EOW Kashmir Arrests Man in Rs 93 Lakh Land Fraud Case
SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has arrested a man in connection with an alleged Rs 93 lakh land and property fraud case, officials said on Friday. The accused, identified as Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar and a resident of Jawalapora, Samson Budgam, was []
EOW Kashmir arrests fraudster in Rs 93 lakh land, property fraud case
Srinagar, Sep 18: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has arrested an alleged fraudster in connection with a Rs 93 lakh land and property cheating case, officials said. The accused, identified as Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar and a resident of Jawalapora, Samson Budgam, was arrested in compliance with an order and warrant issued by the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar. According to the Crime Branch, Dar had been evading arrest for the past year and is allegedly involved in multiple criminal cases registered with Police Station EOW Kashmir/SCW Kashmir. The arrest is linked to FIR No. 17/2026, registered at Police Station EOW Kashmir under Sections 318(4), 338, 340 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case stems from a written complaint alleging that Dar, a land broker, cheated the victim of Rs 93 lakh in connivance with co-accused Soom Nath Koul, son of Kalash Nath Koul, a resident of Lotus Tower, Bangalore North, Karnataka, with links to Janipur, Jammu. Investigators said the accused allegedly offered to sell five kanals of migrant land in Drusu, Pulwama, along with 300 standing trees in Bijbehara, using forged agreements to facilitate the transactions. The Crime Branch further alleged that a bank account used to route the cheated money was opened on the same day the funds were transferred, allegedly for the purpose of executing the fraud. According to investigators, the accused duo allegedly targeted people by making false promises of selling migrant property while claiming to be its owners or authorised attorney holders. A Hue and Cry Notice remains in force against the absconding co-accused, Soom Nath Koul. Further investigation into the alleged fraud network and its operations is underway, the Crime Branch said.
Man Stabbed to Death In Jammu Over Applying Cake On Friend
Jammu: A birthday celebration turned fatal in Jammu after a man was allegedly murdered over cake-smearing, with police arresting the accused within hours. In a handout , the police said that police Post GMC Jammu informed Police Station Janipur that one person namely Pawan Nair alias Sameer was brought to GMC Jammu in an injured []
Jammu Kashmir: Man Killed During Birthday Celebration, Police Arrest Two Brothers
SRINAGAR: A man was killed allegedly following a quarrel during a birthday celebration near Lower Roop Nagar in Jammu on Thursday night, with police arresting two brothers in connection with the case within hours. The deceased was identified as Pawan Nair, also known as Sameer. Police said he was brought to Government Medical College (GMC) []
Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Rises to 1,410; Over 6,100 Remain Missing
SRINAGAR: The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,410, while 6,145 people remain missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. Rescue, relief and recovery operations are continuing across the affected districts as authorities work to locate missing people and assist those displaced by the floods. []
South Kashmir: Health Authorities Inspect 108 ALS Ambulances for Emergency Readiness
SRINAGAR: Health authorities in south kashmirs Kulgam district on Thursday conducted an audit, inspection and physical verification of 108 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances deployed in the district to assess their operational preparedness and availability for emergency medical services. The inspection was carried out by Chief Medical Officer Kulgam Dr Shawkat Hussain Parray on the []
New JK United FC beat Aqua Kashmir Avengers 21
Srinagar, Sep 17: New JK United FC secured a hard-fought 21 victory over Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2, strengthening their position in the league standings and securing qualification for the next round. The encounter produced an engaging contest, with both sides displaying attacking intent and determination. New JK United FC managed to find the decisive goals to take all three points, while Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC fought until the final whistle but could not overturn the deficit. Following the completion of the league-stage fixtures, Athwas Hyundai XI FC finished as the league toppers, with New JK United FC securing second place and Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC finishing third. All three teams have qualified for the next round of the Kashmir Super League Season 2, setting up an exciting phase of the competition. The KSL-26 has continued to provide a competitive platform for football clubs and players from across the region, with fans witnessing closely contested matches throughout the season. The Kashmir Super League Season 2 is being organized with the aim of promoting football, developing local talent and providing players with greater opportunities to compete at a high level.
Rajouri: In a major breakthrough, police have busted a logistic support module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Rajouri and arrested three persons for allegedly harbouring and facilitating movement of terrorists. An offficial said that during further investigation in case FIR No. 95/2026 of Police Station Dharamsal, Rajouri, it has emerged that three accused persons, all []
Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela held in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Sep 17: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore on Thursday participated in the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) organised at Multipurpose Hall, Boys Higher Secondary School, Ganderbal, with the objective of creating greater awareness among youth about apprenticeship opportunities and connecting them with participating establishments. Addressing the students, pass-outs and other participants, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of apprenticeship in providing practical exposure, industry-oriented skills and valuable work experience. He called upon the youth to actively participate in the programme and make full use of the opportunities available under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The DC emphasised that apprenticeship provides an important platform for young people to bridge the gap between formal education and employment by gaining hands-on experience in relevant trades and sectors. He urged eligible students and pass outs to register on the NAPS portal, explore available apprenticeship opportunities and take advantage of the scheme for enhancing their employability. The Deputy Commissioner also called upon participating establishments, departments, PSUs, corporations and other organisations to make greater use of the apprenticeship framework by registering their establishments and offering suitable opportunities to local youth in accordance with their workforce requirements. He stressed the need for close coordination between educational institutions, government departments, and industries to ensure wider outreach and effective implementation of the scheme in the district. The DC further directed the concerned officers to continue awareness and facilitation efforts so that maximum eligible youth are registered and connected with suitable apprenticeship opportunities. He emphasised that sustained efforts under NAPS can provide local youth with industry relevant skills and practical experience, thereby strengthening their preparedness for employment and future career opportunities. The programme witnessed participation of students, pass outs, educational institutions, government departments and representatives of participating establishments. The event was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, General Manager, DIC Ganderbal; Chief Planning Officer, Ganderbal; Principals of Government Degree College Ganderbal and Government Degree College Kangan; Principal, Government Polytechnic College Ganderbal; Chief Education Officer Ganderbal; Assistant Labour Commissioner; District Information Officer Ganderbal; Principals of ITI Ganderbal and ITI Kangan; representatives of participating establishments and students.
DG Rural Sanitation launches UT-wide Swachhata HiSeva-2026 Campaign
Srinagar, Sep 17: Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra on Thursday launched the UT-wide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign at Block Khonmoh, Srinagar, calling for collective efforts to transform cleanliness from a time-bound campaign into a sustained habit and an integral part of everyday life. Addressing students, officials and community members at the launch programme, the DG Rural Sanitation said the objective of Swachhata Hi Seva is to inculcate responsible behaviour and build a sustained people's movement towards cleanliness and environmental protection. She stressed that Swachhata Hi Seva should not have a defined beginning or end, but must become part of people's daily habits and behaviour. She also highlighted the importance of four-stream waste segregation at source, urging students and schools to take the message of responsible waste management to their homes and communities. The DG encouraged schools to organise more awareness and creative programmes on cleanliness and urged students to actively participate in the campaign and share their initiatives to inspire wider community participation. The launch programme featured vibrant student-led performances, with participating schools presenting creative skits on different aspects of Swachhata. Sheikh Ali Mission School, Khonmoh, presented a skit on the Swachhata Hi Seva theme, while Higher Secondary School, Khonmoh, showcased a creative performance highlighting the importance of cleanliness. Samaa Public School, Balhama, and Radiant Model School, Khonmoh, also presented skits centred on cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Northland Public School performed a skit highlighting the importance of waste segregation and maintaining a clean environment. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director Rural Sanitation, Kashmir, Shabir Ahmad Hakak, said Swachhata Hi Seva represents a collective movement for cleanliness and responsible citizenship. He said cleanliness holds an important place across faiths and traditions and emphasised that the campaign must evolve into a permanent habit. He explained the major pillars of SHS 2026, including identification and cleaning of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), cleanliness of public places, and greater involvement of youth and students. He called upon students to become active participants and ambassadors of the campaign. Joint Director, RDD, Mantasha Binti Rashid, said the success of the campaign ultimately depends on how individuals contribute through simple actions in their daily lives. She encouraged students to practise home composting of vegetable and kitchen waste, explaining that biodegradable waste can be converted into manure while reducing the amount of waste entering the environment. She observed that nature functions through a circular system, while excessive use of plastic has disturbed this balance. She urged students to encourage their families to adopt composting and other sustainable practices, emphasising that such measures help fulfil collective responsibility towards nature. ACP Srinagar, Bashir Ahmad Padder, said cleanliness campaigns can be transformed into a lifestyle through meaningful participation by individuals and communities. He expressed hope that the programme would inspire everyone to contribute towards cleaner and healthier surroundings. Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar, Tabasum Qadir, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of awareness and collective responsibility in achieving the objectives of the campaign. The participating schools were felicitated for their performances and contribution towards spreading the message of cleanliness and environmental responsibility among students and the wider community. The launch reinforced the message that Swachhata Hi Seva is not merely an annual campaign, but a continuous people's movement that must become a part of everyday life.
IUST strengthens school-university connect through educational exposure visits
Awantipora, Sep 17: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), has intensified its school outreach initiatives under the aegis of the Dean Outreach, providing students from schools across three districts of Kashmir with meaningful exposure to higher education, scientific learning, innovation, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship. As part of the Community Connect initiative, IUST recently hosted educational exposure visits by students from Government Higher Secondary School, Mahind, Anantnag; Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Akkad, Anantnag; Ayesha Ali Academy, Kanipora, Kulgam; Shah-I-Hamadan Memorial Institute, Batapora, Shopian; Govt. Boys HSS, Humhama Budgam, Delhi Modern Public School, Pampore, and Bilaliya Educational Institure, Lal Bazar, Srinagar. The visits brought about 450 students and more than 50 faculty/staff members to the University for interactive sessions, campus tours, practical demonstrations and engagement with faculty and university officials. During the visits, the students were introduced to various components of IUSTs academic and innovation ecosystem, including the CIED-IUST Foundation, Department of Food Technology, Department of Computer Science, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry, Polytechnic College and Rumi Library, Language Lab, Rumi Library, besides the Athletic Track and specialised innovation and technology facilities. The exposure included demonstrations and interactive sessions on 3D printing, 3D scanning, laser cutting, design and development, training and development, food processing, computer science, engineering, renewable and innovation technologies, entrepreneurship and laboratory-based learning. The students also gained exposure to laboratory practices, scientific learning environments, emerging technologies and future-ready skills. The visits were designed to provide students with learning opportunities beyond the conventional classroom and help them understand the academic, technological and entrepreneurial opportunities available in higher education. The interactive engagements also encouraged students to explore innovation-driven career pathways and develop a better understanding of emerging fields and future-ready skills. The visits were coordinated by Dr. Shaiqa Nasreen Coordinator community connect. Representatives of the visiting institutions appreciated the initiative and the opportunities provided to students to interact with the Universitys academic and innovation ecosystem. They also emphasised the value of continued schooluniversity engagement through practical demonstrations, interactive laboratory sessions and educational exposure programmes. The initiative reflects IUSTs continued commitment to strengthening its engagement with schools and communities and creating meaningful avenues for young learners to experience higher education, scientific inquiry, innovation and skill-based learning. Through the Community Connect vertical, the University aims to build sustained linkages with schools and facilitate informed academic and career aspirations among students.
VC SKUAST-K Prof. Ganai urges graduates to lead with resilience, innovation
Srinagar, Sep 17: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) held the Graduation Day ceremony for Undergraduate Batch of 2022 of the Faculty of Horticulture and College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology at Shalimar Convention Center, Faculty of Horticulture. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. The ceremony began with the donning of ceremonial robes and an academic procession led by UG Coordinator Dr. Aziz Mujtaba, with the participation of university officers and divisional heads. Following the University Tarana and welcome address by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension and Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, provisional degree certificates were presented to the graduating students. The programme also included the signing of academic scrolls, oath-taking ceremony, and student valedictory addresses by Ms. Surkhab Tashfi and Ms. Farhana Fayaz. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ganai congratulated the graduating students and highlighted the contribution of SKUAST-K students to the university's innovation ecosystem. He noted that a majority of the university's recent patents and emerging startups have been spearheaded by graduating students. Prof. Ganai said the university's academic standards and course offerings have expanded to respond to evolving global requirements. Emphasising the role of higher education in society, the Vice Chancellor said a university's contribution should be reflected in producing skilled and empowered graduates capable of becoming self-reliant and developing sustainable solutions. He encouraged the graduates to build resilience, embrace self-reliance and adapt to changing professional and technological environments. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Afshan Gul, Dean Students Welfare.
DC Budgam launches 15-day Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign
Budgam, Sep 17: Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan on Thursday launched the 15-day Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign at Boys Higher Secondary School, Budgam. At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner administered the Swachhata pledge to the participants and initiated a signature campaign to promote cleanliness and sanitation across rural and urban areas of the district. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that cleanliness cannot be achieved through a one-time effort and requires continuous participation from everyone. He called upon people to come together and make collective efforts to keep their surroundings, towns, villages, and the district clean. The DDC said that every individual, family and community has an important role to play in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring a cleaner environment. Students and other resource persons also addressed the gathering and pledged to contribute towards maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings. Among others, ADDC Budgam, Vivek Agarwal, ACP Budgam, Principal Boys Higher Secondary School, BDO and other concerned officers and officials attended the programme.
LG Sinha releases Journal of the Waypoints
Srinagar, Sep 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday released a book titled Journal of the Waypoints, based on the Kashmiri poetry of acclaimed multilingual poet Dr Satish Vimal. The book, authored by eminent writer, translator and poet, Mushtaque B. Barq, features forty selected Kashmiri poems of Dr Vimal, translated into English and critically elucidated by Barq, thereby introducing the poets literary expression to a wider readership beyond the Kashmiri-speaking world. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated Barqs effort in translating and analyzing Vimals poetry. He wished Dr Satish Vimal and Mushtaque B. Barq, a fruitful and creative literary journey ahead. Sheikh Waseem, Publisher was also present on the occasion.
LG celebrates PM's birthday with children at Palaash, Pareesha
Srinagar, Sep 17:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday celebrated the birthday of Prime Minister NarendraModi with the children of the Palaash and Pareesha childrens homes in Srinagar. He distributed school bags, sports kits, and sweets, and also reviewed the residential facilities provided to ensure their well-being. Subsequently, he visited the Childrens Hospital at Bemina to spend time with the young patients and wish them a full and speedy recovery. The SevaSankalpAbhiyan begins today, marking a month-long festival of selfless service till October 17. This campaign celebrates 25 years of the Prime Minister's public service, transforming India from the fragile five to the worlds top five economies. Over the next month, 12 programmes will include school competitions on Mere Sapnoka Bharat, honouring Anganwadi and ASHA workers, tree plantation, youth activities, and registration camps under SevaSetuAbhiyan. Until October 17, a 'SevaSetuAbhiyan' will be run at block and ward level, with 3-4 day camps to register deprived beneficiaries for government schemes. I earnestly appeal that every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir participates wholeheartedly in this campaign. Prime Minister has worked day and night for 140 crore countrymen and has helped build a new, powerful Jammu and Kashmir. The GDP growth rate for the first quarter of 2026-27 is 7.8 percent. If we look at other indicators of welfare and development, 25 crore people have moved above the poverty line and 80 crore people are receiving free ration under the GaribKalyan Ann Yojana, LG Sinha said. He also highlighted the unprecedented growth of national highways, which have increased from 91,000 km to 146,000 km, and the number of airports has risen from 74 to 165. Kashmir is now directly connected with the rail network. Discrimination has been eliminated and J&K is witnessing historic transformation. As far as the welfare schemes across the country are concerned, 11 crore toilets, more than 10 crore gas connections and 4 crore PM Awas have been provided, and another 3 crore houses are under construction. Under Prime Ministers guidance Jammu and Kashmir will emerge as an unparalleled example of prosperity and happiness. I urge all citizens of Jammu Kashmir to contribute to this Service Campaign, the LG said.
Operation Sohan : Northern Army Commander praises White Knight Corps
Srinagar, Sep 17: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharmahascommended the White Knight Corps for its swift and professional action in neutralising two terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Sharma praised the troops for their swift, precise and professional action during Operation Sohan, saying the successful operation highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated counter-terrorism efforts. An army spokesperson said that the operation was conducted in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), reflecting seamless inter-agency cooperation within the counter-terrorism grid. The Northern Command said the operation once again underscored the strength of joint coordination among security forces in tackling the threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The Northern Command reiterated its resolve to ensure a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited the Surankote sector to review the prevailing security situation and ongoing counter-terrorism operations, officials said. During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed on ongoing operations, including sustained efforts to carry out focused targeting of terrorists, strengthen the joint intelligence framework and enhance coordination with sister security agencies. Lt Gen Sharma also interacted with troops deployed in the sector and reviewed their operational preparedness. He commended the troops for their professionalism in conducting operations under challenging terrain and weather conditions, and lauded their commitment to maintaining security in the area. The interaction with the troops also served to boost their morale, the Army said.
Two labourers killed in soil collapse during road construction in Zanskar
Zanskar, Sep 17: Two labourers were killed and two others injured after loose soil and debris suddenly collapsed at a road construction site near Jingchan under Leh jurisdiction in Zanskar on Thursday, police said. According to a top police official, five labourers were present at the spot when the incident occurred. The labourers were reportedly taking rest beneath a rock-cutting area when loose soil and debris suddenly gave way, trapping them underneath. Two labourers, one from Kishtwar and another from Jharkhand, died in the incident. Their bodies were retrieved from beneath the debris and shifted to District Hospital Padum for further legal and medical formalities. Two other labourers sustained injuries and were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. Both injured labourers are stated to be out of danger, while the fifth labourer escaped unhurt. The incident occurred during construction of the road leading to Ralakung village in Zanskar. The road project is being executed by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Zanskar. A rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident. The Zanskar Police team, Army other rescue teams under the supervision of SSP Zanskar coordinated the rescue efforts and evacuation of the affected labourers. Both deceased labourers were retrieved from beneath the debris and shifted to District Hospital Padum, while the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment. The rescue operation has since been concluded. Police have taken cognisance of the incident, while further details regarding the circumstances leading to the sudden collapse of the loose soil are awaited.
JKPCB issues 26 directions over solid waste violations
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has taken action against local bodies for violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, even as urban local bodies across Jammu and Kashmir report progress in waste segregation, processing and remediation. According to a status report for 2025-26, the JKPCC issued 26 directions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to local bodies, including the Rural Development Department and other relevant agencies, for violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The directions were issued during the period from April 2025 to March 2026. The report further states that environmental compensation was levied on 13 local bodies, including the Rural Development Department, during the period. The compensation table shows a total of Rs 35.63422 crore levied, against which only Rs 30 lakh had been recovered. The report highlights several initiatives undertaken in the Jammu division. The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has been operating an Organic Waste Converter at Narwal, where vegetable-market waste is converted into compost at source, with the stated objective of reducing transportation and landfill loads. The corporation has also introduced a Wall of Shame initiative aimed at discouraging open littering and promoting behavioural change. An integrated solid waste management facility with a capacity of 138 tonnes per day (TPD) at Bandhu-Rakh, Zone-III, is also under progress, with provisions for waste segregation, recycling and scientific disposal. Under the Green Colony Initiative, Gandhi Nagar has been identified as a model area where residents are encouraged to undertake composting to minimise household waste. The report says in the Urban local Bodies Jammu 24 Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are fully operational, while construction of MRFs at five additional local bodies is under way. Bio-remediation of legacy waste has also been completed at several locations, including Katra, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua, RS Pura, Hiranagar, Doda, Poonch, Bhaderwah and Rajouri. In Kashmir, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has reported legacy waste remediation involving 11 lakh metric tonnes at the Achan landfill site. A solid waste management plant with a capacity of 800 TPD is proposed for construction, according to the report. It adds that 100 TPD of waste is being channelised through MRFs, while 84.5 TPD is being treated through composting. Among other urban local bodies in Kashmir, door-to-door collection of waste has been initiated by all Municipal Councils and Committees. Dry waste is being channelised to recyclers, while wet waste is being treated through composting. The report also records completion of bio-remediation at Pahalgam, Tangmarg, Tral, Budgam, Baramulla, Awantipora, Pampore, Pulwama and Bijbehara. The JKPCC's enforcement data, however, indicates a substantial gap between the environmental compensation imposed and the amount recovered. The compensation imposed on municipal bodies and other local authorities for violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, with individual amounts ranging from lakhs to crores of rupees. The cumulative amount levied stands at Rs 35.63422 crore, while the amount recovered is Rs 30 lakh.
AERA begins tariff review for Sgr airport for 2026-3
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has initiated the tariff assessment for Srinagar International Airport for the five-year period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. As per reports, the exercise will determine the regulated aeronautical charges applicable at the airport during the fourth control period. The process involves consultation with airlines, passenger associations, airport authorities and other stakeholders before AERA takes a final decision. The review, however, does not mean an immediate increase in airfares for passengers. Airport charges form part of the broader cost of operating flights. Airlines pay various charges related to aircraft landing, parking and use of airport infrastructure and services. User Development Fee, where applicable, is a passenger-related airport charge that is generally included in the ticket. Airfares are determined by several factors, including fuel prices, aircraft operating costs, demand, competition and route economics. Therefore, any change in airport tariffs may affect airline costs, but it does not automatically translate into an equivalent increase in ticket prices. The tariff exercise assumes greater importance as Srinagar Airport prepares for a major expansion. The Union Cabinet approved a project worth Rs 1,677 crore in February 2026, which includes a new terminal building spread over 71,500 square metres. The expanded airport is planned to handle up to 10 million passengers annually, with peak-hour capacity of around 2,900 passengers. The development comes amid growing demand for air connectivity to Kashmir, particularly during tourism seasons. Srinagar Airport serves as a key gateway for visitors travelling to destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. A long-term tariff framework, alongside increased infrastructure capacity, will influence how the airport manages future passenger growth and how airlines assess operating costs and connectivity from Srinagar. For passengers, the immediate significance of the AERA exercise is that it remains a regulatory consultation process. Any changes to airport charges will become clear only after the authority completes the assessment and issues its final tariff decision.
Operation Sohan : Two JeM terrorists killed in Udhampur encounter
Srinagar, Sep 17: Two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists were killed in a joint counter-terrorism operation in Udhampur district, officials said on Thursday, as security forces continued intensive search operations in the area. The operation was launched in the Brattal Sohan and Khubban forests of Majalta following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. The Armys White Knight Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) participated in the operation. In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said, In a joint intelligence-based operation during the intervening night of 16/17 Sep 2026, confirmed inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the general area of Brattal, Udhampur. It said: Despite hostile weather, difficult terrain and poor visibility, troops of White Knight Corps, Police and CRPF launched a targeted counter-terrorism operation, resulting in the neutralisation of two terrorists. Official said a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of the encounter. The recoveries are being examined by security agencies as part of the ongoing investigation. The Army said the operation remained in progress, with search and surveillance continuing in the area. Security forces have intensified combing operations across the surrounding forested terrain to ensure that no other terrorists remain concealed in the area. The search operation is continuing, with troops conducting systematic searches of the dense forests, adjoining areas and possible escape routes. Security personnel are maintaining heightened vigilance as the operation progresses, officials said. The identities of the slain terrorists and the precise nature of their affiliation were subject to further verification. The operation highlights the continuing security focus on the forested and mountainous areas of the Jammu region, where forces maintain surveillance against suspected militant movements.
J&K floats 10.4 lakh tenders worth Rs 2.94 lakh cr since 2011
Srinagar, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmirs e-procurement portal has recorded 10,41,543 tenders worth Rs 2,94,856 crore since 2011, with nearly 23 lakh bids received so far. According to the details accessed by Rising Kashmir, the latest data displayed on the Governments e-procurement dashboard shows that a total of 22,87,992 bids have been received through the portal since its inception. As many as 1,304 organisations are registered on the platform, along with 65,175 bidders and 3,678 departmental users. The data displayed under the Tender Analysis in Jammu and Kashmir section provides year-wise details of the number of tenders published during the recent financial years. According to the details, 1,45,595 tenders worth Rs 48,899 crore were published during 2021-22. The number increased to 1,69,397 tenders worth Rs 50,039 crore in 2022-23, marking the highest annual figure shown in the six-year chart. In 2023-24, a total of 1,59,706 tenders worth Rs 26,748 crore were published through the portal, while the figure declined to 1,20,369 worth Rs 20,673 crore in 2024-25. Tendering activity increased again in 2025-26, when 1,33,875 tenders worth Rs 21,008 crore were published, according to the data. For the ongoing 2026-27 financial year, the dashboard shows 88,750 tenders worth Rs 21,186 crore have been published so far. The portals cumulative figures cover the period from 2011 till date, while the year-wise tender analysis displayed on the dashboard covers financial years from 2021-22 to 2026-27. The e-procurement system provides an electronic platform for government departments and other organisations to publish tenders and for registered bidders to participate in the bidding process. The dashboard also indicates the scale of participation in government procurement through the digital platform, with more than 22.87 lakh bids recorded against the tenders published since the system was introduced.
Childrens passport validity now 5 years or till 18: MEA
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has notified an amendment to the Passports Rules, 1980, revising the validity period of ordinary passports issued to childrenbelow the age of 15 years. The Ministry issued the notification on September 15, 2026, under G.S.R. 820(E). The amendment has been notified as the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, under the powers conferred by Section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967. Under the amended Rule 12, an ordinary passport with 36 pages issued to a child below 15 years of age will remain valid for five years from the date of issue or until the child attains the age of 18 years, whichever is earlier. The notification alsomakes an amendment toRule 8 concerning passport fees. It states that the fee payable for every type of application specified in Schedule IV of the Passports Rules, 1980, will be charged at the rate specified against the corresponding entry for that application in the Schedule. The amended rules will come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The notification was issued by B.S. Mubarak, Joint Secretary and Chief Passport Officer, Ministry of External Affairs. It carries File No. 401/01/20/2025. The notification states; In exercise of the powers conferred by section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967 (15 of 1967), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Passports Rules, 1980, namely: The amendment provides that the rules may be called the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026. It further states that the rules shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The revised provision on childrens passports reads: An ordinary passport for a child below the age of fifteen years, containing thirty-six pages, shall be in force for a period of five years from the date of its issue or until the child attains the age of eighteen years, whichever is earlier. The notification also records that the Passports Rules, 1980 were originally published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, sub-section (i), through notification number G.S.R. 691(E), dated December 11, 1980. According to the notification, the Passport Rules, 1980 were last amended through notification number G.S.R. 156(E), dated June 20, 2026.
PM Modi built new, powerful J&K: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Sep 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service, crediting him with transforming India from the Fragile Five to the world's top five economies and building a ew, powerful Jammu Kashmir. The LG celebrated the Prime Minister's birthday with children at the 'Palaash' and 'Pareesha' children's homes in Srinagar. Hedistributed school bags, sports kits, and sweets among the children and reviewed the residential facilities provided to ensure their well-being. Sinha subsequently visited the Children's Hospital at Bemina to spend time with young patients and wish them a full and speedy recovery. The celebration coincided with the beginning of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' , a month-long festival of selfless service running till October 17, marking 25 years of the Prime Minister's public service. Over the next month, 12 programmes will be organised, including school competitions on 'Mere Sapno ka Bharat', honouring Anganwadi and ASHA workers, tree plantation drives, youth activities, and registration camps under the Seva Setu Abhiyan. Until 17 October, a Seva Setu Abhiyan will be runatblock and ward level, with 34 day camps to register deprived beneficiaries for government schemes. I earnestly appeal that every citizen of Jammu Kashmir participates wholeheartedly in this campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said. Highlighting the Prime Minister's contributions, the Lieutenant Governor said Modi has worked day and night for 140 crore countrymen. He noted that the GDP growth rate for the first quarter of 202627 stood at 7.8 per cent, 25 crore people had moved above the poverty line, and 80 crore people were receiving free ration under the Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana. He also highlighted the unprecedented growth of National Highways, which have increased from 91,000 km to 146,000 km, and the number of airports, which has risen from 74 to 165. Kashmir is now directly connected with the rail network. Discrimination has been eliminated and the UT is witnessing historic transformation. As far as the welfare schemes across the country are concerned, 11 crore toilets, more than 10 crore gas connections and 4 crore PM Awas have beenprovided, and another 3 crore houses areunder construction. Under the Prime Minister's guidance, Jammu Kashmir will emerge as an unparalleled example of prosperity and happiness. I urge all citizens of Jammu Kashmir to contribute to this Service Campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said.
Tarigami flags Assemblys reduced powers
Kulgam, Sept 17: CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA M.Y. Tarigami on Thursday said the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly does not have the same powers it once had, and that the reduced authority affects legislators from both Jammu and Kashmir. Tarigami was speaking to reporters after inaugurating a sports facility in the district. I have stated in the Assembly, even to BJP representatives, that they should not assume they hold any special power. The legislators from Jammu are just as disempowered as those from Kashmir, he said. On unemployment, Tarigami said it was one of the biggest issues facing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. He said there was no easy or immediate solution to the problem, but it could not be left unaddressed simply because it was difficult to resolve. He said elected representatives needed to show concern for unemployed youth and work towards finding solutions to the problem. On reservations in government recruitment, Tarigami said the policy was necessary to protect marginalised and underprivileged communities. At the same time, he said the Supreme Court had capped total reservations at 50 per cent and that meritorious youth in both Jammu and Kashmir were facing difficulties under the existing framework. He said the issue should not be treated as a dispute between Jammu and Kashmir but as a matter concerning merit. Tarigami said a committee had been formed to examine the issue and that he would seek information about its recommendations and the reasons for the delay in taking a decision. He also raised the issue of casual labourers and daily wagers, saying some had been working in the power sector and other government departments for 20 to 25 years. Tarigami said the government had earlier announced a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to examine their demands and said people should be informed about the recommendations made by the committee. On horticulture, Tarigami said the sector remained a major source of livelihood in Kashmir in the absence of heavy industry. He said growers continued to suffer losses when unseasonal rain, hailstorms and crop diseases damaged their orchards. He said the comprehensive crop insurance scheme promised by the government had not provided the required relief to growers and sought practical measures to compensate them for losses. Tarigami also questioned the status of the Market Intervention Scheme, which, he said, had earlier helped process C-grade and blemished fruit into juice and other products. He said he had fought for the scheme decades ago as a young activist and that horticulture remained important for growers families, as their income was used for medical treatment, childrens education and housing. On the ongoing NHM staff protest, Tarigami said the government should engage with the protesting employees and other stakeholders through dialogue before looking for a solution. You cannot tell a sick person to wait until their cold clears up before checking their pulse, he said. Tarigami said Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs office deserved respect and had made its position clear, but the government should still call the protesting stakeholders for talks and explain what could be resolved immediately and what would require more time.
Sikh group seeks memorial for 1947 martyrs
Srinagar, Sep 17: A group of Sikh citizens on Thursday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take time-bound steps towards constructing a dedicated memorial for Sikh martyrs of the 1947 tribal raid, including identifying a suitable historical site for the project. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the group welcomed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhas consideration of the communitys demand and urged the administration to move the proposal forward within a defined timeframe. Commodore D.S. Sodhi (Retd.) said no memorial had so far been constructed in Kashmir specifically commemorating Sikh victims of the 1947 raid, despite the losses suffered by the community during the events. The participants recalled the sacrifices of Sikhs from villages across Baramulla, Budgam, Kamraz and Karnah, saying many were killed while resisting advancing tribal raiders after the first line of defence was breached. They said the local population, including Sikhs and members of other communities, formed a second line of resistance against the raiders as they advanced towards Srinagar. The group said the proposed memorial should document the sacrifices, suffering and displacement of Sikh families during the October 1947 events, while preserving the history of resistance and communal solidarity during the invasion. They urged the government to identify an appropriate historical location and set a clear timeline for implementing the memorial project.
GENEVA: Rivers across the world experienced one of their driest years in decades in 2025, with below-normal flows recorded in more than a third of the worlds river basins, the World Meteorological Organisation said on Thursday. The UN agencys State of Global Water Resources report said terrestrial water storage including groundwater, lakes, vegetation, ice []
No need for agreement to protect Makkah, it is our duty: Pak
Reaffirm readiness to meet defence pact obligations ISLAMABAD: Pakistans defence minister Khawaja Asif has said on Thursday that the country is fully prepared to meet its obligations under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone near Mecca. Asif made the remarks while speaking to []
Ladakh unveils worlds highest twin flower fields
Leh, Sep 17: The worlds highest-altitude twin flower fields were dedicated to the people of Ladakh on Thursday as Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the facility at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modis 76th birth anniversary. Located at an altitude of around 10,600 feet, the twin flower fields have been developed across nearly 40 acres and comprise more than 25 lakh high-value flowers, including around 24 lakh Lilium and one lakh Gladiolus. The initiative marks a major push towards commercial floriculture and agricultural diversification in the Union Territory. The flower fields are aimed at creating an alternative source of livelihood for farmers while increasing their income through high-value floriculture. The project is also expected to generate opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment and strengthen the rural economy by connecting local production with domestic and international flower markets. Officials said the project is the first experiment of such a large scale in Ladakhs high-altitude conditions and its successful implementation could pave the way for replicating the model in other parts of the Union Territory. The Choglamsar flower field was developed in a record two months, with plantations beginning on July 16 and the first blooms appearing in the first week of September. At Stakna, a plantation of nearly 14 lakh Lilium began in August, while the first blooms are expected towards the end of October. The Choglamsar facility will also function as a demonstration and training centre for farmers and youth, providing them exposure to scientific floriculture, modern cultivation techniques and post-harvest management. Lilium, Gladiolus, Tulips and other ornamental flowers with demand in national and international markets will be cultivated at the facility. Under the project, the Agriculture Department will initially develop the flower fields and, at the time of bloom, transfer them to selected self-help groups and cooperative societies. The department will also provide handholding support to the groups for marketing their produce and improving returns. From the following year, the cooperatives are expected to undertake commercial cultivation, harvesting and value addition of Lilium flowers themselves, creating a sustainable community-based floriculture model in Ladakh. Lilium, one of the major flowers being cultivated under the project, commands a premium in the market and currently fetches around 6070 per stick in wholesale markets, while retail prices are higher. The administration hopes that commercial cultivation at the local level will allow farmers to benefit from the growing market for high-value flowers. Speaking at the inauguration, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the initiative was aimed at sowing the seeds of new livelihoods, skills and opportunities for the people of Ladakh. He said the flower garden would serve not only as a cultivation facility but also as a training and demonstration centre, enabling farmers and youth to learn modern farming practices and explore floriculture as a viable commercial activity.
No US pressure in UPI MDR decision: Fin Min
NPCI circular offers no advantage to foreign credit cards NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry on Thursday dismissed allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments, saying the latest NPCI guidelines do not offer any advantage to international credit cards over RuPay on []
NEW DELHI: India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will continue to pursue diversified sources based on evolving market dynamics, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, while reacting to legislation passed by the US House of Representatives that could enable steep tariffs on major buyers of []
Reservation rationalisation cannot wait indefinitely: AIP
Says open merit youth losing opportunities SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Thursday said that the continued delay in rationalising Jammu and Kashmirs reservation policy was causing a growing loss of opportunities for Open Merit aspirants, who have already waited for nearly two years for a final decision. Nearly two years of the Omar Abdullah []
Police stations must function as institutions of public service: DIG NKR
Presides over Thana Diwas BARAMULLA: As part of the ongoing public outreach and community policing initiatives, DIG North Kashmir Range, Dr Vinod Kumar-IPS presided over Thana Diwas at Police Station Bomai, Zaingeer, in PD Sopore, where he interacted with a large gathering of people from different walks of life. The programme witnessed participation of respectable []
14 injured in road accident in Mendhar
Poonch, Sep 17: Fourteen people, including two infants, were injured in a road accident in the Dharana area of Mendhar in Poonch district on Thursday. All the injured were shifted to Government Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Mendhar, where they are undergoing treatment. Health officials said their condition was stable and they were being kept under observation. Chief Medical Officer Poonch Dr Parvaiz Ahmed Khan said ambulances and healthcare staff were mobilised immediately after the accident to ensure timely evacuation of the injured. He said necessary medicines and treatment had been arranged at SDH Mendhar and the injured were being continuously monitored by medical teams. Khan said he had directed Block Medical Officer Mendhar Dr Gazala Chowdhury to ensure timely and proper treatment of all the injured. He also directed officials to facilitate medical assistance under the PM Relief Scheme for eligible persons. The CMO said he was personally monitoring the situation and reiterated that all 14 injured were stable. All the injured are residents of Dharana. Further investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.
DSEJ grants final exemption opportunity to staff
Srinagar, Sept 17: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has given a final opportunity to teaching and other staff of the School Education Department who obtained higher qualifications through distance or online mode during their service without securing prior permission from the competent authority. According to an official notice issued by the Directorate, the Administrative Department, through Government Order No. 367-JK (Edu) of 2026 dated September 9, 2026, has extended the deadline for submission of cases seeking one-time exemption up to September 30, 2026. The Directorate has directed eligible employees of the Jammu Division to submit the required documents within 10 days from the date of issuance of the notice, along with recommendations from the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEO). The DSEJ has made it clear that no pending or fresh representations, claims or cases under Government Order No. 188-JK (Edu) of 2024, dated March 15, 2024, will be entertained after the expiry of the stipulated period, irrespective of the reasons cited. The concerned CEOs have also been instructed to ensure and certify that no case seeking one-time exemption for acquisition of higher qualifications by teaching or other staff remains pending before the competent authority in their respective districts.
Ajaz Jan lays foundation for 18.17-cr roads in Poonch
Poonch, Sep 17: Haveli MLA Ajaz Ahmed Jan on Wednesday laid the foundation stones for two road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with a combined sanctioned cost of 18.17 crore. The projects, covering a total of eight kilometres, are aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas of Poonch Haveli. The first project, the 6-km Banga Pani-Pothi Pathana link road from Km 4.400 of the Poonch-Jhullas Road, has been sanctioned at a cost of 13.5864 crore. The second, a 2-km Chaktroo-Timbra road from Km 0.700 to U Timbra, has a sanctioned cost of 4.584 crore. Speaking at the foundation stone ceremonies, Jan said better road connectivity was essential for the socio-economic development of rural and remote areas. He directed that the works be completed within the stipulated timeframe while adhering to approved specifications and quality standards. Later, local representatives, including former sarpanches and panches, apprised the MLA of problems with drinking-water supply schemes in their areas. They said several water motors were damaged or non-functional, causing difficulties for residents, and sought installation of hand pumps at locations facing shortages. Jan assured the representatives that the issues would be taken up with the concerned authorities on priority. He said accountability would be sought for prolonged negligence and non-functional water infrastructure, with action to be taken wherever lapses were established. He reiterated that reliable drinking-water supply was a basic public necessity and called for timely resolution of the concerns raised by residents.
Uri opens doors to Agniveer aspirants
Srinagar, Sep 17: In a gesture of hospitality and community support, traders and residents of border town Uri in north Kashmirs Baramulla district have come forward to provide free food, refreshments and accommodation to youth arriving from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the ongoing Agniveer recruitment drive. The initiative has been led by Uri Beopar Mandal President Haji Mohammad Shafi along with members of the Traders Association, with several religious and commercial establishments opening their doors to the visiting aspirants. Among those extending support are Jamia Masjid Noor Uri, Jamia Masjid Jumma Uri, Masjid Habib, Jamia Masjid Shahid Uri, Shahi Darbar, Hotel Zulfiqar & Restaurant, Hotel Pakiza and Hotel Badshah. The establishments are providing meals, refreshments and accommodation to candidates, while several local residents have also offered space in their homes to youth travelling from far-flung areas of the Union Territory. Speaking about the initiative, Beopar Mandal President Haji Mohammad Shafi said the candidates had travelled long distances to appear in the recruitment process and should not have to worry about basic necessities during their stay in Uri. He said the business community wanted to ensure that every aspirant received a welcoming environment and necessary support, adding that the initiative was a collective effort of traders, religious institutions and residents. Many of these young men have travelled from distant areas for the recruitment process. Our effort is to make their stay comfortable and ensure that they can focus on the recruitment without worrying about food or accommodation, Shafi said. Local residents said Uri has a tradition of extending hospitality to visitors and that helping the aspirants was a collective responsibility. We are happy to support the youth who have come here with hopes of securing an opportunity in the Army. They have travelled from far-off places, and providing them food and a place to stay is the least we can do, said Yasir Banday, a local resident. Another resident Bashir Wathloo said the initiative reflected the spirit of solidarity among the people of Uri. Recruitment is an important opportunity for these youngsters. Some of them may not have relatives or contacts here, so the support being provided by traders and residents is giving them a sense of comfort, he said. A large number of aspirants from different parts of J&K are participating in the Agniveer recruitment process, which commenced in Uri on September 14. Traders said the initiative would continue to support candidates during the recruitment period and urged other establishments and residents to extend assistance wherever possible.
Sarbals potato fields lose young farmers
Ganderbal, Sep 17 : Sarbal, around eight kilometres from Sonamarg in Ganderbal, is known for its scenic beauty and traditional potato cultivation. But residents say potato production has declined over the years as younger generations increasingly move away from farming. Sarbal comprises around 140 households, with local families having lived in the area for several decades. Most residents depend on agriculture and daily-wage labour to earn their livelihood and support their families. Potato cultivation has traditionally remained an important part of life in Sarbal. The locally grown potatoes are known for their quality, with families cultivating the crop for both household consumption and sale in the market. Local numberdar Farooq Ahmad Raina says that several years ago, a family could harvest around 25 quintals of potatoes from its land. A portion of the produce was sold in the market, helping families purchase essentials such as rice and flour, while the remaining potatoes were preserved for winter consumption. However, he said production has now declined significantly, with a family managing to harvest only around six to seven quintals from its land. Raina said the Agriculture Department has not been providing adequate guidance to farmers in the area, particularly regarding improved cultivation practices and other measures that could help increase production. He said potato seeds are generally planted in May, while harvesting begins around September 25. After harvesting, families preserve a portion of the crop for winter by storing potatoes in large pits dug into the ground, a traditional method that helps keep the produce from spoiling. Residents also pointed towards a gradual decline in interest in agriculture among the younger generation. They said many young people are no longer giving as much attention to farming and land cultivation as previous generations did, which has also affected the continuation of traditional agricultural practices in the area. At the same time, locals believe there is considerable potential to revive potato cultivation in Sarbal if the Agriculture Department gives the area proper attention and provides farmers with regular technical guidance. Residents said that with improved agricultural practices, quality seeds and proper guidance from the department, potato production in the area could increase substantially in the future. They urged the concerned authorities to focus on the remote area, provide necessary agricultural assistance and encourage the younger generation to remain connected with farming, saying agriculture can continue to be an important source of livelihood for the people of Sarbal.
Langate hospital gets modern dental facility
Srinagar, Sep 17: A modern dental facility equipped with two high-tech dental chairs and supporting equipment was inaugurated at Associated GMC Hospital Langate on Thursday, in a move aimed at strengthening dental healthcare services for people in Langate and adjoining areas. The facility has been established with support from Rotary Club, Mumbai under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Army Camp Langate facilitated the project by coordinating with the Rotary Club and the hospital and providing the required logistical support. The new facility is expected to benefit around 1.5 lakh people in Langate and neighbouring areas. It will provide patients with better access to dental consultation, diagnosis and treatment, particularly for people living in remote and underserved areas. Members of the Rotary Club said the initiative is part of their larger effort to improve dental healthcare facilities in Kashmir and take dental services to an advanced level. We want to take dental health in Kashmir to an advanced level. This is an important beginning, and in the coming time, more equipment will be provided to strengthen the facility further, members said. They said the focus would remain on improving access to modern dental care and supporting healthcare institutions in areas where patients face difficulties in accessing specialised treatment. The availability of modern dental equipment at the hospital is also expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to distant healthcare centres for treatment. The facility will help strengthen local healthcare infrastructure and provide people with services closer to their homes. Officials and local residents welcomed the initiative and appreciated the efforts of the Rotary Club, Mumbai and the Indian Army in supporting the establishment of the facility. Residents said improved dental services would particularly benefit people from remote areas, who often have to travel to Srinagar and other centres for specialised dental treatment. The initiative also highlights the role of cooperation between civil institutions, the Indian Army and social organisations in expanding healthcare facilities in underserved areas of J&K.
Srinagars traffic crisis is often described in terms of congestion, narrow roads and a growing number of vehicles. These factors are certainly responsible for slowing movement across the city, but another problem deserves equal attention: the absence of parking sense. Vehicles left on roadsides, parked near crossings, placed on footpaths and stopped at busy market stretches are not merely an inconvenience. They reduce visibility, block movement and create conditions in which traffic accidents become more likely. In the absence of adequate and well-regulated parking spaces, motorists often treat public roads as private parking lots. A vehicle parked carelessly near a turn can hide a pedestrian from an approaching driver. A row of cars outside a market can force traffic into a single lane. Goods vehicles unloading during peak hours can bring an entire stretch to a standstill. Two-wheelers placed on footpaths push pedestrians onto the carriageway, exposing them to unnecessary danger. The consequences are visible in the daily experience of Srinagars residents. Traffic jams, sudden lane changes, hurried overtaking, and drivers moving against the flow are becoming common. Such behaviour is often blamed entirely on motorists, but road design and enforcement also play a role. When parking rules are unclear, parking spaces are insufficient, and violations go unchecked, indiscipline gradually becomes normal. The issue is particularly serious around commercial areas, schools, hospitals and busy intersections. Emergency vehicles can lose precious minutes because roads are narrowed by parked cars. Pedestrians, especially children, older people and persons with disabilities, are forced to negotiate unsafe spaces. A city cannot call itself modern if its footpaths are occupied, its crossings are blocked, and its streets are made hazardous by unregulated parking. The solution does not lie only in imposing fines. Enforcement is necessary, but it must be supported by planning. The authorities should identify dedicated parking zones, mark them clearly and ensure that parking charges are reasonable and transparent. In busy markets, loading and unloading timings should be strictly regulated. Footpaths must be protected from encroachment, while no-parking areas near junctions and crossings must be enforced without exception. Technology can assist through digital parking information, surveillance cameras and penalty systems, but technology cannot replace civic responsibility. Drivers must understand that parking is not a matter of personal convenience alone. Every careless parking decision affects pedestrians, public transport users, emergency services and other motorists. Schools, market associations and transport authorities should also participate in awareness campaigns. Road safety must become part of everyday civic education, not an issue remembered only after a fatal accident. Srinagars roads are already under pressure from rapid urban growth. Unless parking is treated as a central part of traffic management, congestion will continue to deepen and avoidable accidents will continue to occur. Safe mobility begins with a simple discipline: park responsibly, keep roads clear and respect the right of others to move safely.
When we turn the pages of human history, we find that it is usually narrated as a story of kings, wars, empires and revolutions. But there is another story running quietly behind all these events, and that is the story of human beings searching for power. From the first stone tool made by early humans to today's artificial intelligence, every major step in civilisation has increased our ability to control nature, change our surroundings and influence the lives of others. Human beings have always been eager to become stronger, faster, more knowledgeable and more capable. But there is one question that we often forget to ask: As our power has increased, has our wisdom increased at the same speed? This is perhaps the most important question of our time. The journey began with simple tools. Early humans had little physical power compared with the forces of nature. They used stones and sticks to hunt, protect themselves and find food. Their survival depended mainly on physical strength, cooperation and their ability to understand their environment. Then came the phase of agriculture. Agriculture was not simply a method of producing food. It changed human society completely. People began to settle in one place. Villages became towns and towns became cities. Food could be stored. Population increased. Organised societies emerged. With the emergence of cities, there was the formation of governments, laws, taxation, writing and administration. Human power was no longer limited to the strength of an individual. It became organised power. Great civilisations appeared in different parts of the world. Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, India, China, Greece and Rome built impressive societies. They developed systems of government, trade, science, architecture and communication. But this progress also brought another reality. Power could be used not only to build but also to control and oppress. Strong rulers could protect their people, but they could also exploit them. Armies could defend a society, but they could also destroy another society. This is the reason why moral values have always been important. Here we can get the clue that power without responsibility can become dangerous. Then came the machine, and the meaning of power changed again. Gunpowder changed warfare. The printing press changed the spread of knowledge. Ships connected distant parts of the world. The Industrial Revolution brought steam engines, factories, railways and large-scale production. Human beings were no longer dependent only on their muscles. Machines multiplied physical strength. A machine could do the work of many people. A train could carry hundreds of people and huge quantities of goods. Factories could produce products on a scale that earlier generations could never imagine. But technological progress also created new forms of inequality, exploitation and competition. Industrial power became closely connected with economic and political power. Then humanity entered the nuclear age. The discovery of nuclear energy was one of the greatest achievements of science. But the creation of nuclear weapons also gave humanity the ability to destroy cities and kill enormous numbers of people within a very short period of time. For the first time, human beings possessed a level of destructive power that could threaten their own civilisation. The nuclear age taught us an important lesson: having power is not the same as knowing how to use power. Sometimes the greatest sign of strength is restraint. The arrival of computers created another revolution. Machines were no longer being used only to increase physical strength. They began to increase human intellectual ability. Computers could calculate, store and process huge amounts of information. The internet then connected people across the world. Information became one of the most valuable forms of power. Today, we are standing at the beginning of another major transformation: artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence can analyse enormous amounts of information, recognise patterns, generate text and images, translate languages and assist people in solving difficult problems. It has the potential to bring transformative changes in medicine, education, science, business and many other fields. There is much to celebrate. AI may help doctors identify diseases earlier. It may help students learn more effectively. It may assist scientists in discovering new medicines. It may help people with disabilities communicate and perform everyday tasks. But every powerful technology brings new risks. Artificial intelligence can also be used to spread false information. Fake photographs, videos and voices can be created with remarkable ease. People may be deceived by material that appears genuine but is completely false. Privacy is another major concern. Modern technologies can collect and analyse enormous amounts of personal information. If such power is placed in the wrong hands, it can be used for manipulation or surveillance. There is also the question of who controls powerful technology. If advanced AI systems, huge databases and enormous computing resources are controlled by only a small number of companies or governments, their influence could become extraordinarily large. The gap between those who control technology and those who simply use it could increase. Therefore, the debate about artificial intelligence should not be limited to technology. It must also be a debate about morality. The real question is not only What can AI do? We must also ask, What should AI be allowed to do? These two questions are very different. Human beings have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to create powerful technologies. We learned to control fire, metals, steam, electricity and the atom. We developed computers and connected the world through the internet. Now we are creating machines capable of performing tasks associated with human intelligence. But technological progress alone can not guarantee a better future. A powerful machine in the hands of an irresponsible person can become dangerous. A powerful technology guided by wisdom and compassion can become a blessing. This means that the greatest challenge of the modern age may not be building more intelligent machines. It may be building more responsible human beings. The future of artificial intelligence will ultimately depend on human choices. Will we use technology to improve education, cure diseases, reduce poverty and make life easier? Or will we use it for deception, surveillance, exploitation and war? The machine will not decide the answer. But we will have to decide it. Humanity has travelled a remarkable distancefrom stone tools to artificial intelligence. Our power has grown beyond anything our ancestors could have imagined. But perhaps our next great step should not be another technological invention. Rather, it should be moral progress. Because the real measure of civilisation is not how much power humanity possesses. But it is how wisely, fairly and responsibly that power is used. The greatest question of the future, therefore, is not whether machines will become more intelligent. It is whether human beings will become wise enough to use their growing power for the goodness of humanity. (The author teaches Geography at GDC Anantnag and can be reached at: rather1294@gmail.com )
Srinagars Smart City Test Is Maintenance
Srinagars Smart City makeover cannot be judged by inaugurations, glossy presentations or the amount of money spent on public infrastructure. Its real test lies in whether the projects remain functional, safe and useful after the ceremonies are over. On that count, the citys much-publicised transformation appears to be losing momentum. Three years into the urban renewal exercise, complaints about delayed projects, broken installations and poor maintenance are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From the Traditional Souq Market and Craft Centre at Batamaloo to the renovated Habba Kadal, Ghanta Ghar fountains and the Lal Chowk riverfront, several public assets are either incomplete, damaged or no longer serving their intended purpose. The Batamaloo project is a particularly disappointing example. Tendered in March 2022 and awarded at a reported cost of Rs 29.46 crore, the facility was envisioned as a vibrant commercial and cultural space with 52 shops, eateries, heritage outlets, parking and landscaped public areas. In January 2024, officials stated that around 80 percent of the work had been completed and that the project would be finished by March that year. Yet the complex remains non-operational, with a legal hurdle reportedly delaying its opening. Every month of delay means that public money remains locked in an unfinished asset while traders and residents continue to wait for the promised economic and cultural benefits. Such projects must not be allowed to drift indefinitely between departments, contractors and legal complications. The administration needs to identify the precise bottleneck and publish a time-bound plan for resolution. The condition of Old Habba Kadal raises another serious concern. The bridge was renovated with wooden decking, heritage-style gazebos, kiosks, traditional balustrades, lighting and riverfront improvements. However, reports of worn and damaged wooden planks soon after its inauguration indicate that either the quality of execution was inadequate or a proper maintenance system was never put in place. A heritage structure cannot be treated as a one-time beautification exercise. It requires regular inspection, timely repairs and materials suited to Srinagars weather and the heavy movement of pedestrians. The same principle applies to the defunct fountains at Ghanta Ghar, damaged tiles along the Lal Chowk bund and missing flower pots at the Rajbagh riverfront. These may appear to be small defects, but collectively they reflect a larger governance problem. Public infrastructure deteriorates when responsibility for maintenance is unclear, and accountability ends with project completion. The reported shortage of funds at Srinagar Smart City Limited makes the situation more serious. If funding has indeed been stopped, the administration must disclose the extent of the financial shortfall and explain how essential maintenance will be financed. Reports of unpaid salaries among bus conductors also require urgent attention. A city cannot claim to be smart while the workers operating its public transport system struggle to support their families. Similarly, parking charges amid inadequate parking facilities need a review based on public convenience rather than revenue collection alone. Srinagar deserves more than attractive projects at the inauguration stage. It needs functioning markets, safe bridges, clean riverfronts, reliable public transport and a transparent system of upkeep. A Smart City is not defined by how much infrastructure it creates, but by how responsibly it maintains it. The sheen of Srinagars makeover can return only when maintenance becomes a core public service, not an afterthought.
From New Delhi to Africa: BRICS Declaration and Emerging Architecture of Global South
The New Delhi Declaration issued after the 18th BRICS Summit has set the stage for India to achieve a diplomatic victory in the BRICS format. At the September 12-13, 2026 summit in New Delhi, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the three pillars of the expanded BRICS grouping: political and security cooperation; economic and financial cooperation; and cultural and people-to-people ties. The core of this statement reaches beyond economic cooperation. It highlights issues like reform of global governance, trade in the Global South, technology, digital public infrastructure, development finance, food and energy security and, as in the G20, the growing role of African countries. While BRICS was initially set up to promote economic cooperation between emerging economies, it is very clear from the New Delhi Declaration that its agenda has grown significantly since then. The declaration underlines in particular the necessity of a more representative and fair international order, the reform of multilateralism and the role of the Global South. It also says that multipolarity allows developing countries to develop their creative potential and participate in a more inclusive global economic system. Such a transition is especially crucial for India, which has always promoted BRICS as a platform for development and reform of global governance, not a military or ideological bloc. The Most Significant Shift in the New Delhi Declaration: An Institutional Agenda for the Global South The declaration puts the Global South not only as a political slogan but as a basis for more effective participation in global governance. It demands reform of the United Nations Security Council and more representation of the developing nations. It also explicitly recognises the aspirations of African countries, with reference to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. India has long wanted a bigger role in the Security Council. The African Union has also made the case for permanent representation for African countries. The New Delhi Declaration weaves both these perspectives into a wider reform agenda for the Global South. It is precisely here that the India-Africa partnership gains new strategic salience within the framework of BRICS. Following the expansion of BRICS, the New Delhi Declaration will strive to engage more actively with developing countries and Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDCs) on a more inclusive and developmental partnership. For example, the New Delhi Declaration states its welcome to the increase in the number of ICAO Council seats for under-represented regions such as Africa and the Asia Pacific, and the candidature of Ethiopia. Moreover, the New Delhi Declaration specifies that the agenda of BRICS for Africa is not only about trade and investment but also about global representation and reform, and development-related initiatives. Turning India-Africa Relations on Their Heads at the BRICS Summit India and Africa already cooperate on trade, education, health, agriculture, capacity-building, and development partnerships. The key element of the New Delhi Declaration is that it promotes the opportunity to engage these sectors within the multilateral framework of BRICS. The New Delhi Declaration focuses explicitly on fostering high-value manufacturing, technical cooperation, production capacity, and technology transfer. It suggests that it is time for India-Africa economic engagement to move from rade in goods to a partnership in technology, manufacturing, and value chains. This is critical to African economies as local production capacity, technology transfer, and skill development are the cornerstone of their economic transformation. The New Delhi Declaration emphasises the importance of cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It calls upon member nations to collaborate on a BRICS DPI repository and DPI-based pilot projects. The digital infrastructure experience of India, including its digital ID, digital payments, and digital public platforms, will offer enormous opportunities for African nations. However, the goal of India-Africa digital cooperation should not be to simply expand the reach of Indian technology but to build capacities, interoperability, affordability, and local innovation. If this vision becomes a reality, digital cooperation would become the next pillar of engagement between India and Africa. New Delhi Declaration lays particular emphasis on cooperation in the area of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It calls for cooperation among member nations on a BRICS DPI repository and DPI-based pilot projects. Indias digital experience in digital identity, digital payments and public digital platforms could offer significant opportunities for African nations. However, the goals of India-Africa digital cooperation should not just be an extension of Indian technology but be grounded in capacity building, interoperability, affordability and local innovation. If it manages to do this, digital cooperation could become the next big pillar of India-Africa relations. New Delhi Declaration has institutionalised health cooperation. It has highlighted initiatives like the BRICS Training Hub Network and Centres of Excellence, including Bengaluru-based NIMHANS, which focuses on mental health collaboration. This is of great significance to African nations. This is because there are significant opportunities to align Indias pharmaceutical and healthcare capabilities with the healthcare infrastructure and human resource needs of African nations. Consequently, the India-Africa health partnership can go beyond generic medicines to include medical education, telemedicine, health technology and capacity building. Discussions in BRICS often revolve around the dollar and alternatives to the currency system. However, it would be wrong to see the New Delhi Declaration solely as a de-dollarisation document. More importantly, it seeks cooperation on cross-border payments, use of local currencies and a more robust financial architecture, enabling BRICS members to adopt alternative methods that cut payment costs and mitigate risks from external financial shocks. This is particularly beneficial for India and Africa, as it opens up possibilities for lowering transaction costs and dealing with currency-related issues in bilateral trade. Ultimately, what the New Delhi Declaration highlights is that BRICS has been able to create a joint document amidst complex international imbalances. So, the success of BRICS beyond 2026 will depend not on the number of declarations made but on their implementation. However, efforts have been made to pave a smoother path ahead for India and Africa; the New Delhi Declaration has outlined at least five key areas of engagement: first, global governance: coordination for greater representation in the UNSC and global financial institutions; second, digital partnership: cooperation on DPI, AI, fintech and digital skills; third, development finance: funding for infrastructure, energy and sustainable development; fourth, technology manufacturing: technology transfer, productive capacity and value-chain integration; and fifth, human development: health, education, skills, youth and women-led entrepreneurship. If there are tangible project-level changes announced in all these areas, the African dimension of BRICS could become even more substantive for Indias relations with Africa. Following significant developments within BRICS, the New Delhi Declaration clarified that the group has not simply created a new geopolitical bloc overnight. The real change is in the fact that BRICS have expanded its scope beyond economic cooperation to include global governance, development, technology, financial resilience and representation for the Global South. For India, this move did not just make Africa a part of the BRICS expansion narrative but created an opportunity to tie up the continent with the agenda of institutional reform in the Global South. If BRICS drives tangible progress for African nations, balancing development finance, technology, energy, health, agriculture and employment with global representation, it could greatly strengthen the blocs impact. The New Delhi Declaration, therefore, is not an end in itself but the beginning of the next phase. The crucial question is not what BRICS has announced but rather how swiftly and effectively the New Delhi Declaration translates into tangible policy outcomes for India, Africa and the wider Global South. (The author is an Assistant Professor, Satyawati College (Evening) & PhD, Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, India)
Online Frauds: The New Crime at Our Doorstep
Jammu and Kashmir needs stronger cyber-policing, faster redressal and a sustained public awareness campaign. The expansion of the digital economy has made life more convenient, but it has also opened a new front for crime. A bank transaction that once required a visit to a branch can now be completed in seconds. Bills are paid through mobile phones, purchases are made with a few taps and government services are increasingly accessed online. Yet, behind this convenience lies a growing danger: online fraud. For many people, cybercrime still appears to be an abstract threat associated with distant cities, sophisticated hackers or large financial institutions. In reality, it has entered ordinary homes and workplaces. A fake customer-care number, a fraudulent investment scheme, a deceptive link, a forged bank message or a phone call claiming to be from the police can empty a persons account within minutes. The victim may not only lose money but also suffer humiliation, anxiety and a deep sense of betrayal. Online fraud succeeds not merely because criminals are technically skilled. It succeeds because they understand human behaviour. They create panic, imitate authority and exploit moments of vulnerability. A caller may tell a person that their bank account will be blocked unless they share an OTP. Another may promise a government subsidy, a job, a loan or an attractive investment return. Some fraudsters pose as relatives in distress, while others impersonate officials from banks, telecom companies or law-enforcement agencies. The methods keep changing, but the basic strategy remains the same: make the victim act before they have time to think. This is why online fraud cannot be treated only as a technical problem. It is also a social and institutional challenge. Digital literacy must become as important as financial literacy. People need to know that banks do not ask customers to reveal passwords, PINs or one-time passwords. They must understand that no legitimate official will demand an immediate payment through an unknown link or personal account. They should be taught to verify numbers, check website addresses and pause whenever a message creates fear or excessive urgency. The elderly are particularly vulnerable. Many senior citizens are unfamiliar with changing digital systems and may place considerable trust in anyone who speaks confidently and uses official-sounding language. They may also hesitate to tell family members after making a mistake, fearing criticism or embarrassment. This silence benefits criminals. Families must create an atmosphere in which older members can report suspicious calls without fear of being blamed. Young people, too, are not immune. Students and first-time job seekers are increasingly targeted through fake employment offers, online examinations, work-from-home schemes and fraudulent scholarship notices. Social media users are exposed to fake shopping pages, cloned accounts and investment advertisements designed to appear attractive and credible. The assumption that the young are naturally digitally savvy is misleading. Knowing how to use an application is not the same as understanding the risks attached to it. The growing popularity of online investment and trading platforms has created another fertile ground for fraud. Victims are often added to messaging groups where fabricated profits, fake testimonials and manipulated screenshots create the appearance of a successful community. Initially, they may be allowed to withdraw a small amount. Once their confidence is established, they are encouraged to invest larger sums. When they attempt to withdraw their money, they are asked to pay additional taxes, processing charges or security deposits. By then, the fraud has already achieved its purpose. The emotional consequences can be devastating. A victim who has lost savings may experience shame, anger and helplessness. In some cases, families are pushed into debt. Small traders, pensioners and salaried employees may see years of savings disappear overnight. The damage is not measured only in rupees. It can destroy confidence in digital banking, strain family relationships and leave victims reluctant to seek help. This is why society must stop treating victims of online fraud as foolish. Such crimes are carefully designed. Fraudsters use psychological manipulation, fake documents, professional language and technology to create an illusion of legitimacy. Blaming victims only drives the crime underground. A person who has been cheated should be encouraged to report the incident immediately, because quick reporting can sometimes help freeze the transferred funds. Banks, telecom operators and digital platforms also carry an important responsibility. Security warnings buried in lengthy terms and conditions are not enough. Alerts must be clear, timely and available in languages people understand. Banks should develop systems capable of detecting unusual transactions, rapid transfers and suspicious account activity. When a customer suddenly attempts to transfer a large sum to a new beneficiary, additional verification should be considered, particularly where the transaction pattern is unusual. Customer-care systems need urgent attention as well. Fraudsters frequently exploit fake helpline numbers that appear in online search results. Platforms should work more aggressively to remove deceptive listings and verify official contact information. Banks and service providers must make it easy for users to find genuine support without depending on uncertain search results. Law-enforcement agencies face a difficult task, but the response must become more coordinated and accessible. Online fraud often involves multiple phone numbers, bank accounts, digital wallets and jurisdictions. A local victim may be cheated by an operation working across several states or even from outside the country. This requires trained cybercrime units, stronger cooperation between police stations, banks and telecom companies, and rapid mechanisms for tracing and freezing suspicious transactions. The first few hours after a fraud are crucial. Victims should be able to report the matter through a simple and widely publicised channel. They should receive clear instructions about contacting their bank, blocking cards, changing passwords, preserving messages and reporting the transaction. Delays, confusing procedures and repeated visits to different offices can discourage people from pursuing their complaints. Jammu and Kashmir needs a sustained regional campaign against cyber fraud. Such a campaign should not be limited to occasional warnings on social media. Schools, colleges, panchayats, banks, post offices and community organisations can become centres of digital awareness. Local-language material should explain common scams through practical examples. People must be told not only what to avoid but also what to do when something goes wrong. Educational institutions can teach students how to identify phishing links, fake profiles and fraudulent offers. Banks can organise awareness sessions for customers, especially senior citizens and small business owners. Public-service messages can remind citizens that no legitimate institution will ask for confidential banking information over the phone. Religious and community leaders can also help spread the message in areas where formal digital education has limited reach. The government, meanwhile, must treat cybercrime as a public-safety priority. Investment in cyber-policing, forensic capacity and trained personnel cannot be postponed. Reporting systems must be strengthened, cases must be followed up and victims must be kept informed. Public confidence will grow only when people see that complaints result in action. At the same time, individuals must accept their own responsibility. We should never share an OTP, PIN, password or card details with anyone over the phone. Unknown links should not be opened. Remote-access applications should not be installed at the insistence of strangers. Passwords must be strong and different across important accounts. Two-factor authentication should be enabled wherever possible. Suspicious calls should be disconnected, verified through official channels and reported. The most important habit is simple: pause before paying. Fraudsters depend on speed. They want the victim to act while frightened, excited or confused. A moment of hesitation can prevent a major loss. No genuine emergency requires a person to surrender financial control without verification. Digital technology is not the enemy. It has transformed access to banking, education, commerce and public services. But convenience without awareness creates vulnerability. The answer is not to retreat from the digital world but to enter it with greater caution, stronger safeguards and more accountable institutions. Online fraud is a modern crime, but its consequences are deeply human. It steals savings, dignity and peace of mind. The fight against it cannot be left to individual users alone. Families, banks, technology companies, police agencies and governments must share the responsibility. A safer digital society will emerge only when awareness becomes widespread, reporting becomes effortless and criminals understand that the law is capable of following them into the virtual world. (The author is a research scholar and columnist)
The Marks Tell Only Half the Story: Can We Learn to See the Child?
A few winters ago, in a school perched on a hill in a remote tehsil of Kashmir, I watched a father wait outside a classroom, turning the pages of his son's result card over and over, as though the numbers printed on it might rearrange themselves into something kinder. When the teacher finally came out, his first question was not about his son's curiosity, his kindness to a younger classmate, or the wonder with which the boy had, only weeks earlier, tried to build a working water-wheel from twigs and thread. His question was the only one our system had trained him to ask: Kitne marks aaye? How many marks did he get? I have carried that image with me for years, because it captures, more honestly than any policy document can, the quiet violence of an assessment culture built entirely around numbers. In thirty years of teaching and teacher education across the high pastures of Kupwara and Silmone, Kargil, the crowded classrooms of Budgam, and now in the corridors of SCERT, I have watched children reduced, again and again, to a single figure on a page: 62%, 78%, 94%. Behind every one of those numbers sits a whole human being restless, curious, wounded, hopeful whom the number does not even attempt to see. It is this narrowness, this quiet erasure, that the Digital Holistic Progress Card (HPC), developed by PARAKH under the National Council of Educational Research and Training, now asks us to correct. And I believe, with the conviction of a man who has spent a lifetime in Kashmir's classrooms, that this is not a reform we should merely comply with. It is one we should welcome, wholeheartedly and without delay. From Recall to Recognition For generations, the Kashmiri report card, like report cards everywhere in India, has functioned as a scorecard of memorisation: how much content a child could retain and reproduce under the pressure of a three-hour examination. It rewarded recall over understanding, silence over curiosity, and conformity over the kind of thinking a child actually needs to face an unpredictable world. The Digital HPC proposes something different, and something, I would argue, closer to what education was always meant to be. It replaces the one-time summative verdict with a continuous, developmental profile one that asks not how much did the child memorise? but how has the child grown? It looks at whether a learner can apply knowledge to real situations, not merely recite it. It attends to physical, emotional, social, and creative growth alongside the academic. And it treats feedback not as a final judgement delivered once a year, but as an ongoing conversation between teacher and learner throughout the year. There is a line I return to often, from Saadi Shirazi's Gulistan: the gardener does not measure a sapling's worth by the flowers it has already given, but tends it patiently, trusting the blossoms that are yet to come. Our examination culture has too often behaved like an impatient orchard-keeper, judging saplings as though they were already full-grown trees. The HPC, at its philosophical core, asks us to become gardeners again to nurture rather than merely to grade. A 360-Degree Gaze Digitally Held What makes the Digital HPC genuinely new is not just its philosophy but its architecture. For too long, assessment in our schools has been a one-directional act: the teacher observes, the teacher judges, the teacher records. The HPC's digital portal distributes that gaze across four pillars: self-assessment, peer assessment, teacher assessment, and parent or caregiver feedback, each entered and tracked through a common platform that follows the child's growth over time rather than capturing a single snapshot. This matters enormously in our context. Ask a child in Budgam or Bandipora to reflect honestly on their own learning, and you will often be met with hesitation not because they lack insight, but because no one has ever asked them to trust their own judgement about themselves. Peer assessment, too, is unfamiliar territory in classrooms where competition, not collaboration, has long been the operating logic. And parental involvement in our schools has traditionally meant one thing only: attending a meeting to be told how the child performed, rarely being asked what the parent has observed at home: the child's patience with a younger sibling, their curiosity about the stars, their struggle with sleep before an exam. The digital HPC does not merely add these voices as decoration. It structurally requires them, logging them into a shared, trackable record. Done honestly, this could be transformative for Kashmiri households, where the home and the school have too often functioned as separate, uncommunicating worlds. A mother's observation about her daughter's growing confidence at home becomes, for the first time, part of the official record of that child's education, not an afterthought whispered at the school gate. I would be doing my profession, and my readers, a disservice if I painted this transition as effortless. The HPC follows the NEP's 5+3+3+4 structure, with distinct cards for the Foundational stage (Balvatika to Grade 2), the Preparatory stage (Grades 35), the Middle stage (Grades 68), and the Secondary stage (Grades 912), each demanding a different kind of teacher fluency, from play-based observation in early years to guiding self-directed, modular learning by Grade 12. In Kashmir, this staged vision runs headlong into some stubborn realities. First, teacher training: rubric-based, competency-focused assessment is a fundamentally different skill from setting and marking a written paper, and many of our teachers, through no fault of their own, have never been trained in it. Second, digital access: a portal-based system presumes reliable connectivity and devices, assumptions that do not hold in large parts of Gurez, Karnah, Shuplain(Khag) or the higher reaches of Kokernag and Kangan, where even electricity can be intermittent. Third, our multilingual reality a classroom where Kashmiri, Urdu, and increasingly English circulate together means that rubrics and reflection prompts designed elsewhere may not translate naturally into how our children and parents actually think and speak. And fourth, and perhaps most dangerous of all: the risk that the HPC becomes, in practice, just one more form to fill a digital ritual performed for compliance rather than genuine understanding, adding to an already overburdened teacher's workload without changing a single thing about how a child is actually seen. These are not reasons to resist the HPC. They are reasons to implement it with humility, adequate resourcing, and patience, investing seriously in teacher capacity-building, ensuring offline or low-bandwidth alternatives for our remotest schools, and resisting the temptation to treat the rollout as a box-ticking exercise measured by how many logins occurred rather than how many children were genuinely better understood. An Invitation, Not a Circular It would be easy, and I have seen this happen before with well-intentioned reforms for the Digital HPC to arrive in our schools as just another directive from Delhi: a new form, a new portal, a new burden layered atop an already exhausted teaching workforce. I want to insist, as someone who has spent three decades inside this system, that this would be a tragic misreading of what is actually being offered. The HPC is not a mandate to be endured. It is an invitation to teachers, to SCERT, to every stakeholder in Kashmir's education system to finally build the kind of assessment our children have always deserved: one that sees them as whole, growing, unfinished human beings rather than as numbers awaiting compilation. If we, in Kashmir, choose to own this reform rather than merely administer it, training our teachers with genuine seriousness, adapting its rubrics to our own linguistic and cultural realities, and insisting on the resources our remote schools need to participate fully, we have the chance to model something the rest of the country could learn from. I think again of that father outside the classroom, waiting for a number to tell him who his son was. I would like to imagine a different scene, some years from now: a father and a teacher, sitting together, discussing not a percentage but a portrait: a child's growing confidence, his patience with others, the questions that keep him up at night with wonder rather than dread. That is the promise of the Holistic Progress Card. It is now on us teachers, administrators, and policymakers alike to make sure Kashmir does not let that promise go unfulfilled. (The author is a senior teacher educator, curriculum developer and education researcher with over three decades of experience in school education and teacher education. His work focuses on curriculum reform, foundational, middle and Higher secondary stage learning, assessment, multilingual education and the implementation of contemporary educational frameworks in Jammu & Kashmir. He can be reached at: sheikhgulzar1970@gmail.com )
CM Omar inaugurates renovated J&K House at Amritsar
Amritsar , Sep 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the renovated Jammu & Kashmir House at Amritsar, Punjab. The heritage property, located at 2-Court Road, Amritsar has been comprehensively upgraded with modern amenities to provide affordable and comfortable accommodation to residents of Jammu and Kashmir visiting Amritsar, particularly patients and their attendants travelling to the city for medical treatment. The renovation and upgradation works commenced in October 2025 and were completed at an approximate cost of 2.30 crore. The works covered civil and electrical works, interiors, guest amenities, external development and allied infrastructure. The upgraded facility comprises four guest rooms with attached dressing areas and washrooms, besides a common sitting lounge, dining area and kitchen. Located close to major hospitals and other key destinations in the city, the J&K House will serve as an important support facility for patients and their attendants, besides benefiting students, pilgrims and other visitors from Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister inspected the upgraded facilities and directed the concerned officers to maintain high standards of hospitality, cleanliness and upkeep for guests. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the facility would help ease the difficulties faced by patients and their families travelling outside Jammu and Kashmir for treatment, while also providing a convenient and affordable place to stay for other visitors from J&K. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the departments and officers involved in the renovation and upgradation of the property and stressed the importance of maintaining the facility to high standards. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar, Secretary Hospitality & Protocol Avny Lavasa, Additional Resident Commissioner Anil Sharma and senior officers of Government of J&K and Government of Punjab.
Govt plans 20 labs for sheep breeding
Srinagar, Sep 17: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Thursday visited the Sheep Breeding Farm at Khimber and reviewed the ongoing breeding programmes and developmental activities. The Minister stressed the need for transformative and scientific interventions to revolutionise the sheep sector in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing the productivity towards greater self-sufficiency in mutton production. Highlighting the governments Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) programme, he said establishment of ETT laboratories across districts will enable rapid multiplication of superior germplasm and accelerate genetic improvement. He said that the Cabinet has approved establishment of 20 ETT laboratories, one in each district, as a major intervention in this direction. Javid Dar also stressed the importance of scientifically utilising high-genetic-merit imported breeds, including Texel and Dorper, for strengthening the local breeding programmes. He said the focus should be on transferring superior genetic traits into locally adapted populations to improve meat productivity and strengthen the domestic mutton sector. The Minister directed the department to ensure scientific selection, conservation and multiplication of quality germplasm and its wider dissemination among farmers. He also directed that a transparent, scientifically formulated SOP be notified for allocation of breeding sheep to farmers, ensuring objective selection of beneficiaries, proper utilisation of superior germplasm and wider access to quality breeding stock. He called for greater participation of youth in modern sheep husbandry, emphasising its potential for entrepreneurship, employment and strengthening rural livelihoods. He directed the department to provide aspiring young farmers with training, technical guidance and handholding support. The officers informed that Khimber Farm maintains fine-wool and specialised breeds, including imported and Australian lines besides cross-bred varieties such as Kashmir Merino and supports the local breeding programmes through the distribution of quality breeding rams. The Minister emphasised that the combined thrust on district-level ETT infrastructure and high-genetic-merit breeding programmes should translate into measurable gains in sheep productivity and help Jammu and Kashmir move towards a more self-reliant mutton production sector.
2 Pakistani JeM terrorists killed, 1 suspect detained in Udhampur
Bodies retrieved; M4 carbine, AK-47, pistol, grenades recovered Yogesh Jammu Tawi, Sep 17 : Two Pakistani terrorists of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were killed and an alleged over-ground worker was detained in a remote high-altitude area in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district, officials said on Thursday. The joint operation by the [] The post 2 Pakistani JeM terrorists killed, 1 suspect detained in Udhampur appeared first on Northlines .
Omar reiterates demand for statehood restoration
Amritsar, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated his demand to restore J&Ks statehood, saying all they have received so far on the matter were verbal assurances. Talking to mediapersons here, Abdullah also wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday. Asked what announcement he expected today, Abdullah said, [] The post Omar reiterates demand for statehood restoration appeared first on Northlines .
LG calls for early warning system on climate change
Srinagar, Sep 17 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called for creating an early warning system on climate change so that real-time decisions can mitigate its impact. Addressing a national seminar on environment, climate and sustainability, Sinha said systems should not merely record changes in glaciers, forests or river valleys, but [] The post LG calls for early warning system on climate change appeared first on Northlines .
Farooq expresses concern over drone incident near Mecca
Srinagar, Sep 17 : National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed deep concern and anguish over the drone incident near the Holy city of Mecca, saying it has the potential to hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world. In a statement, Abdullah said the sanctity and honour of the Haramain Sharifain are [] The post Farooq expresses concern over drone incident near Mecca appeared first on Northlines .
Army reviews security, counter-terrorism ops in Poonch
Jammu, Sep 17 : General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Thursday visited Surankote sector in Jammu and Kashmirs border district of Poonch to review security arrangements and counter-terrorism efforts, the Army said. The northern commanders visit to Surankote comes three days after General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps [] The post Army reviews security, counter-terrorism ops in Poonch appeared first on Northlines .
Abdullah family wants statehood to revive their
Srinagar, Sep 17 : Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Thursday alleged that the Abdullah family wants statehood for imposing the Public Safety Act (PSA) and open firing on youth. Speaking to reporters in south Kashmirs Anantnag district, Sharma said people of Jammu and Kashmir are not concerned [] The post Abdullah family wants statehood to revive their kingdom: LoP appeared first on Northlines .
Srinagar, Sep 17 : The seasons first snowfall draped the upper reaches of Gulmarg and Gurez in white on Thursday, as rain lashed the valleys plains, officials said. Some areas in the higher reaches of the Kashmir valley received the seasons first snowfall, officials said. They said the upper reaches of the famous ski resort [] The post Gulmarg, Gurez witness seasons first snowfall appeared first on Northlines .
Non-Bailable Warrant against LeT commander linked to Pahalgam, major terror acts
Jammu, Sep 17 : A special NIA court in Jammu has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Saifullah, who has been linked to several major terror attacks, including the April 2025 Pahalgam massacre, officials said on Thursday. Saifullah is a resident of Changa Manga village in Pakistans Kasur. He is also [] The post Non-Bailable Warrant against LeT commander linked to Pahalgam, major terror acts appeared first on Northlines .
NHM employees extend strike by 72 hrs from Sept 18
Srinagar, Sept 17: The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA), through its Joint Coordination Committee, has announced the extension of its ongoing peaceful protest/strike across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for a further period of 72 hours with effect from September 18, 2026. In a formal communication addressed to the [] The post NHM employees extend strike by 72 hrs from Sept 18 appeared first on Northlines .
Leverage strengths, address challenges for high-value handicraft exports: CS
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 17: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting to review the newly framed Action Plan for Promotion of Export of Handicrafts and Handloom Products, aimed at scaling up the Union Territorys textile and apparel exports from the present base of800 crore to2,000 crore by 2030. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, [] The post Leverage strengths, address challenges for high-value handicraft exports: CS appeared first on Northlines .
Three Rajouri Residents Emerge in LeT-Linked Support Probe: Officials
SRINAGAR : Three residents of Kot Charwal area of Rajouri district have emerged as alleged members of a logistic support module linked to the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) during further investigation into a terror module case, officials said on Thursday. The development came during the investigation into FIR No. 95/2026 registered at Police Station Dharamsal in []
By Omkar Dattatray Kashmiri Pandit culture is very unique. This segment of Sanatan Dharma observes and performs various rituals, ceremonies and traditions that distinguish this small and culturally distinct community from other Hindu communities. One such ritual observed and performed by Kashmiri Pandits is known in the Kashmiri parlance as Punn Deun. Kashmiri Pandits have [] The post Punn Deun The sacred ritual of Kashmiri Pandits appeared first on Northlines .
URI ATTACK @10 : FROM SACRIFICE TO SURGICAL STRIKE THAT CHANGED BHARAT
By Colonel Dev Anand Lohamaror The Uri attack was not merely another terrorist strike on soldiers of Bharat; it became the trigger for a fundamental shift in how Bharat publicly defined its military response to cross-border terrorism. On the morning of 18 September 2016, four heavily armed terrorists entered an administrative base of the Indian [] The post URI ATTACK @10 : FROM SACRIFICE TO SURGICAL STRIKE THAT CHANGED BHARATS COUNTER-TERROR MILITARY DOCTRINE appeared first on Northlines .
West Bengal can catalyse China+1 for revitalization of industry
Eastern state can pave the way for alternative supply chain hub By Subrara Majumder Geographically, West Bengal is placed at a unique place which can leverage it to be an important destination for the development of a formidable alternative supply chain hub. Since May 2026, given the surprise victory of BJP a pro-industrial [] The post West Bengal can catalyse China+1 for revitalization of industry appeared first on Northlines .
Huge controversy over AI regulation hides industry compulsions
What lies beneath silicon valleys fears of AIs destructive powers? By Anjan Roy Amidst a fierce controversy over whether artificial intelligence companies should slow down and ponder about the larger implications of their work now raging in the cradle of their creativity, the Silicon Valley, some of the industry heavyweights are turning around. Many [] The post Huge controversy over AI regulation hides industry compulsions appeared first on Northlines .
Indians may already be paying the price of taking UPI global By K Raveendran Indias decision to end the zero-charge regime for a significant segment of merchant payments over the Unified Payments Interface has introduced an awkward contradiction into one of the Narendra Modi governments most frequently advertised technology achievements. Only days after [] The post UPI fee tests Modi Govts digital payments success narrative appeared first on Northlines .
Kids and social media: What would change under new EU law
The EU laid out plans Thursday for strict age limits for children to access social media, games and AI assistants
Apple Season: Cold Storage Space Fills Up Across Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Cold storage facilities across Kashmir are witnessing heavy demand ahead of the peak apple season, with a large portion of available capacity already booked and growers who failed to reserve space in advance struggling to find storage for their produce. The surge in bookings follows last seasons experience, when growers who stored their apples []
JKSSB Revises Schedule for Health and Medical Education Department Exams
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has rescheduled the OMR-based written examinations for three posts in the Health and Medical Education Department, while postponing the examination for Dresser/Junior Pharmacist posts. As per a notice issued by JKSSB Controller of Examinations Reyaz Ahmed Malik (JKAS) on Thursday, the examination for Female MPHW/Male Multipurpose []
Srinagar Jammu Highway: Traffic Police Issue Advisory For Travellers
SRINAGAR: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained slow on Wednesday due to a single-lane stretch at Dawel in Udhampur, surface damage at Dandwal and the movement of nomadic herds, prompting Traffic Police to issue a detailed advisory for commuters. According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, very slow movement was observed []
MoE Plans Comprehensive Review Of TET Framework Amid Concerns Over Serving Teachers
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Education has proposed a comprehensive review of the existing Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) framework, including the rules applicable to teachers already in service, following representations from teachers and other stakeholders and recent judicial observations on the issue. In an Office Memorandum, the Department of School Education and Literacy said the government []
NHM Employees Extend Strike By 72 Hours; Sakeena Itoo Appeals To Resume Duties
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has extended its ongoing strike by another 72 hours from September 18, as employees continue to press for pay parity, job security, regularisation and social security benefits. The association said the decision was taken as its long-pending demands remained unresolved and there was no []
Kashmir Media Delegation Interacts With Tamil Nadu Information Minister
SRINAGAR: A delegation of journalists from Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday interacted with Tamil Nadu Information Minister Dr L Murugan at the Doordarshan Chennai premises during a study tour organised under the aegis of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar. The interaction was held alongside a programme organised by the Tamil Nadu Information Department at []
Man Injured In Bear Attack In South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A man was injured in a bear attack in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Thursday. Quoting officials, news agency GNS reported that a bear attacked a person in Charward area of Luhor Gadool in Kokernag. The injured has been identified as Fayaz Ahmed Khan, son of Abdul Rehman Khan, resident of Luhor Gadool. He []
Amritsar (Punjab) [ September 17 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged his counterparts in Ladakh to seek written assurances from the Centre on their demands, citing the pending restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir despite earlier verbal commitments. Speaking to the media, Abdullah said the Centre had indicated that delimitation, elections and restoration of statehood would follow in sequence, but the final step remains pending. We were told that statehood would be restored to Jammu & Kashmir after the elections, but nothing was put in writing; assurances were given verballyeven in Parliament and the Supreme Court. It was stated that three steps would follow: first delimitation, then elections, and finally, the restoration of statehood. We accepted the delimitation process, and we held elections in which a significant number of people participated. Yet, the restoration of statehood remains pending for us, he said. The J-K CM also advised Ladakh, which is currently in talks with the Central government, not to rely on verbal assurances and instead seek them in writing. On the issue of UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) transaction charges, Abdullah said the charges would not be imposed on customers and that businesses facilitating the transactions would have to bear the cost. It won't apply to you or me; the businesses facilitating the transactions will have to bear it. Furthermore, the issued order explicitly states that this cost cannot be passed on to the customer, he said. Abdullah also said that no tax would be levied when individuals transfer money to each other through UPI. If you and I transfer money to each other, no tax will be levied on that either, he said. As for transactions under Rs 2,000which constitute the bulk of the businessthere are no merchant charges; for amounts exceeding Rs 2,000, there is a set limit. If large factories and merchants were to pay for it instead, I don't think anyone should have an objection, Abdullah added. The remarks came amid a political row over the revised UPI MDR framework announced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Under the framework, a 0.4 per cent MDR will apply to select Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, capped at Rs 300 per transaction. The framework is scheduled to come into effect from October 15, 2026. The Centre has maintained that MDR is neither a tax nor a charge collected by the government, but is distributed among participants in the digital payments ecosystem, including banks and payment application providers. (ANI)
Trump says Kennedy Center could be 'ripped down' if he doesn't get 'recognition'
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the Kennedy Center could close or be ripped down if his administration doesn't receive recognition on the performing artscenter as tensions over his name being removed mount. I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition. Because frankly, if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down, the president told reporters on the tarmac in North Carolina. Trump claimed that the Kennedy Center was a mess without his intervention and has lost 10s of millions of dollars, even hundreds of millions of dollars, comparing it to New York's Carnegie Hall. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Trump Travels To North Carolina Kennedy niece says Trump holding Kennedy Center 'hostage' amid battle over name The president's comments come after a federal judge on Tuesday blocked the performing arts center's board from adding a tribute to Trump on the building or site. He responded by saying he wouldn't spend congressionally approved funding for the center's renovation unless the building also bears his name. Congress last year appropriated $257 million for the renovation. About an hour after the judge's ruling Tuesday, the board, which is controlled by Trump appointees, voted to close the center immediately for renovations, citing safety concerns after a piece of plaster from the ceiling of the grand foyer fell during a heavy rainstorm earlier this month. Alex Brandon/AP Photo - PHOTO: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is seen from the air, Aug. 30, 2026, in Washington. 'Linguistic gymnastics': Judge blocks adding Trump tribute to Kennedy Center in scathing ruling On Tuesday, Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, said Trump threw a tantrum because he lost in court when discussing the Kennedy Center meeting. He wasn't pleased with it. He was very explicit with his words, and I responded equally as explicit. He is in contempt of court for what he's doing now in trying to just simply go over and close the Kennedy Center and to have people leave the center, Beatty told reporters on the House steps Tuesday night. Beatty said there was a heated debate during the meeting. On Wednesday, fencing was seen being installed around the main building's entrance. This article originally appeared on ABC News at https://abcnews.com/Politics/trump-kennedy-center-ripped-recognition/story?id=136513298
NHM Employees Extend Strike By 72 Hours From Sep 18 Across J
Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) on Thursday announced extension of its ongoing peaceful protest/strike by another 72 hours across the Union Territory. In a communication addressed to the Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, the association said the extended strike will commence from September 18, 2026. The association said []
Helping Divyangs visualise self-reliance is PM Modis big contribution: Padma Shri Kanubhai Tailor
Digital Desk | Surat, Sep 17 (IANS) Padma Shri and noted social worker Kanubhai Hasmukhbhai Tailor on Thursday greeted the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday and credited him for instilling a new sense of belief and confidence among the specially-abled people towards achieving their own livelihood and also self-reliance. Wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi a long life, the 72-year-old Kanubhai Tailor described him as a 'Krishna avatar.' He said that under PM Modi's leadership, the government and society have significantly changed their attitude towards disabled people, with the focus now shifting towards making them self-reliant rather than merely providing them with assistance. Kanubhai Tailor, speaking to IANS, said that before Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, most government and social assistance for disabled people was limited to food or financial aid. Prime Minister Modi changed this approach and emphasised making disabled people self-reliant through skills and employment. Kanubhai Hasmukhbhai said the idea should not be merely to give a disabled person a 'rotla' (bread), but to teach them how to make roti or bhakri (bread) so that they can earn a livelihood and support themselves and their families. He said this approach has boosted the self-confidence of disabled people and strengthened their dignity and respect in society. He said that in the past, a disabled child was often considered helpless or a burden on the family. Today, disabled people who earn through jobs or self-employment are contributing to their families' financial responsibilities. He cited this as an example of the change in self-respect among disabled people. He explained that the construction of an old-age home for disabled people in Bharuch, inaugurated on the occasion of Prime Minister Modi's birthday, is in its final stages, with around five per cent of the work remaining. Approximately Rs 28 crore has been spent on the project so far. He expressed hope that the old-age home would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its foundation stone was laid by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. His aim is to create a centre where disabled elderly people can live with dignity and have access to essential facilities. The government is also conducting programmes to assist disabled elderly people who lack adequate food and care. There are plans to provide government assistance to approximately 200 disabled people. Kanubhai Tailor stated that on the Prime Minister's birthday, his organisation will provide wheelchairs to 76 disabled people. His school also provides meals to children, while several social events are being organised to mark the Prime Minister's birthday. He said disabled people should be freed from the predicament of begging on footpaths or living at railway stations and should instead be given opportunities to live a life of dignity and self-reliance. Kanubhai described the Prime Minister's policies as an effort in this direction. Expressing his personal feelings for the Prime Minister, Kanubhai Tailor said that although he has no political connection, in his 72 years of life, he has never seen a person as dedicated as PM Narendra Modi. He prayed to God that the Prime Minister would live a long life and continue serving the nation for many years. Kanubhai said that it is also society's responsibility to promote a mindset that fosters respect and self-confidence among disabled people. Referring to the Prime Minister's long public life, from Chief Minister of Gujarat to Prime Minister of the country, he said that the shift in policy thinking in the field of disability welfare is particularly important to him. He emphasised that efforts should continue to make disabled individuals capable and respected members of society rather than treating them as objects of pity.
Two JeM Militants Killed in Udhampur Operation Identified
SRINAGAR: The two Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants killed during Operation Soan in Udhampur district have been identified as Saddam and Mustafa, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Thursday. In a post on X, the police said a cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain militants following the joint operation by security forces. []
Amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemens Houthi group, Pakistan has said it is ready to fulfil its obligations under the Makkah Defence Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Makkah, or Mecca, agreement...
PM Modi's birthday: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta donates blood, pledges organs
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday donated blood and pledged to donate her organs while launching an organ donation portal. The Chief Minister joined the blood donation camp and launched the portal as part of the 'Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan' launched to celebrate PM Modi's birthday and 25 years devoted to public service. Chief Minister Gupta pledged to donate 14 organs, including heart, liver, kidney, lungs and others. The portal was launched as part of an agreement between State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) to promote organ donation. In a messge on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said, On the occasion of the birthday of Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, I donated blood today at the mega blood donation camp organised at Thyagaraj Stadium under the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'. Inspired by Prime Minister Modiji's 25 years of public service, dedication, and nation-building, this campaign links service with resolve and resolve with public participation. Blood donation is not just a means to save lives; it is a powerful expression of our duty toward humanity and the nation, CM Gupta added. Heartfelt thanks to the Delhi team for turning this Seva Sankalp into a people's movement. On this occasion, Delhi BJP President and Minister of State Harsh Malhotra ji, Cabinet colleague Ashish Sood ji, Manjinder Singh Sirsa ji, Pankaj Kumar Singh ji, Ravindra Indraj ji, MLA from Laxmi Nagar and Chief Whip Abhay Verma ji, along with other MLAs, were present, she said on X. On the occasion of PM Modi's birthday, the Chief Minister also launched a worker service centre, offering a resting place to gig workers in her Shalimar Bagh constituency. In a message on X, Chief Minister Gupta said, On the occasion of the birthday of the esteemed Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, the inauguration of the 'Namo Shramik Seva Kendra' and Gig Workers Rest Centre was held today in Shalimar Bagh under the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'. The esteemed Prime Minister ji has always accorded the highest priority to the respect, safety, and welfare of the country's labourers. Inspired by his spirit of service, our endeavour is to ensure that every facility reaches Delhi's hardworking colleagues with dignity and ease, she added. At this centre, registration, renewal, document verification, information on schemes, and assistance related to claims will all be available at one place. Heartfelt wishes to all of you on the occasion of Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti. On this occasion, a large number of labourer brothers and sisters were present, including Cabinet colleague Kapil Mishra ji, the Chief Minister said.
Ganesh Visarjan: Essential Guidelines on Who Should Immerse Bappa and Who Should Avoid It
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 17 (IANS) Filmmaker and writer Luv Ranjan has opened up about launching newcomers in Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar. He described the experience as both challenging and exciting. Reflecting on the project, he said he did not want to let the opportunity pass when he got the chance to introduce fresh faces to audiences. Speaking about the same, Luv Ranjan said, Introducing newcomers is always a challenge, but its the one I genuinely look forward to. Fifteen years ago, I got that opportunity with Pyaar Ka Punchnama, and when something similar came along with Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, I knew I didnt want to let it pass. As a writer, creating a world for six new faces and watching them find their own rhythm within it was something I really enjoyed. When the people feel right, the story finds its own energy, and Im excited for audiences to meet them. The first poster of Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar was released on social media. Directed by debutant Anuj Saini, the film is a friendship-based comedy backed by Luv Films, known for its popular relationship stories. The film marks the acting debut of Alisha Chopra, Sparsh Walia, Sakshi Vaidya, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra, and Tushar Chhibber. Presented by Luv Films, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is directed by Anuj Saini. The film is slated to hit theatres on 23rd October.
HM Shah flags off Vadnagar to Varanasi bike yatra on PM Modis 76th birthday
Digital Desk | Vadnagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday flagged off the Vadnagar to Varanasi bike rally from Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthplace in Gujarat, launching a multi-state journey that will carry the message of his 25 years in public life to villages along the route. The rally was flagged off from Vadnagar as part of the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', being organised from September 17 to October 17 to mark PM Modis 76th birthday and his 25 years in public life. A parallel Varanasi to Vadnagar ride was also flagged off from PM Modis parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing the gathering before the flag-off, HM Shah said the Vadnagar-Varanasi journey would connect PM Modis birthplace with his karmabhoomi and take the message of his work to people across the country. The Vadnagar leg will pass through seven states. Around 300 bikers would leave Vadnagar, while another 300 would travel from Varanasi, taking the total number of participants in the two groups to 600. The riders will cover villages along the route and highlight PM Modis 25 years of public service, he said. The Home Minister said the journey would begin from the premises of the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadnagar and proceed towards Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. The BJP had earlier announced that the two simultaneous journeys would culminate on October 7, the date on which PM Modi became Gujarat chief minister in 2001. The wider campaign has been planned as a nationwide outreach programme, with activities including service initiatives, public programmes and events highlighting PM Modis political journey. The bike campaign said the twin routes would together cover about 40,000 km, passing through 193 districts and 1,159 villages, with the wider network spanning 10 states. At the Vadnagar event, HM Shah said the purpose of the ride was to take account of PM Modis work beyond cities and reach people in villages. He said the campaign is also intended to familiarise younger generations with PM Modis political journey. Today is Modi jis birthday, but October 7 is the day on which he will complete 25 years as the chief minister of the state and the Prime Minister of the country, Shah said. The flag-off followed a programme at Vadnagar that included a Maha Aarti at Sharmishtha Lake, a foot march and the launch of a cleanliness campaign. HM Shah had earlier offered prayers at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple and wished PM Modi a long and healthy life. The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being conducted across the country during the month-long period, with BJP units organising various public-service and outreach activities.
Jharkhand High Court Orders IT Expert to Address Technical Issues in Secondary Teacher Exam
Jharkhand High Court summons IT expert over technical issues preventing candidates from downloading response sheets for teacher exam. Jharkhand High Court Orders IT Expert to Address Technical Issues in Secondary Teacher Exam
Premanand Ji Maharaj Reveals the 28 Sacred Names of Radha Rani That Fulfill Every Desire
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Pays Tribute to Late Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu
CM Hemant Soren honors late minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu in Giridih, expressing deep sorrow over his untimely passing. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Pays Tribute to Late Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu
The Central agency says Saifullah is a key figure in the terror outfits operations and has remained active for over two decades; he is linked to last years Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed
NHM employees extend strike by 72 hours from Sep 18 across J&K
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA), Joint Coordination Committee on behalf of the NHM employees of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday extended its ongoing peaceful strike for a further period of 72 hours, commencing from September 18, 2026, across Jammu and Kashmir. In a communication, the Association said that the extension has been necessitated due to the continued pendency of the Associations long-standing and legitimate demands and the absence of a concrete, time-bound resolution to the issues raised before the competent authorities. The Association reiterated that the protest/strike shall remain completely peaceful, democratic and constitutional, and all participating employees shall maintain discipline and uphold public order. The Association remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement and sincerely hopes that the government will initiate meaningful and time-bound measures for resolution of the genuine grievances of NHM employees, the communication reads.
Puravankara secures 4.68-acre redevelopment project in Goregaon West, Mumbai
With estimated gross development value of Rs 2,600 cr
Jain Irrigation secures water pumping systems project of Rs 117.96 cr
From MSEDCL
PM Modis birthday to be celebrated as Annapurna Divas in West Bengal every year: CM Suvendu Adhikari
India firmly committed to Bhutan's progress: EAM Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu. He conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reaffirmed India's commitment. Jaishankar handed over fifty-four electric vehicles to support Bhutan's sustainability goals. Discussions focused on development, energy, trade, and cultural cooperation between the nations. The minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for key development projects.
Former Tripura CM Biplab Deb donates blood as mega camp marks PM Modi's birthday in Agartala
A mega blood donation camp was organised in Agartala as part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'(Service Pledge Campaign) launched by the BJP to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary and former Chief Minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, visited the camp, donated blood himself, and encouraged the blood donors.
