Iran calls Trump's claims aseless, alleges US attacked vessels killing three Indian seafarers
New Delhi , June 13 : The Embassy of Iran in India on Saturday rejected the US President Donald Trump's allegations regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them aseless. It also accused Washington of attempting to deflect attention from recent attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian seafarers. The Iranian Embassy said the US attacked three Indian vessels in less than a week, resulting in the death of three Indian sailors, and described the actions as rutal and pathetic. In a post on X, the official account of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India shared, The U.S. president's accusation against Iran regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is simply baseless. It is an attempt to divert public attention from the brutal fact that the U.S. has attacked 3 Indian vessels in less than a week and killed 3 innocent Indian sailors. That's pathetic! This comes after Trump alleged that Iran was behind the attacks on three vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Hormuz Strait, which resulted in the deaths of three, despite the US Central Command having confirmed that the strikes were carried out by American naval forces, calling the incident otally unacceptable. His remarks followed Iran's condemnation of the United States attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers, resulting in the death of three in the Gulf of Oman, describing the actions as rutal and accusing Washington of engaging in lawless conduct that threatens global peace and maritime security. In a statement on X, Esmaeil Baqaei, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, expressed condolences over the deaths of Indian nationals killed in the attacks and called for international accountability. The brutal U.S. attacks on Indian commercial vessels, which have killed at least three Indian nationals, stand as clear evidence of America's ongoing policy of armed robbery and State piracy. We extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the slain Indian sailors and offer our sincere condolences to the Indian people and government, the statement said. He further urged the international community to take action against the repeated violations of international norms. The international community must hold the United States accountable for its lawless conduct, which continues to threaten global peace and security while endangering the freedom of navigation, the spokesperson added. (ANI)
Three Jammu Kashmir Segment Officers Among Six Empanelled for DGP Posts
SRINAGAR:The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has empanelled six senior IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre for appointment to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP), including three officers from the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir segment. The officers cleared for empanelment to the coveted DGP rank are Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, Rajesh Kumar, Satish []
Downed Iranian drones targeting ships in Hormuz: US Centcom
WASHINGTON: The US Navy said it has downed multiple one-way attack drones launched by Iran to target commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran launched multiple one-way attack drones in an attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the US Central Command said in a post on X late Friday evening. []
Pak PM claims confirmation on reaching final, agreed-upon text of US-Iran peace deal
Islamabad , June 12 : Despite the absence of any official joint confirmation from Washington or Tehran regarding the conclusion of negotiations for a peace deal over the conflict in West Asia, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday claimed that a final, agreed-upon text of the peace deal between the United States and Iran had been reached. In a post on X, Sharif says that Pakistan had been engaged in mediation efforts, despite earlier rounds of talks failing to produce a breakthrough, with Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries subsequently emerging as key facilitators in efforts to advance the negotiations. He also flagged the incessant misinformation campaign, which he described as attempts to derail the proposed agreement. Amid ongoing intense mediation efforts by Pakistan, we are fully aware of incessant misinformation campaign being waged by those who want to sabotage the peace deal. Setting aside the noise, we can confirm that a final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached and Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps. Peace has never been this close as it is now, his post read. This comes after CNN, citing multiple diplomatic sources, earlier reported that the memorandum between the US and Iran is expected to be signed in Geneva, Switzerland, with the proposed agreement reportedly envisaging a 60-day ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, beginning immediately upon signing; the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without Iran imposing any transit charges; and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies and commercial shipments and maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would gradually return to pre-conflict levels within 30 days of the agreement's signing. CNN also reported that the proposed arrangement includes lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports and providing limited sanctions relief, with the diplomatic source stating that such relief would be granted ased on the progression of the deal and continued engagement in good faith, although no specific timeline has been outlined. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed the reports suggesting that a deal with the United States to end the conflict in West Asia has been finalised, stating that no final agreement has been reached so far, as reported by Iranian State Media Press TV. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, also rejected those reports, accusing the Islamic Republic of not acting in good faith while dealing with the US. Trump claimed that Iran had misrepresented the contents of the proposed deal and criticised the country's leadership for what he described as dishonourable conduct. The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing. What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth. Very dishonorable people to deal with. With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith, the post read. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also urged the media to avoid speculating about the contents of the agreement, stating that details of the agreement would be made public once the process reaches its conclusion. In a post on X, Araghchi said that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was nearing finalisation and emphasised that official information would be released in due course. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalisation, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content. In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course, Araghchi said in his post. (ANI)
West Bengal: Police raid Abhisheks Kolkata residence for over 4 hours
KOLKATA: In a dramatic pre-dawn operation that triggered a political storm in West Bengal, a large contingent of police, accompanied by central forces, raided the Kalighat residence of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday in connection with a case filed in a police station in Paschim Medinipur district, a senior officer said. The []
SRINAGAR: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has ordered the winding up of the Siraj-ul-Uloom Welfare Foundation, Shopian, a non-profit entity registered as a company, and directed that its assets be taken over by an Official Liquidator amid allegations that its activities were detrimental to Indias sovereignty and national security. In an ex parte order, []
IGP reviews security for Yatra, Muharram, Kheer Bhawani
Stresses inter-agency coordination Srinagar, Jun 12: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi on Friday chaired a security review meeting to assess preparedness and strengthen security arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), Muharram observances, and Mela Kheer Bhawani at PCR Kashmir. He stressed the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination, uninterrupted communication channels, and a unified operational approach. The meeting was attended by senior officers of J&K Police, CRPF, ITBP, Intelligence Agencies, BSF, SSB, Traffic, Railways, Telecommunication, and other agencies, including IG BSF Ftr Hqrs Kashmir, IG CRPF KOS, IG CRPF Srinagar, IG ITBP, all range DIGs of Kashmir Zone, all district SSPs, and other senior officers. Reviewing security arrangements and preparedness for SANJY-2026, IGP Kashmir directed officers to ensure strict adherence to established SOPs and undertake preventive measures, underscoring the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and readiness, particularly at vulnerable locations and along designated pilgrimage routes, a police spokesperson said in a statement issued here. Birdi also reviewed contingency planning, disaster response preparedness, crowd management mechanisms, and coordination protocols. While reviewing arrangements for Muharram, V K Birdi emphasised ensuring the peaceful and smooth conduct of all religious processions and gatherings across the Valley. He directed officers to make comprehensive security and traffic arrangements along designated procession routes, establish effective crowd management mechanisms, and maintain close liaison with organisers and community representatives. Reviewing preparations for Mela Kheer Bhawani, the IGP directed officers to put in place robust security and facilitation measures for devotees, emphasising thorough sanitisation of the shrine premises, adequate deployment of security personnel, and proper traffic management plans to provide a safe, secure, and hassle-free experience. Concluding the meeting, the Kashmir police chief expressed confidence in the collective preparedness of all participating agencies and reiterated the commitment of the security establishment to ensure the peaceful, secure, and successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, Muharram, and Mela Kheer Bhawani. Participating officers briefed the chair on deployment strategies, route security, intelligence coordination, traffic regulation, communication preparedness, emergency response mechanisms, and logistical arrangements.
GMC Srinagar Advisory: Excessive Screen Time Harms Physical, Mental and Emotional Health
SRINAGAR: The Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has issued a public awareness advisory cautioning people about the harmful effects of prolonged screen time on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It warned that excessive use of smartphones, tablets, computers, and other digital devices is increasingly contributing to a range of health []
LG Sinha meets Amit Shah in Delhi
Attends high-level Amarnath Yatra preparedness meeting New Delhi, Jun 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The Home Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness for the annual Amarnath Yatra commencing July 3. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Kumar Deka, CRPF Director General GP Singh, and other senior security and administrative officials. During the meeting, Shah directed that inter-agency coordination must be strengthened to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage. Earlier this week, the Lieutenant Governor had reviewed the yatra preparations in Jammu and Kashmir, directing departments and security agencies to ensure smooth arrangements covering infrastructure, security, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and pilgrim services. The annual Amarnath Yatra involves elaborate security arrangements across multiple districts of the Union Territory. The meeting in Delhi focused on assessing the overall security situation and ensuring coordination between central and UT agencies for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Karnataka Assembly Panel meets J&K Speaker to strengthen coordination
Speaker emphasizes critical role of assembly committees in addressing genuine public grievances SRINAGAR: In a significant move towards fostering legislative cooperation, the Committee on Petitions of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly held a high-level meeting with the Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA), Abdul Rahim Rather and members of the J&K Assemblys Petitions Committee. The []
NC firm on public service, dev agenda; opposition rattled: Mir
Rivals resorting to venomous propaganda against National Conference to divert attention from their own chequered past SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President, Kashmir, Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the elected government has ushered in a new era of responsive governance, inclusive development []
Dr Farooq, Omar greet people on UrsAmeerul Momineen Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA)
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and Vice President &Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have extended their heartfelt greetings to the people on the auspicious annual Urs of Ameer-ul-Momineen Hazrat Umar Farooq (Radiyallahu Anhu). In their message, the duo paid rich tributes to Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), describing him as one []
Govt committed to strengthen healthcare infra across J&K: Itoo
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Friday reaffirmed the governments commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and providing quality patient care across Jammu and Kashmir. During her day-long visit to healthcare facilities in Khanyar and Hazratbal constituencies, she was accompanied by MLAs Ali Mohammad Sagar and Salman Ali Sagar. []
Traders Association Lal Chowk thanks SP East Neha Jain
Hails her prompt intervention in addressing business community concerns SRINAGAR: The Traders Association, Lal Chowk, has expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to Superintendent of Police (East), Ms. Neha Jain, for her prompt intervention and positive action in addressing the concerns of shopkeepers and traders operating in the Lal Chowk area. The Association acknowledged the efforts []
Assembly Ethics Committee meets to reinforce accountability
SRINAGAR: The Ethics Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, under the chairmanship of MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, convened a high-level meeting on Friday to review the institutional framework and reinforce its mandate on legislative accountability. Legislators Peerzada Feroze Ahamad, Satish Kumar Sharma and Arvind Gupta were present in the meeting. During the session, the []
Notorious drug peddler detained under PIT NDPS Act: Police
GANDERBAL: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Police in Ganderbal has detained a notorious drug peddler under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, following formal detention orders from the competent authority. The accused, Fayaz Ahmad Khanday son of Abdul Khaliq Khanday resident of Pati Shalbugh, Ganderbal []
SANJY 2026: DG Rural Sanitation reviews sanitation preparedness
Baltal, Jun 12: Director General, Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of sanitation preparedness along the Baltal axis for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, covering key locations from Baltal Base Camp up to the Holy Cave Shrine. During the visit, the Director General inspected the ongoing sanitation infrastructure works and assessed the preparedness of various facilities being established for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. The review focused on installation of toilets and bathing units, solid and liquid waste management systems, collection and transportation mechanisms, manpower deployment, and overall sanitation arrangements along the route. Interacting with officers and field functionaries, Ms. Malhotra emphasized the importance of ensuring a clean, hygienic and environmentally sustainable pilgrimage experience for devotees. Accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Ganderbal, BDO Gund and representatives of executing agencies and other officials, she directed all concerned agencies to expedite the pace of ongoing works and ensure their completion well within the stipulated timelines. The Director General stressed the need for effective waste management measures, including timely collection, segregation, transportation and scientific disposal of waste generated during the Yatra. She also underscored the importance of maintaining all sanitation facilities in fully functional condition and ensuring adequate manpower deployment for round-the-clock cleanliness and upkeep. During the review, site-specific requirements and challenges were discussed in detail, and necessary instructions were issued for addressing identified gaps on priority. Officers were directed to closely monitor progress and maintain strict adherence to quality standards in the execution of sanitation-related works. Malhotra reiterated the commitment of the Rural Sanitation Department towards ensuring comprehensive sanitation coverage along the Yatra route and called for close coordination among all stakeholder departments and implementing agencies.
Nc Govt Will Collapse On Its Own, BJP Wont Topple it : Lop Sharma
'Party sending confusing signals to people on Article 370' Srinagar, June 12: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Friday said the present government in the Union Territory would collapse on its own, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party would neither play any role in toppling it nor in forming it. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Sharma termed the political situation in the UT as unstable and claimed that the government was bound to fall because of internal contradictions. Targeting the National Conference, he said the party had built its politics around Article 370 but was now sending mixed signals to the people. Referring to recent political developments, including meetings between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharma said the partys stand appeared inconsistent. He added that the NCs relevance and political clarity had weakened over time, alleging that the partys support base was gradually eroding. Sharma also claimed that senior leaders, including Farooq Abdullah, had changed their tone following recent political engagements, indicating what he described as a shift in the partys political position. The BJP leader further alleged that there were backchannel attempts to engineer defections, while maintaining that his party had no involvement in such efforts. The government will fall on its own. The BJP will neither form it nor make it fall, Sharma said, adding that the present dispensation would not complete its full term, though he did not specify any timeline.
NTA Extends NEET Duration, Revises Exam Booklet Format
According to a public notice issued by the NTA, the examination window has been extended to 195 minutes and will now run from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM. The agency said the revised duration includes time required for mandatory examination formalities such as attendance verification and other invigilation procedures, ensuring that candidates receive the full intended time to attempt the paper. In another change, the NTA has increased the number of rough work pages in the question paper booklet from two to four. The move is expected to provide candidates with additional space for calculations, diagrams and other workings during the examination. The agency has also revised the layout of the question paper booklet. While rough work pages were earlier placed only at the end of the booklet, two rough work pages will now be provided immediately after the instruction page at the beginning, with the remaining two pages continuing at the end. The change has been introduced following feedback from candidates, particularly left handed students, who found the earlier arrangement less convenient. NTA said the measures have been introduced to make the examination process more comfortable and candidate friendly while maintaining the highest standards of fairness, security and transparency. Candidates have been advised to carefully read the instructions mentioned in the admit card and information bulletin and cooperate with examination staff for the smooth conduct of the examination.
DC Jatin Kishore reviews arrangements for Inl. Yoga Day-2026
Ganderbal, Jun 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore on Friday chaired a meeting to review preparations for International Yoga Day-2026, scheduled to be celebrated across the district on June 21 with the objective of promoting health, well-being and a balanced lifestyle through yoga. At the outset, the DC took a comprehensive review of the arrangements being put in place for the district-level event and discussed department-wise responsibilities to ensure smooth and successful conduct of the programme. It was informed that the main district-level celebration will be held at the Government Physical College of Education, Gadoora, while parallel yoga sessions will also be organised at Manasbal Park and Sonamarg to enable wider participation from different parts of the district. Emphasizing that yoga is a simple yet effective tool for achieving physical fitness, mental wellness and inner harmony, the DC called for making the event a true community movement involving people from all walks of life. He directed the concerned departments to encourage participation of students, youth, government employees, sports persons, civil society members and the general public in large numbers. To facilitate participants, the AYUSH and Youth Services & Sports departments were tasked with arranging yoga mats, uniforms and other necessary equipment. LED screens will also be installed at the main venue for live display of yoga demonstrations and proceedings. The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to drinking water, sanitation, medical aid, ambulance services, power supply and overall venue management. The Health Department was directed to ensure the availability of medical teams, first-aid facilities and ambulances at all designated venues. The DC directed the Police to put in place a comprehensive security plan and an effective traffic management plan along with ARTO to ensure safe and hassle-free movement of participants. Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that International Yoga Day is not merely a one-day event but a reminder to adopt healthier habits and lifestyles. He urged people to embrace yoga as a regular practice for physical fitness, mental resilience and overall well-being. He further stressed the need for close coordination among all departments to make the celebration a grand success and transform it into a district-wide festival of health, wellness and community participation. The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Manzoor Ahmad; Chief Executive Officers of Sonmarg Development Authority and Wular Manasbal Development Authority, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan and officers from various departments, educational institutions and other stakeholders associated with the event.
Dir RDD Kashmir reviews dev progress in Baramulla
Baramulla, Jun 12: Director Rural Development Department (RDD) Kashmir, Riyaz Ahmad Wani on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Dak Bungalow Baramulla to assess the physical and financial progress of various developmental programmes and schemes being implemented across the district. The meeting was attended by Superintending Engineer REW Kashmir, Shafat Hussain; Joint Director Rural Development Department, Kashmir, Nassir Ahmad Khan; Assistant Commissioner Development, Baramulla, Mudasir Hussain Chaudhary; Chief Accounts Officer, Showkat Ali Khan; Block Development Officers, Executive Engineers, Assistant Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers and other concerned officials. During the meeting, the Director conducted a detailed review of ongoing works under different Rural Development Department schemes and evaluated the status of fund utilisation, project execution and achievement of targets. He emphasised the need for timely completion of developmental projects, efficient utilisation of resources and strict adherence to prescribed guidelines to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the people effectively. The Director also stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards in all developmental works and called upon field functionaries to strengthen monitoring mechanisms for achieving tangible outcomes on the ground. The officers present apprised the Director about the progress achieved under various schemes and highlighted district-specific developmental initiatives being undertaken to improve rural infrastructure and public service delivery. The Director urged all stakeholders to work with dedication, coordination and commitment to ensure the successful implementation of developmental programmes and the achievement of intended objectives within stipulated timelines. Later, the Director, accompanied by Joint Director RDD Kashmir, Nassir Ahmad Khan; ACD Baramulla, Mudasir Hussain Chaudhary and other concerned officers, visited Jetty Baramulla and inspected the newly completed District Development Council (DDC) Office Complex, constructed at a cost of 2.52 crore. During the inspection, the Assistant Commissioner Development Baramulla briefed the Director that the construction of the office complex has been completed and the facility is ready for use. The Director reviewed the quality of construction and the amenities created under the project and emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in the execution of public infrastructure projects to ensure efficient service delivery to the people.
Rabies Preventable with Timely Treatment: GMC
Srinagar, Jun 12: To raise awareness about rabies prevention and management, the Anti-Rabies Clinic of SMHS Hospital, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, has issued a public advisory highlighting the importance of timely wound care and vaccination in preventing rabies-related deaths. As per the advisory, rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of both humans and animals. While the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, it can be completely prevented through immediate wound washing and timely vaccination after exposure. The virus is commonly transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, mainly through bites, scratches, or licks on broken skin and mucous membranes. The advisory notes that India records over 17 million animal bite cases annually, with nearly 96 percent of human rabies deaths linked to dog bites. In Jammu and Kashmir, animal bites are reported from both rural and urban areas, with dogs being the primary source of exposure. Health experts stressed that prompt wound washing and post-exposure vaccination can prevent rabies in nearly all cases. For individuals at high risk of exposure, including veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory staff, wildlife workers, healthcare workers and travellers to rabies-endemic areas, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended. The vaccination schedule includes doses on days 0, 7 and 21 or 28, followed by booster doses as per national guidelines. The advisory also outlines post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people who have been bitten or exposed to potentially rabid animals. Unvaccinated individuals are advised to receive a full course of anti-rabies vaccination through either the intramuscular or intradermal route. In severe Category III exposures, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) should be administered on the first day and infiltrated around the wound whenever possible. Experts said that wound management is the first and most critical step after an animal bite. The wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by the application of povidone-iodine or another suitable antiseptic. The advisory further recommends that previously vaccinated individuals who are re-exposed to rabies receive booster doses on days 0 and 3, while RIG is not required in such cases. Pet owners have been urged to vaccinate their dogs and cats regularly, seek veterinary check-ups, avoid allowing pets to roam freely, and prevent aggressive behaviour that may lead to bites. Reiterating that rabies is a notifiable disease in Jammu and Kashmir, the advisory called upon the public to report all animal bites and suspected rabies cases to the nearest health facility for prompt action. The department has also issued toll-free Rabies Helpline 15400 for guidance and assistance.
Budgam School Bus Plunges Into Gorge; Driver Killed
Eyewitnesses cite slippery, narrowed road; demand accountability Srinagar, June 12: A school bus driver lost his life while two students sustained injuries after a school bus met with an accident in the Chadoora area of central Kashmirs Budgam district on Friday. According to police officials, the school bus, belonging to IPTS School Khansahib, reportedly lost control and plunged into a deep gorge in the Neegu Jabbad area of Brenwar, Chadoora. The driver died on the spot due to the impact of the crash. Two students travelling in the bus suffered multiple injuries and were initially shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora for medical treatment. Later, both injured students were referred to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, Srinagar, for specialized care. Soon after the incident, local residents, police personnel, and rescue teams rushed to the site and launched a rescue operation. Police have registered a case under FIR No. 78/2026 at Police Station Chadoora under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation has been initiated. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam, Hariprasad K.K visited SMHS Hospital Srinagar, to inquire about the condition of the injured students. During the visit, the DC met the injured children and their attendants and reviewed the medical treatment being provided to them. The DC directed the hospital authorities to ensure that the children receive the best possible medical care and all necessary assistance during their recovery. Meanwhile, residents of Neegu Brenwar in Chadoora tehsil of central Kashmirs Budgam district blamed the poor condition of the road, allegedly worsened by ongoing construction activity, for the school bus accident. An eyewitness, Tariq Ahmad, who said he was driving behind the bus at the time of the incident, alleged that work on a protection bund being executed by a contractor had left large amounts of mud spread across the road. The construction activity had narrowed the road and made the surface slippery. As the school bus was crossing that stretch, the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled into a deep gorge in front of my eyes, Ahmad said. He said he immediately alerted the Station House Officer (SHO) Chadoora, following which police and rescue teams reached the spot within about 20 minutes. According to Ahmad, the driver died in the accident while two schoolchildren sustained injuries. Following the incident, local residents raised concerns over the condition of the road and alleged that sufficient safeguards had not been put in place to ensure commuter safety during the ongoing work. They urged the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and fix responsibility. The road had become narrow and hazardous because of mud accumulation from the construction work. Authorities must ensure proper safety measures are implemented while such works are being carried out, residents said.
GMC Srinagar Issues Pesticide Safety Advisory for Farmers
has advised farmers and orchard workers to adopt strict safety precautions to prevent pesticide poisoning and protect their families. In an advisory, GMC Srinagar said pesticide exposure can lead to serious health complications, including breathing difficulties, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle twitching and seizures. Health experts warned that many poisoning cases can be prevented through proper handling and storage of chemicals. The advisory recommends that farmers wear protective equipment such as masks, gloves, boots and protective eyewear while spraying pesticides. It said spraying should always be carried out in the direction of the wind and never against it to avoid inhaling toxic chemicals. Farmers have also been advised to wash their hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking and to take a bath and change clothes immediately after spraying operations. Contaminated clothing should be washed separately from other household garments. The health experts stressed the importance of safe storage of pesticides, saying chemical containers should be kept away from children and food items. Pesticides should never be stored in soft drink bottles or other household containers, as this can lead to accidental consumption. The advisory also calls on community members to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical help if anyone develops symptoms of poisoning after pesticide exposure. In such cases, people should call emergency services or rush the patient to the nearest health facility without delay. Doctors said timely treatment can save lives and urged farmers to prioritize safety while working in orchards during the spraying season. Prevention is the best protection. A few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of pesticide poisoning and safeguard the health of farmers, workers and their families, the advisory stated. The awareness campaign is part of GMC Srinagar's efforts to promote safe agricultural practices and reduce pesticide-related illnesses in Kashmir's horticulture sector.
Govt, Private Institutions Key to Education Growth: Sakeena Itoo
at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to discuss issues concerning the Teacher Education Institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department, Special Secretary, Higher Education Department and other senior officers. The Minister emphasized the need for strengthening the infrastructure and creating quality, student-centric facilities in private colleges to ensure the delivery of high-standard teacher education. She directed the managements of private B.Ed colleges to submit undertakings for addressing all identified shortcomings, including land-related deficiencies, within a period of two years. She made it clear that no further relaxation would be granted beyond the stipulated timeframe. The Minister stressed that quality infrastructure, adequate facilities and compliance with the prescribed norms are essential for nurturing competent future educators and enhancing the overall standards of teacher education in Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, the representatives of the Private B.Ed College Association expressed gratitude to the Minister for taking up the issue of admissions in private colleges with the Union Government and relevant authorities to facilitate its early resolution. The Minister reiterated the governments commitment to building a vibrant and robust education system through the collective contribution of both government and private educational institutions. She said that the administration remains focused on ensuring quality education and improving academic outcomes for students in J&K. The meeting also discussed several other issues and concerns raised by the representatives. The Minister assured them that all their genuine demands and grievances would be examined sympathetically and addressed on priority.
A Star at the Frontier: How Saif Ali Khans Uri Visit Sparked Tourism Hopes
who believe the high-profile visit could give a significant push to the regions emerging border tourism sector. Nestled on the banks of the Jhelum River and known as the last Indian military post before Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), Kaman Post has in recent years evolved into one of Uris most sought-after tourist destinations. The picturesque location, which also houses the symbolic Aman Setu (Peace Bridge), attracts visitors keen to witness the frontier landscape and learn about the regions unique history. Locals said Saif Ali Khans visit has brought national attention to a destination that remains largely unexplored by mainstream tourists despite its scenic beauty and historical significance. Whenever a celebrity visits a place like Kaman Post, people across the country become curious about it. We have already started receiving calls from tourists asking about the location after news of his visit spread, said a local tour operator in Uri. Residents believe the actors presence at the border destination will help showcase a different side of Kashmir - one that goes beyond the traditional tourist circuits of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar. Kaman Post has tremendous tourism potential. It offers visitors a chance to experience history, geography and patriotism at one place. Saif Ali Khans visit has highlighted this destination before a wider audience, said Abrar Ahmad, a civil society member. Officials associated with tourism promotion in the region echoed similar sentiments, saying celebrity visits often act as catalysts for attracting new visitors. Border tourism in Uri has witnessed steady growth over the last few years. High-profile visits help create awareness and encourage travellers to explore lesser-known destinations. Such exposure is valuable for local businesses and the overall tourism economy, an official said. The opening of several frontier locations for tourism, coupled with improved road connectivity, has helped Uri emerge as an important destination for visitors seeking offbeat experiences. Kaman Post, in particular, has become popular among tourists interested in witnessing the LoC from close quarters and understanding the regions historical significance. Local traders and entrepreneurs hope the actors visit will translate into increased footfall during the ongoing tourist season. For us, every additional visitor matters. More tourists mean better business for transporters, hotels, restaurants and local vendors. If a celebrity visit helps put Uri on the tourism map, it benefits the entire region, said Sadiq Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Uri town. As photographs and reports of Saif Ali Khans visit continue to circulate on social media, residents of Uri are optimistic that the spotlight will encourage more travellers to venture beyond conventional destinations and discover the unique attractions of Kashmirs border belt. For many in Uri, the actors brief stop at Kaman Post is more than a celebrity visit but it is an opportunity to showcase the regions rich history, natural beauty and growing tourism potential to the rest of the country.
In the latest round of unrest, Pakistani Rangers and police have turned their guns and batons on unarmed civilians demanding nothing more radical than subsidised flour, lower electricity tariffs and fair representation. At least 15 people have been killed and many more injured as forces opened fire and lathi-charged demonstrators across PoK. This is not restoring order; it is collective punishment for daring to question Islamabads diktats. The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a platform of traders, professionals and civil society activists, have been branded a threat and banned. Bounties have been announced on prominent leaders. Peaceful assembly, the right to dissent, and freedom of association, all core human rights, have been trampled with complete impunity. A regime that answers bread-and-butter demands with bullets and sedition charges has forfeited any moral or political legitimacy. For decades, PoK has been run as a colony. The Mangla Dam, one of the largest in the world, was built without meaningful consent of those whose lands were submerged. Thousands were displaced and never properly rehabilitated. Their waters and hills power Pakistans cities, yet the same people are slapped with exorbitant electricity bills. Economic exploitation is enforced through military might, a double assault on livelihood and dignity. Over this sits a hollow political structure designed to keep real power out of Kashmiri hands. The socalled Legislative Assembly functions more as an extension of Islamabads bureaucracy and security establishment than as a genuine representative institution. A recent Pakistan Supreme Court verdict on the reservation of seats has only deepened the sense that PoKs politics is manipulated from afar. As analysts admit, bureaucrats in Islamabad and Rawalpindi script decisions while PoKs elected representatives are reduced to extras. Underdevelopment, unemployment, poor public services and a dense security grid have created a climate of fear and frustration. Arbitrary arrests, intimidation of activists, curbs on media and the constant presence of armed forces are daily realities. Pakistan lectures India on Kashmir, but in the territory it illegally occupies, it has built an ecosystem of coercion, not autonomy. The unrest in PoK carries an unmistakable political message. A population that Islamabad claims as its own is openly rejecting the terms of Pakistans rule. People want dignity, fair treatment and real representation, not slogans coined in Islamabad and amplified from Rawalpindis barracks. Every protest crushed by bullets, every activist silenced by a ban, every inflated bill shoved down the throats of the poor adds to Pakistans charge sheet of human rights abuses. PoK has become Pakistans 1971 warning in slow motion. The more Islamabad clings to occupation through force, the more it exposes the fragile, coercive foundations of its control. What holds PoK today is not consent but fear and fear is a crumbling pillar on which to rest any claim over occupied Kashmir. What the world is witnessing in PoK is not governance but a sustained, state-sponsored assault on a captive population.
Two More Names on a Long List: Banihals Deadly Drive
The images that this accident conjures up are now painfully familiar in Jammu and Kashmir: a mangled vehicle, frantic rescue efforts by police and local volunteers, and grieving families left to piece together a future abruptly shattered. The prompt response of Station House Officer Banihal, his team, and local volunteers deserves acknowledgement. They rushed to the spot soon after information was received, and made strenuous efforts to pull the trapped occupants from the wreckage. Yet the ferocity of the crash left little room for hope: one occupant died on the spot, the other succumbed on the way to Sub-District Hospital Banihal. Once again, it was the people closest to the accident: police, locals, volunteers, who did what they could, while the system that should have prevented such tragedies remains largely unmoved. The ChamalwasNeel stretch, like many roads in the Chenab Valley, is carved into treacherous terrain narrow, poorly engineered in places, with inadequate crash barriers and fragile edges giving way to deep gorges and nallahs. In such conditions, any lapse, a momentary skid, a patch of loose gravel, a sudden turn, can turn fatal. Yet how many more accidents must occur before road safety is treated as a non-negotiable priority rather than a ritual expression of cognisance taken and further investigation underway? This latest crash should compel a hard audit of the ChamalwasNeel road and similar stretches in Ramban district: engineering flaws, missing parapets and crash barriers, lack of proper signage, poor night visibility, and delayed maintenance. The responsibility does not end with the registration of a case or a routine inquiry. It begins with a time-bound plan to secure identified black spots and to enforce speed and load limits with seriousness. Equally, there is a need for better-equipped emergency response along these vulnerable routes: strategically located trauma care, trained first responders, and clear coordination protocols so that precious minutes are not lost in confusion. Every time a vehicle plunges into a nullah or gorge, officials promise measures, and families are left with condolences. Amir Ahmed and Zeeshan Wani must not become just two more names in that long, fading list. Their deaths should force the administration, road agencies, and traffic authorities to act visibly, measurably, and now.
Rural Development and Empowering Rural Communities
These regions often face inadequate access to basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply, as well as limited availability of essential services such as education and healthcare. The importance of rural development lies in its potential to reduce poverty, generate employment, and enhance overall living standards. In many rural areas, livelihoods largely depend on agriculture, allied activities, and wage labour. Therefore, strengthening agricultural productivity and diversifying income sources are key to sustainable rural growth. In India, rural development is a central focus of government policy and closely aligned with the vision of a developed nation under initiatives such as Viksit Bharat . The government, through various ministries and programs, emphasises improving rural infrastructure, expanding access to education and healthcare, and promoting inclusive growth. Empowering rural communities requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. This includes: Economic measures , such as improving agricultural practices, promoting rural industries, and increasing employment opportunities. Social initiatives , including better access to education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. Technological interventions , like digital connectivity, modern farming techniques, and access to information . Institutional support , through effective governance, decentralisation, and participation of local bodies like Panchayats. Thus, empowering rural communities requires a combination of social, economic, and institutional strategies that work together to improve the overall quality of life. One of the most important approaches is strengthening education and skills. Access to quality education helps individuals gain knowledge and confidence, while vocational training enables them to develop practical skills that can lead to better employment opportunities and diversified income sources. Another key area is improving healthcare access. Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to their communities. Establishing primary health centres, providing mobile health services, and spreading awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention can significantly enhance the well-being of rural populations. Promoting sustainable livelihoods is also essential for rural empowerment. This involves modernising agricultural practices, supporting small-scale enterprises, and encouraging entrepreneurship. Activities such as handicrafts, food processing, and rural tourism can provide additional income and reduce dependence on agriculture alone. Access to financial services further supports these efforts by enabling people to save, invest, and manage risks through loans, insurance, and digital banking. Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in connecting rural communities to broader opportunities. Improved roads, reliable electricity, clean water supply, and internet connectivity make it easier for people to access markets, education, healthcare, and government services. In particular, digital connectivity has become a powerful tool for growth and inclusion. Community participation and strong local governance are equally important. When people are involved in decision-making processes, development initiatives are more effective and sustainable. Empowering local institutions and encouraging leadership among marginalised groups, especially women, ensures inclusive growth. Women's empowerment, in particular, has a transformative impact, as it leads to better outcomes in education, health, and family welfare. The use of technology can further accelerate rural development by providing access to information and services. Mobile applications for farmers, online learning platforms, and telemedicine services help bridge the gap between rural and urban areas. At the same time, environmental sustainability must be prioritised, as rural livelihoods are closely tied to natural resources. Practices such as water conservation, sustainable farming, and the use of renewable energy sources help ensure long-term development. Finally, partnerships between governments, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector are essential for effective implementation. Supportive policies, adequate funding, and collaborative efforts can create an enabling environment for rural communities to thrive. Overall, empowering rural communities is about building their capacity to become self-reliant, resilient, and capable of shaping their own future. Empowering rural communities in India is not just about providing aid, but about building the capacity of people to make decisions, earn sustainable livelihoods, and improve their overall quality of life. One of the most important steps is strengthening local governance through Gram Panchayats, which allows villagers to participate in planning and managing development activities according to their needs. When these institutions are provided with adequate funds, transparency, and authority, they become more effective and accountable. Another key step is promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs), especially for women, under programs like the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY- NRLM). These groups encourage savings, provide access to microcredit, and enhance collective decision-making, leading to improved income and social empowerment. Skill development and vocational training also play a vital role by equipping rural youth with abilities in agriculture, crafts, digital services, and small businesses, which helps diversify income sources and reduce unemployment. Access to finance and financial literacy is equally important, as it enables people to use banking services, loans, insurance, and digital payments effectively while avoiding debt traps. Improving education and awareness through quality schooling, adult literacy, and awareness campaigns helps rural populations make informed decisions and benefit from government schemes. Encouraging community participation through Gram Sabhas and social audits ensures that people have a voice in governance, which increases transparency and reduces corruption. Supporting Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOS) and cooperatives allows small farmers to pool resources, access better markets, and secure fair prices for their produce. Digital inclusion, through initiatives like BharatNet, connects rural areas to the internet, enabling access to online education, telemedicine, and e-governance services. Special focus on women and marginalised groups, such as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, ensures that development is inclusive and equitable. Finally, ensuring transparency and accountability through mechanisms like social audits under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) helps communities monitor development work and demand better governance In short, rural empowerment is most effective when people are active participants rather than passive recipients, with the skills, resources, and opportunities to shape their own future. Rural development programs under the Ministry of Rural Development, through the department of Rural development of states and UTs, reach is almost every corner of the country at the grassroots level. Thus, it is the duty of every citizen at this level to understand these projects and social benefit schemes offered by various stakeholders, including the rural development ministry, and to ensure that the approved and sanctioned funds are properly utilised on time to create strong and sustainable assets for national development. The promotion of proper fund utilisation is the need of the hour, and this requires improving statistical literacy among people, including local leaders. When individuals understand data, budgets, and outcomes, it helps build trust, transparency, and accountability among stakeholders, thereby strengthening their role as nation-builders. This awareness and sense of responsibility make rural development programs more effective and successful, leading to the creation of valuable assets for the nation. It also helps reduce poverty, improve rural infrastructure, and enhance overall well-being. Such efforts are essential for achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). (The author is ISS, C/O Deputy Director General (DDG) / Statistical Advisor, Department of Rural Development, MORD. Feedback: ashhiss25@gmail.com)
Small Towns to Global Campuses: How Scholarships Help Dreams Take Flight
In one of the remote and disadvantaged villages of Tripura, Dipayan Bhowmick once dreamt of becoming an architect despite growing up far away from the opportunities usually associated with international education. Yet, through academic perseverance and the support of the National Overseas Scholarship, Dipayan went on to pursue a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Stuttgart, Germany. Living, studying and working in Germany exposed him to a diverse international environment that transformed not only his academic understanding, but also his outlook towards society, sustainability and urban development. Drawing inspiration from both Indian and German approaches to architecture and urban design, he returned to India determined to use his learning. Today, Dipayan runs his own architectural practice, contributing towards society through his professional work while also creating opportunities for others. He is one amongst hundreds of Scheduled Caste students whose life trajectory has dramatically altered due to the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), a Government of India initiative that funds postgraduate and doctoral studies at top foreign universities. The Scheme covers tuition, travel, living expenses and other academic requirements, ensuring that securing an admission into a world-class university is not determined by the economic circumstances of a students family. There are hundreds of such stories where a passport has been seen by the families for the first time ever, and instances of so many parents who send their children off to distant countries, whereas they themselves have not even set foot in colleges within the country. Since 2014, the NOS Scheme has supported students from families earning less than Rs. 8 lakh annually to universities across 21 countries, from UK to Germany, US to Australia. For many such families, even applying for admission to a foreign university would have required them to visit a cybercaf nearby. Dr. Vaithilingam Rajendiran, a Senior Scientist, who pursued a PhD in Chemistry at Oklahoma State University in the United States, grew up as the son of daily wage parents. He completed his schooling and undergraduate education in nearby government institutions and struggled through financial hardships while pursuing higher studies. Yet, with determination and relentless efforts, he completed his doctoral studies successfully and went on to build a distinguished scientific career. What these students bring back is not just a degree or a high-paying job but hopes, numerous opportunities and aspirations for people in their community. Scholarships such as the National Overseas Scholarship are often viewed merely as financial assistance programmes. In reality, they are long-term investments in human capital and knowledge creation. Developed countries are not built by roads, bridges or airports alone. They are also built in classrooms. Every student who crosses borders with such scholarships carries back the confidence and abilities to contribute to Indias vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. This is the compounding return of a single scholarship. The significance of scholarships lies not only in funding education but in creating an ecosystem of stability around students who are often navigating academic and social worlds for the very first time. For many first-generation learners, the challenge is not limited to securing admission. It is sustaining the journey thereafter, managing living expenses in expensive cities, purchasing books or digital devices, paying for accommodation and other costs that accompany such opportunities. Scholarships act as a crucial support system that enables students to focus on learning rather than worry about such day-to-day challenges. The scholarship operates without fanfare. There are no glossy campaigns and no celebrity endorsements. Over 12 years, 764 students have been selected on their academic merit to take admission in the most prestigious international colleges. In many ways, the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is different due to the assistance it extends to each student. For a single scholar pursuing higher education at a leading global university, the cumulative financial aid, covering tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, insurance and other academic costs over the duration of the course, often exceeds Rs. 1 crore and may even go up to Rs. 2 crore. There are only a few public scholarship programmes in the world that make such a substantial investment in an individual student from a socially aspirational background. The significance of this support lies not only in the financial aid provided but also in what it intends to achieve. It envisions a national commitment to ensure that financial circumstances do not limit access to opportunities for students from certain communities. It is one of the most ambitious examples of educational investment in individual human potential. Indias scholarship ecosystem for Scheduled Caste students, spanning domestic premier institutions as well as overseas education, reflects this vision. It recognises that upliftment requires continuity, stability and sustained support. In many villages and small towns, the success of a single scholar changes the imagination of an entire generation. A younger sibling begins preparing for competitive examinations with greater confidence. A village sees international education not as an impossible dream, but as a reachable destination. The classrooms of Oxford, MIT or Columbia may appear geographically distant from Indias villages and small towns. Yet, through scholarships such as the National Overseas Scholarship, these distances are slowly shrinking. Applications for the National Overseas Scholarship are administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Eligible candidates may apply through the National Scholarship Portal by 2 nd June 2026. (The author is Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. Views expressed are personal. Courtesy: PIB)
From Dumping Ground to Shared Responsibility
Yet, beneath this romanticised picture lies an uncomfortable, often ignored reality: our paradise is quietly and steadily turning into a dumping ground. Solid waste management in Kashmir is no longer a technical or administrative issue alone; it has become a civilisational question about how we choose to live with our surroundings. If we continue on the current path of neglect, short-term fixes, and institutional lethargy, we risk losing not only our ecological balance but also the moral right to call this land a heaven. A valley choking on its own waste In the past two decades, urbanisation in the Valley has been rapid and largely unplanned. Towns have sprawled, villages have turned into semi-urban clusters, tourism has boomed in fits and starts, and consumption patterns have changed dramatically. What has not changed, however, is our mindset towards waste. Household refuse, single-use plastics, packaging material, food waste, construction debris, biomedical and electronic waste all of it finds its way into the nearest stream, roadside, vacant plot, orchard edge, or open field. Water bodies that once sustained life and livelihoods are now ringed with garbage. Nallahs, canals, and irrigation channels are routinely blocked by polythene and other solid waste, contributing to urban flooding and contamination of drinking water sources. Municipalities, gram panchayats, and other local bodies remain ill-equipped and, in many cases, indifferent. Door-to-door collection is patchy, segregation at source is virtually non-existent, and scientific landfills remain more on paper than on the ground. The result is an unsightly and dangerous mix of waste dumped in low-lying areas, on riverbanks, and at informal open dumping sites that poison air, soil, and groundwater. Beyond aesthetics: a public health emergency The conversation around waste is often reduced to aesthetics to cleanliness drives before VIP visits or cosmetic beautification of select areas. But solid waste mismanagement is not only an eyesore; it is a silent public health emergency. Open dumping and burning of waste release toxic fumes, particulate matter, and harmful gases. These affect respiratory health, aggravate asthma and other chronic conditions, and contribute to the already deteriorating air quality in some pockets of the Valley. Stray dogs feeding on open dumps become more aggressive and multiply, creating a serious safety and rabies risk. Stagnant, garbage-choked water bodies turn into breeding grounds for mosquitoes and vectors that carry disease. Then there is the long-term, largely invisible damage. Plastics and other non-biodegradable material break down into microplastics that enter the soil, water, crops, and eventually our bodies. Heavy metals and hazardous components from electronic waste, batteries, and biomedical refuse leach into the groundwater. These are not problems that can be wished away with a one-day cleanliness campaign. Tourism and the hypocrisy of image-building Tourism is repeatedly pitched as the backbone of Kashmirs economy. We proudly advertise our lakes, forests, meadows, and mountains. Yet, the same tourist destinations are groaning under the weight of unmanaged waste. From hill stations to trekking routes, from religious shrines to picnic spots, mounds of plastic bottles, food wrappers, disposables, and glass lie scattered. Tourists are at fault, yes but we, as hosts and residents, are no less culpable. We have neither put in place adequate waste management infrastructure in tourist zones, nor enforced rules with the seriousness they demand. The hypocrisy is glaring: on one hand, we sell pristine beauty; on the other, we tolerate and often participate in its slow degradation. No tourism policy can be credible if it does not place solid waste management at its core. Policy on paper, paralysis on the ground It is not as if laws, guidelines, and rules are missing. The Solid Waste Management Rules at the national level lay down clear responsibilities for segregation, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal. Local authorities are empowered to impose user charges, penalise littering, and regulate waste generators including commercial establishments and institutions. In practice, implementation is feeble. Urban local bodies often cite lack of funds, land, and manpower. Village panchayats plead ignorance or helplessness. Coordination between departments is poor, and accountability is diffused to the point of invisibility. Even when infrastructure is created collection points, compactors, small-scale composting units they frequently fall into disuse because the system around them is not designed to function in a continuous, disciplined manner. Political will tends to surface only in bursts, often linked to court directions, media attention, or looming events. Once the immediate pressure subsides, old habits return. Complicity and the culture of convenience It is easy to blame the administration alone. But we, as citizens, are not mere victims; we are active participants in this crisis. The culture of convenience of throwing waste out of sight and out of mind runs deep. Segregating waste at home into wet and dry categories costs nothing more than a few minutes and an extra bag. Yet most households do not bother. Market associations rarely take collective responsibility for their waste. Institutions that could lead by example schools, colleges, religious bodies often fall back on the same old pattern of dumping and burning. Religious sermons, social gatherings, and public events generate huge amounts of disposable waste, especially plastics and Styrofoam. The message of caring for creation and environment is often preached from the pulpit; unfortunately, it seldom translates into practical guidelines on how we manage waste at these very events. The way forward: from rhetoric to responsibility If we are serious about saving the Valley from becoming a vast, unregulated landfill, we must move beyond rhetoric. A coherent approach must rest on four pillars: segregation, decentralisation, enforcement, and education. Segregation at source: Without basic separation of wet and dry waste at the household, institutional, and market level, no downstream system can work efficiently. Local bodies must make it mandatory, back it with incentives and penalties, and run sustained awareness campaigns. Schools and colleges should integrate this practice into daily routine, not as a one-day activity. Decentralised processing: Not every bit of waste needs to travel kilometres to a distant dump. Wet waste can and should be composted at the neighbourhood or institutional level, turning a problem into a resource for urban farming, parks, and green belts. Small material recovery facilities can handle recyclables. This reduces transportation costs, pollution, and pressure on centralised sites. Firm enforcement and transparent governance: Bans on single-use plastics, rules on littering, and obligations of bulk waste generators must be enforced, not merely announced. Penalties should be real and visible. At the same time, municipal bodies must be transparent about budgets, contracts, and performance metrics related to waste management so that citizens can hold them to account. Sustained public education: Changing behaviour is not a matter of one campaign or a few hoardings. It requires repeated, context-specific, culturally rooted messaging. Religious leaders, teachers, civil society groups, market committees, and media must all be involved. Children, in particular, can become powerful agents of change if they are educated and empowered early. Reclaiming our moral obligation to this land Kashmirs environment has already suffered decades of conflict, neglect, and unplanned growth. Solid waste mismanagement is one more layer of injury, but unlike many other challenges, it is one we have the power to address directly through our choices and systems. We often invoke the idea of amanat a trust that must be safeguarded for future generations. The Valleys rivers, lakes, forests, and fields are precisely that trust. To continue treating them as dumping grounds is a betrayal not only of environmental principles but of our own cultural and religious values. The choice before us is stark. Either we continue down the path of convenience and indifference until the damage becomes irreversible, or we collectively decide that enough is enough that this land, which has given us so much, deserves better from us. If we truly believe that Kashmir is paradise on earth, then we must prove it by the way we manage even the most unglamorous aspect of modern life: our waste. (The author is a research scholar and environmental activist)
Bullets for Bread: The Crackdown Across the Line of Control That the World Refuses to See
affordable electricity, subsidized wheat, a fair share of royalties from the hydropower generated on their own rivers, and an end to decades of political marginalization. These were not separatist slogans or calls to arms. They were demands for bread, light, and dignity. Pakistan's answer, by every account that has escaped the region's communications blackout, has been delivered through the barrel of a gun. Even the official version is damning. Islamabad concedes roughly eleven dead and more than seventy injured in clashes that began on June 8. But the official version is almost certainly not the whole story. Protest organisers from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, eyewitnesses, and diaspora networks put the civilian toll between 27 and over 100, with hundreds injured and more than 500 detained including, reportedly, children. Videos smuggled past the internet shutdown show crowds being fired upon near hospitals. We cannot independently verify every figure, precisely because Pakistan has cut the phone lines, throttled the internet, and barred the press. A state confident in its restraint does not need to silence the witnesses. Consider how this crisis was manufactured. The JKJAAC is a civic coalition built around utility bills and flour prices about as far from terrorism as political organising gets. Yet rather than negotiate, authorities banned it as a errorist organisation, placed bounties on its leaders, and deployed paramilitary Rangers against its marches. The killing of activist Shahzeb Habib turned grievance into grief, and grief into a region-wide uprising. At every fork in the road, the state chose escalation. When a government's first instinct toward its own citizens is shoot-on-sight orders, the question is no longer whether the protesters have a case. It is whether the state has any legitimacy left to lose. There is a bitter irony here that deserves to be named. For seven decades, Pakistan has positioned itself as the global advocate of Kashmiri self-determination, raising the issue at every international forum, draping itself in the language of human rights. Yet in the portion of Kashmir under its illegal control, it tolerates no dissent, shares no resources, and permits no genuine self-government. The territory it calls Azad free Kashmir is run as a strategic buffer and a hydropower colony, its assemblies subordinate to Islamabad, its economy starved, its protesters branded traitors. The hypocrisy is not incidental; it is structural. A state cannot champion the rights of Kashmiris on one side of the Line of Control while shooting them on the other and expect the contradiction to go unnoticed forever. It has not gone unnoticed by the people themselves. Residents of the region can see across the LoC, and what many of them see highways, tourist arrivals, functioning administration in Indian Jammu and Kashmir since 2019 sharpens their sense of abandonment. One can debate the our side as the elected Govt here came out of record voter turnout with the BJP scoring the maximum number of votes. The protests in POJK is about governance and opportunity, and on those measures, Islamabad's record in the territory it administers is indefensible. The people's only crime is asking for development and fundamental rights, and in return, they are getting bullets. Strip away the partisanship, and the core observation stands. People asked for wheat. They received gunfire. History offers Pakistan a warning it seems determined to ignore. In 1971, in what was then East Pakistan, Islamabad answered economic grievance and political exclusion with military force, convinced that repression could substitute for legitimacy. The result was the bloody birth of Bangladesh. The circumstances today differ in scale and geography, but the playbook is unnervingly familiar: deny, blackout, criminalise, shoot. States that mistake silence for stability tend to learn, too late, that the silence was only the sound of the world not listening. And the world must start listening. The United Nations human rights machinery, which has produced detailed reports on Indian Kashmir, owes the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir the same scrutiny. International media that amplify every confrontation in Srinagar should be asking why they cannot get a correspondent into Rawalakot. Western governments that lecture the subcontinent on human rights should be demanding that Pakistan restore communications, release detained protesters, allow an independent investigation of the casualty figures, and prosecute those who ordered live fire on civilians. The test of human rights advocacy is whether it survives inconvenient geography. India, for its part, must respond with discipline as well as sympathy. The Ministry of External Affairs is right to condemn the killings and seek accountability. New Delhi should also heed the warning that a cornered establishment in Islamabad may seek diversion through violence across the LoC; vigilance, not adventurism, is the proper posture. The most powerful argument India can make to the people across the Line of Control is not rhetorical but demonstrative: governance that delivers, rights that are real, development that reaches the last village. None of this requires pretending the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir dispute is simple, or that ISI hands are entirely clean. Pakistan rejects India's territorial claims; India rejects Pakistan's; the people of the region especially the old ladies in POJK still follow the old tradition of keeping 2-3 chapatis extra every night waiting for India to free them from atrocities of Pak Army & ISI . They still proudly raise slogans of Maharaja Gulab Singh (Amar Rahe), as technically the entire J&K acceded with India on 26 Oct 1947, how can POJK be kept out, as the instrument of accession was for the entire Princely state of Maharaja Hari Singh. But whatever one's position on maps and resolutions, there should be no dispute about this: unarmed civilians demanding flour and electricity must not be met with live ammunition, and a blackout is not an answer to a body count. The protesters of Rawalakot have already answered the only question that matters to them they have decided they will no longer be silent. The question now is for the rest of us. Oppression breeds resistance; that much history guarantees. What history does not guarantee is that the world will pay attention before the toll climbs higher. It should start now. (The Author is spokesperson of the BJP Jammu and Kashmir. Feedback: abhijeetjasrotia5@gmail.com )
Amit Shah Directs Multi-layered Security Grid, Drones, CCTV Deployment for Amarnath Yatra
SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the national capital to review security preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, with a strong focus on ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees. An official said that during the meeting Shah stressed that the safety of pilgrims remains the top []
Jammu Kashmir: Govt Revokes Suspension of Officer
SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmirs School Education Department on Friday revoked the suspension of In-charge Chief Education Officer Balbir Kumar and ordered his immediate posting to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Jammu. According to Government Order No. 226-JK (Edu) 2026 issued on June 12, the Competent Authority withdrew Kumars []
CM Omar Takes Up Srinagar Airport Closure Issue with Defence, Civil Aviation Ministers
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has separately met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and raised concerns over the proposed closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to 16, 2026, scheduled under Phase III of the runway resurfacing project. During the meetings, the []
Hi-tech Security Grid, Mock Drills Mark Final Push for Amarnath Yatra in Anantnag
SRINAGAR: Authorities have stepped up Amarnath Yatra preparations in south Kashmirs Anantnag district with advanced surveillance systems, mock drills, and a strengthened security grid ahead of the pilgrimage beginning July 3. With over 400 CCTV cameras, facial recognition technology, elevated bunkers and specialised security units deployed along the route, officials say extensive measures are in []
Inoperative Bank Accounts in Jammu Kashmir Cross 42 Lakh, Jammu Kashmir Bank Tops List
SRINAGAR: The number of inoperative bank accounts in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed the 42 lakh mark, official data has revealed. According to the figures, the total number of inoperative accounts in the Union Territory surged to 4212670 as on December 31, 2025, marking an increase of 618596 compared to 3594074 accounts as on December []
Facebook, Instagram Face Widespread Global Outage
According to outage-monitoring service Downdetector, reports of service interruptions surged sharply around 7:00 PM IST, indicating a large-scale disruption affecting users in multiple regions simultaneously. In India, users from several cities reported that Facebook and Instagram were either not loading properly or failing to refresh content. Many users said their feeds remained inaccessible, while others encountered problems updating timelines, logging into accounts, or using certain platform features. The outage did not appear to be confined to a single country. Similar complaints emerged from users across different parts of the world, suggesting a broader technical issue affecting Meta's services. As the disruption unfolded, many users turned to alternative platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to verify whether others were facing similar problems. Numerous posts indicated that the issues extended beyond Facebook and Instagram, with some users also reporting disruptions on Facebook Messenger. The impact of the outage varied among users. While some were still able to access the websites, others said mobile applications were unable to load new content or refresh feeds. The differing experiences prompted speculation that the problem could be linked to Meta's backend infrastructure rather than individual devices or internet connections. Downdetector recorded more than 100,000 outage reports related to Facebook, underscoring the scale of the disruption. Instagram also registered a significant increase in complaints as reports continued to rise throughout the evening. As of publication, Meta had not issued an official statement explaining the cause of the outage or provided an estimated timeline for service restoration. Users reported attempting common troubleshooting measures, including restarting applications, switching internet networks, and checking for software updates. However, the widespread nature of the disruption suggested the issue originated on the company's side, limiting the effectiveness of such steps. The situation remains under observation, and further updates are expected once Meta provides official clarification on the incident.
Police Detain Drug Peddler Under PIT NDPS Act in Central Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Police in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Friday detained a suspected drug peddler under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, following orders issued by the competent authority. The accused has been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Khanday, son of Abdul Khaliq Khanday, a resident of Pati Shalbugh, []
Two Minor Girls Injured in North Kashmir Road Mishap
SRINAGAR: Two seven-year-old girls sustained injuries in a hit-and-run incident after an unidentified motorcycle struck them and fled the scene in the Yaroo area of Langate in north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Friday. The injured have been identified as Ulfat Jaan, daughter of Mohammad Shafi Ganie, and Zahira Jaan, daughter of Shamisdin Ganie, both residents []
KPDCL Announces Planned Shutdowns Across Kashmir for Maintenance Works
SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), has informed that scheduled shutdowns will be carried out on several transmission lines and grid stations across Kashmir for maintenance works, resulting in power disruptions in multiple areas on different dates in June 2026. As per the schedule, shutdown of the 33 kV KulgamDevsar []
Williamson announces international retirement; says its the right time to step away
CHRISTCHURCH/LONDON: One of the finest batters of his time and the face of New Zealand crickets most successful era, Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday, ending a distinguished career marked by consistency, impeccable temperament and exemplary leadership. Arguably New Zealands greatest ever batter, Williamsons announcement pulls the curtain down on a []
Iran-US peace deal expected in Geneva to include Hormuz reopening, ceasefire extension: Reports
Washington DC [US], June 12 : Despite Iranian officials maintaining that reports of a deal with the US to end the conflict in West Asia remain merely speculation, a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington is expected to be signed in Geneva, Switzerland, with the proposed agreement reportedly including an extension of the ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for further talks on the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme, as reported by CNN citing multiple diplomatic sources. According to CNN, two sources familiar with the diplomatic negotiations said Geneva was being considered as the venue for the signing ceremony for the deal, with one source stating that the event would mark the beginning of phase two of diplomatic engagement, focused on implementing the memorandum of understanding. The development comes after US President Donald Trump on Thursday spoke of a great settlement that could end the conflict with Iran, indicating that the agreement could be finalised in the coming days. Trump had also suggested that a signing ceremony could take place soon in Europe and may be attended by Vice President JD Vance. We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, and we're going to be subject to finalisation of documents. We should get done over the next few days. We'll probably have a signing, maybe in Europe, Trump told reporters at the Oval Office. The Strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe. I won't be able to be there, but JD will be there, the Vice President, and some of the people. Steve Witkoff did a great job, he further added. CNN further reported that the proposed agreement is being referred to by several sources as the Islamabad Agreement or Islamabad Declaration, acknowledging Pakistan's role in facilitating discussions, despite them failing to negotiate a deal between the two sides earlier. However, the report noted that no official confirmation has been issued regarding the name of the deal, while an Iranian source indicated that Vienna, Austria, was also being considered as a possible venue. Citing a diplomat briefed on the matter, CNN reported that the interim agreement would extend the existing ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create a framework for further discussions on Iran's nuclear programme. The diplomat told CNN that both sides had agreed to the text of the memorandum of understanding, although it was still awaiting final approval. According to details shared by the diplomat and reported by CNN, the agreement envisages a 60-day ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, beginning immediately upon signing. The Strait of Hormuz would be reopened without Iran imposing any transit charges, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies and commercial shipments. Maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would gradually return to pre-conflict levels within 30 days of the agreement's signing, the report added. CNN also reported that the proposed arrangement includes lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports and providing limited sanctions relief, with the diplomatic source stating that such relief would be granted ased on the progression of the deal and continued engagement in good faith, although no specific timeline has been outlined. On the nuclear front, the diplomat said the agreement satisfies all US requirements on the nuclear issue, including Iran's commitment not to acquire nuclear weapons and addressing concerns related to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. However, it did not clarify whether the agreement includes the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, a key demand reportedly raised by Tehran during negotiations. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed reports suggesting that a deal with the United States has been finalised, stating that no final agreement has been reached so far, as reported by Iranian State Media Press TV. Baghaei said that Qatar and Pakistan continue to play an active mediating role, but noted that the diplomatic process has been complicated by the changing stance of the United States. According to Press TV, Iran had been aware of the status of the negotiations from the outset and that most of the draft text had already been agreed upon, adding that the US repeatedly altered its position during the talks. The status of the negotiations was clear to us from the beginning, and the majority of the text had been finalised, but the Americans kept changing their positions, Baghaei said as quoted by Press TV. Reiterating Tehran's position, Baghaei asserted that Iran would not compromise on issues it considers its ed lines. Amid these diplomatic developments, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday welcomed the progress in efforts between the US and Iran, signalling that an interim agreement between the two sides may be nearing fruition. According to a statement issued by the ministry, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar discussed the latest developments concerning the Iran-US talks during a telephone conversation with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas. The statement noted that oth sides welcomed the progress achieved through sustained diplomatic engagement and expressed hope that these efforts will soon lead to a durable understanding and peaceful resolution. (ANI)
10 Factors That Define True Love Compatibility in a Relationship
These days, some relationships have their own mood swings. One minute youre sending cute good morning texts, and the next minute youre wondering why a simple okay suddenly feels emotionally aggressive. Well, it cant be denied that, while in a relationship, attraction may bring two people together, but compatibility is what decides whether the connection actually survives real life. Because love alone doesnt magically solve communication issues, emotional differences, or the argument about where to eat every weekend. True compatibility goes much deeper than shared playlists, matching aesthetics, or both people liking the same coffee order. So, what actually defines strong love compatibility? Lets break it down. 1. Emotional Understanding One of the biggest signs of compatibility is emotional awareness. Not mind-reading, because nobodys a magician, but the ability to understand your partners feelings without dismissing them. A healthy relationship allows both people to express emotions openly without fear of being judged, mocked, or ignored. When emotional understanding exists, even difficult conversations feel less threatening. 2. Communication That Feels Honest Good communication isnt about talking 24/7. Its about clarity, timing, and respect. Compatible couples know how to discuss problems without turning every disagreement into a courtroom drama. They listen, respond thoughtfully, and avoid unnecessary emotional warfare over small misunderstandings. Sometimes the strongest relationships are simply the ones where both people feel heard. 3. Shared Values Matter More Than Shared Hobbies Liking the same movies is nice. Having the same core values? Much more important. Views on trust, loyalty, family, commitment, money, and future goals often shape long-term relationship success. Two people can enjoy each others company but still struggle if their priorities constantly clash. This is why compatibility is less about surface-level similarities and more about deeper alignment. 4. Birth Chart and Energy Alignment Making sure your personality traits match is sometimes not enough. You can also get a deeper insight through matching your birth charts. This is where kundli matching comes into play and gives a better relationship analysis. In Vedic astrology, kundli matching helps evaluate emotional compatibility, communication patterns, long-term harmony, and planetary balance between two individuals. Its not just about predicting marriage success; its about understanding how two energies function together over time. 5. Respect During Difficult Moments Its easy to be kind when everything is going well. Real compatibility shows up during stressful phases. How do you both handle disagreements? Do arguments become disrespectful, or do you still maintain boundaries and maturity? Couples who survive challenges usually understand one important thing: frustration should never cancel respect. 6. Emotional Safety A relationship feels different when you dont have to constantly filter yourself. True compatibility creates emotional safety, where both people can be vulnerable, honest, expressive, and imperfect without fear of rejection. That comfort builds trust over time. And honestly, peace is underrated in relationships. 7. Space for Individual Growth Being compatible doesnt mean becoming the same person. Strong couples understand the importance of personal growth, individual goals, and independent identity. One partners success should not feel threatening to the other. Healthy space keeps relationships balanced. Otherwise, things start feeling emotionally overcrowded very quickly. 8. Physical and Emotional Chemistry Lets not pretend chemistry doesnt matter, it absolutely does. Emotional connection builds closeness, while physical attraction keeps intimacy alive. Compatibility usually grows stronger when both emotional and physical needs feel understood and respected. Without emotional connection, attraction fades. Without attraction, relationships can slowly start feeling robotic. 9. Ability to Adapt Together Life changes constantly. Careers shift, priorities evolve, families grow, and unexpected situations happen. Couples who last are usually the ones who know how to adjust without treating every life change like a relationship crisis. Flexibility matters more than perfection. Because honestly, no relationship survives long-term if both people refuse to evolve. 10. Conflict Resolution Style Every couple argues. The difference lies in how they recover afterward. Compatible partners dont focus only on proving whos right. They focus on solving the issue without emotionally destroying each other in the process. The goal should be resolution, not collecting screenshots for future evidence. And if youre curious about your own relationship patterns or compatibility concerns, you can always seek help from trusted online platforms that offer chat and call options. If you prefer a trial of whats being offered, you can go for a free astrology chat on Astroyogi to gain quick insights before diving deeper into detailed consultations. Final Thoughts True love compatibility is not about finding someone who agrees with you all the time or behaves perfectly every single day. Its about finding someone you can grow with, communicate with, and feel emotionally safe around, even during imperfect moments. Because real relationships are not built on constant butterflies. Theyre built on understanding, effort, patience, and choosing each other repeatedly, even when life gets messy.
NEW DELHI, JUNE 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has separately met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and raised concerns over the proposed closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to 16, 2026, scheduled under Phase III of the runway resurfacing project. During [] The post CM Omar Abdullah takes up Srinagar Airport closure issue with Defence, Civil Aviation Ministers in New Delhi appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
IGP Kashmir Chairs High-Level Security Review Ahead of Amarnath Yatra, Muharram, Mela Kheer Bhawani
Srinagar:IGP Kashmir Zone V.K. Birdi chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir on Friday to assess preparedness for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), Muharram observances, and Mela Kheer Bhawani. Senior officers from J&K Police, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, SSB, Intelligence agencies, Traffic, Railways, Telecom, and other departments attended the meeting. Participants briefed on []
School Education Department Names 22 Principals as In-Charge CEOs
SRINAGAR: The School Education Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced a significant administrative reshuffle, formalised in Government Order No: 227-JK (Edu) of 2026, dated June 12, 2026. Under the authority of the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Ram Niwas Sharma, the order mandates the immediate placement of 22 Principals and officers of []
Kane Williamson Retires from International Cricket After 16-Year Career
SRINAGAR: New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 16-year career during which he became the countrys leading international run-scorer and one of the most respected figures in world cricket. Its a team I love and its so dear to my heart Thank []
Driver killed, two injured after school bus plunges into gorge in Budgam
Budgam: A driver was killed while two onboard students were injured after a school bus met with an accident in the Chadoora area of central Kashmirs Budgam district on Friday, officials said. An official said that a school bus belonging to IPTS School Khansahib lost control and plunged into a deep gorge in the Neegu []
FSSAI Issues Notice to Nestle Over Alleged Insects Found in Maggi Packet
SRINAGAR: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to Nestl India over allegations that insects or larvae were found in a packet of Maggi noodles, while also seeking explanations from KFC and Flipkart in separate food safety complaints, according to an NDTV Profit report. FSSAI issues notice to Nestle []
Rise Up Fellowship 2026-27 Opens Applications for Young Changemakers in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: MooL Sustainability Research and Training Center, Ganderbal, has invited applications for the RISE UP: The Sustainable Kashmir Fellowships 20262027, a seven-month programme aimed at nurturing personal leadership, ecological entrepreneurship and purpose-driven careers among youth across Kashmir. Supported by Royal Enfield Social Mission, the fellowship is designed for young people seeking to build meaningful careers []
Accidental Grenade Blast Injures Two Soldiers in Poonch
Jammu:Two Army personnel were injured in an accidental grenade blast at LoC in Poonch district on Friday. Officials said that an accidental grenade explosion occurred in the forward area along the LoC today during a training exercise. Two army soldiers sustained injuries in the incident. Both the soldiers were immediately shifted to 425 Army Field []
Central Kashmir: Driver Killed, Two Students Injured in School Bus Accident
SRINAGAR: A driver was killed while two onboard students were injured after a school bus met with an accident in the Chadoora area of central Kashmirs Budgam district on Friday, officials said. An official said that a school bus belonging to IPTS School Khansahib lost control and plunged into a deep gorge in the Neegu []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Transfers Six JKAS Officers
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday ordered the transfer and posting of six Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers with immediate effect as part of an ongoing administrative reorganisation. According to Government Order No. 1078-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated June 12, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) under the directions of the []
Centre Transfers IFS Officer from Jammu Kashmir to Chandigarh
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has transferred 2020-batch AGMUT cadre Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Satyendra Maurya from Jammu and Kashmir to Chandigarh with immediate effect. According to an official order, Maurya, who was serving as Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), has been directed to report to his new place of []
Remove AFSPA from Jammu Kashmir First as Situation Has Improved: Sakina Itoo
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir education and health minister Sakina Itoo on Friday called for the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Union Territory, asserting that the improved security situation and absence of stone-pelting warranted the repeal at par with the Northeast. If it is better, then it should be removed []
Congress high command forms 3-member panel to probe indiscipline, anti-party activities in J&K unit
Srinagar: The Congress high command today constituted a three-member committee to look into reports of indiscipline and anti-party activities in its Jammu and Kashmir unit. As per an order issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, the Congress President has approved the proposal for the committee with immediate effect. Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil has []
Twenty Sheep Die Under Suspected Toxic Conditions in South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Twenty sheep belonging to a shepherd from south Kashmirs Tral area died under suspected toxic conditions late on Thursday night, dealing a major financial blow to the livestock owner and raising fresh concerns about the safety of grazing areas. The sheep belonged to Bilal Ahmad, a resident of Seer Tral, and were reportedly being []
NDA govt created environment for women to realise full potential: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the NDA governments efforts are rooted in dignity, opportunity and empowerment, and these have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building. Modi said that over the last 12 years, the NDA government has worked to []
UGC Directs Universities to Upload 2025 Academic Records on NAD-ABC Platform by June 30
SRINAGAR: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and credit-awarding institutions across the country to upload students academic records for the examination year 2025 on the National Academic Depository (NAD) and Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) platform by June 30, 2026. In a notice issued to universities and colleges, the []
Centre Issues Advisory on Rising AI-Driven Cybercrime Threat to Financial Systems
SRINAGAR: The Centre has issued a fresh advisory warning of an emerging wave of cybercrime in which artificial intelligence is being used to bypass security systems and infiltrate financial infrastructure across digital platforms. The advisory, released by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, cautions that cybercriminals are increasingly []
2019-Batch KAS Officer Passes Away After Brief Illness
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer Mohammad Younis Mir, a 2019 batch Junior Scale officer, passed away on Friday following a brief illness, local sources said. Mir was serving as Assistant Director, Handicrafts and Handloom in the Industries and Commerce Department at the time of his demise. He was earlier posted as State []
Jaishankar calls for resilient supply chains, diplomacy amid global conflicts at Finland forum
HELSINKI:External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday stressed the need for resilient and diversified supply chains, sustained diplomatic efforts and greater international cooperation to deal with the fallout of ongoing conflicts, saying their impact extends far beyond the regions where they occur. Participating in a discussion on Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition at []
Trump declares deal with Iran nearly complete, Vance likely to sign it in Europe
WASHINGTON: US President Donald said that a deal to end the war with Iran is nearly complete and is expected to be signed over the weekend in Europe. Trump made these remarks at the Oval Office in the White House on Thursday afternoon, hours after calling off military strikes on Iran and threatened to take []
Ended war with Iran, peace deal by weekend: Trump
WASHINGTON:US President Donald said that a deal to end the war with Iran is nearly complete and is expected to be signed over the weekend in Europe, as he called off military strikes on the gulf nation hours after threatening to take control of its oil industry. Trump, speaking to reporters at the Oval office []
Kharge, Khera, BJPs Poonia, Tarun Chugh among 24 elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and partys media cell head Pawan Khera besides BJP leaders Satish Poonia and Tarun Chugh were among 24 candidates elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha on Thursday. All but three of the 27 seats for Rajya Sabha were decided with NDA candidates declared elected unopposed in 19 and Congress in []
CM Omar raises statehood issue with PM Modi
Discusses economy, dev issues, seeks continued Central support for growth, connectivity, jobs, infrastructure in J&K New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and discussed a range of key issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, including the early restoration of statehood, the economic situation and developmental priorities []
At NITI Aayog meet, Omar seeks greater investment, institutional support for J&K
New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday participated in the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi. The meeting was convened on the theme Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047. Addressing the Council, the Chief Minister outlined Jammu & Kashmirs development journey and presented []
CM meets Rajnath, Naidu; suggests opening of Awantipora airport in Oct
New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, suggesting the opening of the strategic IAF airport at Awantipora in South Kashmir to civilian traffic in October. The meetings come amid the scheduled closure of the Srinagar airport from October 1 []
NITI Aayog meeting: PM asks states to balance AI with safeguards against cyber fraud, drug abuse
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked states to balance the opportunities of artificial intelligence with safeguards against emerging social challenges, such as cyber fraud and drug abuse, while warning of risks posed by El Nino conditions and calling for stronger water conservation measures. Chairing the 11th Governing Council Meeting of Niti Aayog, []
Rain, hailstorms lash J&K; snowfall in higher reaches
Met forecasts rain till June 17 Srinagar: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms on Thursday following a spell of above-normal temperatures across the Union Territory. Fresh snowfall was also recorded in the Apharwat hills of Gulmarg and several other higher reaches of north Kashmir. Weather officials said that []
At NITI Aayog Meet, CM Omar Abdullah seeks greater investment, institutional support for J&K
NEW DELHI, JUNE 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today participated in the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi. The meeting was convened on the theme Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047.Addressing the Council, the Chief Minister outlined Jammu & Kashmirs development journey and presented [] The post At NITI Aayog Meet, CM Omar Abdullah seeks greater investment, institutional support for J&K appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir meets Prime Minister
New Delhi, June 11: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah met Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today in New Delhi. The post Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir meets Prime Minister appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Lieutenant Governor attends the closing ceremony of ALFA HOCKEY Inter-School Tournament at Srinagar
SRINAGAR, JUNE 11: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the closing ceremony of the ALFA HOCKEY Inter-School Tournament-2026 at Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf, Polo Ground Srinagar. The tournament brought together participants from 32 schools across various districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, Kulgam and Shopian. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated all the winners [] The post Lieutenant Governor attends the closing ceremony of ALFA HOCKEY Inter-School Tournament at Srinagar appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Trump Claims Iran Strikes Cancelled After High-Level Negotiations With Tehran
SRINAGAR: United States President Donald Trump has claimed that planned military strikes and bombings against Iran have been cancelled following what he described as high-level, approved negotiations involving the Iranian leadership. In a statement posted on social media, Trump said discussions with Iran had been brought to the highest level and allegedly endorsed by multiple []
CEC Kargil Attends Flag-In Ceremony of National Integration Tour at Helipad Kargil
Kargil, June 11, 2026: Honble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today attended the Flag-In Ceremony of the National Integration Tour organized by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavana at Kargil. The tour was conducted from June 1 to June 10, 2026, for students of Army Goodwill School Kargil, including [] The post CEC Kargil Attends Flag-In Ceremony of National Integration Tour at Helipad Kargil appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Bar Association Kargil Hosts High Tea in Honour of Justice Arun Palli, Registrar General M.K. Sharma
Kargil, June 11, 2026: The Bar Association Kargil organized a High Tea programme on June 10 in honour of Honble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Judge, Supreme Court of India, and his family during their visit to Kargil. The event was also graced by the presence of Sh. M.K. Sharma, Registrar General of the High Court [] The post Bar Association Kargil Hosts High Tea in Honour of Justice Arun Palli, Registrar General M.K. Sharma appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
25-year-old Held for Posing as IB Official in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A 25-year-old man from Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir is under investigation after he was allegedly found portraying himself as an employee of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and carrying a purported identity card of doubtful authenticity. An official said that during the course of information collection, it came to the notice of the []
HM Amit Shah to Chair High-level Security Review on Amarnath Yatra in Delhi Tomorrow
SRINAGAR: In the run-up to the annual Amarnath Yatra Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi on Friday. Sources said that JK Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will attend the meeting along with top officials, including the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary, []
Supreme Court Orders High Courts to Prioritise Long-Pending Accident Claims
SRINAGAR: A 25-year struggle by a Haryana family for compensation following the death of a homemaker in a road accident has prompted the Supreme Court to issue nationwide directions aimed at reducing delays in motor accident compensation cases and ensuring faster justice for victims families. The case arose from the death of a 35-year-old woman []
Rayees Wathori Selected for Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 in Folk Theatre
SRINAGAR: Folk theatre artist Ravice Rashid, known by his stage name Rayees Wathori, has been chosen for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025, a leading national award for young performing artists in India. Instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, the award recognises outstanding contributions by artists below the age []
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rising West Asia Tensions
SRINAGAR: Gold prices declined for the fifth consecutive session on Thursday, falling by Rs 277 to Rs 1,47,740 per 10 grams in futures trade, tracking a weak trend in global markets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and shifting expectations on interest rates. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for August delivery []
AFSPA to be Withdrawn From Most Northeastern States by Next Year: HM Amit Shah
SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will be withdrawn from almost the entire Northeast by next year, except for one or two states, asserting that the shrinking coverage of the law reflects a marked improvement in the regions security situation and the return of peace. []
Will remove AFSPA from entire Northeast barring one or two states next year: Amit Shah
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA will be withdrawn from the entire Northeast next year, barring one or two states. Speaking at the signing of a tripartite MoU between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland to facilitate mineral oil operations in the Assam-Nagaland []
Record 2.36 Crore Tourists Visited Jammu Kashmir in 2024: CM Omar at NITI Aayog Meet
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday attended the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where he outlined the Union Territorys development priorities and sought greater central support for infrastructure, tourism, health and energy projects. The meeting, held on the theme Inclusive []
South Kashmir: Eight-Year-Old Boy Critically Injured in Road Accident
SRINAGAR: An eight-year-old boy was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a road at Lethipora in the Awantipora area of south Kashmir, officials said on Thursday. The injured child has been identified as Alim Farooq, son of Farooq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Hajibal, Kakapora. He was initially taken to Sub-District []
CM Omar calls on PM Modi, seeks early restoration of J&K statehood
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed a range of issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including the early restoration of statehood, economic development, and promotion of tourism. In a post on X, Abdullah said he called on the Prime Minister to deliberate on matters of importance []
Three Indian Sailors Confirmed Dead After US Strike on Tanker in Gulf of Oman
SRINAGAR: All three Indian seafarers who were previously reported missing following a US military strike on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz have been confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers []
25-Year-Old Man Critically Injured in Road Accident, Shifted to Srinagar Hospital
SRINAGAR: A 25-year-old man from Budgam district was admitted to the Bone and Joint Hospital, Barzulla, on Thursday after sustaining critical injuries in a road accident. The injured has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Ali Mohammad Bhat and a resident of the Kichwari area of Budgam district. Hospital sources said he was []
Search Operation Launched After Drowning Incident in South Kashmir Nallah
SRINAGAR: A search and rescue operation was launched on Thursday after an individual reportedly drowned in a nallah in the Reshnagri area of south Kashmirs Shopian district. Officials said the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) component Shopian initiated the operation soon after reports emerged that a local resident had drowned. The missing person has been []
