines in malaria and sustained gains in controlling Kala Azar and lymphatic filariasis. As per the Annual Report 2025-26 of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), three diseasesMalaria, Kala Azar and Lymphatic Filariasisare currently under an elimination programme. The report said India achieved the elimination threshold for Kala Azar, defined as fewer than one case per 10,000 population, in 2023 across all 633 endemic blocks in 54 districts spread over four endemic States. The achievement came well ahead of the 2030 global SDG target and has been sustained since then. According to the Health Ministry, India recorded a 78.15 per cent reduction in malaria cases and a 77.60 per cent decline in malaria-related deaths between 2015 and 2024, reflecting sustained efforts towards malaria elimination. The report further stated that 160 districts across 23 States have reported zero indigenous malaria cases for three consecutive years since 2022. The Union Health Ministry said these districts are therefore eligible for Sub-National Verification for Malaria Elimination, marking an important milestone in the countrys fight against the disease. As per the World Malaria Report 2025, India officially exited the list of High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) countries in 2024. The country is also on track to meet the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 20162030 target of achieving a 75 per cent reduction in malaria incidence by 2025, with reductions of 70 per cent or more already recorded in 2024. The report also highlighted progress in the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, for which the elimination target is a microfilaria rate of less than one per cent. During the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns in 2025, the country achieved 94 per cent coverage across 111 districts and 696 blocks in 13 States during the February round. Similarly, the August MDA round recorded 95 per cent coverage across 50 districts and 394 blocks in four States, indicating improved community participation and strengthening of the countrys efforts to interrupt transmission of lymphatic filariasis. The Health Ministry said these achievements reflect sustained implementation of disease surveillance, early diagnosis and treatment, vector control measures, mass drug administration and community-level interventions under the national elimination programmes.
8.5-cr DPR submitted for Beerwah road works: MLA Wani
Budgam: MLA Beerwah Assembly Constituency Dr Mohammad Shafi Wani on Saturday said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to 8.50 crore has been submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Government for road macadamisation and construction of culverts across the Beerwah Assembly constituency. Speaking to reporters, Dr Wani said the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has undertaken extensive macadamisation work on roads across the constituency during the current year. We have conducted a review meeting with the Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer of the R&B Department regarding the upcoming macadamisation projects across the Beerwah Assembly constituency. The Chief Engineer has assured me that the department will provide all possible support for development projects in the constituency, he said. The MLA said that efforts are also being made to repair potholes and improve the condition of roads falling under his jurisdiction We are undertaking macadamisation and pothole repairs on roads in different areas of the Beerwah constituency. For further road improvement and construction of culverts, a DPR amounting to 8.50 crore has already been submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Government, Dr Wani said. He further said that a sports stadium is also proposed to be constructed at Rathsun village. The government, he said, has already allocated 2.50 crore for the project. Dr Wani said the proposed road and sports infrastructure projects would help improve connectivity, public facilities and overall development in the Beerwah Assembly constituency.
India must build its own AI: Rekha Gupta
Vellore, Aug 22: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday called on Indias youth to move beyond consuming artificial intelligence and focus on developing homegrown AI technologies, saying graduates could play a key role in making the country a global technology creator. Addressing the 41st convocation of VIT University in Vellore as chief guest, Gupta said India must transition from being an AI user to an AI creator and contribute to solving challenges facing society through technology and innovation. Dont just be users of artificial intelligence build Indias own AI, she told the graduating students, highlighting investments being made under the Centres India AI Mission in areas including semiconductors, computing infrastructure, defence, space, drones, robotics and biotechnology. Gupta said governments and educational institutions could work together to address pressing public challenges. Referring to Delhis experience, she said collaboration with IIT institutions had helped find solutions to issues such as pollution, traffic congestion and waste management. She urged the graduates to take up similar responsibilities after entering the workforce and contribute to solving problems in their cities while developing technologies for the country. Emphasising the importance of resilience, Gupta advised students not to fear failure but to understand its causes and work towards overcoming challenges. She said intellectual capital was among Indias most valuable resources and called for greater emphasis on Make in India, Invest in India, Design in India and Brand in India. VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan, in his address, highlighted the need to expand access to higher education and medical education in India. He said the countrys Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education stood at around 30 per cent, while the National Education Policy aims to raise it to 50 per cent. Viswanathan also pointed to the gap between the number of students seeking medical education and available seats, saying greater investment in medical colleges was necessary to address the shortage of doctors in several states. He urged the Union Education Minister to help resolve differences between governors and state governments over vice-chancellor appointments, saying vacancies in universities could adversely affect students and the education sector. Babu Unnikrishnan, Vice President and CTO of TCS, also addressed the convocation. A total of 11,276 undergraduate and postgraduate students received degree certificates during the ceremony, including 7,359 undergraduate and 3,917 postgraduate students. The graduating batch included 6,046 B.Tech, 1,732 M.Tech and 781 Ph.D. students, among others. Academic distinction certificates were awarded to 248 students, while 84 received gold medals. The convocation also had a personal significance for Gupta, as her son Nikunj Gupta was among the graduating students. Earlier, Gupta inaugurated a Centre for Advanced Research for Bacteriophage and Infectious Diseases at VIT. The ceremony was attended by VIT office-bearers, faculty members, parents and students.
Kishtwar incident deeply heartbreaking: Veeri
Shopian, Aug 22: Prominent religious scholar Molana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri on Saturday visited a private school in South Kashmirs Shopian district, where he delivered a lecture titled Roshni Ka Safar and interacted with students on education, moral values and responsible citizenship. Addressing the students, Veeri said education plays a vital role in shaping character and building a healthy society. He stressed that modern education should be complemented by Islamic education and moral teachings from an early age for the overall development of children. The religious scholar also expressed concern over the growing challenge of drug abuse and urged students to stay away from drugs and other harmful substances. He emphasised the need for greater awareness, proper guidance and a supportive environment to protect young people from addiction. Referring to the recent incident in Kishtwar, Veeri expressed grief and said such incidents were deeply painful and left society with serious questions. He called for collective efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that such shameful incidents do not happen in the future, he said. Veeri also highlighted the role of parents in shaping children's lives, describing them as a childs first school. He urged parents to educate, guide and closely monitor their children to help them navigate what he described as increasingly challenging times. He said addressing social challenges required coordinated efforts from all sections of society and could not be left to any single institution. This is not merely a social issue; it is a matter of humanity. Religious scholars, teachers, social organisations and committees, as well as those in positions of authority, must collectively play their role in addressing such challenges, he said. Veeri urged students to remain focused on their studies, respect their parents and teachers, uphold moral values and contribute positively to society.
Budgam police register 34 FIRs, seize 182 vehicles
Budgam, Aug 22: Budgam Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining and the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals, registering 34 FIRs and seizing 182 vehicles and heavy machinery involved in such activities across the district during the last four months. According to a police official, the enforcement action was undertaken to curb illegal extraction and transportation of minerals and to prevent the misuse of public and natural resources. Police have also arrested 16 persons allegedly involved in illegal mining activities. The seized vehicles and machinery include three dumpers, 80 tippers, 82 tractors, six L&T machines and 11 JCBs, the official said. The seizures were carried out in several areas of Budgam district, including Chadoora, Humhama, Khansahib, Hardupanzo, Narbal, Waterhail, Soibugh, Beerwah and Magam. The official said the coordinated enforcement drive was conducted in close coordination with the concerned government departments. In addition to the criminal proceedings initiated by the police, the Department of Geology and Mining has imposed fines amounting to lakhs of rupees on violators under the applicable provisions of law. Budgam Police said the action is part of their continued efforts to check illegal mining, protect public resources and ensure that the districts mineral resources are extracted and transported only in accordance with the law. Police reiterated their commitment to taking firm action against individuals involved in illegal mining and other activities that threaten the sustainable and lawful use of the districts natural resources.
Govt adding to peoples miseries: Altaf Bukhari
Srinagar, Aug 22: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday accused the elected government of adding to the hardships faced by people instead of addressing their grievances, warning that his party would oppose any move to further burden consumers, including a hike in power tariffs. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party event, Bukhari said the Apni Party would continue to raise issues affecting the public and oppose decisions that increase their financial burden. We will not allow the implementation of any decision that further burdens the people, including a hike in the power tariff. We will oppose any such move tooth and nail, even if we have to take to the streets, he said. The remarks came during an event organised to felicitate Haji Mohammad Syed Akhoon, who was recently appointed as Apni Party Vice President after joining the party. Congratulating Akhoon, Bukhari said the veteran leader brought extensive political experience and knowledge that would strengthen the partys efforts to serve the people. He said the Apni Party did not judge its leaders and workers by their positions and described it as a platform focused on public welfare rather than any individual or family. Bukhari also said the party was committed to creating better opportunities for young people, particularly in employment, so they could build their lives with dignity. Reacting to the recent Kishtwar tragedy involving a minor girl, Bukhari described the incident as deeply painful and shocking and called for severe punishment for those responsible. He urged the police and civil administration to conduct a fast-track investigation. On US Ambassador Sergio Gors recent remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India, Bukhari said the statement merely reflected a fact. Of course, Jammu and Kashmir is an important and integral part of India, he said, while stressing that people in J&K should enjoy the rights and privileges guaranteed to every citizen under the Constitution. Bukhari also called for greater attention to the hardships faced by youth in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there was an urgent need to address their concerns and provide them with opportunities.
Public grievance redressal top priority of Omar govt: NC
Srinagar, Aug 22: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir on Saturday said addressing public grievances and ensuring timely resolution of peoples issues remained the foremost priority of the Omar Abdullah-led government and elected representatives. Mir made the remarks while interacting with NC leaders, office-bearers, workers and public delegations from Central, North and South Kashmir. The delegations apprised him of issues confronting people in their respective areas, following which he took up several matters with senior officials of the concerned departments and sought their early resolution. He said the government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was working to translate peoples aspirations into tangible action, with the administrative machinery focused on public welfare and delivery of essential services. Mir said the government remained committed to fulfilling the promises made by the National Conference ahead of the elections. The purpose of power is not to occupy positions; it is to serve the people. Power is a means to raise the voice of the people in the legislatures, address their grievances and protect their rights and dignity, he said. He urged party workers to maintain close contact with the public and make service a central part of their political and organisational responsibilities. He also called for taking the partys programmes and agenda to the grassroots. Mir said restoring direct contact between the government and people was among the significant achievements of the present administration. The National Conference does not view governance merely as an exercise of authority. Our politics has always been rooted in service, justice and the empowerment of the people, he said.
CM sahab approved it himself: Lone on 5% tariff hike
Srinagar, Aug 22: JSrinagar, Aug 22: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Saturday criticised the government over the latest power tariff hike, citing an official communication showing that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as Minister in-charge of the Power Development Department (PDD), had approved a proposal for a 5 per cent increase. Lone referred to a communique submitted by the PDD to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), which stated that the Chief Minister, in his capacity as the Minister in-charge of PDD, had approved the tariff hike proposal. The JERC subsequently approved a higher increase of 6.83 per cent. Lone, in a statement, said the revised tariffs would place an additional burden of more than Rs 500 crore on electricity consumers in Jammu and Kashmir, while the government was yet to fulfil the National Conferences election promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to households. He highlighted what he described as a contrast between the governments electoral commitment and the increase in power tariffs, recalling that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had promised 200 units of free electricity to the people. Taking a dig at the government and its supporters, Lone said: My salutes to great people who voted them to power.
BJP slams Govt over 6.83% power tariff hike
Srinagar, 22 August: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday strongly criticised the National Conference (NC)-led government over the reported 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, terming the move a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Sharma said the NC had come to power with a clear promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to every household, but nearly two years after the 2024 Assembly elections, the commitment remained unfulfilled. Instead, he said, consumers were now being burdened with higher electricity bills. The NC government promised 200 units of free electricity to every household. But instead of fulfilling that commitment, people are now facing an increase in electricity tariffs. This is not relief; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in the government, Sharma said. He said the 6.83 per cent tariff hike, expected to come into effect from September 1, would further increase the financial burden on ordinary families already struggling with inflation and rising household expenses. Sharma said the development highlighted a stark contradiction between the NCs electoral promises and its performance in government. Before the elections, the promise was 200 units of free electricity; after the elections, the reality is higher electricity bills. The government must explain why the promises made to the people have not been fulfilled, he said.
Ruhullah questions Omars meeting with US Envoy, takes dig at Advisor Wani
Srinagar, Aug 22: National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs meeting with US Ambassador Sergio Gor during the envoys recent visit to Srinagar, stating that the political and constitutional affairs of J&K were an internal matter. Reacting to Gors recent remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India, Mehdi said the region did not require validation from any foreign representative. Who is part of what and who isnt is our internal matter. Whether the situation here is good or bad is none of the US business, Mehdi said while speaking to reporters here. Gors August 19 visit to Srinagar had drawn attention after he publicly referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. Mehdi also questioned whether the Chief Minister had raised the issue of violence in Palestine, Gaza and other parts of the region during his interaction with the US envoy. He said diplomatic engagements were the prerogative of the elected government, but such meetings should also reflect the concerns and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Srinagar MP, who has been vocal about the restoration of constitutional rights of J&K, said his mandate was not limited to seeking restoration of statehood. I received a mandate from the people to fight for restoration of their constitutional rights. I am asking the party to continue that fight, he said. Mehdi also criticised sections of the NC leadership for, according to him, shifting the focus from Article 370 and constitutional safeguards to statehood and other administrative issues. He said the party needed to clearly articulate its position on the issues on which it had sought the peoples mandate. Responding to calls from some party leaders for his resignation, Mehdi said the party should follow due process if it believed he had violated its position. If they believe I have violated the party line, they should issue a show-cause notice and ask me to explain, he said. Mehdi also took a swipe at Chief Ministers Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, cautioning him against intervening in what he described as larger political issues. He said political leaders should remain mindful of the positions they hold and avoid making statements that could unnecessarily widen differences within the party. Nasir Aslam Wani should not interfere in big issues and should remain within his limits, Mehdi said. Taking a further dig at the advisor, Mehdi said his own position was the result of the mandate he had received from the people, while suggesting that Wanis position was based on the favour of someone else. Where I am, I am because of the people, and where he is, he is because of someones favour, he said. Mehdi said differences within the party should be addressed through dialogue, while maintaining that he would continue to raise issues on which he had sought a mandate from voters. He also cautioned the NC leadership against what he described as an attitude of arrogance, saying the party needed to reconnect with its political commitments and the expectations of the people.
BJP holds first Working Committee meet in Kashmir
Arvind Sharma Jammu Tawi, Aug 22:The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold its first-ever two-day Pradesh Working Committee meeting in Srinagar from Saturday, August 23, with senior party leaders, office-bearers and elected representatives expected to participate. The meeting is being organised as part of the partys organisational and political [] The post BJP holds first Working Committee meet in Kashmir appeared first on Northlines .
Acid Attack Case: Kathua Court awards Life-term to Man, 10 yrs to Woman
Sarbjeet Singh Jammu Tawi /Kathua, August 22 In a significant verdict in a five-year-old acid attack case, the Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Kathua, presided over by Judge Pravin Pandoh, on Friday sentenced Vipul Sharma to life imprisonment and Reva Devi to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the offence punishable under Section 326-A of [] The post Acid Attack Case: Kathua Court awards Life-term to Man, 10 yrs to Woman appeared first on Northlines .
Rajouri Hospital Canteen Contractors allege Commission demand for bill clearance
Ajay Sharma Rajouri, August 22:Despite government efforts to curb corruption, particularly in the health sector, allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the operation of a canteen at a Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Rajouri, where contractors claim that bills for meals supplied to patients are allegedly cleared only after payment of commissions to certain officials and [] The post Rajouri Hospital Canteen Contractors allege Commission demand for bill clearance appeared first on Northlines .
Chhari Mubarak leaves Srinagar for Amarnath Shrine
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: The final and spiritually significant leg of the annual Amarnath Yatra began on Saturday with the departure of Chhari Mubarak, the sacred mace of Lord Shiva, from the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar. The sacred mace was taken out after traditional prayers and rituals at the Dashnami Akhara, with devotees participating in the [] The post Chhari Mubarak leaves Srinagar for Amarnath Shrine appeared first on Northlines .
Srinagar, Aug 22:Intermittent rain lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, bringing some relief from hot and humid conditions even as the Meteorological Centre here warned of possible flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas due to intense showers. According to the news agency, the weather remained generally hot and humid across the [] The post Rain brings brief relief in J&K, MeT predicts more showers appeared first on Northlines .
Sinha briefs PM on JK Nasha Mukt Abhyan
Jammu Tawi, Aug 22:Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Saturday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and presented the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan 100 Days Campaign Coffee Table Book to him. According to the details available with the news agency the book designed, curated and published by [] The post Sinha briefs PM on JK Nasha Mukt Abhyan appeared first on Northlines .
Oppn slams tariff hike, mocks NC Govt
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Opposition leaders and trade bodies on Saturday criticised the reported 6.83 per cent hike in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the National Conference-led government over its unfulfilled electoral promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to households. Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma termed the [] The post Oppn slams tariff hike, mocks NC Govts 200 free units promise appeared first on Northlines .
The statement given by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha that security forces alone cannot defeat terrorism is quite significant as it deserves serious attention of all the stakeholders in the Union Territory. It is a known fact that terrorism is not just a security challenge; rather, it is a social and economic challenge [] The post Cutting Terrorism At Roots appeared first on Northlines .
Pakistan Supreme Court orders moving Imran Khan to Hospital
Ex-PM deliberately deprived of proper medical care By Tirthankar Mitra Much apprehension has been expressed about the health of imprisoned former Pakistan Imran Khan. The Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered moving him from prison to a hospital. The order raised a larger question about Pakistans institutions upholding basic constitutional obligations. It is all [] The post Pakistan Supreme Court orders moving Imran Khan to Hospital appeared first on Northlines .
From Stone-pelters to Flag-bearers: A positive transformation in Kashmir
Omkar Dattatray After decades marked by militancy, violence and political unrest, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a perceptible and encouraging change in recent years. The transition from stone-pelters to flag-bearers captures, in a powerful metaphor, one aspect of this changing reality. The sight of ordinary citizens, political leaders and young people carrying and waving the [] The post From Stone-pelters to Flag-bearers: A positive transformation in Kashmir appeared first on Northlines .
FSSAI Issues Over 150 Notices to Food Companies Over Misleading Claims, Labelling Violations
SRINAGAR: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued more than 150 notices to food companies in recent months over alleged misleading advertisements, false claims and violations of labelling regulations, the food regulator said on Saturday. The enforcement action covers several major brands, including Nestle India, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola India, Abbott India, Red []
Tourism Department Reviews Ongoing Projects, Visitor Facilities in Gurez Valley
SRINAGAR: The Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, inspected several ongoing tourism development projects in Gurez Valley on Saturday to assess their physical progress and ensure adherence to approved specifications and quality standards. The inspection covered the Recreational Park at Dawar, Gazebo at Habbakhatun Spring, Shelter Sheds at Sheikhpora and Tulail, and the Cafeteria at Badugam, according []
CM Omar says confidence in our girl students augurs well for J&Ks future
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that educational institutions are not merely producing educated girls but are nurturing confident young women, whose confidence provides a strong assurance that the future of Jammu and Kashmir is secure. The Chief Minister was addressing the Annual Day function, titled Clock Tower Cosmos, organised by Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Rajbagh, Srinagar. The school is also commemorating 250 years of the Presentation Congregation and its own 90-year legacy in Kashmir. Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Provincial Leader-North India Sister Gleetus Rani, Principal Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School Mary Jarsi, faculty members, parents, students and other dignitaries attended the function. Reflecting on the role of the institution in shaping generations of students, the Chief Minister said, We are not just producing educated girls. We are producing confident girls. And this confidence gives me the confidence that the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be secure. Recalling his association with the institution, the Chief Minister said he had started his schooling here as a kindergarten student nearly five decades ago, when the school was a co-education school. He remarked that this often comes as a surprise to many, as Presentation Convent in Kashmir has long been perceived as an institution that has been exclusively for girls. Expressing happiness at returning to his alma mater, Omar Abdullah said it was particularly heartening to witness the confidence, talent and composure of the students today. Fifty years ago, I was a student of this great institution, he recalled. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the rich history of the Presentation Congregation and the institution, saying that the ideals with which the congregation was founded 250 years ago and the ethos that led to the establishment of Presentation Convent School in Srinagar continue to remain alive. He said the school had transformed over nine decades from being merely a school into a distinguished institution, with its reputation reflected in the demand for admission. Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School is one of those institutions where people seek recommendations for admission. That is a testament to the success that Presentation Convent School has been able to attain in its 90 years of history here, he said. Recalling his school days, the Chief Minister fondly remembered the school grounds where students assembled and marched to music, besides recalling the teachers and Sisters who had led the institution over the years. He said Presentation Convent has contributed significantly to society by producing civil servants, doctors, police officers, engineers, business leaders, sportspersons and lawmakers. The Chief Minister stressed that education must go beyond academic achievement and should encourage young people to think independently and speak up. We have to teach our children not just to follow, not just to obey, but to question, to ask, to demand, he said. Referring to the cultural performances presented by the students, Omar Abdullah said one of the most powerful messages of the evening came through a musical skit that questioned whether society was truly equitable and fair to its daughters. The skit highlighted several serious social issues concerning women and girls, including child marriage, acid attacks, female foeticide, domestic violence, and gender based violence. The Chief Minister particularly appreciated the message conveyed by the students that responsibility for violence and discrimination against women cannot be placed on the victims. It is not the girl who is responsible for what happens. It is us who have not been able to teach our sons how to be better human beings, he recalled, describing the message as an eye-opening one for society. He said the confidence, talent and composure displayed by the students were particularly encouraging. The talent that we saw here, the confidence, but also the ability to not get shaken, gives me immense confidence, he said. The Chief Minister emphasised that parents and society as a whole have a responsibility to ensure that girls grow up in a safe and equitable environment. I believe our girls are safe here. And I believe with such confident students of this school, the future of Jammu and Kashmir is safe with girls of this calibre, he said. Earlier, students presented a series of cultural performances showcasing the history and 90-year journey of Presentation Convent in Kashmir, as well as the legacy of its founder Nano Nagle and the Presentation Congregation. The performances combined music, dance, drama and storytelling to highlight the institutions enduring contribution to education and society. The Chief Minister congratulated the principal, faculty, students, parents and the entire Presentation Convent community for organising the Annual Day function and commemorating the institutions remarkable journey. I wish the Presentation Congregation all the very best for the next 250 years. And I wish Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School all the very best for the next not just 90 years but many more after that, he said. He concluded by extending his best wishes to the school and its students for their continued success and contribution to Jammu and Kashmir.
NIA Searches 10 Locations Across Kashmir in LeT Cross-Border Terror Conspiracy Case
SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at 10 locations across Srinagar, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama and Budgam districts as part of its investigation into a cross-border terror conspiracy case involving alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) networks, the agency said. The searches were conducted to collect further documentary, digital and material evidence and to establish []
Power Tariff Hike a Shock for Those Promised 200 Units Free: Sajad Lone
SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone on Saturday said the 6.8 percent hike in electricity tariff is definitely a shock for those who were promised 200 units of free electricity. In a post on X, Lone said the regulator has approved a 6.83% hike and claimed it has avoided tariff shock, but for the []
Power Supply to Several Kashmir Areas to Remain Affected
SRINAGAR: Power supply to several areas of Srinagar, Pulwama and Budgam districts will remain affected on August 24 and 27 due to scheduled shutdowns and ongoing works on 33 kV transmission lines, the Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said. On August 24, the shutdown of the 33 kV Cheshmashahi-Brein Nishat line []
FDA Jammu Kashmir Conducts 198 Inspections, Collects 178 Milk Samples Across UT
SRINAGAR: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, conducted a special enforcement drive across the Union Territory to assess the quality and safety of milk and milk products and check compliance with prescribed food safety standards. During the drive, officials carried out 198 inspections and collected 178 samples of milk and milk products []
Two Injured in Road Accident at Chakloo, Baramulla; One Critical
BARAMULLA, August 22: Two persons were injured, one of them critically, in a road accident on the National Highway at Chakloo near Yawar Motors in Baramulla on Saturday. According to reports, the accident occurred when a motorcycle bearing registration number JK05P-2284 collided with a dumper bearing registration number JK05F-6564. The injured have been identified as Azaan Ali Sofi (25), a resident of Chakloo, and Mudasir Ali Sofi (24), son of Mohd Sofi, also a resident of Chakloo. One of the injured is reported to be in critical condition. Locals immediately rushed both injured persons to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, where they were admitted for advanced medical treatment. The dumper was reportedly being driven by Azad Ali Malla, son of Ghulam Din Malla, a resident of Shivari. Further details regarding the accident and the condition of the injured are awaited.
55-Year-Old Man Critically Injured in Bear Attack in Poonch
SRINAGAR: A 55-year-old man was critically injured after being attacked by a wild bear in the Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district on Saturday. The injured man has been identified as Nazir Ahmed, son of Abdullah, a resident of Fazalabad Nar, Surankote, reports said. According to reports, Ahmed was in his native area []
Fire Damages Residential House in Anantnag
SRINAGAR: A residential house was partially damaged in a fire incident at Hardpora village of Achabal in Anantnag district on Saturday. Officials said that fire broke out in the joint house of two brothers, Abdul Rashid Bhat and Abdul Aziz Bhat, sons of Saidullah Bhat resulting in partial damage to the house. Fire and []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Approves Two-Year Inter-Divisional Mutual Transfer of Two Teachers
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the inter-divisional mutual transfer of two teachers from Anantnag and Doda districts on a reciprocal basis for a period of two years. The School Education Department issued the order in August 2026, approving the transfer of Vikram Singh, Teacher at BMS Uttersoo, Zone Shangus, Anantnag, and Hilal []
LG Manoj Sinha Meets PM Narendra Modi
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on X, Office of PM Modi wrote, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri @manojsinha_ , met Prime Minister @narendramodi.
MLA Banihal flagged off 52 lakh Mobile Medical for Khari Block
Ramban, August 22: MLA Banihal-Gool Sajjad Shaheen today flagged off a 52 lakh state-of-the-art Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) at Ramban, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Ramban Ilyas Khan and former DDC Chairperson Shamshada Shan. Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said the Mobile Medical Unit is an important step towards taking quality healthcare services closer to people living in remote and far-flung areas of Khari Block of his constituency. The MMU has been equipped with modern medical and diagnostic facilities, including portable ultrasound, ECG, multiparameter monitoring system, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), auto-analyser, fetal Doppler and other essential diagnostic and emergency-care equipment. Shaheen said the facility would strengthen the delivery of healthcare services in remote areas where people often have to travel considerable distances to access specialised medical facilities. He said the MMU would facilitate early diagnosis, basic medical investigations, emergency support, maternal and child healthcare and timely medical intervention at the doorstep of communities. The facility would also help in the early detection of health conditions and enable patients to receive appropriate medical advice and referrals without unnecessary travel. This Mobile Medical Unit will be particularly beneficial for the people living in the difficult and remote terrain of Khari Block. Bringing modern diagnostic and healthcare facilities closer to the people is an important step towards ensuring equitable access to healthcare, Shaheen said. The MLA expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Health Minister Sakina Itoo and officers of the Health Department for extending the facility to Khari Block. Shaheen said that healthcare delivery in remote and hilly areas requires innovative and mobile solutions, adding that the MMU would complement existing health institutions and help bridge gaps in access to medical services. He said strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that people in remote areas receive quality services remains one of his key priorities for the Banihal-Gool constituency. He also appreciated the officers and health department officials involved in making the facility operational and expressed hope that the MMU would effectively serve the people of Khari Block and adjoining remote areas.
Man found dead in Ramgarh field
Samba: The body of a man was found lying in a field at Keso village in the Ramgarh area of Samba district on Saturday, officials said. An official said that police reached the spot and took the body into custody. The deceased was identified as Balkar Singh, a resident of Barota Camp, Ramgarh, he said. []
Body of Man Recovered in Samba District
SRINAGAR: The body of a man was found lying in a field at Keso village in the Ramgarh area of Samba district on Saturday, officials said. An official said that police reached the spot and took the body into custody. The deceased was identified as Balkar Singh, a resident of Barota Camp, Ramgarh, he said. []
UP Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak to raise students
The News Mill
Omar Abdullah steering J&K towards development with dignity: Sajjad Shaheen
Banihal, August 22: In a significant political development, scores of workers and activists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) at a joining programme held in Banihal, further strengthening the partys organisational presence across the Banihal-Gool constituency. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, NC leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, said the growing support for the National Conference reflects the peoples increasing faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the partys vision of development, dignity and inclusive governance. Shaheen said that under Omar Abdullahs leadership, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a renewed focus on development, public infrastructure, essential services and equitable growth. He said the people are increasingly looking towards a politics that delivers tangible results rather than one based on promises and opportunism. Referring to the Banihal-Gool constituency, Shaheen said several long-pending developmental issues are being addressed with renewed focus, particularly in remote and hilly areas. He said the Gool-Sangaldan belt has received attention in sectors including roads, power, healthcare, education, drinking water and other basic infrastructure. He highlighted the augmentation of power infrastructure as one of the important ongoing interventions. The Sangaldan Receiving Station has been augmented from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA, while augmentation of the Khari Receiving Station from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA is in progress. He said these measures would significantly strengthen power supply and improve reliability for Gool-Sangaldan and adjoining areas. Shaheen said efforts are also underway to improve road connectivity, particularly in remote and difficult terrain, besides strengthening healthcare and educational facilities. He said the government is committed to bridging developmental gaps in areas that have remained neglected for decades. He further said initiatives aimed at promoting the tourism potential of the Banihal-Gool constituency, improving public amenities and creating livelihood opportunities are also being pursued, with special emphasis on remote and economically disadvantaged areas. The people are looking for development, stability and dignity. They have seen the politics of promises and opportunism. Today, they are increasingly choosing the National Conference because they see a leadership and a government focused on development and delivery on the ground, Shaheen said. Taking a dig at the PDP, Shaheen said the party had lost public credibility because of its past political decisions and failure to safeguard the interests, aspirations and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the continued movement of workers towards the National Conference reflects a changing political landscape in the Banihal-Gool constituency. He said the growing strength of the NC was not merely an organisational development but also an indication of increasing public confidence in the partys leadership, policies and grassroots approach. Welcoming the new entrants, Shaheen assured them that their joining would further strengthen the party organisation at the grassroots and contribute to taking forward the National Conferences agenda of development, public service and inclusive politics across the constituency. Former DDC Chairperson Shamshada Shan, Block Presidents Jan Mohammad Chandail, Mohd Saultan Mughal, Mohd Afzal Giri, Mukhtiar Ahmed Bhat and Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh, besides other senior party functionaries and workers, were present on the occasion.
Spirit team shares rare photo with Chiranjeevi on his birthday
The News Mill
IIM Jammu Should Root Research in Border Economies, Frontier Development: LG Sinha
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called upon IIM Jammu to develop distinctive ideas, strengthen research on border economies and frontier development, and ensure that its graduates contribute to building enterprises and solutions in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Addressing the 10th anniversary celebrations of IIM Jammu, Sinha highlighted the institutes growth from its []
Awful decision: Jeremy Vine dropped from carers awards after furious backlash
Highlights Jeremy Vine will no longer host the 2026 Carers UK Awards Campaigners criticised his appointment over his coverage of disability and welfare issues Carers UK said it wanted the ceremony to remain focused on celebrating carers Jeremy Vine has been dropped as host of the 2026 Carers UK Awards following a furious backlash over his appointment. The Channel 5 presenter had been announced as host of the ceremony earlier this week, with the event set to celebrate the contribution of unpaid carers and recognise individuals and organisations supporting them. But the decision quickly came under fire from campaigners, who questioned why Vine had been chosen to front an event dedicated to carers and people affected by disability. One campaigner described the appointment as an awful decision and accused Vine of attacking disabled people for clicks. Weve made the decision Following the backlash, Carers UK confirmed that Vine would no longer host this year's ceremony. A spokesperson said: Following discussions with Jeremy Vine, we've made the decision that he will no longer be hosting this year's Carers UK Awards. The organisation added that Vine had been incredibly supportive of Carers UK, including through his radio show, but said it had listened to concerns from its community. We've agreed that the focus of the evening should stay entirely on celebrating carers and the individuals and organisations that support them, without the risk of other content becoming a distraction, the spokesperson said. The reversal came just days after Vine's appointment was announced. Why did Jeremy Vine face backlash? Campaigners objected to Vine's role in the context of his broadcasting on welfare, benefits and disability issues. Mike OBrien, a campaigner for unpaid carers, criticised Carers UK for selecting Vine and urged the organisation to reconsider. He claimed Vine had made clear his hate for disabled people, the vulnerable and unpaid carers and questioned how he could be chosen to host an awards ceremony celebrating their contribution. The criticism comes after recent segments on Vine's Channel 5 programme examining controversial welfare policies. On August 16, the programme ran a discussion titled, Reform right to call for cuts to disability benefits?, following Reform UKs policy announcements. A Facebook video from August 18 also asked: Should benefits claimants clean the high street? The comments and coverage became part of the wider debate surrounding Vine's suitability for the awards ceremony. Vine says he is very happy to step aside Vine subsequently addressed the controversy on X, acknowledging that his work covering welfare and benefits had made him a controversial choice. Because I host debates about welfare, benefits etc I see I was a controversial choice to be the (obviously unpaid) host of the prestigious @CarersUK awards so I'm very happy to stand aside and give someone else the honour of doing it, he wrote. Vine said he had initially agreed to host because he wanted to support a friend whose husband had died after a long illness. He also defended his coverage of unpaid carers, saying he was very much aware of the vital role they play and that he believed his programmes had covered them sympathetically. I wish @CarersUK well with their excellent event and will cheer the winners from a distance, he added. The 2026 Carers UK Awards will now go ahead without Vine as host, with the organisation stressing that its focus should remain on recognising the unpaid carers and support organisations at the heart of the event.
Farmers want State to earmark 2,000 crore for Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river linking project
Judges Not Gods, Won't Get Every Judgment Right: Retiring SC Judge Karol
SC judge Sanjay Karol spoke of the importance of listening beyond the spoken arguments in his farewell address; said judges must learn to understand the eloquent silences in courtrooms
3 killed, 6 injured after car collides with parked truck in MP's Betul
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO, Betul), Manoj Hurmade, said that the accident occurred near Paregaon junction, Multai, in the district and the injured were brought to the Community Health Centre in Multai via 108 ambulance at around 3 am on Saturday
BJP defends Vande Mataram legacy, condemns Congress over two-stanza decision
The resolution was passed during the first meeting of partys new national office-bearers at party headquarters and it reiterated partys reverence for Bharat Mata as well as the National Song, representing the essence of Indias freedom struggle and serving as symbol of national consciousness
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Opens Artist Mustaq Mir
SRINAGAR: Kashmirs chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday formally opened an art gallery of Mustaq Mir in Barzulla, Srinagar, and praised the artists perseverance in continuing his work while battling cancer for nearly a decade. In a post on X, Mirwaiz said he had the opportunity to see Mirs work at the gallery and []
Pinarayi Vijayan claims ED probe on daughter Veena is politically motivated
The News Mill
Inat and the recipe for being Djokovic
What makes Novak Djokovic what he is? He needs fear and anger for his fangs; he is a gentle family man, and hes going for tennis glory. A riveting new documentary reveals some fascinating answers
Gur Storage Tips: Many people like to eat a small piece of jaggery after a meal. However, jaggery stored at home often begins to soften after a few days, and its surface becomes sticky.How to prevent jaggery from melting and becoming sticky?How To Store Jaggery Without Melting: Jaggery is an i...
18 Terror Suspects Held in Pakistan's Punjab
Over 3 kgs of explosives, eight detonators, 13.1 feet of safety fuse, 4.5 feet of prima cord, four pistols and 21 bullets have been recovered from the suspects
Baingan Bharta Cooking Tips: The key to making this dish is roasting the eggplant properly and balancing the flavors rather than overloading them with spices. Let us explain.Easy way to make Dhaba Style Smoky Baingan BhartaDhaba Style Roasted Baingan Bharta Easy Recipe: Many people make...
Which Diwali? Boris Johnson says he kept his India-UK FTA promise
Andhra Pradesh BJP accuses CJP of politicising Rajasthan incident
The News Mill
Ayurveda PG entrance exam cancelled at Jaipur centre after major technical failure
The News Mill
Pinarayi Vijayan rejects hawala allegations, claims family being targeted
Leader of the Opposition says daughter Veena has cooperated with ED probe.
BJP passes resolution to honour 'Vande Mataram', condemns Congress move to sing two stanzas
The Bharatiya Janata Party has passed the resolution today for the preservation of the honour and glorious heritage of Vande Mataram. The BJP's resolution condemned the decision of the Congress Working Committee on August 19, 2026, reaffirming its 1937 resolution limiting the singing of only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at Congress functions.
AI cannot replace human oversight in judicial reasoning: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh
IIM Jammu will earn global recognition and respect in next decade: Lieutenant Governor
Jammu, Aug 22: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined the Board of Governors, faculty, students, alumni and dignitaries today to celebrate 10 years of IIM Jammu. Reflecting on IIM Jammu's remarkable journey, the Lieutenant Governor said that from a modest beginning to its current standing as one of India's fastest-emerging business schools, the Institute has scripted a new history while setting out an ambitious roadmap for the decade ahead. Recalling that IIM Jammu started a decade ago with just 56 students on a temporary campus on Canal Road, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the institute has since grown into a nationally recognised and internationally engaged centre for management education. He observed that IIM Jammu is now the fifth IIM in the country to hold both AMBA and EFMD accreditation, and it has built academic partnerships with institutions across France, Morocco, South Korea, Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Poland, Sweden, Taiwan and, most recently, Brazil. He said the research output at the institute has also expanded sharply, growing from just two published papers in 2017 to close to 350 this year. The Lieutenant Governor commended the hard work and a decade of consistent effort under the leadership of Director Professor B.S. Sahay, the faculty and the Board of Governors, describing the institute's trajectory as a model that other business schools are beginning to look to for inspiration. I have seen details of one achievement after another, along with several distinctive initiatives that have become an inspiring example, a role model, for other business schools. I am certain that, in the future, people will remember these achievements as a standard and an ideal, and will seek to emulate them, he said. The Lieutenant Governor invoked the founding stories of three of the world's most respected business schools - Harvard, built on the discipline of case-based learning; Stanford, built on connecting the classroom to real-world enterprise through Silicon Valley; and Wharton, built on mastering the complexities of global capital markets. Each, the Lieutenant Governor observed, succeeded not by trying to be everything, but by committing to one distinctive idea and pursuing it with patience over generations. The Lieutenant Governor said that IIM Jammu now stands at a similar starting point and the decisions it makes over the coming years will shape its identity for decades to come. He emphasised four priorities for the IIM Jammu. A distinctive academic identity should be the priority. Rather than relying primarily on case studies drawn from Western business schools, IIM Jammu should build its own tradition of case writing rooted in the realities of Indian enterprise including the logistical and entrepreneurial challenges unique to Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. Experiential learning. We need to move education beyond the lecture hall. Every student to undertake a real, tangible project before graduation, whether through the institute's Entrepreneurship Centre, a policy challenge, or direct engagement with local businesses supported by its Centre for Small Business Development. Research with a sharp edge should be the focus. Building on the institute's rapid growth in research output, a deeper focus should be on questions specific to border economies, sustainable development and frontier entrepreneurship, areas where IIM Jammu is uniquely positioned to lead. Placements should be seen as a nation-building exercise. I hope within a decade, IIM Jammu graduates would be recognised for reshaping major companies and founding leading enterprises. Each graduate should be seen as a contributor to India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said the real examinations take place in corporate boardrooms, markets and in life itself, where the data is often incomplete, stakeholders have differing opinions and there is no teacher to provide readymade answers. IIM Jammu's growth must now be converted into new discoveries. IIM Jammu must ask itself what can be done in the fields of administration, sustainable development and entrepreneurship in the economies of border areas. I believe that great institutions are great because, when the nation faces difficult questions, it looks to them for answers. If IIM Jammu continues to move forward with complete confidence over the next ten years, I am certain that its name will be spoken across the world with immense pride and respect, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released seven coffee-table books of IIM Jammu. Padma Shri Dr. Milind Pralhad Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG), IIM Jammu; Sriram Dandekar, Former Chairman, BoG, IIM; Anand Kripalu, Member, BoG, IIM Jammu; Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director IIM Jammu; S. Shivakumar, Operating Partner, Advent International; Vice Chancellors of various Universities; Head of Departments, Faculty and students of IIM Jammu; prominent citizens and senior officials of Police and Civil Administration were present.
Journalism must question power, produce informed citizens: Bhatti Vikramarka
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has called for a strong and independent media, saying journalisms role in a democracy is to make those in power explain itself and hold authority to account
