Jammu & kashmir

Amarnath Yatra Sees 28 Per Cent Rise in Pilgrim Footfall

SRINAGAR: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has recorded a 28 per cent increase in pilgrim turnout this year, with more than 1.42 lakh devotees performing darshan at the holy cave shrine during the first six days of the pilgrimage, official figures reveal. According to officials, 1,42,861 pilgrims had paid obeisance at the cave shrine []

DSEJ Orders Review of Books in Schools, Coaching Centres; Seeks Report on Objectionable Content

SRINAGAR: The Directorate of School Education, Jammu (DSEJ) has directed all government and private schools, as well as coaching centres, to conduct a comprehensive review of books available on their premises to ensure that no publication contains objectionable or inappropriate content. According to Circular No. 10-DSEJ of 2026, all Heads of Institutions (HOIs) have been []

North Kashmir: Police Conduct Searches in UAPA Case, Seize Mobile Phones and Laptop

SRINAGAR: Police on Thursday conducted coordinated searches at multiple locations in north Kashmirs Baramulla district as part of an investigation into a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In a handout, police said the searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 43/2026, registered at []

Fresh Spell of Rain to Lash Jammu Kashmir from Today: MeT

SRINAGAR: A fresh spell of rain and thunderstorms is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from Thursday, with heavy rainfall forecast at isolated places over the next four days, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said. The forecast comes after rain and thundershowers lashed several parts of the Union Territory on Wednesday evening, with brief but intense []

Iran Claims Fresh Strikes on US Military Bases in Gulf Region

SRINAGAR: Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday claimed it had launched missile and drone strikes against United States military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for recent American air strikes, according to a statement broadcast by the state television network IRIB. According to the IRGC, the strikes targeted key infrastructure and facilities []

IUST hosts workshop on research administration

Awantipora, Jul 8: To enhance institutional capacity in research administration and ensure efficient management of externally funded research projects, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organized a one-day workshop on Effective Research Administration: Understanding GFR, Procurement Rules, and Documentation Requirements. The programme was jointly organized by the Office of the Dean Research and the Office of Finance. The workshop was attended by Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Principal Investigators of externally funded research projects, Ramanujan Fellows, and research staff from across the University. The programme aimed to familiarize participants with the provisions of the General Financial Rules (GFR), procurement procedures, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) processes, financial documentation requirements, and best practices for ensuring transparency, compliance, and accountability in research administration. Welcoming the participants, Dr. Aabid H. Shalla, Dean Research highlighted the University's rapid transformation into a research-intensive institution with a vibrant and expanding research ecosystem. He noted that IUST has witnessed a significant increase in externally funded research projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, innovation initiatives, and advanced research facilities over the past few years. He emphasized that with this growing research infrastructure comes the responsibility of ensuring robust financial governance and compliance with statutory regulations. The technical sessions covered various aspects of research administration, including procurement rules, procedures and best practices, documentation requirements for bill processing, GeM procurement and compliance, and the essentials of the General Financial Rules (GFR) in the context of research management. The sessions were conducted by finance professionals from the University, including Manzoor Ahmad Kuthroo, Assistant Finance Officer; Suhaila Gulshan, Assistant Finance Officer; and Sameer Wazir, Finance Officer. Sameer Wazir, Finance Officer, underscored the importance of financial discipline and procedural compliance in maintaining the credibility and sustainability of research institutions. He observed that effective research administration extends beyond academic excellence and requires meticulous adherence to established financial and procurement norms. The workshop coordinated by Umar Afzal concluded with an interactive discussion during which participants sought clarifications on various aspects of project administration, procurement procedures, and financial compliance.

NIT Srinagar defends crown, clinches record fourth inter-NIT F&S Cricket Title

Srinagar, Jul 8: NIT Srinagar successfully defended their title and were crowned champions of the All-India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament (Men) 2026 after defeating NIT Puducherry by 88 runs in a one-sided grand finale. The victory marked NIT Srinagar's fourth title in the history of the tournament, underlining the institute's dominance in Inter-NIT faculty and staff cricket. Congratulating the winning team, Director, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said the Institute is proud for defending the title and host another successful edition of the tournament. He lauded the players for their sportsmanship and competitive spirit, appreciated the efforts of the organising committee, officials, volunteers and support staff, and congratulated all participating NITs for contributing to the success of the event. Prof. Kanaujia said such tournaments promote teamwork, camaraderie and stronger inter-institutional ties among the National Institutes of Technology. After winning the toss, NIT Srinagar elected to bat first and posted a formidable 187/4 in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Suhail Baba starred with a blistering unbeaten 64 off 32 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Aaqib Sheikh scored a fluent 50 off 38 deliveries, including six fours and a six, while skipper Faisal Irshad anchored the innings with a composed 29 off 32 balls. Shahid Hamid remained unbeaten on 12 off eight deliveries as the hosts finished on a commanding total. For NIT Puducherry, Ismail M was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/30 in four overs. Gowrishankar claimed 1/29 in four overs, while Murugapandi S picked up 1/27 in three overs. Sudhakar V conceded 26 runs in his four-over spell, CK Prakash gave away 60 runs in four overs, and Alaguraja K bowled one over for 10 runs. Chasing 188 for victory, NIT Puducherry were bowled out for 99 in 18.1 overs, handing NIT Srinagar a comprehensive 88-run victory. Muthu top-scored for Puducherry with 41 off 34 balls, including seven boundaries. Murugapandi S remained unbeaten on 16 off 21 balls, while Ismail M made 10. Alaguraja K (6), Edwin Johnny Divy (4), Sudhakar V (3), Karthik N (3), CK Prakash (2), Gopinath A (2) and Kavin Nivak (1) failed to make significant contributions. NIT Srinagar's bowlers produced a clinical performance. Dr. Mohsin starred with figures of 3/13 in three overs, while Dr. Majid Hussain also claimed three wickets to finish with 3/26 in 3.1 overs. Dr. Shakeel Waseem took 2/26 in four overs, Mudasir Qadir returned figures of 1/6 in two overs, Shahid Hamid claimed 1/12 in four overs, and Dr. Manoj Kumar bowled two economical overs, conceding just 13 runs. Suhail Baba was adjudged the Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 64 off 32 balls and claiming one wicket. The Best Batsman and Man of the Series awards were presented to Aaqib Sheikh of NIT Srinagar, who finished the tournament with 364 runs, including two centuries and one half-century. The Best Bowler award went to Ismail M of NIT Puducherry, who finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets. Akash Sharma of NIT Hamirpur was named the Best Fielder for effecting 14 dismissals during the tournament. The award ceremony concluded with the presentation of trophies and mementoes to the winners, runners-up, match officials and dignitaries. The tournament report was presented by the Observer, Dr. Prashant S. Nagrale of VNIT Nagpur, who commended NIT Srinagar for the successful conduct of the championship. He praised the meticulous planning, seamless coordination, excellent hospitality and outstanding arrangements made by the host institute, expressing satisfaction with the professional management of the tournament and congratulating the organisers for hosting the event in a befitting manner. The valedictory and prize distribution ceremony was attended by Registrar, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman; Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger; SAS Officer, Kowsar Ali Mir, Deans, Heads of Departments (HoDs), Heads of Centres (HoCs), Chairpersons, Chairmen, faculty members, staff, members of the organising committee, and representatives from various sections of NIT Srinagar. A felicitation ceremony was also held to honour dignitaries, officials, representatives of the participating institutes and sponsors, reflecting the warm hospitality and organisational excellence of NIT Srinagar. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Faculty In-Charge of the Sports Activity Centre (SAS). He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the organising committee, volunteers, officials, participating teams and support staff for ensuring the successful conduct of the championship. He also expressed gratitude to the participating institutes, distinguished guests, sponsors and everyone associated with the successful organisation of the tournament. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, bringing the All India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament (Men) 2026 to a memorable conclusion. Earlier, NIT Hamirpur secured third place in the tournament after defeating NIT Jalandhar by 16 runs in the third-place playoff played at the Physical Education College Ground, Ganderbal. Batting first, NIT Hamirpur posted 155/6 in 20 overs. Captain Surender Soni led from the front with 39 off 28 balls, while Manish contributed 36 off 24 deliveries, Vivek Tiwari scored 25 and Neeraj Dhiman added a quick 19 off just nine balls. In reply, NIT Jalandhar were restricted to 139/7 in their allotted 20 overs despite useful contributions from Nitin Sharma (28), Avishek Singh (27) and Manjeet Singh (20 not out). NIT Hamirpur's bowlers produced a disciplined performance, with Aman Kumar and Surender Soni picking up two wickets each, while Manish and TP Sharma chipped in with one wicket apiece to seal a 16-run victory and secure third place in the tournament.

DC Kupwara reviews progress under HADP, JKCIP, functioning of KKGs

Kupwara, Jul 8: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse on Wednesday chaired a review meeting to assess the functioning of Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKG) in the district and the progress achieved under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP). During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the operational status of Kisan Khidmat Ghar Centres, with particular emphasis on Common Service Centre (CSC) onboarding, capacity building of Krishi Udyamis (KUs), delivery of services and revenue generation. A detailed review was also conducted of the districts performance against the prescribed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under HADP and JKCIP including course completion by enrolled farmers, establishment of approved units, tracking of established units through the OTA application, utilisation of released funds, farmer and farm registration under KKG Level-2, completion of e-KYC under KKG Level-3, daily reporting compliance by Krishi Udyamis, credit disbursement against sanctioned cases, sanction of credit applications, JKCIP coverage in selected blocks and approvals under JKCIP. The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to achieve the prescribed targets under each performance parameter through a coordinated and result-oriented approach. He instructed the officers to expedite farmer and farm registration, ensure timely completion of e-KYC of all eligible beneficiaries, improve daily reporting compliance by Krishi Udyamis, strengthen credit linkage and maintain accuracy and real-time updation of data on the designated portal for effective monitoring and evaluation. He further directed the departments to review the performance of Krishi Udyamis on a daily basis and take prompt corrective measures wherever required. The Committee reviewed the implementation status of various interventions being undertaken under the two flagship programmes. Stressing convergence among implementing departments, the Deputy Commissioner directed the officers to ensure timely execution of approved interventions, undertake regular field-level monitoring and maximise outreach so that the intended benefits reach the farming community in a transparent and time-bound manner. The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development, Lead District Manager, Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Agriculture Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Assistant Director Fisheries and other concerned officers.

Police Conducts Multi-Location Searches In Baramulla In UAPA Case, Seizes Electronic Devices

Baramulla: Baramulla Police on Thrusday conducted coordinated searches at multiple locations in the district as part of the investigation into FIR No. 43/2026 registered under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station Baramulla. In a handout, the police said that the searches were []

IE Pampore Core Group meets CS, Ministers on land possession issue

Srinagar, Jul 8: A delegation of the Core Group of Industrial Estate Pampore (IE Pampore), led by its President Khalid Subhan Wani on Wednesday called on the Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana, the Minister for Agriculture, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, to discuss the long-pending land possession matter concerning Industrial Estate Pampore. The delegation comprised Khan Yasir, Vice President; Nasir Ahmad, General Secretary; and Sheikh Abid, Advisor. During the meetings, the delegation presented a comprehensive briefing on the current status of the land possession file, highlighting the progress achieved so far and emphasizing the importance of its early placement before the Cabinet for a final decision. The delegation also underscored the significance of the issue for the growth of the Industrial Estate and the confidence of the industrial community. The Ministers gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them of their full support for the proposal during its consideration by the Cabinet. The Chief Secretary also acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the delegation of the administrations continued attention to the matter in accordance with the established process. The Core Group expressed its sincere gratitude to the Ministers and the Chief Secretary for their valuable time, constructive engagement, and positive assurances. The delegation conveyed its confidence that the matter will now move forward expeditiously, bringing long-awaited relief and certainty to the industrial stakeholders of IE Pampore.

Commissioner SMC reviews urban greening initiatives during inspection of Hari Parbat Range

Srinagar, Jul 8: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive inspection of Hari Parbat Range under the Urban Forestry Division to review the progress of ongoing afforestation, landscaping, and urban greening initiatives aimed at enhancing the citys environmental sustainability. During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the survival rate of plantations, maintenance of green spaces, progress of beautification works, and the overall condition of the area. He directed the concerned officers to adopt scientific plantation management practices, ensure timely irrigation, safeguard newly planted saplings, and optimize the use of available resources to maximize the survival and healthy growth of plantations. Emphasizing the critical role of urban forests in improving air quality, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and strengthening the citys ecological resilience, the Commissioner instructed the field functionaries to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, landscape management, and environmental stewardship. He further directed that all ongoing works be executed in a time-bound manner while ensuring quality, sustainability, and long-term maintenance of the developed green assets. The Commissioner also underscored the need to intensify plantation drives and further strengthen Srinagars green infrastructure in line with the Corporations commitment to developing a cleaner, healthier, greener, and climate-resilient city. During the visit, officers of the Urban Forestry Division briefed the Commissioner on the progress of various plantation programmes, maintenance schedules, survival monitoring mechanisms, and the operational challenges being encountered in the field. Appreciating the dedication and sincere efforts of the field staff, the Commissioner urged them to continue working with renewed commitment towards transforming Srinagar into a model of sustainable urban forestry and environmental conservation. The Commissioner was accompanied by Joint Commissioner (Works), Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry Division, and other senior officers of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Urban Forestry Division during the inspection.

Unidentified Male Body Recovered from River in Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: An unidentified male body was recovered from the Darhali river in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Thursday. According to reports, the deceased is believed to be between 30 and 35 years of age. His identity has not yet been established. The body was retrieved from the river and shifted to the Government Medical []

Div Com Kashmir chairs meeting on traffic management

Srinagar, Jul 8: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a multi-disciplinary meeting to review traffic management initiatives and monitor the progress of key road infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic flow and urban mobility across Srinagar. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, SSP Traffic Srinagar, and senior officers from the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), and other concerned departments. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the status of several major projects, including the Natipora CrossingChanapora Bridge road, T-junction at Natipora, ShaltengParimpora Flyover, Foot Over Bridge at JVC, underpasses at Nowgam and Mominabad, the road along the Doodganga bank from Barzulla to Sanatnagar, painting of zebra crossings and stop lines, establishment of an e-charging station at Batamaloo, development of bus stops, removal of traffic bottlenecks across the city, and identification of no-honking zones. Officers from the R&B Department and SSCL briefed the chair on the current status of the projects, progress achieved so far, and the timelines for their completion. The Divisional Commissioner stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination and directed the concerned agencies to ensure the timely execution of all projects to enhance traffic management and commuter convenience in the city.

JK achieves 100% coverage of high-risk villages under TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Srinagar, Jul 8: In a review meeting of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), chaired by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Wednesday, it was highlighted that Jammu & Kashmir has identified all High-Risk Villages (HRVs) to be covered under the intensive TB screening campaign. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education (H&ME); Director SKIMS; Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM); Managing Director, JKMSCL; Principals of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs); Director, Health Services, Kashmir/Jammu; and Senior Faculty Members from various medical institutions across the UT. Commending the sustained efforts of healthcare workers the Chief Secretary emphasized that the fight against tuberculosis requires sustained vigilance, early detection and uninterrupted treatment. He directed all districts to ensure rigorous contact tracing of every notified TB patient so that all household and close contacts are promptly identified, screened and, wherever diagnosed with tuberculosis, immediately linked to appropriate treatment under the National TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He stressed that timely contact investigation and initiation of treatment are critical to breaking the chain of transmission and achieving the goal of TB elimination. The Chief Secretary also laid special emphasis on the effective utilisation of the 'Khushi Chatbot' integrated with the TB Mukt Bharat App, observing that the platform serves as an important digital companion for TB patients by providing ready access to authentic information, treatment guidance and counselling. He noted that the availability of information in local languages greatly enhances awareness, addresses misconceptions and encourages treatment adherence among patients and their families, thereby strengthening community participation in the fight against tuberculosis. He directed the concerned officers to maximise enrolment of patients on the application and ensure its wider use across all districts. The review meeting assessed the progress made under Phase-II of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and noted substantial improvements across several key indicators over the past three weeks, reflecting the focused efforts of the Health & Medical Education Department, district administrations, and field-level healthcare workers. The meeting was further informed that 6.85 lakh individuals residing in High-Risk Villages have already been screened under the campaign, representing a significant increase in community outreach over the past three weeks. The intensified field activities have substantially improved active case finding, particularly in vulnerable and underserved populations. A major milestone highlighted by the Commissioner Secretary, H&ME, M.Raju during the meeting was the successful conduct of 1,525 Nikshay Shivirs covering all 1,518 identified High-Risk Villages, thereby achieving 100 percent geographical coverage under the campaign. To further strengthen field diagnostics, he divulged that 11 additional hand-held digital X-ray machines have been deployed in districts including Reasi, Doda, Rajouri, Ramban, Baramulla, Srinagar and Kupwara through support from the Central TB Division and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, significantly enhancing the diagnostic capacity in remote and difficult areas. Considerable improvement was also recorded in the use of digital chest X-ray screening. The number of vulnerable individuals undergoing chest X-ray examination increased from 1.72 lakh to over 3.15 lakh, resulting in the overall X-ray examination rate increasing from 70 percent to nearly 79 percent. Several districts including Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar and Budgam have achieved exceptionally high X-ray coverage, reflecting improved compliance with national screening protocols. The review further noted encouraging progress in molecular diagnostics. A total of 95,810 microbiological investigations have been carried out, of which 91 percent were conducted using rapid molecular tests (NAAT), ensuring early and accurate diagnosis while reducing dependence on conventional microscopy. Moreover, the implementation of TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) also witnessed notable progress. The proportion of eligible household contacts initiated on preventive therapy increased from 34 percent to 65 percent, representing a substantial advancement towards preventing the progression of latent TB infection into active disease. Additionally, it was made out that the nutritional support to TB patients has also expanded considerably under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Distribution of Poshan Kits increased from 54.5 percent to 86 percent, with nearly 3,930 patients receiving nutritional assistance. Several districts have now achieved near-universal coverage among consenting beneficiaries, reinforcing the programme's emphasis on holistic patient care. The review further highlighted that Jammu & Kashmir continues to perform well in TB surveillance and diagnosis. During the first six months of the current year, over 3.19 lakh presumptive TB diagnostic tests have been conducted across the Union Territory, substantially exceeding the national benchmark of 3,000 tests per lakh population, with all districts remaining on track to achieve their annual diagnostic targets. A particularly encouraging outcome presented during the review was the substantial reduction in TB-related mortality. While 88 TB deaths were recorded in the Nikshay portal during JanuaryJune 2026, no death has been confirmed as attributable to tuberculosis following detailed TB Death Audits, indicating significant improvement in diagnosis, treatment adherence and patient management. Reviewing the progress made on previous directions, the meeting was informed that the proposal for providing Free Diagnostics under Differentiated TB Care has already received approval from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, with financial assistance of 117 lakh. The process for constituting Block Level Committees to strengthen monitoring and implementation of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has also been initiated across the Union Territory. The Chief Secretary reiterated that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir remains fully committed to achieving the national vision of a TB-Mukt Bharat, through coordinated action, community participation, technological innovation and timely delivery of quality healthcare services.

NC will invite all parties, except NDA partners, for Jantar Mantar protest: Omar

J&K statehood restoration Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the National Conference (NC) would invite all political parties, except those part of the NDA, to the proposed protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar on July 20 for the restoration of statehood. He said that besides the parties in the India bloc, []

Education Conclave 2026: CM Omar waives tuition fee for AAY students

Appoints 117 lecturers; launches 2,109 education sector works worth Rs 115 crore Srinagar: In a landmark move in Jammu & Kashmirs education sector, the Government on Wednesday revived appointments to School Lecturer posts, with the Chief Minister handing over appointment letters to 117 newly selected lecturers. These appointments are the first lecturer appointments in the []

Govt to identify multidimensionally poor households across J&K

Srinagar: In a major policy initiative aimed at further strengthening inclusive governance and ensuring that government welfare schemes reach the most deserving families, the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a meeting of Planning, Development & Monitoring Department (PD&MD) to have first hand appraisal of the proposed household-level enumeration of multidimensionally poor families across []

Amarnath Yatra witnesses 28% surge in pilgrims

Jammu/Srinagar: The annual Amarnath Yatra is witnessing a huge surge in pilgrim turnout this year, with the number of devotees performing darshan in the first six days increasing by around 28 per cent compared to the previous year. Official figures reveal that 1,42,861 pilgrims had performed darshan till 7:00 PM on Wednesday, against 1,11,975 during []

Four teachers suspended for irregularities in Yatris registration

Ganderbal: Taking cognizance of alleged irregularities in on-spot registration of Amarnath pilgrims, the authorities in Kashmirs Ganderbal district suspended four teachers, officials said on Wednesday. An official spokesman said that the District Administration Ganderbal has taken cognisance of certain irregularities which occurred in connection with the on-spot registration process for Shri Amarnathji Yatra pilgrims at []

LeT militant Zakir Ganai killed in multi-day operation in Shopian

Srinagar: A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant identified as Zakir Ganai was killed in South Kashmirs Shopian district following a relentless six-day operation launched by the Army and other security forces, based on a Jammu and Kashmir Police tip-off, officials said Wednesday. In an X post, the Armys Chinar Corps said during the joint search operation being []

Your cookware affects your health: GMC expert on choosing safe utensils

Stainless steel best for everyday cooking; cast iron boosts iron intake Srinagar: The utensils used in everyday cooking play a far greater role in health than many people realise. According to public health experts, selecting the right cookware not only preserves the nutritional value of food but also minimises exposure to potentially harmful substances that []

From Kashmir to Parliament: KU shines on national stage

Varsity contingent secures first position in National Youth Parliament Competition SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir (KU) has secured first position at the National Level in the 17th National Youth Parliament Competition 202425 for Universities and Colleges, organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The University was awarded the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Running Parliamentary Shield and []

CS calls for tech-driven strategy to curb cyber-enabled financial frauds

Srinagar, Jul 08: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired the 37th Union Territory Level Coordination Committee (UTLCC) meeting convened by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Jammu, and called for a comprehensive, coordinated, and technology-driven strategy to curb the growing menace of cyber-enabled financial frauds and other unregulated financial activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasising the need for strengthening institutional capacities, the Chief Secretary urged regulatory bodies including SEBI, NSE, and ICAI to undertake large-scale capacity building programmes for prosecution and investigation officers to enhance their ability to effectively investigate and prosecute cyber-enabled financial crimes. The UTLCC, constituted by the Ministry of Finance, serves as a statutory coordination forum to promote close cooperation among financial regulators and enforcement agencies, curb unauthorised deposit-taking and other unregulated financial activities, and facilitate timely sharing of market intelligence. During deliberations, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of creating widespread financial awareness and enhancing institutional preparedness, urging SEBI and NSE to jointly undertake awareness and training programmes targeting nearly 50,000 participants, while asking ICAI to strengthen capacities of around 20,000 stakeholders including teachers, students, SHG members, community influencers, law enforcement personnel, and officers involved in prosecution. Highlighting the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, Dulloo called for formulation of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in consultation with the Principal Secretary, Home Department, to create greater deterrence against financial offenders by clearly delineating responsibilities and ensuring seamless coordination. He also directed the Finance Department to expedite finalisation of the Chit Fund Rules to strengthen the regulatory framework. Expressing concern over the rapid evolution of technology-driven financial crimes, he stressed the need to intensify efforts against emerging frauds, particularly crypto currency-related scams. He called for identifying masterminds behind phishing messages and fraudulent emails, and advocated stringent non-kinetic measures such as cancellation of driving licences, passports, and vehicle registration certificates, along with attachment of properties against those involved in cheating people. Regional Director, RBI, Jammu, Chandra Shekhar Azad, made a detailed presentation on initiatives undertaken by RBI, including deployment of the Financial Fraud Risk Adapter tool, the AI-based Mule Hunter tool, mandatory adoption of the ank.in domain, standardisation of telephone numbers for promotional and customer awareness calls, tokenisation of card details, and customer-enabled options for disabling selected features of debit/credit cards. He informed that RBI has organised more than 113 awareness programmes across districts and institutions, benefiting government employees, students, traders, business establishments, and the general public. Additional Chief Secretary Finance and Principal Secretary Home also shared suggestions, emphasising the need for introducing distinct call signatures and sustained public awareness campaigns on modus operandi adopted by cyber fraudsters.

J&Ks MPI mission begins

Srinagar, Jul 08: In a major policy initiative aimed at further strengthening inclusive governance and ensuring that government welfare schemes reach the most deserving families, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department to have first-hand appraisal of the proposed household-level enumeration of multidimensionally poor families across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by concerned Administrative Heads including ACS Finance, Commissioner Secretary PD&MD, Commissioner Secretary FCS&CA, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Secretary RDD, HoDs of the Planning Department, and other concerned officers. Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing. Speaking on the proposed initiative, the Chief Secretary maintained that the proposed household enumeration represents the next logical step in our development journey, seeking to identify actual households that continue to experience multiple deprivations with the objective of creating a scientifically validated and technology-enabled database. This will help government departments deliver welfare benefits with greater precision, improve inter-departmental convergence, and ensure that no deserving family is left behind. The proposal, presented by Commissioner Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, R Alice Vaz, lays down a scientifically designed framework founded on the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) framework developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with UNDP, while adapting it for household-level identification of poor families within Jammu and Kashmir. As proposed, the enumeration shall initially cover the most vulnerable categories already available in government databases, namely Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, covering approximately 2.19 lakh beneficiary households across all twenty districts. The methodology follows the nationally accepted MPI framework by assessing every household across three dimensionsHealth, Education, and Standard of Livingthrough twelve carefully defined indicators including nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, household assets, and financial inclusion. Two structured digital schedules have been proposed: the first would collect household information for automated computation of the MPI score, while the second, applicable only to households identified as multidimensionally poor, would capture reasons for deprivation, gaps in access to government schemes, awareness levels, and barriers preventing families from availing benefits. The Chief Secretary impressed upon Deputy Commissioners to work out human resource requirements in coordination with the Planning Department and directed the Department to frame capacity building programmes so that the exercise is taken up after the culmination of the two phases of Census operations across the UT, including the pastoral populations of J&K. The household database generated through the exercise is expected to become a robust decision-support system for the Government, enabling convergence of welfare schemes relating to health, education, housing, drinking water, sanitation, clean energy, financial inclusion, livelihoods, and social protection, while also facilitating more efficient utilisation of public resources, strengthening monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals, and supporting evidence-based district planning.

I promise I will shoot a film in Kashmir: Huma Qureshi

Srinagar, Jul 08: Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi on Wednesday promised to shoot a full-fledged film in Kashmir, saying the valleys breathtaking locations and the warmth of its people continue to draw filmmakers back. Qureshi made the announcement while interacting with moviegoers at INOX cinema in Srinagar during the promotional event for her recently released film Baby Do Die Do. Today our film has been released here, and now I promise that I will shoot a film in Kashmir as well, she told an enthusiastic audience, drawing loud applause. Recalling her previous visit to the valley, the actor said she had shot portions of Maharani Season 4 in Kashmir last year. We filmed at Char Chinar in the middle of Dal Lake, and it was a wonderful experience. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places to work, and every visit leaves us with unforgettable memories, she said. Highlighting her personal connection with the valley, Qureshi said Kashmir has always held a special place in her heart. My mother belongs to Kashmir, so we have a maternal connection with this place. We keep coming back because of the immense love and affection we receive from the people here. It truly feels like home, she said. Qureshi was accompanied by her brother, actor and producer Saqib Saleem, who also assured the audience that the siblings would return to the valley for a film project. We are grateful to everyone who made this screening possible and thankful for the overwhelming love we have received. We promise that we will plan a film in Kashmir and release it here at INOX as well, Saleem said. The promotional event was also attended by the films director and other members of the cast, who interacted with fans and posed for photographs. The screening witnessed a packed house at INOX Srinagar, with cinema lovers turning up in large numbers to meet the actors and watch the film. The audience welcomed the cast with loud cheers, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for Bollywoods renewed engagement with Kashmir. The visit comes at a time when film shootings are steadily returning to the valley, with several Bollywood productions choosing Kashmirs landscapes as filming locations. The revival has been aided by improved infrastructure, government incentives under the J&K Film Policy, and the reopening of cinema halls, signalling a renewed chapter for the regions film tourism.

Mule dung to methane gas: Amarnath Yatras maiden green revolution begins

Srinagar, Jul 08: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, authorities and waste management experts are attempting to transform the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 into India's first zero-landfill pilgrimage by converting waste into resources and introducing innovative technologies ranging from water ATMs to biogas generation from mule dung. Speaking exclusively to Rising Kashmir, Dr Sameer Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Swaaha Resource Management Pvt Ltd, the startup entrusted with implementing sustainable waste management systems during the yatra, said an ambitious plan is underway to ensure that not even a single kilogram of waste ends up in landfills. We have been given an opportunity by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation (J&K) to ensure a zero-landfill yatra. The first step is collection, followed by segregation and processing of waste so that nothing ultimately reaches landfill sites, Sharma said. According to him, the newly notified Solid Waste Management Rules-2026 are being implemented in letter and spirit during this year's pilgrimage. Dustbins have been installed all along the twin routes leading to the holy cave shrine, while dedicated manpower has been deployed to collect both solid and liquid waste generated during the annual pilgrimage. Sharma said behavioural change among pilgrims forms a crucial component of the initiative. Street plays, puppet shows and awareness campaigns are being organised at langars to encourage environmentally responsible practices among devotees. We are urging pilgrims to carry reusable steel utensils including a thali, katori and spoon to minimise disposable waste. We have also requested yatris to avoid plastic bags and instead use cloth bags, he said. As part of the campaign, nearly 1.5 lakh cloth bags have been distributed among pilgrims to prevent plastic from reaching the fragile Himalayan ecosystem surrounding the cave shrine. With the number of pilgrims expected to cross five lakh this year, authorities estimate waste generation could touch nearly 400 metric tonnes. If the number rises to seven lakh, the waste burden could increase to nearly 700 metric tonnes. To tackle plastic pollution, eight water ATMs have been installed across the yatra route under a refill-based model. Each ATM supplies around 6000 litres of drinking water every 12 hours, encouraging pilgrims to refill reusable bottles instead of purchasing packaged water. The concept has the potential to reduce nearly 50,000 plastic bottles every day and around 30 lakh plastic bottles during the entire yatra period, Sharma said. However, perhaps the most innovative aspect of the initiative lies not in plastic management but in addressing the enormous quantity of waste generated by the thousands of ponies and mules that ferry pilgrims and supplies to the shrine every year. Sharma said between 25,000 and 30,000 mules operating on the pilgrimage routes generate massive quantities of dung daily, posing a significant environmental challenge in the ecologically sensitive region. For the first time, we have installed mule dung collection machines and established a five-cubic metre biogas plant to convert the waste into methane, he said. The project aims to create a weather-resilient biogas system capable of producing clean energy from animal waste while simultaneously reducing pollution along the yatra routes. As a demonstration of the technology, a methane-powered lamp has been installed at the Baltal exhibition centre, where visitors can witness energy generated directly from mule dung. Sharma said the long-term objective is to utilise the technology for producing green fuel that could eventually support services for pilgrims during future yatras. If we succeed in achieving a zero-landfill yatra, it will be a major milestone for sustainable pilgrimage management in India. Pilgrims must remember that they are coming for a clean and green yatra and not to pollute the environment, he said. The waste management company says it is pursuing a waste-to-resource model focused on landfill diversion and renewable energy.

Housing For All : J&K tops UTs in PMAY-U implementation

Srinagar, Jul 08: Jammu & Kashmir continues to remain at the top of the Union Territories in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U & PMAY-U 2.0), recording the highest number of houses sanctioned and the largest amount of Central assistance among all Union Territories. According tothe Annual Report 2025-26, released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in June 2026,on the physical and financial progress of PMAY-U and PMAYU 2.0, a total of 45,112 houses have been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir. The Union Territory has received Rs 534.75 crore as Central assistance against an approved assistance of Rs 714.86 crore. The figures place J&K well ahead of all other Union Territories. Delhi ranks second with 31,670 houses sanctioned, followed by Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNH&DD) with 10,338 houses, Chandigarh with 1,277 houses, Andaman & Nicobar Islands with 377 houses, while Lakshadweep has no sanctioned houses under the scheme. The data also indicated steady progress over the previous reporting period ending March 31, 2025. During the nine-month period, the number of sanctioned houses in J&K increased from 47,040 to 45,112 under the updated accounting framework. The report revealed that the Central assistance released rose from Rs 523.48 crore to Rs 534.75 crore, reflecting an additional release of Rs 11.27 croretill last year. Among Union Territories, J&K has also secured the highest Central assistance. Delhi has received Rs 698.53 crore against an approved assistance of Rs 714.86 crore, while DNH&DD has received Rs 209.87 crore, Chandigarh Rs 28.85 crore, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rs 3.72 crore. Nationally, PMAY-U has sanctioned over 1.25 crore houses, with more than 98.6 lakh houses completed. The revamped PMAY-U 2.0, launched in September 2024, aims to provide financial support for one crore additional urban families over five years while continuing the completion of previously sanctioned projects. The data underscore Jammu & Kashmir's dominant position among Union Territories in both the physical and financial implementation of the flagship urban housing programme. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the completion of 31,173 houses under the much-hyped Housing for All scheme, out of a total of 39,153 sanctioned units.

Three OGWs nabbed via Facial Recognition System

Anantnag, Jul 08: In a significant success demonstrating the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technology deployed for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed by Anantnag Police generated timely alerts about three suspicious individuals as they passed through the Sarbal area. Acting swiftly on the alerts, police personnel intercepted the individuals and verified their identities.During the verification process,all three were identified as Over Ground Workers (OGWs). Based on the intelligence generated through the Facial Recognition System and subsequent verification,all three individuals were promptly apprehended by Anantnag Policefor further legal proceedings, a police spokesperson said. He said the successful detection highlights the crucial role of technology-driven policing in strengthening the security grid and ensuring a safe, secure, and incident-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Anantnag Police remains committed to leveraging modern surveillance systems and maintaining a robust security framework to safeguard pilgrims and uphold peace in the district, the spokesperson said.

J&K improves school edu ranking in PGI 2.0

Srinagar, Jul 08: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessedasignificant progress in its overall performance in the Union Ministry of Education's Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for 2025-26, increasing its score by 47 points over the previous year and moving up one grade. However,the Union Territory, as perthe PGI for States/UTs Report for 2025-2026, released bythe Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India,continues to remainin the 'Akanshi-1' category, indicating that substantial improvements are still needed across key school education indicators. The Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 serves as theunion government'sannual assessment framework to monitorthe quality of school educationand identify areas requiring policy intervention in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The details reveal that J&K's overall PGI score increased from 500.2 in 2024-25 to 547.0 in 2025-26, resulting in an improvement from Akanshi-2 (411-460) to Akanshi-1 (461-510) grade. The PGI 2.0 evaluates States and Union Territories across sixdomains: Learning Outcomes & Quality, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Processes, and Teacher Education & Training,with a maximum score of 1,000. Domain-wise, Jammu and Kashmir scored 62.3 out of 80 in Learning Outcomes, 53.8 out of 80 in Access, 80.28 out of 190 in Infrastructure & Facilities, 210.5 out of 260 in Equity, 76.7 out of 130 in Governance Processes and 63.4 out of 100 in Teacher Education & Training. The UT secured Akanshi-1 grade in Learning Outcomes, Uttam-3 in Access, Prachesta-2 in Infrastructure & Facilities, Uttam-2 in Equity, Prachesta-1 in Governance Processes and Uttam-3 in Teacher Education & Training. In the Teacher Education & Training domain, J&K scored 63.4, placing it in the Uttam-3 (61-70.9) category. According to the details, only11 States and UTs achieved this grade, while just two, including Kerala, reached the top Utkarsh category. The report shows that Chandigarh emerged as the best-performing State/UT with an overall score of 766, becoming the only one to enter the Uttam-3 category, while several States and UTs continued to remain in lower performance bands.

16 houses damaged, 41 shops, school hit in Doda flash floods

Thathri (Doda), Jul 08: A day after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Thathri town of Doda district, officials on Wednesday put the damage toll at 16 houses fully damaged, 25 houses and 41 shops inundated with mud and slush, and one school building damaged, even as men and machinery worked to clear debris and boulders from roads and drainage channels in the town. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Union Home Minister Amit Shah called him on Wednesday morning to enquire about the weathersituation, tellingreporters he had briefed Shah on the difficulties faced in the Chenab Valley and Kathua, and that the Centre had offered assistance ifit wasneeded later. Tehsildar Thathri, Satish Kumar Rana, saidthatthe assessment showed 16 houses damaged and 25 more inundated, with mud and slush having entered the structures, along with 41 shops affected and one school building damaged. Water supply and electricity in the town were disrupted by the flash floods. Electricity has been partially restored, officials said, while the Jal Shakti department deployed water tankers to affected localities tomake upfor the disrupted supply. Restoration of roads and clearance of nallahs choked with debris and boulderswas continuingin the town. The Doda-Kishtwar national highway, blocked since the cloudburst struck the upper reaches of Thathri around 2:30 am on Tuesday, was briefly reopened for traffic at 8:30 pm the same day, officials said. Clearance operations resumed and continued through the night as fresh debris accumulated on the route, with the highway restored for one-way traffic on Wednesday morning.

J&K Govt waives full school fees for AAY students of classes 9-12

Srinagar, Jul 08: In a major welfare initiative aimed at improving access to education for economically weaker sections, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced a complete waiver of school fees for students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families studying in Classes IX to XII in government schools across the Union Territory. The School Education Department issued Government Order No. 282-JK (Edu) of 2026 dated July 8, 2026, sanctioning the full fee waiver with immediate effect. The decisionhas beentaken as a welfare measure to promote equitable access to education and reduce the financial burden on poor households. According to the order, the fee exemption will be available only to students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in government schools of Jammu and Kashmir. The beneficiaries must belong to households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and possess a valid AAY ration card or any other document prescribed by the Government for verification of eligibility. The order states that eligible students will be exempted from payment of all fees leviable by government schools. However, any charges payable to outside statutory authorities or examining bodies, where the School Education Departmentdoes not have theauthority to grant exemptions, will continue to be governed by the relevant rules unless specifically waived by the competent authority concerned. To ensure transparency and proper implementation, Heads of Institutionshave been directed toverify the eligibility of each beneficiary before granting the fee waiver. They have also been asked to maintain complete records for audit, inspection and verification purposes. The Government has further directed the Directorate of School Education, Jammu and the Directorate of School Education Kashmir to ensure strict implementation of the scheme. The directorates will be responsible forverification of beneficiaries, maintenance of records, monitoring of the process and submission ofperiodic reports. The order also provides for reimbursement of any financial implications arising from the fee waiver. Concerned directorates will calculate the financial burden and communicate it to the Administrative Department for reimbursement from the Finance Department. Officials said the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students from the poorest families across J&K and help reduce school dropouts caused by financial constraints. The move is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening educational inclusion and ensuring that economic hardship does not become a barrier to secondary and higher secondary education.

Buniyaad Se Bulandi Tak : CM Omar announces major education initiatives

Srinagar, Jul 08: In a landmark move in Jammu and Kashmir's education sector, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday revived appointments to School Lecturer posts, handing over appointment letters to 117 newly selected lecturersthe first lecturer appointments in the Education Department in many yearswhile also fulfilling his Budget 2026 commitment by announcing a full fee waiver for school and college students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. The decisions were announced during the Education Conclave 2026 Buniyaad Se Bulandi Tak, organised by Samagra Shiksha and the Departments of School and Higher Education. The Chief Minister also inaugurated 2,109 works in the Education sector worth more than115 crore, besides inaugurating a studio for virtual classes and a high-tech auditorium for Government College of Engineering Technology Jammu. Recognising stellar academic performance, the Chief Minister felicitated 67 meritorious school and college students and honoured National Award-winning teachers. He praised young minds at exhibition stalls showcasing student innovations, patents, and start-ups, saying their work proved how technology and good education can solve everyday problems. Appreciating Education Minister Sakina Itoo for initiating several reforms and budgetary interventions, the Chief Minister assured continued investment in educational infrastructure, institutional development, and improving service conditions of teachers and academics. He called teachers the backbone of society, pointing out that every professiondoctors, engineers, soldiers, or police officersstarts with a teacher. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the education sector of J&K, especially with regard to students, saying: I leave this conclave with renewed confidence in the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The conclave was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Agriculture Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, several Members of Legislative Assembly, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Commissioner Secretary School Education Department, Vice Chancellors of Universities, Director Colleges, Directors of School Education Kashmir and Jammu, other senior officers, academicians, and students.

Amarnath Yatra sees 28% surge in first week

Srinagar, Jul 08: A visible surge in pilgrim movement across both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes is setting the tone for what is emerging as one of the most encouraging editions of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in recent years. With thousands of devotees arriving at the holy cave shrine each day, the annual pilgrimage has gained remarkable momentum in its very first week, reflecting the enduring spiritual appeal of the Himalayan yatra and theconfidence of pilgrimsin the arrangements put in place this year. Official data available till 7:00 PM on July 8 shows that 1,42,861 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine during the first six days of the 57-day pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3. This is 30,886 more pilgrims than the 1,11,975 recorded during the corresponding period last year, registering a 28 per cent increase in footfall. The pilgrimage maintained its steady pace on July 8, when 29,047 devotees performed darshan. The day's footfall comprised 18,362 men, 9,737 women, 404 children, 181 sadhus, 13 sadhvis, 11 transgender devotees, besides 339 security personnel. The growing enthusiasm was equally evident at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, from where the seventh batch of pilgrims marked the largest single-day departure of the ongoing Yatra. A total of 9,837 pilgrims left for Kashmir in 361 vehicles. Of them, 5,337 pilgrims travelled through the traditional Pahalgam route in 188 vehicles, while 4,500 pilgrims chose the Baltal route in 173 vehicles. The departing batch included 6,684 men, 2,730 women, 21 children, 320 sadhus, 80 sadhvis, and two transgender devotees. With the Yatra scheduled to conclude on August 28, officials expect the flow of pilgrims to remain strong in the coming weeks. The impressive early turnout has reinforced expectations that the 2026 pilgrimage could rank among the highest-attended editions in recent years, provided the present trend continues uninterrupted.

Reports Of Kashmir History Books Removal From KU Deeply Troubling: Aga Ruhullah

Reports Of Kashmir History Books Removal From KU Deeply Troubling: Aga Ruhullah

Simplicity Lost in the Sparkle

In a land where simplicity and spiritual restraint have long been cherished values, the growing culture of lavish marriages in the Kashmir Valley raises uncomfortable questions. The wedding season today is marked less by the sanctity of nikah or the blessings of elders, and more by competition in display: endless wazwan courses, opulent dcor, firecracker shows, and multi-day celebrations that stretch family finances to the breaking point. This trend is not merely a matter of personal choice or aesthetic preference. It has deep social and economic consequences. Families of modest means feel compelled to match the extravagance they see around them, lest they be branded miserly or backward. Loans are taken, savings are exhausted, and in too many cases, people spend years recovering from the cost of a single ceremony. What should be a moment of joy becomes a long-term financial burden. The burden falls especially hard on the poor. Rising expectations around dowry, guest lists, and feasts can delay or even derail marriages for those who cannot afford such a show. Young men and women, otherwise ready to begin their lives together, are left waiting while their families struggle to meet inflated social standards. This is not just an economic distortion; it is a moral one. Religious scholars and community leaders have repeatedly called for austerity and moderation. Our own cultural traditions, when examined honestly, do not demand this race for spectacle. Modest gatherings, limited menus, and simple rituals were once more common, and they did not diminish the happiness of the occasion. On the contrary, they allowed families to focus on what truly mattered: the relationship being formed, the responsibilities undertaken, and the prayers offered for a blessed future. There have been some positive examples. Certain localities and community groups have tried to fix caps on guest numbers or restrict the number of dishes served. A few influential families have consciously chosen low-key weddings and used their example to send a message. Yet these remain exceptions in a society still enthralled by social media, showmanship, and the fear of what people will say. Kashmir now stands at a crossroads. If we continue down the path of unchecked ostentation, we risk entrenching inequality and anxiety in the very institution meant to offer stability and joy. It is time for collective introspection. Parents, clerics, civil society, and the youth themselves must reclaim the spirit of simplicity. A wedding should be remembered for the sincerity of its vows, not the number of its courses or the height of its floral arches.

Sustainable Heritage Conservation

Kashmir is often described as a paradise on earth. Yet, beneath this poetic praise lies a more sobering reality: the very heritage that gives the Valley its soul is under relentless strain. From crumbling wooden havelis in the old quarters of Srinagar to neglected shrines, temples, khanqahs, and caravanserais along our historic routes, the story of heritage conservation in Kashmir is one of indifference, short-termism, and a worrying disconnect between people and their past. Heritage in Kashmir is not confined to monuments and manuscripts. It is the living tapestry of our architecture, craft traditions, language, music, cuisine, and the shared social spaces where communities once mingled with ease. It is the deep silence of an old mosque courtyard at dawn, the intricate latticework on a window in Downtown, the rhythm of a weavers loom in a village workshop. To lose these is not simply to lose walls and wood; it is to lose memory, identity, and continuity. In recent decades, unplanned urbanisation and the lure of quick commercial gain have dealt harsh blows to this fragile legacy. Traditional homes are demolished to make way for concrete structures that could belong anywhere and therefore belong nowhere. Historic water bodies and canals, which once nourished both ecology and culture, are encroached upon and polluted. Even after natural calamities and conflict have damaged significant sites, post-disaster reconstruction has too often prioritised speed over sensitivity, replacing distinctive Kashmiri forms with generic designs. This is not to say that nothing is being done. There are examples of careful restoration by government agencies, civil society groups, and individual citizens who have chosen to preserve ancestral homes or revive old crafts. But these efforts remain scattered and fragile, easily overshadowed by a larger climate of neglect. What is missing is a coherent vision that treats heritage conservation not as a luxury, but as a central pillar of development. Kashmir needs a comprehensive heritage policy that integrates conservation with urban planning, tourism, education, and livelihoods. Incentives for restoring traditional buildings, stricter protection of historic neighbourhoods and water bodies, and sustained funding for museums, archives, and craft clusters are essential. Equally important is public participation: heritage cannot be preserved by experts alone. Schools, local mohalla committees, religious institutions, and business associations must all see themselves as custodians of this shared inheritance. Ultimately, the question is simple: what kind of Valley do we wish to leave to future generations? A place of anonymous concrete and fading memories, or a landscape where the past and present converse in harmony? The answer will depend on whether we, as a society, choose to treat heritage not as a burden of old stones, but as a living resource that can guide Kashmir towards a more rooted and humane future.

Artificial Intelligence in GI Endoscopy: Advancing Precision from Detection to Decision-Making

The gastrointestinal tract harbours numerous diseases with substantial clinical burden. The advent of cutting-edge medical technologies has ushered in a new era in gastroenterology, transforming the assessment of the gastrointestinal tract through improved diagnostic precision and timely therapeutic intervention in gastroenterology. Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, serving as the eyes and hands of gastroenterology, enables real-time assessment and targeted treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies. Over the last few decades, innovations in endoscopic imaging, optics, and auxiliary devices have boosted the role of endoscopy. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical practice represents a paradigm shift in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease. In gastroenterology the convergence of advanced imaging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of modern gastroenterology. In gastroenterology, AI is being tailored to address clinical questions and assist in medical decision making. AI has been developed for lesion characterisation, workflow optimisation, quality assurance, computer-aided detection (CADe), and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Early clinical research has demonstrated that AI-assisted colonoscopy can enhance the detection of polyps and adenomas and help accurately discriminate between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. The applications of AI extend beyond colorectal endoscopy to upper gastrointestinal neoplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, capsule endoscopy, and pancreatobiliary disorders. The suboptimal diagnostic performance of ERCP-guided brush cytology and forceps biopsy in the characterization of biliary strictures has prompted a paradigm shift toward integrated endoscopic diagnostics. Advanced modalities, notably cholangioscopy and endoscopic ultrasound, have emerged as indispensable adjuncts, enabling high-resolution intraductal visualization and precision-guided tissue sampling that collectively refine diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. AI Integration Across Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Modalities AI in Gastric cancers: Gastric cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Miss rates for gastric neoplasia are approximately 4.6-25.8% in countries with a low incidence of the disease. Histopathological assessment of whole-slide imaging (WSI) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of gastric cancer. Nevertheless, the meticulous examination of these complex digital slides is both time-consuming and cognitively demanding, placing a substantial workload on pathologists. The advent of deep learning-based algorithms, particularly convolutional neural networks, has revolutionized the detection and characterization of gastric neoplasia. Leveraging their exceptional pattern-recognition capabilities, AI systems can identify subtle mucosal abnormalities, accurately detect early gastric cancer, recognize premalignant gastric lesions, and discriminate between benign and malignant pathology. AI in Gastric precancerous lesions and H. pylori infection Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric precancerous lesions are integral components of the Correa cascade and represent well-established risk factors for gastric cancer (GC). Endoscopic evaluation remains the cornerstone for the detection and surveillance of these conditions. The assessment of gastric precancerous lesions traditionally relies on systematic biopsy protocols, including OLGA, OLGIM. Although these approaches provide reliable risk stratification, they are labour-intensive, time-consuming and costly. AI has enhanced the detection of gastric mucosal abnormalities, with deep learning algorithms identifying gastric atrophy with 100% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity, while machine learning models such as XGBoost improve the prediction of Helicobacter pylori infection AI in esophageal disorders Barrett's esophagus (BE) occupies a pivotal position in the neoplastic continuum leading to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), rendering its early recognition and surveillance fundamental to cancer prevention and improved patient outcomes Endoscopic surveillance remains the mainstay of Barrett's esophagus management, while artificial intelligence has emerged as a valuable adjunct, attracting considerable research interest for improving the detection and characterization of dysplasia. Beyond lesion detection, AI-assisted systems facilitate the assessment of invasion depth, a critical determinant in selecting appropriate therapeutic strategies, including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), or surgical resection. The emergence of advanced deep learning architectures, including YOLOv5l, has strengthened the endoscopic detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its precursor lesions. AI in Inflammatory bowel disease Machine learning models integrating endoscopic and histopathological features have achieved an accuracy of 82.7% in differentiating paediatric Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis, with ileal involvement identified as the most discriminative feature. AI-assisted capsule endoscopy has also improved the evaluation of small bowel lesions and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, while advanced predictive models enable individualized risk assessment and early identification of adverse clinical outcomes. Furthermore, AI-driven computer-aided detection (CADe) systems have demonstrated excellent performance in detecting IBD-associated colorectal dysplasia, achieving a sensitivity of 95.1% and an accuracy of 96.8% using high-definition white-light endoscopy. AI in Colorectal polyps and cancer Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscores the critical importance of high-quality colonoscopic screening and early lesion detection. Nevertheless, subtle or diminutive lesions may be overlooked because of operator-dependent variability. Building upon the established role of colonoscopy, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed colorectal cancer screening through computer-aided detection (CADe) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx). AI-assisted systems help endoscopists' to identify colorectal polyps with greater accuracy while reducing adenoma miss rates. The integration of advanced imaging modalities, including narrow-band imaging (NBI), linked color imaging (LCI), and endocytoscopy, with deep learning algorithms has further improved optical biopsy, supporting strategies such as esect-and-discard and diagnose-and-leave for diminutive polyps. AI in Pancreato-biliary diseases Pancreatobiliary malignancies, particularly pancreatic cancer and indeterminate biliary strictures (IBSs), remain among the most diagnostically challenging conditions in gastrointestinal endoscopy because of their subtle and often overlapping imaging characteristics. AI integrated with advanced endoscopic modalities, including ERCP, cholangioscopy, pCLE, and EUS-FNA, enhances lesion characterization, distinguishes benign from malignant biliary strictures, improves the detection of pancreatic neoplasms, and supports therapeutic decision-making. CADe system detecting colon polyp - Regional Perspective: Kashmir Kashmir is a landlocked geographical entity located at a very high altitude, with a multi-ethnic Muslim majority population with unique cultural practices. Traditionally recognised as an endemic cancer zone with peculiar oncology profile, the Kashmir Valley exemplifies a distinctive epidemiological phenotype within India, characterized by an enduringly high incidence of gastrointestinal malignancies. The 2023 Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics study analyzed 5,392 histologically confirmed malignancies (20162020) from Kashmir Valley and found that gastrointestinal malignancies accounted for more than one-third of all cancers. Gastric cancer, remains one of the most frequently encountered neoplastic diseases in the region. A recent population-based study from the Kashmir Valley documented 5,554 cases of gastric cancer between 2014 and 2023 among individuals aged 1890 years. The high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Kashmiri population further contributes to the regional burden of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. The epidemiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Kashmir similarly reflects the interplay of hereditary and genetic factors. A recent case-control study involving 246 histopathologically confirmed CRC patients and 246 matched controls demonstrated a strong association between a positive family history of CRC and an increased disease risk. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly recognized as an emerging gastrointestinal disorder in Kashmir. A recent prospective study from a tertiary-care center in Kashmir involving 100 patients characterized the evolving clinical profile of inflammatory bowel disease, with both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease contributing substantially to the regional disease spectrum. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal gastrointestinal malignancies owing to its aggressive biology and late clinical presentation. Collectively, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and esophageal malignancies, together with conditions such as Barrett's esophagus and colorectal polyps, constitute an important component of the gastrointestinal disease spectrum in Kashmir. Given the substantial gastrointestinal disease burden in Kashmir, the integration of artificial intelligence into endoscopic practice offers a promising opportunity to enhance lesion detection, characterization, and diagnostic precision. However, the successful translation of AI into routine clinical practice will depend upon robust endoscopic infrastructure, digital readiness, and continued investment in clinician training, ensuring that technological innovation complements - rather than replaces - the expertise and judgment of the endoscopist The Road Ahead: Caveats: While artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of gastrointestinal endoscopy, its widespread clinical integration is constrained by technical, ethical, regulatory and infrastructural challenges. Kashmir context The continued evolution of gastrointestinal endoscopy holds considerable promise for redefining digestive healthcare in Kashmir by fostering earlier disease recognition, enhanced diagnostic precision, and more effective therapeutic interventions. The judicious integration of artificial intelligence into endoscopic practice may further augment lesion detection, optimize procedural standardization, and refine clinical decision-making, particularly in settings with constrained specialist resources. Future research should prioritize multicentre validation, cost-effectiveness analyses, and the development of region-specific AI models to facilitate equitable integration into routine gastrointestinal endoscopic practice. Nevertheless, translating this potential into clinical reality will require sustained investment in endoscopic infrastructure, digital transformation, and workforce development, ensuring that technological innovation remains an extension of not a substitute for the expertise and discernment of the endoscopist. The future of gastrointestinal endoscopy will be written not by artificial intelligence alone, but by the synergy between intelligent machines and compassionate clinicians; While artificial intelligence may sharpen the lens of endoscopy, it is the endoscopist who guides that vision purpose, judgement and humanity. Together, they transform every image into an opportunity for earlier detection, every decision into greater precision, and every patient encounter into a testament to the convergence of technology and human expertise. (The Author is a DM Gastroenterology Associate Professor & HOU (Medicine) GMC Baramulla)

Your AI Listens, But Can It Truly Understand? The Future of Emotional Support

Not very long ago, speaking to a machine about one's deepest fears would have belonged to the realm of science fiction. Today, it has become an everyday reality. Millions of people across the world are typing messages into AI-powered chat bots, not merely to seek information, but to vent, reflect, grieve, celebrate small victories, or simply feel heard after a difficult day. Nobody listens to me. I don't know how to deal with my anxiety. I had a fight with my partner. What do I do now? These are no longer questions directed only at friends, family members, or therapists. Increasingly, they are being asked of artificial intelligence. The rise of AI as an emotional companion marks a fascinating moment in human history. It challenges our understanding of connection, support, and even loneliness. While technology has always transformed the way we communicate, generative AI is beginning to reshape how we seek emotional reassurance. Yet this transformation raises an important question: can an AI that processes language truly understand human emotion? The answer is both simple and complex. AI can listen. It can respond. It can even appear remarkably empathetic. But understanding is something fundamentally different. Unlike human beings, AI does not experience joy, grief, guilt, hope, fear, or love. It does not carry memories of heartbreak, nor does it know the quiet comfort of holding someone's hand through loss. It recognises patterns in language, predicts helpful responses, and mirrors emotional expression with astonishing sophistication. What often feels like empathy is, in reality, an advanced simulation of empathy. For many users, however, this distinction is not immediately obvious. One reason AI has become an appealing source of emotional support is that it removes many of the barriers people face while seeking help. There is no fear of being judged. No appointment to schedule. No concern about burdening another person at an inconvenient hour. AI remains available at midnight, during lonely weekends, and in moments when reaching out to another human feels impossible. For someone overwhelmed by stress or hesitant to express vulnerability, this accessibility can provide immediate relief. Sometimes, simply putting difficult emotions into words reduces their intensity. Psychologists have long recognised the therapeutic value of expressive writing and reflective conversation. AI can facilitate this process by encouraging users to organise their thoughts, identify emotions, and consider different perspectives. In that sense, AI can become a useful emotional mirror. It asks questions. It helps clarify thoughts. It encourages reflection. Sometimes, it gently reminds users to practise grounding techniques, breathing exercises, or self-care routines. These interactions may indeed contribute positively to emotional well-being. However, the danger begins when we mistake responsiveness for understanding. Human emotional support extends far beyond words. A therapist notices changes in tone, body language, hesitation, silence, and contradictions between what is spoken and what remains unspoken. A close friend recognises when a cheerful message hides deep distress. A parent senses anxiety from a single glance. Much of human communication exists between the lines. AI, regardless of its sophistication, has no lived experience from which genuine intuition emerges. It cannot independently recognise when someone is masking suicidal thoughts behind humour, when trauma influences present behaviour, or when a subtle change in expression indicates escalating psychological riskunless those signals are explicitly described in text. This limitation becomes particularly significant in serious mental health conditions. Depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and trauma-related illnesses require comprehensive assessment, clinical judgement, and personalised intervention. Recovery often depends not only on conversation but also on trust, observation, therapeutic relationships, and, where necessary, medical treatment. No algorithm, however advanced, can replace these essential elements. Another concern lies in emotional dependence. Humans naturally form attachments. We assign personalities to digital assistants, apologise to robots, and become emotionally invested in fictional characters. It is therefore unsurprising that some individuals begin to view AI as their closest confidant. The comfort feels genuine because the interaction feels personalised. Yet relationships involve reciprocity. A healthy human relationship teaches negotiation, disagreement, patience, accountability, forgiveness, and mutual growth. AI cannot participate in these experiences because it does not possess its own needs, emotions, or independent existence. It cannot challenge us through authentic emotional engagement, nor can it model the complexity of real interpersonal relationships. If AI gradually replaces conversations with family, friends, or community, loneliness may become deeper rather than lighter. Paradoxically, we could find ourselves constantly communicating while becoming increasingly disconnected. This is particularly relevant for young people, who are growing up in an era where digital interaction often precedes face-to-face conversation. Emotional intelligence develops through observing facial expressions, interpreting social cues, resolving conflicts, and experiencing genuine human vulnerability. While AI may strengthen reflection and communication skills in certain contexts, it cannot substitute the social learning that emerges from real relationships. Parents and educators therefore face an important responsibility. Rather than discouraging AI altogether, they must help young people understand its appropriate role. Technology should complement human connection, not replace it. There are also ethical questions surrounding privacy and trust. Conversations that feel intensely personal may be stored, processed, or analysed depending on the platform's policies. Users should remain aware that sharing deeply sensitive personal information with any digital service requires thoughtful consideration of data privacy and security. Emotional safety includes digital safety. At the same time, dismissing AI as entirely harmful would overlook its remarkable potential. For individuals living in remote regions where mental health services remain scarce, AI may offer reliable psychoeducation and encourage help-seeking. Someone unsure whether persistent sadness requires professional attention may gain enough confidence through an AI conversation to consult a psychologist. Individuals waiting weeks for therapy appointments may use AI-guided journaling, mood tracking, or relaxation exercises to support themselves between sessions. Similarly, caregivers experiencing burnout, students preparing for examinations, and professionals struggling with workplace stress may benefit from structured coping strategies generated instantly. In these situations, AI functions not as a therapist but as an accessible mental health assistant. The distinction matters. Just as a fitness application cannot replace a physician treating heart disease, an AI chatbot cannot replace qualified mental health care for complex psychological concerns. Perhaps the most meaningful way to think about AI is as an emotional first-aid kit rather than a hospital. It can help us pause. Reflect. Breathe. Organise overwhelming thoughts. Encourage healthier habits. Suggest questions we may wish to discuss with a therapist. But it cannot diagnose, truly empathise, or accompany us through the deeply human journey of healing. Healing has always depended upon relationships. The comforting presence of another person. The assurance that someone genuinely understands our history. The trust built across shared experiences. The courage to sit with another human being through uncertainty without immediately trying to fix everything. These qualities cannot be generated through algorithms because they emerge from lived human experience. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, society must avoid framing the discussion as a choice between humans and machines. The future is unlikely to belong exclusively to either. Instead, it will depend on thoughtful collaboration. AI can expand access to mental health information, reduce stigma around emotional conversations, and encourage early intervention. Human professionals bring empathy, ethical judgement, cultural understanding, intuition, and therapeutic expertise that technology cannot replicate. Together, these strengths may create a more accessible and responsive mental health ecosystem. The challenge before us is not whether AI should exist in emotional spaces. It already does. The real challenge is ensuring that we do not confuse convenience with connection, availability with understanding, or intelligent responses with genuine compassion. Machines may learn to recognise our words with extraordinary precision. Only people, however, can truly recognise one another. In an increasingly digital world, that distinction may become more valuable than ever. For Mental health related Queries call 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline Kiran (1800-599-0019). (The Author is a mental health expert. Reach the author for counselling at: poojapriyamvada@outlook.com )

Social Media: The New Architect of Our Thoughts

Never before has the world been so deeply connected. Every notification, every scroll and every click has woven humanity into a single digital network that never sleeps. I believe social media has become one of the most powerful forces shaping our thoughts. It does not merely influence what we buy or wear, but i t influences how we think, what we admire, what we consider success and even how we judge ourselves and others. The content we consume every day gradually shapes our opinions, values and aspirations, often without us realising it. When millions of people consume the same trends every day, they slowly begin to think alike, dress alike, speak alike and even dream alike. Individuality starts to fade as originality is replaced by imitation. Instead of discovering who we truly are, we become versions of what is trending. The most alarming change is the shift in our values. Today, success is often measured by wealth, followers on social media, expensive brands and public recognition. We compare our lives with carefully edited images online and wonder why we are never satisfied. In chasing a picture of perfection, we risk losing our peace of mind. Social media has made trends travel faster than values. A dance challenge can reach millions overnight, while lessons about culture, tradition and morality struggle to gain attention. We imitate accents, fashion, relationships and lifestyles because they are popular and not because they reflect who we truly are. Social media should be a window to the world, not a mirror that makes us reject our own identity. The greatest challenge of this generation is not resisting technology, but using it wisely . One of the biggest changes is in our perception of success. Instead of valuing character, kindness and wisdom, society increasingly celebrates material possessions and online popularity. If westernization is changing our culture, social media is its fastest messenger. Every day, millions of people scroll through content that promotes a particular lifestyle, beauty standard, definition of success and way of thinking. Without realising it, we begin to compare our lives with carefully curated images of strangers and start believing that happiness looks exactly like what appears on our screens. The irony is that everyone wants to be unique, yet many are following the same influencer, copying the same lifestyles a nd chasing the same definition of success. The more we follow every trend without questioning it, the more we risk losing our own identity. We have drifted far from reality. We spend more time living through screens than experiencing the world around us. Yesterday, while playing badminton, I experienced something far more valuable than the game itself (rediscovered a feeling that I had unknowingly lost). For a brief moment, I experienced a kind of joy and contentment that had been missing from my life for a long time. It was not extraordinary, but it was simply real. In that moment, I realised how much of my life had been quietly consumed by screens. We spend countless hours scrolling, watching, and chasing the next notification, believing the next swipe will satisfy us. Yet the more we consume, the emptier we often feel. That moment on the badminton court reminded me that real happiness does not come from endless content or virtual approval. It comes from being present, moving our bodies, connecting with people and living in the moment. Perhaps we have not lost the ability to feel satisfied, but we have simply buried it beneath the constant noise of our digital lives. How many times have you watched the ripples of a river flow peacefully before your eyes? Instead of truly experiencing the moment, we often reach for our phones, taking pictures of everything around us, while losing the simple joy of being fully present in the present moment. I am not saying that social media is the enemy. Like every tool, it has the power to educate, connect and inspire. The problem begins when we stop controlling it and let it start controlling us. When our self-worth depends on likes, our happiness depends on comparisons, and our identity depends on trends, we lose something far more valuable than time, that is, ourselves. The solution is not to abandon social media but to regain control over it. Use it as a tool, not as a lifestyle. Spend more time in conversations than in comment sections, more time creating than consuming and more time outdoors than online. Read books, exercise, play sports, pursue hobbies and spend time with family and friends. Give your mind moments of silence, because that is where clarity and creativity grow. The greatest freedom in the digital age is not having unlimited access to the internet, but it is having the wisdom to disconnect and reconnect with yourself. Progress should never mean becoming someone else. The strongest societies are not those that imitate others, but they are those that embrace innovation while remaining deeply rooted in their own culture. If we lose our identity in the race to appear modern, we may gain the world, yet lose ourselves. Most importantly, think for yourself. Not every trend deserves to be followed, an d not every popular opinion deserves to be believed. Protect your individuality, preserve your values and remember that your real life is far more important than your digital one. (The Author is a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Animal Husbandry Department, Kashmir. Email: mehreenbashir1018@gmail.com)

PDP holds Habba Kadal meet, seeks outreach push

Srinagar, July 8: The Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held an organisational meeting of the Habba Kadal Zone at Naid Kadal, chaired by PDP Senior Leader and Habba Kadal Constituency Incharge Arif Laigroo. The meeting was organised by Zone President Tufail Ahmad Bhat. The meeting reviewed the partys organisational activities in the constituency and discussed various public issues affecting residents of Habba Kadal. Addressing party workers, Arif Laigroo directed ward presidents to intensify public outreach in their respective wards and remain closely connected with the people to understand and highlight their day-to-day concerns. Laigroo said that the people of Habba Kadal continue to face serious civic issues, including steep electricity and water bills, dilapidated roads and lanes, and inadequate basic civic amenities. He stressed that the party workers should actively raise these issues before the concerned authorities and stand with the people. On the occasion, former prominent PDP worker from Dabtal, Habba Kadal, Fayaz Rah, rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party. Laigroo welcomed him back into the party fold and expressed confidence that his return would further strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level. Emphasising the importance of the upcoming Municipal elections, Laigroo urged the Zone leadership and ward presidents to begin preparations in earnest by expanding the partys grassroots network and engaging with the public across every ward. Among those present were Hajira G, Shakeel Bhat, Nisar Ahmad, Faheem Bhat, Sheikh Numan, Bilal Naikoo, Lateef Bhat, Shabir Ahmad, Farooq Ahmad, and several other senior party workers.

NC Womens Wing holds Ganderbal convention, stresses grassroots outreach

Ganderbal, July 8: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Womens Wing on Wednesday held a one-day convention in Ganderbal, with party leaders calling for strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level and expanding public outreach ahead of forthcoming local body elections. The convention, held at Rampora, Ganderbal, was chaired by NC Womens Wing President and MLA Habba Kadal Shameema Firdous and attended by Provincial Womens Wing President Er. Sabiya Qadri. The meeting discussed measures to strengthen the partys organisational structure, enhance womens participation in politics and increase engagement with people at the grassroots level. Addressing the gathering, Shameema Firdous highlighted the governments focus on women empowerment and welfare initiatives, saying the Omar Abdullah-led government remains committed to ensuring that benefits of various schemes reach deserving sections of society. She said initiatives related to employment generation, self-employment, financial assistance and social welfare are aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of women and vulnerable families. Encouraging women to participate in entrepreneurship and self-help groups, Firdous said economic independence is essential for long-term empowerment and inclusive development. Er. Sabiya Qadri urged women workers to intensify organisational activities and strengthen public contact programmes. She also called upon them to actively participate in preparations for the upcoming Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections. The leaders also urged party workers to ensure participation in the programme commemorating the death anniversary of Madar-e-Meherban Begum Akbar Jehan on July 11.

Hasnain Masoodi chairs Privileges Committee meeting

Srinagar, July 08: The Committee on Privileges of the J&K Legislative Assembly, chaired by Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, on Wednesday examined two alleged breach of privilege cases and directed both the officers concerned to submit the supplementary written replies. The Committee considered a notice submitted by MLA Ali Mohammad Dar against the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Chadoora, Budgam and another notice submitted by MLA Mian Mehar Ali against then Assistant Commissioner Development, Ganderbal. Both the officers were summoned and heard separately by the Committee. While examining the case related to then Assistant Commissioner Ganderbal, the officer submitted that the issue had arisen in connection with the preparation and submission of the list of works under the MGNREGA scheme, wherein certain works recommended by the Member could not be included. He also placed his version of the facts before the Committee. During the deliberations, the Committee took a serious view of the allegation that the officer had not been responsive to the telephone calls of the Member. The Committee observed that Members of the Legislative Assembly are elected representatives of the people and are entitled to due courtesy and prompt responsiveness from public officials to enable them to effectively discharge their legislative responsibilities. In response, the officer submitted that he had always endeavoured to respond to the communications of the Member and expressed regret if, on any occasion, he had inadvertently failed to do so. After detailed deliberations, the Committee decided to grant the officer further time to submit a supplementary written reply. The matter shall be considered further in the next meeting of the Committee. The Committee thereafter examined the case related to the alleged breach of privilege notice submitted by Ali Mohammad Dar against the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Chadoora, Budgam. The officer appeared before the Committee and submitted his statement. After hearing the officer, the Committee expressed its displeasure over the conduct attributed to him during the incident in question. The Committee observed that despite issuance of government instructions emphasizing that due courtesy and respect should be extended to Members of the Legislative Assembly, such instances reflect adversely on the functioning of the Executive and warrant serious attention. The Committee decided to afford the officer one final opportunity to submit a supplementary written reply. The matter shall thereafter be taken up for consideration and appropriate decision in the next meeting of the Committee, to be notified separately.

CRPF Man Shoots Self Dead With Service Rifle In South Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself with his service rifle in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Wednesday, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Y Chandra Reddy, a resident of Andhra Pradesh, who was posted with F Company of CRPFs 18th Battalion in the district. []

Er. Aijaz Hussain Calls on Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi, July, 08 : Er. Aijaz Hussain, State Executive Member, BJP and Co-In Charge, Minority Morcha, of Jammu & Kashmir, on Wednesday called on Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi. During the meeting, Er. Aijaz Hussain congratulated the Minister on the successful conduct of the Haj Pilgrimage 2026 and appreciated the Ministrys efforts in ensuring smooth, safe, and well-coordinated arrangements for pilgrims. The meeting included detailed deliberations on a wide range of issues concerning minority communities across the country, with particular emphasis on their welfare, socio-economic empowerment, educational advancement, and inclusive development. Er. Aijaz Hussain presented several suggestions and highlighted key issues of public importance affecting minority communities. During the interaction, Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the Government of India has introduced and is implementing numerous welfare and development schemes for minority communities across the country. He stressed the importance of ensuring that these initiatives reach every eligible beneficiary through effective outreach and encouraged greater public awareness to maximize their impact. The Minister assured Er. Aijaz Hussain that the concerns and issues raised during the meeting would receive due consideration and appropriate attention. He appreciated Er. Aijaz Hussains commitment to public service and encouraged him to continue working with dedication for the welfare, empowerment, and inclusive development of minority communities across the country.

Congress led Statehood fight from the start: Audil

Srinagar, July 7: District Congress Committee (DCC) Srinagar President Dr. Audil Farooq Mir on Tuesday claimed that the Congress Party was the first political force to consistently raise the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs Statehood, asserting that the issue was pursued as a constitutional commitment rather than a political slogan. Dr. Audil said Congress had raised the demand with clarity and conviction when several other parties were still undecided on the issue. He maintained that the party continued to pursue the cause through public outreach, constitutional interventions and democratic campaigns. Highlighting the role of JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, Dr. Audil said the Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq campaign became a major movement that took the Statehood demand from districts of Jammu and Kashmir to the national platform. He said Karra provided leadership to the campaign, which, according to him, was aimed at protecting the democratic identity and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Audil also referred to the communication by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said Rahul Gandhis assurance at Jantar Mantar further reflected the partys commitment to the issue. While others adopted the slogan later, Congress had already taken up the cause, Dr. Audil said, adding that restoration of full Statehood remains a democratic necessity for Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that the party would continue its efforts through constitutional and democratic means until full Statehood is restored.

Cloudburst leaves trail of destruction in Thathri

Thathri (Doda), July 08: Authorities on Wednesday said flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Thathri town of Doda district have damaged 16 houses, inundated 25 others and affected 41 shops, while restoration work is underway to clear debris and restore essential services. According to Tehsildar Thathri Satish Kumar Rana, the assessment revealed that 16 houses were damaged, while another 25 houses were filled with mud and slush. A school building also sustained damage in the flash floods. The cloudburst, which struck the upper reaches of Thathri around 2:30 am on Tuesday, disrupted electricity and drinking water supply besides blocking roads and drainage channels with debris and boulders. Officials said power supply has been partially restored, while the Jal Shakti Department has deployed water tankers to affected areas to ensure the supply of drinking water. Clearance of roads and nallahs is continuing with men and machinery working round the clock. The Doda-Kishtwar National Highway (NH-244), which remained blocked following the flash floods, was reopened for one-way traffic on Wednesday morning after overnight clearance operations. Officials said restoration work continued as fresh debris accumulated along the route. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to him on Wednesday morning to enquire about the situation. Omar said he briefed the Home Minister about the impact of the adverse weather in the Chenab Valley and Kathua districts, and that the Centre had assured all possible assistance if required.

Safina Baig joins NC, bolsters party's outreach in North Kashmir

Srinagar, July 8: In a significant political development ahead of future electoral battles in J&K, former District Development Council chairperson and former J&K Haj Committee chairperson Safina Baig on Wednesday joined the National Conference, lending fresh momentum to the party's efforts to consolidate its support base in north Kashmir. Safina, wife of People's Democratic Party co-founder and former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, was formally inducted into the party at the National Conference headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah, in Srinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, party president Farooq Abdullah and senior NC leaders. Accompanied by supporters raising slogans and beating drums, Safina arrived at the party headquarters where she was accorded a warm welcome by the leadership and workers. Explaining her decision to switch sides, Safina said she had been contemplating joining the National Conference for nearly a year and ultimately decided in favour of the party because she believed it genuinely represented the aspirations of the people of J&K. I felt that this party truly represents the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I am also impressed by the leadership shown by Omar Abdullah during a challenging period for the region, she said. Safina also endorsed the National Conference's demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, urging the Centre to honour the assurances made on the floor of Parliament. Jammu and Kashmir was one of the country's oldest and most prestigious states. Its downgrading was unfortunate not only for the people here but for the country as well, she said. A law graduate by qualification, Safina had contested the 2024 Assembly elections from the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency as an Independent candidate but was unsuccessful. Political observers view her induction as an important development for the National Conference in north Kashmir, particularly among the Pahari and Kashmiri-speaking communities where the Baig family continues to command considerable influence. Former Baramulla MLA Javid Baig, who himself joined the National Conference ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections, described the move as a unifying moment for supporters and political workers associated with the family. My joining the National Conference had divided our workers and even sections of the family politically. Today, everyone has come together on one platform and it will send a strong message across north Kashmir, especially in Baramulla and Wagoora-Kreeri, he said. The development is also being viewed through the prism of the proposed implementation of women's reservation in legislatures, with political circles speculating that Safina could emerge as a strong contender for a reserved seat in north Kashmir in future elections. Safina had won the District Development Council elections in 2020 as an Independent candidate before becoming chairperson with support from regional political parties. Her husband, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, was among the founding members of the PDP and served as Deputy Chief Minister in the PDP-Congress government led by Ghulam Nabi Azad. Over the years, however, his relationship with the PDP deteriorated, particularly following political developments after 2014 and subsequent differences over the party's direction. The veteran politician later experimented with alternative political alignments but largely stayed away from active public life in recent years, with Safina gradually emerging as the family's political face. After a lot of thought, we decided to strengthen the National Conference because we believe it represents the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Baig Sahib not only advised me but asked me to join the party, Safina said. Meanwhile, NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah, NC vice president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah besides senior party leaders of the party welcomed Safina into the party fold.

Back to the Valley: Huma Qureshi Eyes a Kashmir Film

Srinagar, July 8: Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi on Wednesday promised to shoot a full-fledged film in Kashmir, saying the valleys breathtaking locations and the warmth of its people continue to draw filmmakers back. Qureshi made the announcement while interacting with moviegoers at INOX cinema in Srinagar during the promotional event for her recently released film Baby Do Die Do . Today our film has been released here, and now I promise that I will shoot a film in Kashmir as well, she told an enthusiastic audience, drawing loud applause. Recalling her previous visit to the valley, the actor said she had shot portions of Maharani Season 4 in Kashmir last year. We filmed at Char Chinar in the middle of Dal Lake, and it was a wonderful experience. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places to work, and every visit leaves us with unforgettable memories, she said. Highlighting her personal connection with the valley, Qureshi said Kashmir has always held a special place in her heart. My mother belongs to Kashmir, so we have a maternal connection with this place. We keep coming back because of the immense love and affection we receive from the people here. It truly feels like home, she said. Qureshi was accompanied by her brother, actor and producer Saqib Saleem, who also assured the audience that the siblings would return to the valley for a film project. We are grateful to everyone who made this screening possible and thankful for the overwhelming love we have received. We promise that we will plan a film in Kashmir and release it here at INOX as well, Saleem said. The promotional event was also attended by the films director and other members of the cast, who interacted with fans and posed for photographs. The screening witnessed a packed house at INOX Srinagar, with cinema lovers turning up in large numbers to meet the actors and watch the film. The audience welcomed the cast with loud cheers, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for Bollywoods renewed engagement with Kashmir. The visit comes at a time when film shootings are steadily returning to the valley, with several Bollywood productions choosing Kashmirs landscapes as filming locations. The revival has been aided by improved infrastructure, government incentives under the J&K Film Policy, and the reopening of cinema halls, signalling a renewed chapter for the regions film tourism.

Sakina urges lecturers to shape J&K's future

Srinagar, July 8: Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday said that the appointment of new lecturers marks an important step towards strengthening the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir, while emphasizing that teachers carry the responsibility of shaping the future of society. Addressing a function where appointment orders were distributed to newly selected lecturers, the Minister congratulated the candidates and their families and thanked all officers, teachers, professors, Chief Education Officers (CEOs), and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) present on the occasion. She also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking time from his busy schedule to attend the event, describing it as a reflection of his commitment towards education. Sakina Itoo said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the government had referred nearly 600 lecturer posts for recruitment through the Service Selection Board. Of these, 113 lecturers received their appointment orders at the function. She added that candidates whose CID verification process is still pending would also receive their appointment orders shortly. The Minister said that the appointment orders should not be viewed merely as official documents but as symbols of trust and the fulfilment of long cherished dreams of many families across J&K. She noted that vacant teaching positions had affected students in several areas and expressed hope that the new recruits would help bridge those gaps. Urging the lecturers to serve with dedication, she said they would be required to work in both remote and urban areas and must ensure quality education reaches every child. She stressed that teachers play a unique role in society by shaping future engineers, doctors, administrators, and other professionals. Highlighting the government's focus on education and healthcare, Sakina Itoo said that during the past 18 to 19 months, these two sectors have remained among the top priorities of the administration. She said continuous efforts are being made to address public concerns and improve facilities despite existing challenges. The Minister also pointed to encouraging academic trends across the Union Territory. She said that girls continue to dominate among meritorious students and achievers, recording impressive performances in Class 10th, 11th and 12th examinations. Calling it a positive sign for society, she said the achievements of young women reflect growing educational empowerment. She further informed that admissions in higher education institutions have registered a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year, indicating greater participation of students in advanced studies.

NMC flags GMC Jammu over CCTV compliance

Srinagar, July 08: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has identified Govt. Medical College (GMC), Jammu among 70 medical colleges across India for failing to comply with mandatory CCTV surveillance and Network Video Recorder (NVR) integration norms, directing immediate compliance with its regulations. The NMC has directed all non-compliant medical colleges and institutions across the country to immediately install CCTV surveillance systems, connect their Network Video Recorders (NVRs) with the NMC Command and Control Centre, and provide live feed access to the Commission. In a communication issued by the NMC's IT Division on July 6, 2026, the Commission stated that medical colleges are mandated under various regulations and advisories to install 25 CCTV cameras at prescribed locations and maintain 30 days of playback footage and share live feeds with the NMC through NVR connectivity. From Jammu and Kashmir, Government Medical College (GMC), Bakshinagar Jammu has figured among the institutions listed as non-compliant in the communication under the UG category. The Commission said that despite continuous follow-up with institutions, several colleges have still not linked their NVR systems with the NMC. Consequently, a list of 70 non-compliant medical colleges, including undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) institutions, has been made public. Among the institutions named are prominent government medical colleges and hospitals from Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Odisha, Telangana, and other states. According to the NMC, the CCTV and NVR requirements form part of the UGMSR-2023 regulations, PGMSR-2023 (Amendment) dated February 20, 2026, and MARB Regulations 2023, aimed at strengthening transparency, monitoring, and regulatory oversight in medical education institutions. The commission has directed all listed institutions to comply with the CCTV installation and NVR integration requirements on an immediate basis. The Commission has also provided technical support through its designated email for institutions facing implementation issues. The notice has been forwarded to the Departments of Medical Education and Directorates of Medical Education of all States and Union Territories for further necessary action.

Div Com Reviews Srinagar Traffic Management Plan, Sets Deadline for Key Road Projects

Pushes for timely completion of flyovers, underpasses, bus stops, e-charging stations to improve urban mobility

Four teachers suspended over Yatra registration

Ganderbal, July 8: The District Administration Ganderbal has initiated action after alleged irregularities surfaced in the on-the-spot registration process for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims at the Manigam Transit Camp, leading to the suspension of four teachers and the launch of an official investigation. According to an order issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ganderbal, the action was taken following a communication from the Nodal Officer, Transit Camp Manigam (Assistant Commissioner Revenue), who reported the alleged irregularities. Acting on the recommendation, the CEO placed four teachers under suspension with immediate effect. The suspended officials have been identified as Bilal Ahmad Sheikh of Haripora Kangan, Aabid Mohi-ud-Din Bhat of Manigam, Peer Mudasir of Wussan, and Gowhar Rashid Kullu of Gund. Meanwhile, the District Administration, in a press release issued on Wednesday, said it has taken serious cognizance of the alleged irregularities in the registration process and that the matter is currently under investigation. The matter is presently under investigation, and appropriate action shall be taken against anyone found involved, the administration said. The administration clarified that the facility for on-the-spot registration of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims is officially available only at the Baltal Base Camp On-Spot Registration Centre, subject to verification of all prescribed documents and fulfilment of the required eligibility criteria. It urged pilgrims to obtain registration only through the authorized registration centre and strictly adhere to the official procedure. The administration also cautioned devotees against dealing with touts, middlemen, or unauthorized persons claiming to facilitate registration in exchange for money or other consideration. Pilgrims have been advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or malpractice to the authorities stationed at the base camp or to the District Control Room Ganderbal on 0194-2416260, 0194-2416261, or 0194-2416229. Reiterating its commitment to transparency, the District Administration said it is determined to ensure a fair, transparent, and hassle-free registration process for all Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims, while warning that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating established procedures.

Pilgrims praise Yatra arrangements along Baltal route

Ganderbal, July 8: Pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra have lauded the Jammu and Kashmir Administration for ensuring what many described as the est facilities ever during this year's pilgrimage, praising the seamless arrangements, enhanced security, and efficient management along the Baltal route. Several devotees expressed satisfaction over the well-coordinated efforts of the administration, security forces, and civil departments, stating that the Yatra has been made safer, more comfortable, and better organized than in previous years. Pilgrims particularly appreciated the availability of medical facilities, sanitation, drinking water, traffic regulation, and prompt assistance at various points along the route. Special appreciation was extended to the J&K Police, especially the Ganderbal Police, Ganderbal Civil Administration for maintaining a robust security grid other arrangements while ensuring smooth crowd management and extending continuous support to pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage. Devotees said the visible presence of police personnel instilled confidence and allowed them to undertake the spiritual journey without fear or inconvenience. In addition to maintaining law and order, Ganderbal Police personnel have been actively assisting elderly pilgrims, women, children, and those requiring medical or logistical support. Officers and jawans were seen helping devotees navigate difficult stretches, providing guidance, and responding promptly to emergencies, reflecting a spirit of compassion and public service. Serving with compassion and protecting with dedication has become the hallmark of Ganderbal Police's role during the ongoing Yatra. Their selfless efforts have drawn appreciation from pilgrims, many of whom said the assistance extended by police personnel made their journey to the Holy Cave safer, smoother, and more memorable. In another notable example of public service, Ganderbal Police successfully reunited several Yatris with their misplaced belongings and safely secured unclaimed cash recovered during the pilgrimage. Officials said every effort is being made to trace the rightful owners, reinforcing the police's commitment to honesty, transparency, and public trust. The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 continues under elaborate security and administrative arrangements, with multiple departments working in close coordination to ensure a safe, peaceful, and hassle-free pilgrimage for thousands of devotees arriving from across the country.

J&K education undergoing major transformation: Sharma

Srinagar, July 8: Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department, J&K, Ram Niwas Sharma on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir's education sector is undergoing a major transformation, marked by improved academic results, expansion of infrastructure, increased student enrollment and significant recruitment initiatives. Addressing a function held in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Sharma highlighted key achievements of the School and Higher Education Departments and outlined plans aimed at strengthening the education ecosystem across the Union Territory. He said technology has become an integral part of teaching and learning, adding that 267 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) have already been established in schools across J&K. Sharma informed that the University of Kashmir will mentor and support the functioning of these laboratories in the future. He said J&K was among the first regions selected under NITI Aayog's initiative to expand ATLs across the country. According to him, the Union Territory is expected to receive around 500 ATLs under the next phase of the programme, with applications already invited and the deadline fixed as July 10. He said all higher secondary schools, including private institutions, are expected to benefit from the initiative in the coming months. Highlighting infrastructure development, Sharma said more than 5,000 small and large projects have been completed in the education sector during the last two years. Referring to lecturer appointments, he said direct recruitment to lecturer posts had remained pending since 2017. Following the formation of the present government, proposals for 594 lecturer posts were submitted, out of which 340 candidates have already been selected, while the remaining posts are in the pipeline. He added that recruitment has been completed in 22 out of 27 subjects and the remaining selections are expected shortly. Sharma said the steady improvement in board examination results, enhanced learning outcomes and growing enrollment in government schools reflect the positive impact of reforms undertaken by the department. He said the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education and the State Council of Educational Research and Training have strengthened competency based education, digital governance and holistic assessment practices. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote inclusive education, ensuring that children with special needs receive adequate support. The Commissioner Secretary said the department has addressed staff shortages through alternative arrangements and has finalized seniority lists in 31 subjects during the last one and a half years, describing it as a landmark achievement. Sharing examination statistics, Sharma said Class 10 and Class 12 results recorded a significant rise in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. He attributed the improvement to the hard work and dedication of students and teachers. Turning to higher education, he said colleges and universities in J&K are emerging as centres of innovation, research, skill development and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the implementation of the Private University Act in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the rules are in the final stage of approval and private universities are expected to become operational soon. Sharma sai d 74 government colleges in J&K have been accredited by NAAC, accounting for around 82 percent of eligible institutions. He added that enrollment in colleges increased by 10 percent during the previous academic year and efforts are underway to further raise student participation in higher education. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Education Minister Sakina Itoo and other stakeholders, Sharma said the progress achieved in the education sector has been possible through collective efforts and a shared commitment to educational reform and excellence across Jammu and Kashmir.

All regional parties, INDIA bloc invited for Jul 20 protest: CM Omar

Omar Abdullah said all parties in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the INDIA bloc and regional parties, have been invited to join the National Conference's July 20 Jantar Mantar protest demanding the restoration of statehood

J&K To Tighten Noose Around Cyber Fraudsters With New Enforcement Strategy

Chairs RBIs 37th UT Level Coordination Committee meeting; calls for stronger enforcement, public awareness

Books on Valleys history removed from University of Kashmir: MP

Srinagar: Lok Sabha MP Ruhullah Mehdi on Wednesday, July 8, said academic freedom and the right to engage with history must never become casualties of ideological control. Mehdi, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, alleged that the books related to Kashmirs history and identity were being removed from the University of Kashmir under the audit Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Congress Appoints Ghulam Ahmed Mir as General Secretary In-Charge of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

SRINAGAR: The Indian National Congress on Wednesday appointed senior leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir as the partys General Secretary in-charge of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as part of a wider organisational reshuffle aimed at strengthening the partys structure. According to an official statement issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Congress President has entrusted Mir []

Srinagar-Jammu Highway: Traffic Advisory For Commuters

Passenger vehicles allowed from both Jammu, Srinagar sides on highway; authorities warn against overtaking, wrong-lane driving

Jammu Kashmir Police Announces Promotion of Sub-Inspectors to Inspectors

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has promoted two Sub-Inspectors to the rank of Inspector with immediate effect following the recommendations of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC). According to separate orders issued by the Police Headquarters, SI Abdul Rashid (No. EXJ932461) of the 2nd Battalion, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been placed on Promotion []

PM Modi visits the UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple Complex

New Delhi, July 08 : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today visited the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta. In a special gesture, the President of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Prabowo Subianto accompanied the Prime Minister on the Temple visit. The two leaders unveiled a plaque marking the commencement of the Archaeological [] The post PM Modi visits the UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple Complex appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

May just do it without a deal: Trump on de-nuclearisation of Iran

Ankara [Turkiye], July 8 : US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States may pursue the de-nuclearisation of Iran without any formal agreement while accusing Tehran of repeatedly violating commitments made during negotiations. Trump made the remarks during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, where he criticised the previous nuclear agreement with Iran, which was agreed upon during the Obama administration and contrasted it with his own proposed approach. JCPOA, what a terrible deal. I call it the Obama nuclear waste deal. What he did with that deal is he caused tremendous hardship in the Middle East. It was a terrible, terrible thing to do. And we've been just the opposite. Our deal is a wall to a nuclear weapon. His deal was a road to a nuclear weapon. We couldn't, Trump said. They'll never build a nuclear weapon under our deal. But I don't know if we're going to have a deal. We may just do it without a deal because, you know what, It's easier because these people, they lie and they cheat and you have an agreement and they'll go outside, he added. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was negotiated and finalised in July 2015, which imposes strict, verifiable restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions. Trump has been a critic of the JCPOA and withdrew the United States from the agreement in 2018, arguing that it did not sufficiently prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities. Prior to his remarks, Trump earlier today announced that the ceasefire agreement with Iran has effectively concluded for him, declaring that he no longer wishes to engage in diplomatic dealings with Tehran. Trump categorically stated that the peace process was over and he would not deal with Iran any longer. To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum... They're led by sick people... I'll speak to our negotiators. They want to negotiate - they're good people... but they have to come back to me. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them, he said. Trump, during his meeting with Zelenskyy, further accused Iranian leaders of publicly agreeing to restrictions on their nuclear programme while later denying or disputing the discussions. For instance, they agreed, well, we'll never have a nuclear weapon. They agreed. Then they go outside, they have a news conference or they leak that we never discuss the subject, he said. (ANI)

NIT Srinagar Win Final By 88 Runs, Clinch Record Fourth Inter-NIT Title

Hosts defeat NIT Puducherry by 88 runs in final; Suhail Baba stars, Aaqib Sheikh named Man of the Series

Education Conclave 2026: CM Omar Abdullah appoints 117 lecturers; waives tuition fee for AAY students

SRINAGAR, JULY 08: In a landmark move in Jammu & Kashmirs education sector, the Government today revived appointments to School Lecturer posts, with the Chief Minister handing over appointment letters to 117 newly selected lecturers. These appointments are the first lecturer appointments in the Education Department in many years. The Chief Minister also fulfilled his [] The post Education Conclave 2026: CM Omar Abdullah appoints 117 lecturers; waives tuition fee for AAY students appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

After Years, Lecturer Appointments Return In J&K; CM Omar Hands Over 117 Letters

Launches 2,109 education projects worth Rs 115 crore; announces full tuition fee waiver for AAY students

J&K Govt Announces Full Fee Waiver For AAY Students In Govt Schools, Degree Colleges

Srinagar: In a major relief for economically weaker families, the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday announced a full fee waiver for students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families studying in Government Schools and Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory. According to separate orders issued by the School Education and Higher Education Departments, []

Div Com Kashmir Reviews Traffic Projects Across Srinagar

Srinagar, July 8: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday chaired a multi-disciplinary meeting to review traffic management measures and assess the progress of major road infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic flow and urban mobility across Srinagar. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, SSP Traffic Srinagar, and senior officers from the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), and other concerned departments. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the status of several key projects, including the Natipora CrossingChanapora Bridge road, T-junction at Natipora, ShaltengParimpora Flyover, Foot Over Bridge at JVC, underpasses at Nowgam and Mominabad, the road along the Doodganga bank from Barzulla to Sanatnagar, painting of zebra crossings and stop lines, establishment of an e-charging station at Batamaloo, development of bus stops, removal of traffic bottlenecks, and identification of no-honking zones across the city. Officials from the R&B Department and Srinagar Smart City Limited briefed the meeting on the progress achieved so far, the current status of ongoing works, and the timelines for completion of the projects. Emphasising the need for coordinated efforts, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg directed all concerned departments to ensure timely execution of the projects. He stressed that effective inter-departmental coordination is essential for improving traffic management, reducing congestion, and enhancing commuter convenience across Srinagar.

Amarnath Yatra 2026: Nearly 10,000 pilgrims head towards Holy Cave Shrine from Jammu base camp on Day 7

Ramban , July 8 : The seventh day of the Amarnath Yatra-2026 witnessed a significant surge in pilgrim turnout, with nearly 10,000 devotees bound for the Baltal and Pahalgam routes departing from the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu. Pilgrims travelling via the Pahalgam route halted at the Chanderkote Langar for a brief refreshment break before resuming their journey towards the Holy Cave Shrine. Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort, safety and convenience of the devotees throughout the pilgrimage. Security forces remained on high alert along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, while effective traffic management and multi-layered security arrangements ensured the smooth and uninterrupted movement of the Yatra convoy. The pilgrims expressed deep devotion and enthusiasm as they proceeded for the darshan of Baba Barfani. Many appreciated the government and the district administration for the well-coordinated arrangements, warm hospitality, foolproof security, medical assistance and other essential services being provided during the Yatra. The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and seamless pilgrimage experience for all devotees undertaking the sacred Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. Meanwhile, the pilgrims, arriving from different parts of the country, have expressed high satisfaction with the security and healthcare facilities. Jitender Bohra, a pilgrim from Delhi, said, The facilities here are very good. The CRPF is supporting us and helping us a lot. We have no problems with security, and the health facilities are excellent. The administration and the army are doing a great job for the pilgrims. Anil, a devotee from Uttar Pradesh on his fourth pilgrimage, echoed these sentiments, saying, This is my fourth time on the Amarnath Yatra. Every time I come, I find excellent facilities provided by the Army, BSF, and CRPF. The medical services and food arrangements are very good. On July 3, the 57-day pilgrimage commenced and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. (ANI)

Funeral procession of Ali Khamenei enters shrine of Imam Ali in Iraq; to be buried in Mashhad on Thursday

Najaf [Iraq], July 8 : The funeral procession of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in US-Israeli joint strikes earlier this year, has reached the shrine of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali, in the Iraqi city of Najaf on Wednesday, as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects during the fifth day of a six-day state funeral. According to Iran's state broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the body of Khamenei was carried by mourners into the shrine of Imam Ali, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. A spokesperson for the funeral headquarters said the procession would continue to the holy city of Karbala before Khamenei's body is returned to Iran for burial. The body of the martyr will be buried in Mashhad in the early hours of tomorrow, the spokesperson said, as quoted by IRIB. The funeral procession crossed into Iraq's Najaf after Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Khamenei's eldest son, Mostafa Hosseini Khamenei, received the body at Najaf International Airport on Tuesday night. Iraq declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark the funeral ceremonies. Khamenei's casket, draped in the Iranian flag, was carried through the streets of Najaf to the shrine of Imam Ali, with thousands of mourners participating in the procession. According to CNN, Iraqi and Iranian flags were seen alongside banners of Iran-backed Iraqi militias as crowds lined the route. Following the ceremonies in Najaf, the procession is expected to move to Karbala, around 60 kilometres north, where mourners will gather at the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. The body will then be returned to Iran for a final funeral procession before being laid to rest in Mashhad on Thursday. Iranian officials have described the multi-day funeral ceremonies as a demonstration of national unity during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, Iran's First Vice President Reza Aref thanked the Iraqi government and people for hosting the funeral procession. The pic funeral procession of the sacred remains of the martyr Imam in Najaf and Karbala is a shining symbol of the brotherhood and profound cultural and doctrinal commonalities between the two nations of Iran and Iraq. From the bottom of my heart, I express my gratitude to the great religious authorities, scholars, proud tribes, popular groups and organisations, and the esteemed government of Iraq for this magnificent hospitality. This sacred bond is unbreakable, Aref said in a post on X. Ali Khamenei was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, earlier this year, leading to a widespread conflict in the West Asia region. Last month, the US and Iran agreed to a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the hostilities in the region and opening a 60-day dialogue window for technical talks, including discussions over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme. However, earlier today, US President Donald Trump said that the ceasefire agreement with Iran has effectively concluded for him, declaring that he no longer wishes to engage in diplomatic dealings with Tehran. Speaking to journalists at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump categorically stated that the Peace process was over and he would not deal with Iran any longer. To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum... They're led by sick people... I'll speak to our negotiators. They want to negotiate - they're good people... but they have to come back to me. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them, he said. Following Ali Khamenei's death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. As per Al Jazeera, Mojtaba Khamenei will skip the six days of funeral ceremonies for his father now underway in Tehran, citing security concerns amid continued Israeli threats to assassinate him. (ANI)

ACB uncovers fresh custodian land scam in Jammu, registers 2 FIRs

Jammu, July 8: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau has achieved a major success in extracting one of the major land scams in Jammu and Kashmir, wherein custodian land in Bhalwal and Amb area of Jammu district has been found usurped by the land mafia in connivance with Form Alf Holders and the officers/officials of custodian /revenue department. In a statement issued, a spokesperson said that inputs were received that custodian land in thousands of kanal situated at Asarwan, Mishriwala, Bhalwal and R.S. Pura Jammu, has been fraudulently grabbed by the land grabbers/gangsters in connivance with the Revenue officers/officials. The revenue records have been tempered and land has been sold to various persons. On the basis of the inputs received by ACB a verification was initiated and on the basis of the verification conducted earlier it was found that more than 1000 kanals of Custodian land was shown allotted to the displaced persons on the basis of fake orders, who were otherwise not entitled for the allotment of additional land through fraudulent means by the land grabbers / Form Alaf holders in connivance with the officers / officials of Revenue department and others. Accordingly, 27 case FIRs were registered by the ACB in which the investigation is still in progress. Again, during the course of verification it has been found that displaced persons of Pakistan (PAK / POK Refugees) were already allotted land in their favour but even then kith and kin of these families although not entitled being Form Alaf holders in connivance with the concerned Patwaries / Girdawars / Naib Tehsildars / Tehsildars of Revenue Department got mutations of additional land at Bhalwal area of District Jammu attested in their favour either without any Govt. / Provisional Rehabilitation Office (PRO) order or on fake Govt. /PRO order. During verification it has also been found that no such orders of allotment of land were issued by the office of the PRO. These persons after getting mutation of lands in their favour alienated the said land directly or through their attorney holders / conduits to various persons by resorting to fraudulent means, thereby causing a huge loss to the Govt. Exchequer. Owing to the establishment of, prima facie, nexus of the criminal elements/land grabbers/ Form Alaf holders and the Revenue officers/officials in alienation of about 12 kanals 03 Marlas of Custodian land through fraudulent means, ACB has now registered formal case FIR No. 09/2026 U/S 7, 13(1)(a) & 13(2) of PC Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) and section 120-B, 420, 467, 468, 471 of IPC in P/S ACB Central J&K for in-depth investigation under the provisions of J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and fraud against the accused persons namely (1) Altaf Hussain S/o Said Hussain Shah R/o Village Gursai Tehsil Mendher Poonch A/P Gura Brahmana, Jammu, then Patwari, (2) Amjid Malik S/o Gulab Din R/o Rajinder Pura Rahya Samba then Girdawar, (3) Aqeel Ahmad S/o Shri Mohd Hafiz R/o Buffliaz (Chamrar), Tehsil Suronkote District Poonch A/p Friends Enclave Chowadhi, Jammu, the then Naib Tehsildar Balwal, (4) Mohan Singh S/o Bhagwan Singh R/o Batala A/p Nanak Nagar Jammu, (5) Rabina Kouser D/o Sakinder Hussain W/o Rayaz Ahmed R/o W.No. 7, Surhoti, Mendhar District Poonch, (6) Nazir Hussain S/o Mirza R/o Bagani Talab Raipur Domana Jammu. Moreover, one more FIR has been registered by the ACB after conducting verification on the basis of a complaint lodged by one Kuldeep Singh S/o Baldev Singh R/o Marjali Kangrail alleging therein that fraudulent mutations and illegal conferment of ownership rights over land situated at Village Amb, Tehsil Bhalwal, District Jammu etc, spokesperson said. During the course of verification, it has been found that the revenue officials by abuse of their official position and in criminal conspiracy hatched with beneficiaries Rashpal Singh and others fraudulently attested the mutations in favour of the illegal beneficiaries thereby illegal conferring ownership rights of land measuring 15 kanal 08 marlas (approx.) upon illegal beneficiaries thereby causing corresponding wrongful loss to the Government exchequer. Accordingly, ACB has registered another formal case FIR No. 10/2026 U/S 5(1) (c ) (d) r/w section 5(2) J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 and section 120-B RPC in P/S ACB Central J&K for in-depth investigation under the provisions of J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and fraud against the accused persons namely (1) Baldev Raj, then Patwari Halqa, Village Amb, (2) Pawan Kumar Kohli, then Naib Tehsildar (3) Rashpal Singh (beneficiary) S/o Rama Jatt R/o Marjali Kangrail and others. Further, investigation in both the cases has been taken up, spokesperson added.

MeT Forecasts Fresh Spell of Rain Across Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast a fresh spell of rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir from July 9, with heavy rainfall expected at isolated places over the following four days. According to the latest forecast issued by the MeT Department, widespread rain and thunderstorms are likely across the Union Territory on July []

7 Best PayPal Alternatives in India in 2026 for Receiving Money

PayPal is often the first tool Indian freelancers and businesses reach for when an overseas client needs to pay them, mostly because it is familiar to everyone. Familiarity, though, is not the same as value. Once you account for PayPal's cross-border percentage, its fixed per-transaction fee, and the markup baked into its currency conversion, it quietly becomes one of the more expensive ways to bring foreign income into India. For anyone receiving payments regularly, the difference between PayPal and a better-matched platform can add up to a meaningful sum across a year. This guide compares the seven best PayPal alternatives in India in 2026 for receiving money from international clients. Each entry covers what the platform is, who it suits, how its pricing works, and what to watch out for. Platforms such as Skydo were built specifically around the way export income should enter India, so the list starts there and then broadens out. Before the list, it is worth being clear about why people look past PayPal in the first place. The issue is rarely reliability, since PayPal works. The issue is the total cost and the compliance gap. PayPal does not produce Indian export documentation like a FIRA in a structured way, so you are often left to handle that yourself, on top of paying more than you would elsewhere. The alternatives below address one or both of those problems. 1. Skydo Skydo is a cross-border payments platform built for Indian exporters, freelancers, and small businesses. You receive virtual accounts in major currencies, share them with clients as you would share bank details, and the money lands in your Indian account in INR. Against PayPal, the contrast is sharp on exactly the two points that matter. Pricing is a flat, predictable fee instead of a stack of percentage and fixed charges, and the exchange rate is transparent and close to the mid-market rate rather than carrying a hidden markup. On top of that, it runs as an RBI-authorised set-up and issues a FIRA automatically for every payment, closing the compliance gap that PayPal leaves open. Skydo keeps a detailed list of the best paypal alternatives in india for a closer comparison. Best for: freelancers and exporters who want lower predictable costs and automatic compliance. Watch-outs: built for receiving cross-border income rather than domestic card acceptance. 2. Wise (Wise Business) Wise is a strong PayPal alternative for the exchange rate alone. It shows the real mid-market rate and charges a clear separate fee, and a Wise Business account gives you local account details in several currencies so clients can pay you locally. The FX transparency is the headline advantage over PayPal. The limitation for Indian users is that Wise does not produce structured export compliance documents, so you manage the paperwork yourself, and receiving into India has its own conditions. Best for: users focused on getting the best exchange rate who handle their own compliance. Watch-outs: documentation is on you. 3. Payoneer Payoneer is widely used by freelancers and sellers on global marketplaces, and it integrates with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon. It gives you multi-currency receiving accounts and moves money to your Indian bank. Compared with PayPal it is often friendlier for marketplace income, though its percentage-based receiving fee and conversion margin can grow on larger invoices. The marketplace integrations are the main reason to choose it. Best for: marketplace freelancers and sellers. Watch-outs: percentage and conversion costs add up at higher volumes. 4. Xflow Xflow is an India-first cross-border receivables platform that, like the option at the top of this list, focuses on helping exporters receive foreign payments with compliance handled inside the flow. It is a more India-aware alternative to PayPal than the global generalists. Because it sits in the same category as the leading India-first platform, compare the two directly on the all-in fee per payment, the exchange rate, the settlement speed, and how cleanly FIRA and reconciliation are handled. Best for: Indian exporters wanting a compliance-aware collection platform. Watch-outs: compare fee and FX structures before committing. 5. Razorpay (international payments) For businesses that run a website or app and want a hosted checkout, Razorpay supports international card acceptance for eligible merchants alongside domestic payments. It is a different model from PayPal's wallet, oriented around checkout rather than peer-style invoicing. Its percentage-based merchant discount rate and eligibility requirements make it better suited to businesses with a checkout than to solo freelancers sending a few invoices a month. Best for: businesses needing a checkout gateway with some international card acceptance. Watch-outs: gateway pricing and eligibility rules. 6. Cashfree Payments Cashfree offers a global collections product alongside its gateway, aimed at businesses receiving money from abroad. It sits near Razorpay in approach, with collection, payout, and reconciliation tools in one place. Its percentage-based pricing and business-sized feature set make it a fit for companies rather than individual freelancers, but for those companies it consolidates several money flows. Best for: Indian companies wanting collections and payouts together. Watch-outs: heavier than a simple freelancer needs. 7. Stripe (where available) Stripe is a developer-friendly payments platform that some Indian businesses use for online checkout, though its availability and supported use cases for Indian merchants are more limited than in markets where it operates natively. For product businesses with the right setup it can be a capable PayPal alternative for accepting card payments. As with other gateways, it is oriented around checkout rather than invoice-based receiving, and it does not produce Indian export documentation in a structured way. Best for: product businesses with online checkout and the technical setup to use it. Watch-outs: availability limits and a checkout-first model. Quick comparison Platform Pricing model FX approach Settlement and FIRA Best for Skydo Flat, predictable fee Transparent, near mid-market Fast to INR, auto FIRA Exporters wanting low predictable cost Wise Per-transfer fee Mid-market, shown openly Varies, no India export docs FX-focused users Payoneer Percentage on receiving Conversion margin Marketplace payouts Marketplace freelancers Xflow Collection pricing Compare directly Compliance in the flow India-first comparison shoppers Razorpay Percentage MDR (gateway) Gateway rate Checkout-based Businesses needing a checkout Cashfree Percentage (gateway) Gateway rate Collections and payouts Companies wanting all-in-one Stripe Checkout pricing Gateway rate Checkout-based Product businesses with checkout How to choose the right PayPal alternative Start with how you receive money. If you invoice clients directly, the all-in cost per payment is what matters, and a flat-fee collection platform usually beats PayPal's stacked charges, especially as invoices grow. If you run a checkout on a website or app, a gateway like Razorpay, Cashfree, or Stripe fits more naturally than a wallet. Then look hard at the exchange rate, because PayPal's conversion markup is a large part of why it costs more than it seems. A platform that shows the mid-market rate openly lets you see the real cost before you commit. Finally, weigh compliance. PayPal leaves you to handle export documentation, while India-first platforms generate a FIRA automatically and apply the correct purpose code. For regular foreign income, that automatic paperwork is often the deciding advantage, since it turns a recurring chore into something that simply happens. Where PayPal's cost actually comes from To understand why an alternative can save you so much, it helps to break down where PayPal's cost sits, because it is spread across several places rather than concentrated in one obvious fee. There is the cross-border transaction percentage, which applies because the payment crosses a border. There is a fixed per-transaction component. And there is the currency conversion, where the rate used to turn foreign currency into rupees carries a markup over the mid-market rate. Individually, none of these looks alarming. Together, and applied to every payment, they make PayPal one of the more expensive ways to receive regular foreign income. The conversion markup in particular is easy to overlook because it is not presented as a fee at all, it is simply built into the rate you receive. This is the same hidden-FX problem that affects many platforms, but PayPal stacks it on top of explicit fees, which is what makes it costly for steady invoicing rather than the occasional payment. The practical implication is that the more you receive through PayPal, the more an alternative is worth to you. For a one-off payment the difference may be small enough to ignore for the sake of convenience. For a freelancer billing several thousand dollars a month, the gap between PayPal and a flat-fee platform with transparent FX can become a meaningful share of income over a year. A simple framework for choosing Faced with several alternatives, a simple decision framework cuts through the noise. First, separate your income into checkout-based and invoice-based. If you sell through a website or app and need a hosted checkout, you are looking at gateways. If you invoice clients directly, you are looking at collection platforms and transfer services. Second, within your category, compare on the rupees that actually arrive against a real invoice, not the advertised fee, so the exchange rate is included. Third, check the compliance experience, since a platform that issues a FIRA automatically saves you recurring work that PayPal leaves to you. Fourth, consider keeping PayPal as a narrow fallback for clients who will not use anything else, while running your normal income through the cheaper, cleaner method. This framework lets you keep the convenience of PayPal where it genuinely matters while stopping it from quietly taxing your main income stream. Frequently asked questions Why is PayPal considered expensive in India? PayPal combines a cross-border percentage, a fixed per-transaction fee, and a currency conversion markup. Individually each looks small, but together they make it one of the pricier ways to receive regular foreign income. What is the cheapest PayPal alternative for receiving money? For regular invoicing, a flat-fee collection platform with a transparent exchange rate usually leaves the most money in hand, because it avoids both stacked fees and a hidden FX margin. Do PayPal alternatives handle compliance better? India-first platforms typically do, by issuing a FIRA automatically and applying the correct purpose code. Global generalists and PayPal usually leave that to you. Can I keep PayPal as a backup? Yes. Many freelancers use a cheaper primary method and keep PayPal for clients who insist on it or for the occasional one-off payment. Which alternative is best for receiving money in India? For receiving foreign income specifically, India-first platforms that combine transparent FX, flat predictable pricing, fast settlement, and automatic FIRA tend to be the strongest fit, with Skydo a leading example. Does switching from PayPal mean more work for my clients? Usually not. With a collection platform that gives you local receiving details, paying can feel as simple as PayPal, or simpler, because the client pays into what looks like a local account rather than a wallet. Can I migrate away from PayPal gradually? Yes, and many people do. Move your larger and more regular invoices to a cheaper method first, where the savings are biggest, and keep PayPal for clients who insist on it until they are comfortable switching. Is PayPal safe even if it is expensive? PayPal is reliable and widely trusted. The reason to look elsewhere is cost and the compliance gap for Indian export income, not safety. The bottom line PayPal earns its place through sheer familiarity, but familiarity is expensive when you receive money regularly. The better alternative depends on how you get paid, with gateways suiting checkout-based businesses and flat-fee collection platforms suiting direct invoicing. For most Indian freelancers and exporters, a platform that pairs transparent FX and predictable pricing with automatic FIRA leaves more money in hand and less paperwork on your desk. Compare the all-in cost, the exchange rate, the speed, and the compliance support together, and the right PayPal alternative for receiving money in India is easy to identify.

Srinagar Traffic Police Issues Advisory, Announces Diversions for 25th Muharram Procession

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory announcing diversions and restrictions in parts of the city on July 11 in view of the 25th Muharram procession from Arabal to Imambara Gulshan Ali, Shalimar. According to the advisory issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic City Srinagar, the arrangements have been made []

Ganderbal Admin Probes Alleged Irregularities in Amarnath Yatra On-Spot Registration

SRINAGAR: The District Administration Ganderbal has initiated an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the on-the-spot registration process for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims at the Manigam Transit Camp, assuring that appropriate action will be taken against anyone found responsible. In a handout, a spokesperson said the administration had taken cognisance of certain irregularities reported during []

Civil society backs NC's statehood protest, regional parties to be invited: CM Omar

Srinagar, July 08 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that representatives of civil society have extended support to National Conference's proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for statehood restoration, saying that all regional parties will also be invited. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar, per news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said around 170 representatives from different sections of society, including religious leaders, traders, educationists, retired bureaucrats and tourism stakeholders, attended a meeting that lasted nearly three hours. It was not a delegation but a meeting of the civil society. Everyone, without exception, stressed that the restoration of statehood has already been delayed for too long and should not be denied any further, he said. The Chief Minister said the meeting adopted a resolution urging the Centre to restore statehood and they also supported the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar. He also said invitations are being sent to all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah will also invite leaders of the INDIA bloc as well as regional parties. We hope they will join us and support this protest, he said. On being askeed about reports that 1,544 schools in Jammu and Kashmir are functioning with a single teacher, CM Omar said the figures were based on an old report, not the current situation and the government would provide updated figures in the Assembly. The Chief Minister also said Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to him about the weather situation after heavy rainfall affected parts of the Chenab Valley and Kathua. The Home Minister called to enquire about the situation. I briefed him, and he assured all possible assistance, he sai(KNO)

Civil society backs NCs statehood protest, regional parties to be invited: CM Omar

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that representatives of civil society have extended support to National Conferences proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for statehood restoration, saying that all regional parties will also be invited. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar, said around 170 representatives from different sections []

Statehood Restoration Cant Wait, Centre Must Act Now: CM Omar

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday urged the Centre to restore statehood to the Union Territory without further delay, asserting that civil society across the region is united in its demand and that it is too late to delay any longer. Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said a meeting of around []

Ganderbal Admin Warns Pilgrims Against Touts, Says Manigam Registration Irregularities Under Probe

Ganderbal: The District Administration Ganderbal has taken cognizance of certain irregularities that occurred during the on-spot registration process for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims at the Manigam Transit Camp. In a handout, the spokesman said that the matter is presently under investigation and appropriate action will be taken against anyone found involved. The administration informed []

No Trekking or Camping in Bhaderwah Without Prior Permission: Admin

SRINAGAR: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district have imposed restrictions on trekking, hiking, camping and other adventure activities across the Bhaderwah subdivision, citing security concerns and potential natural hazards. The order was issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhaderwah, Sunil Kumar Bhityal, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and came into []

Centre Approves Rs 990.51 Crore Leh Bypass Project to Improve Connectivity in Ladakh

SRINAGAR: The Central Government has approved the construction of the Leh Bypass (Southern Alignment) in the Union Territory of Ladakh at an estimated cost of Rs 990.51 crore, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Wednesday. Ladakh In the Union Territory of Ladakh, we have approved the construction of []

Trump Says US-Iran Ceasefire Over, Calls Further Talks Waste of Time

SRINAGAR: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he believed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was effectively over, describing any further negotiations as a waste of time, according to the BBC. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Trump said, I think its over. I dont want to deal []

Thousands Stranded on JammuSrinagar Highway as Traffic Halted Near Navyug Tunnel

SRINAGAR: Thousands of passengers, were stranded on the JammuSrinagar National Highway on Wednesday after authorities halted Jammu-bound traffic near the Navyug Tunnel in Kulgam district. Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded along the highway from the Navyug Tunnel to Mir Bazar following the suspension of traffic, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Traffic authorities did not specify []

Its over, don't want to deal with them, Trump signals curtains for US-Iran peace deal as tensions spiral in West Asia

Ankara , July 8 : US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the ceasefire agreement with Iran has effectively concluded for him, declaring that he no longer wishes to engage in diplomatic dealings with Tehran. Speaking to journalists at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump categorically stated that the Peace process was over and he would not deal with Iran any longer To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum... They're led by sick people... I'll speak to our negotiators. They want to negotiate--they're good people... but they have to come back to me. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them, he said. labelled Iranians as liars, cheats and sick people, while confirming that American forces had targeted very dangerous people within Iran during the night. They're liars, they're cheats, they're sick people. They've hurt their people. They killed 54,000 people -- as of now -- who were protesting. You know, when people say how come they haven't taken over? They can't take over because they're dead, Trump stated. We attacked, very powerfully last night, the very dangerous people from Iran... There's something wrong with them. We say, 'Go and do your funeral stuff,' and instead of that, they start shooting rockets at ships yesterday. So we hit them very hard last night, he added. Earlier, amid spiralling regional tensions, Iran's top negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf strongly hit back at Washington, detailing numerous breaches of bilateral agreements by the United States. In a post on X, the senior Iranian official enumerated several major violations of the MoU committed by the US administration, indicating a severe breakdown in diplomatic commitments between the two countries. According to the Parliament Speaker, these American actions include violating Iranian adjustments in the Strait, persistent threats of further strikes, einstating oil sanctions, attacks on southern Iran, and continued Zionist aggression in Lebanon. Issuing a firm warning against Washington's hardline approach and asserting Tehran's refusal to back down under intense military and economic pressure, Ghalibaf concluded his statement on a defiant note. The era of bullying and extortion is over. It leads nowhere, he wrote on X. We don't fold. This fierce rhetorical retaliation from Tehran comes in direct response to a dramatic escalation of hostilities, with the United States launching extensive military operations against Iranian targets following fresh maritime incidents. The military actions were initiated after three vessels were struck while navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz, an act Washington attributes directly to the Iranian armed forces. According to an official communication from the US Central Command, the powerful strikes were deployed as a direct countermeasure to Iranian operations against international shipping lanes and were explicitly designed to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping. (ANI)

After launching strikes on Iran, Trump says ceasefire is over but says negotiations can continue

DUBAI: US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the interim agreement with Iran is over but he will allow talks to continue. For me, I think its over, Trump responded when asked about the status of ceasefire. Its just a waste of time dealing with them. He made the comment on the sidelines of the []

Anantnag police apprehends three OGWs with help of facial recognition system

Anantnag , July 8 : In a significant success demonstrating the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technology deployed for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed by Anantnag Police generated timely alerts regarding three suspicious individuals while they were passing through the Sarbal area. Acting swiftly on the alerts, police personnel intercepted and verified the identities of the individuals. During the verification process, all three were identified as Over Ground Workers (OGWs), according to the Kashmir police. Based on the intelligence generated through the Facial Recognition System and subsequent verification, all three individuals were promptly apprehended by Anantnag Police for further legal proceedings. The successful detection highlights the crucial role of technology-driven policing in strengthening the security grid and ensuring a safe, secure, and incident-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the police stated. Anantnag Police remains committed to leveraging modern surveillance systems and maintaining a robust security framework to safeguard pilgrims and uphold peace in the district. Meanwhile, as the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 continues in full swing, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has taken a lead role in ensuring the safety and well-being of devotees through a robust security grid and dedicated humanitarian services along the National Highway-44. Personnel of the CRPF are carrying out continuous Road Opening Party (ROP) operations to maintain a seamless security blanket on the highway. Beyond their primary security duties, the 84th Battalion of the CRPF has established a Mobile Health Camp at Chanderkote in the Ramban district, providing round-the-clock medical care to pilgrims and locals alike. Functioning under the supervision of Commandant CRPF 84 Battalion, N Ranbir Singh, the dedicated medical team led by Senior Medical Officer Dr Anantha Krishnan, Paramedical staff equipped with an Advanced Life Saving ambulance and life-saving medicine, is delivering prompt healthcare services, reflecting the CRPF's commitment to both the safety and well-being of Yatris throughout their pilgrimage. On July 3, the 57-day pilgrimage commenced, which is being heavily monitored using digital surveillance and RFID tracking systems to ensure crowd management and safety. The annual yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. (ANI)

Amit Shah speaks to Omar Abdullah, assures Centres support amid heavy rainfall

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the situation arising from heavy rainfall in the Union Territory, officials said. A top official said that Shah took stock of the weather-related situation and assured the Chief Minister of every possible assistance from the Centre []

4 Teachers Suspended In Ganderbal Over Alleged Lapses During Amarnath Yatra Duties

Ganderbal, July 08 : The Chief Education Officer Ganderbal has placed four teachers under suspension with immediate effect over alleged dereliction of duties at Transit Camp Manigam. As per an order issued, the copy which lies with GNS states that the action was taken on the communication received from the Nodal Officer, Transit Camp Manigam, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Ganderbal, vide Letter No. TCM/SANJY/2026/173-77 dated 07-07-2026. The suspended teachers have been identified as Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, son of Mohd Hussain Sheikh, resident of Haripora Kangan; Aabid Mohi-ud-din Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Bhat, resident of Manigam; Peer Mudasir, son of Abdul Rashid Shah, resident of Wussan; and Gowhar Rashid Kullu, son of Abdul Rashid Kuloo, resident of Gund. Officials said the suspension order has been issued pending further inquiry into the matter related to arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.(GNS)

HM Amit Shah speaks to CM Omar , assures Centre's support amid heavy rainfall

Srinagar, July 08 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the situation arising from heavy rainfall in the Union Territory, officials said. A top official told news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that Shah took stock of the weather-related situation and assured the Chief Minister of every possible assistance from the Centre to deal with any challenges caused by the rains. Heavy rains across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir have affected normal life, with authorities on alert and taking necessary measures to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions(KNO)

PM Modi departs for Australia after 3-day Indonesia visit

Indonesia, July 8 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) emplaned for Melbourne, Australia, after concluding the Indonesia leg of his three-nation visit from July 6-8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Australia on Wednesday. This is PM Modi's third visit to Australia, and he will be visiting Melbourne after a gap of 12 years. His last visit to Melbourne was in November 2014, and his last visit to Australia was in May 2023. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo inaugurated the restoration project of the nearly 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple, marking a significant milestone in India-Indonesia cultural cooperation. The temple, one of Southeast Asia's most prominent Hindu heritage sites, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indian High Commissioner to Australia Nagesh Singh says the Australia visit by the Prime Minister will see several outcomes emerge during his meetings with Australian PM Albanese. The third annual leader's summit, for which the Prime Minister's coming to Melbourne, has a very comprehensive agenda. If you remember in 2022, we signed the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries, and this is an opportunity for the two Prime Ministers to take stock of where we are today in terms of our strategic partnership and also to give us directions on the path we want to take ahead. And you know, India-Australia relations today are one of the fastest-growing and most consequential of our partnerships with any other country. There will be several outcomes, and you will see them when they are announced after the leaders meet... It'll cover the entire gamut of our relationship from defence and security to trade and investment, to people-to-people connect on clean technologies, new and other critical technologies which are coming out, people-to-people connect, education, he said. The High Commissioner says that India and Australia have converging interests. The visit will be a major boost to India's MAHASAGAR and Indo-Pacific vision: It will further cement ties between two QUAD partners who are playing greater roles in the Indo-Pacific, bringing new opportunities and prosperity for people and countries, especially the Small Island Developing States. He added, We signed the ECTA, the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, in 2022. Since then, our bilateral trade has gone up by 25%. It's crossed almost 50 billion; it's about 54 billion Australian dollars. But it's way below the potential given the size and dynamism of both our economies. We are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement which is a very complicated kind of agreement which is being negotiated. We haven't finished it yet, but there will be some progress, and hopefully, sooner rather than later, we'll arrive at a conclusion. But this visit will be more about reviewing where we are in terms of our trade and investment relationship, and the CECA as it's called, will open up many vistas for both countries in terms of a very deep partnership in the economic and commercial front, he added. During his visit, the PM will be addressing the CEOs' forum. The PM's visit will also give a boost to business ties and partnerships in areas such as critical minerals and supply chain. In an important event signifying the diaspora connection, the PM will be addressing a large community event. The Indian diaspora in Australia has become an important pillar of our bilateral relationship. People of Indian origin now make up almost one million of all Australians. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a key site for India-Australia battles on the Cricket field. India's High Commission says there are several aspects of Sports on which both nations are looking to partner. The PM is expected to arrive in Melbourne later in the day, and in a rare departure from established protocols, Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn AC will travel to Melbourne to meet PM Modi, signifying the maturity of the bilateral relations of the two nations. (ANI)

Driver Arrested After Vehicle Hits Three CRPF Personnel in Srinagars Nowgam

Srinagar: Police on Wednesday arrested the driver of a vehicle that hit and injured three CRPF personnel deployed for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra near the Taingan Bypass in the Nowgam area of Srinagar, officials said. An official said that the vehicle struck three personnel of D Company, 148 Battalion CRPF at the Taingan []