Will Break Chains Around Me on November 3: MP Ruhullah
SRINAGAR: Srinagar MP Agha Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday described November 3 as the point when he would break those chains and free himself, in his clearest indication yet of a political break from the present National Conference leadership and of a possible new political course after that date. First let me free myself from []
Aga Ruhullah Hits Back At Sakeena Itoo Over Omar Abdullah Poll Remarks
Srinagar: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has rejected the remarks made by cabinet colleague Sakina Itoo regarding Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs poll prospects, saying such statements couldnt have been made in the right perspective. Ruhullah, reacting to Itoos comments, said that his stand on issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains []
Nanda CC Hajin lifts Kilo Force T20 Cricket Trophy
Bandipora: Nanda Cricket Club (CC) Hajin on Saturday lifted the Kilo Force T20 Cricket Trophy after defeating Naidkhai Cricket Club in the final of a cricket tournament organised by the Manasbal Battalion of the Indian Army at Poshwari playground. The tournament witnessed participation of around 16 teams from different villages, providing local youth an opportunity []
Ladakh Wildlife Board Rejects Report on Boundaries of Three Protected Areas
SRINAGAR: The Ladakh State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) has rejected a sub-committee report on the proposed final boundaries of three protected areas, directing that the rights and claims of local communities be settled through public hearings within two months. The decision was taken at the 16th meeting of the newly constituted SBWL, chaired by Lieutenant []
NIA searches 10 locations across J
Srinagar/New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at 10 locations across Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and Sopore in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy involving Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handlers and their alleged network of local Over Ground Workers (OGWs). In a statement , an NIA spokesperson said the searches were conducted []
NIA searches 10 locations across J&K in LeT-linked terror case
Srinagar, Sept 12 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at 10 locations across Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and Sopore in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy involving Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handlers and their alleged network of local Over Ground Workers (OGWs). In a statement issued to the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), an NIA spokesperson said the searches were conducted to unearth further evidence related to the conspiracy and ascertain the roles of individuals providing logistical and other support to infiltrated terrorists. The spokesperson said the case, initially registered as FIR No. 0024/2026 at Police Station Zakoora, Srinagar, was subsequently re-registered by the NIA as RC-02/2026/NIA/JMU under Section 23 of the UA(P) Act, 1967, Sections 7 and 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, and Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. He said the investigation commenced following the arrest of an OGW associated with LeT during the late-night hours of March 31, 2026, at a naka point, from whose possession a hand grenade and live ammunition were recovered. Further investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Pakistani nationals linked to the conspiracy and revealed the identities and suspected roles of members of the local support network, he said. The spokesperson said the investigation had so far revealed linkages between Pakistan-based LeT handlers and their local associates, who were allegedly being used for communication, movement and concealment of infiltrated terrorists, provision of shelter, reconnaissance and other logistical support. NIA is also examining the financial trail, communication channels, movement of the accused, and the source and supply chain of arms and explosives, with a view to establishing the complete network and uncovering the extent of its activities, he said. He said the searches were part of the NIAs continuing investigation into the larger conspiracy and the support mechanism facilitating cross-border terrorism. During the searches, further incriminating material relevant to the case was seized and secured, which is being examined and corroborated with other evidence collected during the investigation, he said. The spokesperson said the NIA continues its investigation to identify all persons involved in the conspiracy and establish their respective roles. Further legal action, including arrests and recoveries, may follow subject to the outcome of the investigation.(KNO)
Hailstorm, Heavy Rain Damage Paddy Crops in Parts of Central Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A sudden hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall damaged standing paddy crops in several parts of Ganderbal district between Friday night and Saturday, while a severe hailstorm also struck villages in and around Kunzer and Tangmarg in north Kashmir overnight. According to local farmers, paddy fields in Malikpora, Pati Devpora, Gogjigund, Kurag and Sehpora were []
Coming of age of BRICS: PM Modi calls for tangible outcomes under India's chairship
New Delhi , September 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday officially opened the BRICS Summit 2026. Addressing the summit the Prime Minister called for tangible outcomes, stating that BRICS nations respect each other's perspectives and move forward through consensus. As BRICS completed its 20 years, PM Modi said that called for a moment of coming of age, calling for maturity and responsibility. Addressing the BRICS Summit 2026 under Indias chairship, PM Modi expressed gratitude towards the group for their support. He said, I am delighted to welcome you all to India. Indias chairship is based on a people-centric and humanity-first approach. Resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability have been our priority. Special emphasis has been placed on connecting BRICS with the general public. With this vision in mind, over 350 meetings were organised. We had the opportunity to welcome your teams in nearly 30 cities. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for making India's presidency a success. This year's BRICS summit marks a historic milestone. We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of BRICS. In human life, the age of twenty heralds the beginning of a new phase of maturity and responsibility. This is the stage where responsibility aligns with aspirations, and potential finds a new direction. Today, BRICS, too, is at a moment of coming of age. Over the past two decades, BRICS has carved out a distinct identity for itself. We respect each other's perspectives and move forward through consensus. Our approach is not one of opposition to anyone, but rather of taking everyone along. Now is the time for us to translate the unity and consensus within BRICS into tangible outcomes on the global stage, the Prime Minister added. Prime Minister Modi called on BRICS nations to chart out a new and ambitious agenda for the next 20 years and set the course for global reform We need to work on a new and ambitious agenda for the next 20 years. We must begin this process with our own internal working systems. While the BRICS presidency rotates annually, this should not disrupt our institutional momentum. I propose the establishment of a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism. This would enable the follow-up of all initiatives and outcomes through the 'Troika' arrangement. We could also create a secure digital repository to record the nodal point, timeframe, and implementation status associated with every decision, he said While strengthening BRICS, we must also chart a course for global reform. The current structure of global governance resembles a pyramid: power and decision-making are concentrated at the top, while the lower tiers consist of nations that are affected by these decisions yet unable to shape them, he added. Meanwhile, in a major diplomatic breakthrough a joint statement will be issued by the BRICS nations during the summit today.BRICS countries have reached consensus on a Joint Statement after intensive negotiations that continued until 4 AM on Saturday. The negotiations saw differences on several contentious issues. India led sustained consultations to bridge competing positions and build consensus among members. The breakthrough assumes particular significance given that Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are all part of the same forum, despite deep differences and competing positions on several regional and geopolitical issues. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and heightened tensions in West Asia, securing consensus among countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE presented a particularly complex diplomatic challenge. Indias diplomatic prowess ensured that these differences did not derail the BRICS process, paving the way for a consensus Joint Statement despite sharply divergent geopolitical positions among member countries.
Health Minister Warns NHM Workers of Action, Urges Them to End Strike
SRINAGAR: Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday warned that the Jammu and Kashmir Government could be forced to take action if National Health Mission (NHM) workers continued their protest, while urging the employees to return to duty. Itoo said the government did not want to take such a step, but the continued absence of NHM []
LEH, Sept 12: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has directed completion within two months of the settlement of rights and claims of local communities in three protected areas of Ladakh, after the State Board for Wildlife rejected the report of a sub-committee on finalisation of their boundaries. The direction was issued at the 16th meeting [] The post State Board For Wildlife Rejects Report Of Sub-Committee On Settlement Of Boundaries In Protected Areas Of Ladakh appeared first on Northlines .
Was the Tata Sumo More Than a Vehicle for a Generation in Kashmir?
by Zubair Lone The Tata Sumo became Kashmirs people mover, connecting students, patients, workers and families while quietly transforming mobility across the region While on a guided tour of their Skill Development Centre, I spotted a chassis sitting on the shop floor. It looked modern yet strangely retro. Something about its proportions, the ladder frame []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Fixes Seven-Day Deadline for Eight Online Services
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has fixed a maximum period of seven working days for conducting field inspections related to eight online services under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) of the Housing and Urban Development Department. The timeline will be counted from the date an inspection is scheduled or an application is received []
Candidate Declines Appointment as Deputy Medical Superintendent at GMC Srinagar
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accepted the unwillingness of Dr Shaista Ganai to take up the post of Deputy Medical Superintendent at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, and treated her recommendation for the position as not considered. The decision was issued through Government Order No. 685-JK(HME) of 2026, dated September 10, by the []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Assigns Additional Charge of CEO, UDAK to JKAS Officer
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has assigned the additional charge of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Urban Development Agency, Kashmir (UDAK), to JKAS officer Raj Mohammad According to Government Order No. 190-JK(HUD) of 2026, issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department on September 10, Raj Mohammad, Director, Land Management, Srinagar Development Authority, will look []
BRICS Summit: Xi Jinping begins first India visit in 7 years
NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping began a two-day visit to New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit on Saturday, marking his first trip to India in seven years and signalling a key opportunity to normalise bilateral ties through expansion of trade and investment ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host President Xi for bilateral []
Dubai Job Promise: North Kashmir Resident Alleges Fraud
SRINAGAR: A resident of north Kashmirs Baramulla district has alleged that he was duped of money by an agent from Rafiabad on the promise of securing him a job in Dubai. Speaking to a local news channel, Fayaz alleged that he paid Rs 1.10 lakh to the agent after being assured of employment in Dubai. []
New Delhi , September 12 : Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS summit. The Chinese President will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today. On arrival, Xi received a warm welcome with a cultural troupe from the North East and other Indian states putting up a classical dance performances. The Chinese President Xi's entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese news agency said. According to a Xinhua report, Xi Jinping is expected to advance proposals on Global South cooperation at the BRICS summit much as he did during the SCO Summit in Bishkek. The report stated that both groupings -- BRICS and SCO -- have expanded their membership and networks of developing partners. Their members together represent more than half of the worlds population and about 30 per cent of the global economy. The editorial noted that this year marks the 25th founding anniversary of the SCO and the 20th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism. Over the years, both groupings have expanded their membership and networks of developing partners. Xi has backed the expansion of both groupings and introduced initiatives including the BRICS Plus cooperation approach and the concept of building an SCO community with a shared future. At the SCO summit, XI called for stronger cooperation among countries of the Global South. The Chinese president said the SCO takes root in the Global South, its heart beats with the Global South, and it is an important pillar of South-South cooperation while noting that BRICS was standing at the forefront of the Global South. Emphasising Beijing's commitment to building a constructive relationship with New Delhi, Ambassador Xu Feihong stated that China intends to follow the framework established by both heads of state. China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed, the envoy said. Xi's visit is particularly significant, as it would mark his first trip to India since his informal meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Mamallapuram in 2019 for the 2nd India-China Informal Summit. The visit also comes against the backdrop of efforts by the two sides to stabilise bilateral ties following years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control. BRICS has emerged as a key platform for coordinating economic policy among major emerging economies. It serves as the principal forum where these nations shape a common position on global governance. Through sustained dialogue, it has become a channel for advancing the interests of the Global South within multilateral institutions. Its agenda spans development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges. The grouping reflects the growing economic weight and aspirations of emerging economies globally. It provides members with a platform to share experiences and address common challenges. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu meets Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in Delhi
New Delhi , September 12: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. The meeting comes against the backdrop of Pezeshkians visit to India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, continuing discussions from their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship, with PM Modi thanking Iran for its regular, high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings despite challenging circumstances. Prime Minister Modi also thanked Pezeshkian for participating in the Leaders' Session of the BRICS Business Forum and noted the potential of BRICS to build resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability among countries of the Global South. The two leaders exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia. PM Modi reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce and the safety and well-being of seafarers, according to the MEA. In a post on X, PM Modi described the meeting as a continuation of the productive discussions held in Bishkek. From Bishkek to Delhi, the productive discussions continue. Happy to have met Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran. This visit is more special because it is his first visit to India. We talked about the India-Iran friendship. We believe that we should move forward with a long-term and win-win strategy. The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. India remains steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace, the Prime Minister said. The two leaders also discussed Iran's participation in BRICS, with the Prime Minister appreciating continued cooperation between the two sides on issues of mutual interest in multilateral organisations, including BRICS. Iran, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and UAE, became a full member of BRICS from January 2024.
Police Raid 20 Waghama Locations, Pick Up 13 Suspected Peddlers
SRINAGAR, Sep 12: Police in Anantnag district on Saturday launched a major anti-narcotics operation at 20 locations in Waghama, identified as a drug hotspot, picking up 13 suspected drug peddlers for questioning and further legal action. The coordinated Narco Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was aimed at identifying and dismantling the local network allegedly involved [] The post Police Raid 20 Waghama Locations, Pick Up 13 Suspected Peddlers appeared first on Northlines .
JeM terrorists remains, M4 rifle recovered in Doda
Doda, Sept 12 : Security forces on Saturday recovered the decomposed remains of a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist along with an M4 rifle in the Divshetar area of Seoj Dhar in Doda district, officials said. A senior police officer told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that locals reported the sighting of a suspected decomposed body along with an M4 rifle in the general area of Divshetar on Saturday. Security forces have reached the area and are conducting further investigation to ascertain the identity of the deceased and establish other relevant details, the officer said. Meanwhile, J&K Police, in a post on X, said that SOG Doda, Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and CRPF retrieved the remains of a Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who had been neutralised earlier in a joint operation. You Can Run But You Cant Hide! the police said, adding that a night-enabled M4 rifle was also recovered.(KNO) Further Details Awaited.
Congress leader Harish Rawat Quits Party Posts After ED Seizes Cash, Jewellery From Aide
DEHRADUN, Sep 12: Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Congress leader Harish Rawat on Saturday announced his decision to step down from all party posts after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recovered cash, jewellery and luxury watches from the residence of his personal assistant. The ED seized Rs 32 lakh in cash and a dozen luxury wristwatches [] The post Congress leader Harish Rawat Quits Party Posts After ED Seizes Cash, Jewellery From Aide appeared first on Northlines .
Terror Probe: NIA Raids Multiple Locations Across Kashmir
SRINAGAR, Sep 12: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at multiple locations across Kashmir as part of its ongoing probe into a terror-related case, officials said. The raids were carried out at several locations in Kulgam and Bandipora districts and in the Sopore area of Baramulla district, they said. NIA teams carried [] The post Terror Probe: NIA Raids Multiple Locations Across Kashmir appeared first on Northlines .
CBI Nabs CGST Officer, Consultant In
NEW DELHI, Sep 12: The CBI has arrested a Superintendent in the office of the Commissioner of CGST and Central Excise and a CGST consultant in connection with an alleged 1-crore bribe case, officials said. The agency acted after registering an FIR on Wednesday on the complaint of the project head of a private realty [] The post CBI Nabs CGST Officer, Consultant In 1-Crore Bribe Case appeared first on Northlines .
Hafiz Saeed In Pakistan, NIA Tells Jammu Court; Secures 2nd Non-Bailable Warrant
Jammu, Sep 12: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed, Indias most-wanted terrorist, is in Pakistan, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) told a Special Court in Jammu while seeking and securing a second non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him in two months in a terror case linked to the supply of weapons, funds and directions to terror groups [] The post Hafiz Saeed In Pakistan, NIA Tells Jammu Court; Secures 2nd Non-Bailable Warrant appeared first on Northlines .
SIA raids 3 locations in Poonch, Udhampur
Poonch, Sept 12 : The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday conducted searches at three locations in Poonch and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. An official said that SIA teams carried out searches in Mandi and Surankote areas of Poonch district and Ramnagar in Udhampur district. The official said that in Mandi, the SIA team searched the residential premises at Cheela Dhangri. Further details about the searches and the case in connection with which they were conducted are awaited.(KNO)
Despite a monthly income of 2.5 lakh, a Bengaluru professional finds himself under financial pressure due to hefty EMIs and credit card payments. His prior spending on renovations and a wedding has accumulated significant debt. Financial advisors propose establishing boundaries to manage his finances more effectively. In search of relief, he aims to secure a higher-paying job to improve his cash flow.
13 Suspected Drug Peddlers Picked Up During CASO in South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Thirteen suspected drug peddlers were picked up for questioning during a cordon and search operation conducted at 20 locations in Waghama area of south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Saturday, police said. The operation was carried out as part of intensified action against drug peddling and was aimed at identifying and disrupting local networks allegedly []
Police picks up 13 suspected drug peddlers in CASO at 20 locations in Anantnag
Anantnag: Anantnag Police on Saturday conducted a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at 20 locations in the Waghama area of the district as part of an intensified crackdown on drug peddling, officials said. An official said that 13 suspected drug peddlers were picked up for questioning during the coordinated operation. He said the operation was []
Search for Drowned Minor Boy Enters Third Day in North Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A search operation to trace and retrieve the body of a nine-year-old boy who reportedly drowned in Madhumati Nalla in Bandipora entered its third consecutive day on Saturday, with teams continuing efforts at the site. The boy has been identified as Moomin Ahmad, a resident of Ganie Mohalla in Kuloosa, Bandipora. He reportedly drowned []
New Delhi , September 12: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday lashed out at the US and Israel over the war that started in February this year and accused them of trying to bully Iran. He said Iran will never surrender and will push back. Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi earlier on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. The Iranian President, who addressed Indian religious leaders, intellectuals and business leaders on Friday evening, said Iran has been able to successfully stand against Israel and the United States at the same time. They want to bully us, and we do not want to be bullied. We never kneel down before them. If they push us, we push back. They claim that they are advocates of human rights. In truth, they are the devils who are the true terrorists, because they killed 168 schoolchildren in one instant, thanks to their modern technologies. You call us terrorists? What about you, who kill human beings, bomb scientists, and attack schools and hospitals? he said, according to translation of his speech by a translator. If you are man enough, just fight the soldiers, the military people. Why do you target infrastructure and people's livelihoods?... The people of Iran will not surrender. We believe in human values, and we believe that all who liveall humanityenjoy equal rights, he added, according to the translator. Iran and the US traded strikes earlier this week. Iran said it launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting Jordan on Wednesday, hitting the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base used by American forces, following an earlier US military attack on Iranian vessels. In an official statement reported by the state-backed IRNA news agency, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced that they struck the American Al-Azraq base in Jordan with heavy missile strikes as part of a designated punitive operation. Shortly after the barrage, the Jordanian military announced that its air defence network intercepted and neutralised the incoming projectiles. According to an official army statement, Jordan's defence systems detected 20 incoming ballistic missiles, successfully destroying 18 of them, while two impacted unpopulated terrain. The escalation followed actions by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which confirmed that American forces targeted five Iranian tankers connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Tuesday, September 8. The action came in retaliation against repeated missile assaults directed at a US Navy warship over the preceding 48 hours. CENTCOM specified that US assets struck four crude oil carriers situated in the Gulf of Oman alongside a fifth vessel near Kharg Island inside the Persian Gulf. In his remarks at the event in the national capital, Representative of Irans Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, compared Iran and India to being like two rivers contributing to the sea of kindness and civilisation. India and Iran are located in two different territories. However, in the geography of culture and history, they are pages of the same booktwo rivers that are from the same origin, which have, for centuries, been contributing to the sea of kindness and civilisation...Therefore, when were talking about Iran and India, were not just talking about two geographies. We are actually talking about two huge branches of the same strong civilization, he said. Ambassador of Iran to India, Mohammad Fathali, pointed to the shared history between the two countries. What is important for us is that we, as the Islamic Republic of Iran, have a long historical relationship with India, and it is deeply rooted in history. This has provided ground for the development of activities in other areas as well. During the past several months, we have been attacked by the cowardly US and the fascist regime. We have lost great people, the Ambassador said.
NIA Conducts Searches at Multiple Locations in Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 12 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at multiple locations across Kashmir in connection with a case, officials said. The search operations were carried out in Kulgam, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts, they said. The NIA teams were assisted by local police and security personnel during the searches, an official said. Further details are awaited, the official added. (KNS)
NIA raids multiple locations across Kashmir
Srinagar, Sept 12: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted search operations at multiple locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation, officials said. An official said that the searches were carried out at several locations in Kulgam, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts. The NIA teams were assisted by local police and security personnel during the search operations, the official said. Further details regarding the searches and the case are awaited. (KNO)
NIA Carries Out Raids at Multiple Locations in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted search operations at seven locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation, officials said. An official said that the searches were carried out at two locations in Kulgam, three in Bandipora and two in Sopore. The official said the NIA teams were assisted by local []
PCC President Karra Hits Back at CM Omar Over Jail Remark
SRINAGAR: Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra has hit back at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his remarks questioning whether the Congress expected people in Kashmir to go to jail over the national song, saying the issue concerned the JK government and not the public. Omar Abdullah Sahibs comment is detached from reality and []
Xi Jinping leaves for New Delhi for BRICS Summit, to hold talks with Modi
This is President Xi's first visit to India in nearly seven years
DG YSS kick-starts UT Level Boxing Competitions at Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 11: Director General Youth Services & Sports J&K Anuradha Gupta on Friday kick started the Inter-District UT Level Boxing Competitions at the Indoor Sports Complex, Wazir Bagh, here. Deputy Director Planning YSS, Megha Baogia, accompanied her. 14 districts of the UT of J&K, consisting of 279 boys of all age groups along with 52 technical officials, have reported to participate in the competition. The first phase of the boys competitions for all age groups commenced today and is scheduled to culminate on 13th September 2026. Before the commencement of the competition DG YSS administered a pledge reaffirming drug de-addiction among the youths and young athletes. The initiative shows the departments ongoing commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, discipline, and sportsmanship among young participants. The competition is being hosted by District Youth Services & Sports Office Srinagar under the Compaign Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan. The DYSSO Srinagar has put forth all the necessary facilities for the participating athletes, technical officials and escort teachers to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. The inaugural boxing bout of the competition was played between Ramban and Rajouri, marking the beginning of the UT-level sporting contest. The participation of athletes from 14 districts is expected to provide a competitive platform for young boxers to demonstrate their skills, determination and sporting talent. The UT-level competition is also aimed at providing young athletes with valuable exposure to higher-level competition while strengthening the sporting culture across Jammu & Kashmir. The event brings together players, technical officials and escort teachers from different districts on a common platform and provides an opportunity for promising boxers to showcase their abilities.
IIPA J&K Chapter honours Dr. Shahid Ali Khan
Srinagar, Sep 11: The Jammu & Kashmir Regional Branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) honoured Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, Department of Students Welfare, University of Kashmir, with an Award of Appreciation and a Citation of Acknowledgement for his more than two decades of association with IIPA and his sustained contribution to youth engagement through debating, public speaking and democratic discourse. The honour was presented by Honble Vice Chancellor, KU Prof. Nilofer Khan and Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, during the valedictory and prize distribution ceremony of the Annual IIPA Debate2026 at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir. The recognition acknowledged the longstanding efforts of Dr. Shahid Khan in mobilising and mentoring young people, promoting debating and public-speaking skills and strengthening the IIPA Debate tradition at the KU. Over the years, he has created platforms enabling students to research, think critically, articulate their views and engage in respectful debate. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. G. N. Qasba, Vice Chairperson, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, appreciated the longstanding association of Dr. Shahid with IIPA and his sustained efforts to promote its youth-oriented activities. He acknowledged his contribution in keeping the IIPA Debate tradition alive at the University of Kashmir and connecting generations of students with opportunities to develop confidence and engage in meaningful democratic discourse. Dr. Shahid Ali Khan expressed gratitude to IIPA J&K Regional Branch and the University of Kashmir for the honour, describing it as a recognition of the collective efforts of students, teachers and mentors. He said that young people need platforms to express their views, develop confidence and learn to research, reason and engage in respectful debate.
SKUAST-J concludes 3-day agribusiness branding training
Jammu, Sep 11: The Krishi Branding Centre (KBC), SKUAST-J ABI Foundation, successfully concluded a three-day training programme entitled Building Agribusiness Value: Transforming Farms into Fortune through Branding & Packaging, organized from Sep 9-11, 2026 under HADP Project No. 04 Strengthening Agricultural Marketing in the Union Territory of J&K. The programme was organized under the able guidance of Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, and the leadership of Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, Director, SKUAST-J ABI Foundation and Principal Investigator, Krishi Branding Centre. The training programme brought together participants from various RBSHs, Chairmen of various FPOs, FPO members and progressive farmer-entrepreneurs with the objective of strengthening their understanding of branding, packaging, value addition and market-oriented agribusiness development. The key objectives of the programme included enabling farmers, FPOs and agripreneurs to develop distinct, attractive and market-oriented brand identities; creating awareness regarding Intellectual Property Rights like trademark registration, AGMARK, FSSAI etc. Prof. Jyoti Kachroo delivered practice-oriented sessions on the role of the Krishi Branding Centre in strengthening agricultural marketing in J&K, with special emphasis on the contribution of SKUAST-J ABI Foundation towards sustainable agri-entrepreneurship and innovation in packaging for agricultural and allied products. She also apprised the participants about the incubation and mentorship support available through the Agri-Business Incubation Centre, SKUAST-J ABI Foundation. As part of the experiential learning component, a half-day Industrial Exposure Visit to Jammu & Kashmir Milk Producers Co-operative Ltd. (JKMPCL), Satwari, Jammu, was also organized on the theme: From Farm to Brand to Market: Industrial Exposure to Processing, Branding, Packaging, Quality Assurance, Value Addition and Marketing. The industrial visit provided participants with valuable first-hand exposure to the dairy value chain, particularly the processes involved in milk procurement, processing, quality assurance, value addition, packaging, branding and marketing. The programme concluded with a valedictory session and distribution of certificates to the participants. The Krishi Branding Centre, in collaboration with the Agri-Business Incubation Centre, SKUAST-J ABI Foundation, continues to play a pivotal role in promoting agribusiness development by fostering branding, innovation, entrepreneurship, value addition and market linkages. Through its continued engagement with departments, FPOs, RBSHs, farmers and grassroots enterprises, KBC is contributing towards creating a stronger and more competitive agricultural marketing ecosystem and transforming Jammu & Kashmir into a vibrant hub of rural entrepreneurship, value-added agriculture and sustainable agribusiness.
Symposium on road safety held at GHSS Boys Rajouri
Rajouri, Sep 11: Traffic Police Rural Jammu, in collaboration with Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School Rajouri on Friday organized a symposium on the topic Right to mobility comes with the responsibility to follow Traffic rules, here at the school premises. The event formed part of ongoing 02-week Awareness -cum-Enforcement Drive against traffic violations involving two-wheelers. As many as 600 students and 60 teachers participated in the programme. At the outset, the Principal of the School Mohammad Muslim Wani welcomed the SSP and other guests. The stage proceedings were conducted by Sr. Lecturer Fazal Hussain. Dy-SP Traffic Rajouri-Poonch Ajaz Ahmed highlighted the broad idea behind holding the drive, which he said was to generate awareness about road safety, promote responsible road-user behaviour and foster a strong sense of responsibility towards preventing road accidents and saving lives among students and the community. He urged the students to become ambassadors of road safety and contribute actively towards creating safer roads and communities. Interacting with the students, the SSP discussed the prevailing scenario of road accidents and their major causes. He emphasized the importance of observing traffic rules, responsible driving and developing a strong sense of civic responsibility among young people. He gave a presentation, protecting the local accident data which formed the basis for initiating this drive. As per the presentation, 699 accidents have taken place between January to July, 2026 in the four Districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Kathua in which 88 persons were killed and 1001 were injured. However, an alarming trend is the fact that out of 699 accidents, 309 i.e. 44% are those in which two-wheelers are involved. Further, out of 88 dead, 39 are those who were either driving or riding a two-wheeler. Moreover, 27% of the victims are below 25 years of age. The SSP also shared a personal connection with the institution, being an alumnus of Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School Rajouri. Recalling his association with the school, he said that returning to his alma mater in the capacity of SSP Traffic Rural Jammu was a matter of pride and added significance to the road-safety awareness initiative. He encouraged the students to uphold the values of discipline and responsibility associated with their institution and to become ambassadors of road safety in their families and communities The symposium was judged by a panel comprising Uma Gupta (Sr. Lecturer), Subash Sharma (Sr. Lecturer) and Amir Choudhary (Physical Education Lecturer), who evaluated the performances of the participating students. The School Principal stressed the need for greater youth engagement in promoting road safety awareness. He underscored that road safety is a shared responsibility and called upon students to follow traffic rules diligently and encourage others to do the same. Muneer Zabar, Mohd Owais and Sohail Murtaza secured the first, second and third positions, respectively. The winners were felicitated with mementos in recognition of their outstanding performances by SSP Traffic Rural Jammu. Besides, mementos were also presented to the Principal and Jury members in recognition of their gracious support in organizing the programme. Moreover, road counselling sessions were also held at different locations for two-wheeler riders without enforcing challans. In a unique initiative, two wheelers riders were stopped and made to sit in a canopy where officers of Traffic Police sensitized them about the need for road safety, in particular reference to the local data. People appreciated this idea where rather than enforcing challans a violator, they were made aware about road safety. The successful conduct of the symposium and road counseling sessions reflected the commitment of Traffic Police Rural Jammu towards fostering road safety awareness, creating civic responsibility and ensuring meaningful youth participation in matters of road safety, along with Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School Rajouri.
KU training stresses stronger laboratory standards in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 11: A five-day NABL Assessor Training Programme (ISO 15189:2022) on Strengthening Medical Laboratory Quality Assurance in J&K concluded at University of Kashmir (KU) on Friday, highlighting the need for quality assurance, standardisation and professional competence in medical laboratories. The programme was organised by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, KU, in collaboration with the State Allied and Healthcare Council, J&K, and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Quality Council of India (QCI). It aimed to strengthen professional understanding of ISO 15189:2022 and laboratory assessment and accreditation processes. While presiding over the valedictory-cum-ceremonial session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof Nilofer Khan, said quality laboratory systems are critical to accurate clinical diagnosis and effective patient care. She said such specialised training programmes help build professional competence and promote a culture of quality in healthcare. Consistency, quality and adherence to recognised standards are crucial to reliable laboratory practices, Prof Khan said, adding that the University would continue to promote collaborations and capacity-building initiatives with wider societal relevance. Director SKIMS, Prof. Mohd Ashraf Ganie in his remarks stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in strengthening clinical and paramedical care. He called for well-equipped laboratories, skilled human resources and stringent protocols, while underlining the importance of human judgement alongside technological interventions. Speaking on the occasion Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof Sharieffuddin Pirzada, and Dean Research, KU, Prof. Bashir A. Ganaie, emphasised quality-driven training and stronger linkages among universities, healthcare institutions and research organisations. They underlined the need to translate institutional collaborations into better professional practices and move from compliance towards sustained commitment to quality. In their remarks Principal, GMC Srinagar and Dean, School of Medicine and School of Allied Sciences, University of Kashmir, Prof. (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah, and Dean, School of Biological Sciences, KU, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad, highlighted the importance of accurate clinical findings in diagnosis and patient care. They said specialised academic and training initiatives can strengthen professional capacities and contribute to better healthcare outcomes. Chairperson, State Allied and Healthcare Council, J&K, Dr Sabhiya Majid, highlighted the Councils role in capacity-building of allied healthcare institutions, while Dr Ritu Kulshrestha, Joint Director, NABL-QCI, presented a brief report of the five-day programme and outlined its major components and outcomes. Earlier, Head, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, KU, Dr Tanveer Ali Dar, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the significance of the initiative. Prof. Fouzia Rashid, Organising Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks, while Beenish Shakeel conducted the proceedings of the valedictory session. Medical laboratory faculty, laboratory professionals and technologists participated in the programme, which covered ISO 15189 requirements, assessment techniques, documentation, on-site assessment, evaluation of technical competence and reporting of non-conformities.
Bgam begins training on eye screening of school children
Budgam, Sep 11: The District Administration Budgam today started the training programmes for school-level screening facilitators as part of the district-wide Childrens Eye Health Programme in partnership with Health Department, Education and Nayonika Eye care. The programme aims to equip screening facilitators with the necessary skills to conduct preliminary eye screening of students at the school level, enabling early identification and timely referral of children with vision-related problems. Under the program basic screening is being done in schools to identify kids with difficulties in eye sight. And then detailed tests and diagnosis at Sub District Hospitals and District Hospital. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, emphasised the crucial role of school-level screeners in early identification of health and learning-related difficulties among children. Asserting on screening of all school children, the Deputy Commissioner said that the timely detection of vision problems can significantly improve childrens participation in classroom learning and educational activities. Launched in collaboration with Nayonika Eye Care Charitable Trust and Help Foundation J&K, the initiative envisages screening around 1.67 lakh students across 917 schools in the district. During the training, teachers were sensitised on the correct use of the Snellen Eye Chart, screening procedures, recording of observations and referral of students requiring further assessment to Sub-District and District Hospitals. Students identified with suspected vision problems will be referred to concerned District and Sub-District hospitals for rescreening and detailed examination. Those requiring spectacles will be provided eyeglasses free of cost, while cases requiring specialised or surgical treatment will be facilitated at GMCs and other tertiary-care eye hospitals. The programme was attended by ADDC Budgam Vivek Agarwal, CMO, CEO, ZEOs and School wise screening facilitators, and representatives from Nayonika eye care and other collaborating organisations.
Dulloo reviews framework for UT-level PMG
Srinagar, Sep 11: Jammu & Kashmir is set to establish a dedicated Project Monitoring Group (JK-PMG) on the lines of the National Project Monitoring Group (PMG) to ensure high-level monitoring of mega developmental projects and facilitate smooth, coordinated resolution of bottlenecks affecting their execution. The institutional framework for replicating the national mechanism in the UT was presented before Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, by representatives of the National PMG. The proposed system is aimed at strengthening project oversight, improving inter-departmental coordination and ensuring timely intervention in matters involving land acquisition, statutory clearances, construction approvals and other implementation-related issues. While speaking the Chief Secretary maintained that we should leverage technology to move from periodic status reporting to real-time, milestone-based project monitoring. He exuded hope that this comprehensive digital platform will enable us to track progress, identify critical gaps and take informed decisions based on reliable data. He further observed that a clearly defined escalation framework will ensure that issues are addressed at the level where they can be resolved, while matters requiring higher-level intervention are brought up without unnecessary delay. This will strengthen both administrative responsiveness and project accountability, he appreciated. The Chief Secretary also impressed upon the National PMG team to undertake additional capacity-building sessions for local stakeholders, ensuring that they are fully conversant with the system, its workflow and the escalation mechanism along with adequately equipping them to take over its operations efficiently here. Highlighting the significance of this monitoring group the Commissioner Secretary, PD&MD, R.Alice Vaz revealed that currently the National PMG monitors 61 projects in J&K, involving investments of 3.91 lakh crore with 130 active issues currently under review through National PMG portal. She further added that the proposed JK-PMG would function under the overall supervision of the Chief Secretary, with a dedicated team of project experts and a designated administrative department responsible for day-to-day operations and coordination. The group would monitor identified mega and strategically important projects, track milestones and pending approvals besides facilitating coordination among executing agencies and district administrations, and escalate unresolved issues for appropriate intervention. The framework envisages a structured review mechanism comprising fortnightly departmental-level reviews by Administrative Secretaries/Heads of Departments, monthly reviews chaired by the Chief Secretary, besides the reviews at the highest government level chaired by the Chief Minister himself for matters requiring such consideration. This graduated arrangement would ensure that project-related issues are examined at the appropriate level and escalated wherever necessary. It was demonstrated by the team that the proposed JK-PMG would leverage a digitized, cost-free portal with automated reporting and analytical capabilities. Under the envisaged workflow, project proponents would register projects and bottlenecks, sponsoring departments would verify the issues, and concerned district administration or departments would undertake action for their resolution. Critical unresolved matters would be escalated to higher forums involving the concerned stakeholders for instant resolution of the issues at hand. Later, the National PMG team conducted a sensitization workshop for officers and officials of the Planning Department and other concerned stakeholders, apprising them of the working, institutional architecture, digital workflow and escalation mechanism of the proposed JK-PMG. The workshop focused on the roles of various stakeholders in identifying, tracking and resolving project-related bottlenecks, while facilitating a common understanding of the operational processes required for its smooth implementation in the UT.
Residents Seek Immediate OPD Services at AIIMS Awantipora
SRINAGAR: With the promised deadline of August 2026 for commencement of Outpatient Department (OPD) services at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Awantipora having passed without the facility becoming operational, residents across Kashmir have urged the government to immediately start at least the OPD services and sought the intervention of the Union Health Minister []
All India bank employees strike affects services in Jammu
Jammu, Sep 11: Banking operations were affected on Friday as bank employees and officers in Jammu observed the nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in support of their long-pending demands, prominently the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking industry. The strike was described by union representatives as a strong and successful nationwide action, with employees and officers staying away from work in support of the call. At Jammu, under the leadership of Rajesh Mehta, All Indian Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) secretary Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, employees from different banks and constituent unions participated in the local programme. Union leaders said bank employees were forced to resort to strike because their justified demands remained unresolved despite a formal agreement and repeated assurances. The principal demand related to five-day banking, for which an agreement was signed between the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and the bank unions in March 2024. More than two and a half years later, the agreed arrangement was still not implemented, they rued. They pointed out that five-day working had been in force in central government offices since 1985. It is also followed in state government offices, district offices, courts, Income Tax offices, the stock market, the Reserve Bank of India and LIC. In most of these institutions, there is no alternative physical service available on weekends. Banking services, however, remain available to customers 24 hours a day and seven days a week through ATMs, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and other digital and alternate channels, they asserted. The unions also noted that five-day banking was the prevailing practice in almost all countries across the world. As part of the March, 2024 agreement, the unions had agreed to extend the working and banking business hours by 40 minutes on each working day so that declaring the remaining Saturdays as holidays would not reduce the total banking hours available to customers. A significant aspect highlighted by the unions was the financial sacrifice made by employees participating in the strike. In the banking industry, wages are deducted for the day of strike. Thus, every employee and officer who joined Friday's action did so knowing that one day's salary would be lost. Union representatives said it underlined the seriousness of the demand and the frustration caused by the prolonged delay in implementing an already agreed measure. Apart from five-day banking, UFBU has also raised objections to the unilateral and discriminatory PLI framework and has sought its review through bilateral discussions with the unions and associations, along with settlement of residual issues pending in the industry. Speaking at the local programme, UFBU leaders said, The success of the strike shows that bank employees are united on these issues. Government must take note of our justified demands. We are not seeking any undue concession; we are asking for implementation of an agreement already reached and for a fair resolution of the pending issues. Simultaneous demonstrations were also held today across J&K and Ladakh UT, from Kathua till Kargil centre. UFBU has already announced further strike action on September 28, 29 and 30, 2026, and an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026, if the issues remain unresolved. Union representatives said the Government and IBA still have an opportunity to resolve the matter through meaningful dialogue and avoid further disruption.
Haiwaan Day 1 box office: Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan starrer falls behind Hanuman Ansh and Mirzapur
Bollywood film Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, opened in theatres on September 11 but failed to make a strong start at the box office. The Priyadarshan directorial earned Rs 3 crore net...
PM gifts Putin Russian version of Tamil text 'Thirukkural'
NC govt unlikely to go for cabinet reshuffle for now
Srinagar, Sep 11: The National Conference-led government is unlikely to go for an expansion-cum-reshuffle in the council of ministers for the time being, sources said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would not immediately effect the expansion in his cabinet, KNO reported, quoting sources. There are no chances of cabinet expansion this month. The exercise will not []
MeT predicts dry weather over next 10 days Srinagar, Sep 11: Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience mainly dry weather over the next 10 days, with brief spells of rain and thundershowers expected at isolated and scattered places. The MeT said the weather across the Union Territory []
Corps Commander urges troops to remain alert at all times
Jammu, Sep 11: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Armys White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General P K Mishra, on Friday visited general areas of Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district and reviewed the security situation, counter-terrorism grid and operational preparedness of the troops. The Corps Commander assessed the security architecture, contingency preparedness and infrastructure, and []
Dont repeat 2014: Daily wagers warn of massive protest on Sep 22
Srinagar, Sep 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Casual/Daily Wagers Forum (JKCDF) on Friday held a peaceful protest at Sher-i-Kashmir Park here, urging the government to address the long-pending demands of casual and daily-wage workers, particularly regularisation of their services. The protest was led by J&K Casual/Daily Wagers Forum president Sajad Ahmed Parray, who said the []
Kashmiris seek immediate OPD services at AIIMS Awantipora
Srinagar, Sep 11: With the promised deadline of August 2026 for commencement of Outpatient Department (OPD) services at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Awantipora having passed without the facility becoming operational, residents across Kashmir have urged the government to immediately start at least the OPD services and sought the intervention of the Union []
Cross-LoC trade centre at Salamabad to drive border tourism
Srinagar, Sep 11: Seven years after the Centre suspended cross-LoC trade through Salamabad in Uri, the Trade Facilitation Centre is set to get a new role, with the Tourism Department planning to utilise the facility for promoting border tourism in North Kashmir. The department has received the green signal to take over the Trade Facilitation []
Three-day Kashmir Theatre Conference begins with academic, cultural showcase
Experts discuss 75 years of the history of theatre in Kashmir SRINAGAR: The three-day Kashmir Theatre Conference commenced on Friday with a stimulating academic paper-reading session, an insightful discussion on the history of Kashmiri theatre, and a vibrant inaugural function that brought together eminent theatre personalities, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. The day began with an []
Apni Party to hold public conventions across Srinagar
To highlight pressing public issues, infra deficit, govt apathy&neglect SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday presided over an important party meeting attended by party leaders and workers from across Srinagar city. During the meeting, participants thoroughly discussed and identified various public issues and grievances, particularly the infrastructural and developmental deficit in []
Nearly 1,880 support staff trained in BLS as PSAJK campaign reaches Beerwah
BUDGAM: The Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), in collaboration with Civil Defence Budgam and powered by Rotary Club Kashmir, continued its campaign for Basic Life Support (BLS) training for support staff of private schools across Budgam district. As part of the ongoing initiative, a BLS training programme was conducted today in Zone Beerwah []
Army Goodwill Schools mark 10 years of edu partnership with Bharti Airtel Foundation
Dream higher, remain committed: Lt Gen Pratik Sharma SRINAGAR: Headquarters Northern Command commemorated ten years of a significant educational partnership between the Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) and the Bharti Airtel Foundation, underscoring the Indian Armys continued endeavour to provide quality education and create greater opportunities for the youth of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The commemorative []
Commr Secretary Babila Rakwal inaugurates 30 KW Solar EV Charging Station AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) launched the official website of the J&K Science Congress (JKSC), 2026, at IUST Main Campus on Friday. Commissioner Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Ms. Babila Rakwal (IAS), inaugurated []
CUK students participate in international film festival
SRINAGAR: The students of Departments of Communication & Journalism and English, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) represented the University at the First International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) held at SKICC here on Thursday. Fifty students from both departments actively engaged in interactive sessions with leading professionals from the film industry. Dean, Academic []
DC Srinagar reviews Urs arrangements at Dastgeer Sahib
SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Friday visited Ziyarat Dastgeer Sahib at Sarai Bala, Amirakadal to review and finalize arrangements for the smooth conduct of the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA). The DC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Joint Commissioner SMC, Suhail Ul Islam, []
Dy CM inaugurates Kashmir Expo 2026 at Zabarwan Park
Three-day showcase celebrates J&Ks craft, culture, cuisine, entrepreneurial talent SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) under the aegis of the Department of Industries & Commerce, organized three-day Kashmir Expo, 2026 being held from 11th to 13th September 2026 under the theme Celebration of Craft, Culture & Cuisine Showcasing Rich Kashmirs Heritage by []
NHM employees extend strike for another 72 hours
Seek pay revision, job security, retirement benefits Srinagar, Sep 11: The agitation by National Health Mission (NHM) employees continued across Jammu and Kashmir for the third consecutive day on Friday, with the employees deciding to extend their ongoing 72-hour strike by another 72 hours from September 12, citing failure of the government to take concrete []
Gunfire in Gokulpuri Claims One Life, Leaves Woman Seriously Injured
A shooting incident in Gokulpuri resulted in one death and a serious injury to a woman. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. Gunfire in Gokulpuri Claims One Life, Leaves Woman Seriously Injured
Tasrufdar win proud moment for J&K film fraternity: Mir Sarwar
Srinagar, Sept 11: Actor and filmmaker Mir Sarwar has described the Best Film award won by Kashmiri-language film Tasrufdar at the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) as a proud moment for the entire artist and film fraternity of the region. Tasrufdar, directed by Kapil Mattoo, won the Best Film award in the J&K category at the festival on Thursday. Sarwar, who is among the films producers under his banner Safdar Arts and also plays one of its lead roles, said the project was the result of the collective efforts of artists and technicians from Kashmir. It is a proud moment for the entire artist and film fraternity of J&K, Sarwar said, adding that the award was also a personal victory for him as a producer and actor. Recalling how the project took shape, the actor said he and Mattoo had initially discussed making a different story in Kashmir. Later, Kapil told me that another story was in his mind and wanted to check my availability, he said. According to Sarwar, the shooting schedule had to be changed three to four times before he finally managed to arrange dates shortly after Eid-ul-Adha in June 2025. Getting dates from the other actors, especially the female artists, was also a challenge. Thankfully, everything fell into place and we managed to get their dates, he said. Sarwar described the making of the film as having some divine intervention, recalling that Mattoo had written the draft in one go. He told me he could not believe that he had written those dialogues in Kashmiri. He put his heart and soul into this film, Sarwar said. He also credited RJ Umer Nisar for playing a pivotal role in making the project possible. Nisar handled multiple responsibilities, including assistant direction, data management and other creative work. Sarwar said the team also faced challenges during the shoot, including a scheduling conflict involving Director of Photography Syed Ali, whose family wedding coincided with the shooting dates. It was very difficult for him to manage it somehow, but he did. His work is now being appreciated by everyone, he said. Each and every member of the film put more than 100 per cent into its making, Sarwar added. He said the team also sought blessings at several pious places in Kashmir before the shoot, hoping that everything would proceed smoothly. By the grace of the Almighty, everything went well, he said. Speaking about the performances, Sarwar particularly praised Ashwath Bhatt, who plays the titular character of Tasrufdar.It is a treat to watch him in every frame. He became the character throughout the entire period of the film, Sarwar said. He also highlighted Lone Bashirs portrayal of Bashir, Tasrufdars childhood friend. Sarwar said the conversation between the two characters in the climax represents the beginning of a dialogue between two communities that, according to the film, took place in private spaces but rarely in the public domain. The film also features Shafia Maqbool, whom Sarwar described as one of the finest actresses of J&K, along with Arooba Javed, who also worked as an assistant director. Mukhtar Lone handled the sound department, while Soliha Bhat was responsible for makeup. Sarwar said the films biggest strength was its roots.It is a film made in Kashmir, by Kashmiris, in the Kashmiri language, he said. The films lyrics were written by Peer Zahoor. Sarwar said Zahoor wrote the song after watching the film and, inspired by its theme of namkeen chai, penned the lyrics within 15 minutes.After another 10 minutes, Rasik Imtiyaz composed it, with Fauzaan Moosavi assisting in the musical arrangement, he said. Mir Momin handled the line production of the film.
Daily wagers demand genuine, govt considering phased regularisation: Dy CM
Srinagar, Sept 11: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday said the demand of daily-wage workers for regularisation was genuine, while urging them not to allow politicalinterests toinfluence their agitation. He said the government is actively considering the regularisation of daily-wagers in a phased manner, and adecision is expected soon. Reacting to the proposed Kamchhod strike by daily wagers, Choudhary acknowledged their concerns and said the governmentwas considering the matter seriously. The demand is genuine. But the government should also have a littlepatience from its side,he said. The Deputy CM appealed to the workers to keep their agitation free from political influence, saying some people were trying to use the issue for political purposes. Some people are doing politics in that. I will appeal to those daily wagers that some of your people and some of the people outside are doing politics with them. You dont get involved in politics, he said. Choudhary said the regularisation issue should not be restricted to daily wagers working in the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, but should cover workers engaged across various government departments. He said the National Conference had made a commitment on regularisation in its election manifesto and maintained that the Omar Abdullah-led government was committed to fulfilling it. This promise is from the National Conference. This promise is in the manifesto of the National Conference. This promise is of Omar Abdullah's government, he said. Referring to the committee examining the issue, the Deputy CM said the government was deliberating on the matter and expressed hope that a decision would be taken soon. The government is thinking about this. You will get the result very soon, he said, while appealing to the workers to avoid strikes. Your demand is justified, and Omar Abdullah willregulate them inhis tenure, Choudhary said. On Vande Mataram, the Deputy Chief Minister described it as a song associated with the freedom struggle and martyrs, sayingit had been sung by people from different communitiesduring the independence movement. This song is the song of our martyrs. The biggest song of freedom; this was the song when people were walking with their heads tied forthe freedom of India,he said. Choudhary reiterated the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, saying people had the right to raise such demands within the constitutional framework.
Daily wagers threaten massive protest on Sep 22
Srinagar, Sep 11: The Jammu Kashmir Casual Daily Wagers Forum (JKCDWF) on Friday warned of a massive protest by daily wagers and casual labourers across the Union Territory on September 22 if the committee's recommendations for regularising temporary employees are not made public. Scores of JKCDWF members led by its President, Sajad Ahmad Parray, staged a protest at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here and raised slogans in favour of their demands. Speaking to media persons, Parray appealed to the government to fulfil their demands, urging it not to repeat what he termed the 2014 episode when, according to him, their issues were not adequately addressed. We want to appeal to the government to provide the recommendations in the Assembly Session. We appeal to them not to repeat 2014, he said. Parrayquestioned why daily wagers and casual employees were being pushed to thewall,saying they and their families were part of the same society and deserved fair treatment. When MLAs get a hike in salaries, why are employees being pushed to the wall? he asked. The forum presidentalleged that temporary employees had been given high and tall promises before elections, but their problems continued after the government assumed office. He said the community had faced hardships during the LG administration and was continuing to face similar difficulties under the elected government. We have decided to go on strike from September 22. All daily wagers and casual labourers will hit the streets to press for their demands, he said. Parray urged the government to intervene before the proposed strike and address the long-standing concerns of daily wagers and casual employees. The fresh protests by the JKCDWF started on September 1 when the forum members hit the streets at Press Enclave here to press for their demands.
Kashmirs weather swings: July surplus, Aug deficit, Sep heat
Srinagar, Sept 11: Kashmir is witnessing a sharp weather swing, with the Valley ending August with a significant rainfall deficit even as September has brought unusually high daytime temperatures, leaving the region caught between prolonged dry spells and increasingly erratic weather. Kashmir received 615.2 mm of rainfall in August against a normal of 815.5 mm, resulting in a 25 per cent deficit, according to India Meteorological Department data. The deficit comes after a contrasting July when Jammu and Kashmir received 259.7 mm of rainfall against a normal of 192.6 mm, recording a 35 per cent surplus and ending an eight-month spell of below-normal precipitation. The July rainfall was particularly significant in Kashmir, with Baramulla recording a 165 per cent surplus, Ganderbal 110 per cent and Pulwama 108 per cent. Srinagar and Anantnag both recorded a 71 per cent surplus during the month. The reversal in August has now been followed by an unusually warm September. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 32.5C on September 3, around 5C above normal, while the temperature touched 32.4C on September 9. Weather data for the first nine days of September shows the citys average temperature at 24.9C against a normal of 20.2C, a departure of 3.1C. Director Meteorological Centre J&K Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said mostly dry weather was likely to continue, although brief spells of rain or thundershowers could occur at isolated places. The prevailing conditions did not indicate any prolonged wet spell at present, even as weather patterns could change during the coming days, he said. Independent weatherman Faizan Arif said the current heat would not continue at the same intensity. We can expect a drop in daytime temperatures from September 16 as weather conditions begin to change, he said. The unusual warmth has come at a time when September normally marks the transition towards cooler autumn conditions. The first nine days of the month have instead seen Srinagars daytime temperatures repeatedly touch or cross 30C, with the highest so far at 32.5C. The rainfall pattern is equally striking. After eight consecutive months of below-normal precipitation, July brought a substantial surplus before August slipped back into deficit. The sharp month-to-month variation suggests that the bigger concern is not simply whether Kashmir receives more or less rain, but when and how intensely the precipitation arrives. The wider national outlook also offers little indication of an immediate return to a consistently wet pattern. The IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall across India in September, with the country likely to receive less than 91 per cent of its long-period average rainfall for the month. For Kashmir, the combination of deficient August rainfall and high September temperatures could have implications for water resources, agriculture and the seasonal transition, particularly if the dry spell persists. At the same time, the regions recent weather history shows that dry periods can be followed by short-duration intense rainfall, cloudbursts and localised extreme events. This year has already witnessed repeated episodes of intense weather, underlining the increasing variability in the Valleys precipitation pattern. The immediate relief, however, may come with a fall in daytime temperatures. Arif expects temperatures to start declining from September 16, potentially bringing the Valley closer to its normal autumn conditions. For now, Kashmirs weather remains caught in an unusual transition a rain-deficient August followed by a hot September, after a rain-surplus July underscoring the increasingly unpredictable nature of the regions weather.
Congress questions NC govts stand on Vande Mataram
Srinagar, Sept 11: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Friday hit back at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his remarks on the Vande Mataram controversy, saying the CMs response was detached from reality and that the issue was about the conduct of the government, not the people. Reacting to Omar Abdullahs comments, Karra wrote on X, that expectations had been directed clearly and exclusively towards the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and questioned why the people of J&K had been brought into the debate. The public has nothing to do with this debate. It is the government that is expected to stand upright, Karra said, arguing that the controversy should not be shifted from the government to the people. He said the CMs remarks raised two questions, including whether any person in Kerala had been jailed when the state government chose to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day parade. Karra also questioned whether people were wrong in expecting the J&K Chief Minister to uphold what he described as secular and inclusive values, citing the examples of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana, where he said state events had limited the rendition to the first two stanzas. Are we wrong to expect our Honble CM to be equally capable of standing up for secular and inclusive values? Karra asked. Taking his argument further, the PCC chief brought the recently concluded International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir into the controversy, rejecting what he termed an attempt to dilute the responsibility of the government by referring to who was or was not present at the event. Karra said IFFJK 2026, titled Rang-e-Cinema, was a state event jointly organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), and was inaugurated by Omar Abdullah himself. Who else was or wasnt present is irrelevanta superfluous detail meant only to distract from the core issue, he said. The PCC chief maintained that the central question was not about the attendance of individuals but about the position taken by the government at an official event. His remarks come amid a political debate over the rendition of Vande Mataram at the IFFJK inaugural event, with opposition parties questioning the governments handling of the matter and seeking clarity on the decision. Karra said the government could not evade scrutiny by invoking the presence or absence of members of the public, insisting that accountability for a state-organised event rested with the administration.
Maize harvest revives memories of rural Kashmir
Ganderbal: As the maize harvesting season reaches its peak, farmers across the upper reaches of Ganderbal district, particularly in Gund, Kulan, Gagangir and adjoining areas, are busy in their fields, cutting maize and bringing home the seasonal crop. For many families, however, the harvest is about more than agriculture. It is a reminder of a time when farming was deeply woven into village life, with neighbours and relatives working together in the fields, sharing responsibilities and celebrating the completion of the harvest as a collective occasion. Eighty-year-old farmer Sakhi Baniya recalls the 1980s and 1990s as a period when agricultural work strengthened bonds among families and neighbours. During those days, we did not collect our crops separately. We would work together and help one another during the harvest. The atmosphere was different, and relations among people were much stronger. It was a happy and good time, he recalls while taking part in the ongoing maize harvest. According to him, harvesting was once a community activity. People would arrive early in the morning, work in one anothers fields and later take the harvested crop for processing at traditional mills. We would leave for our fields early in the morning to cut maize. After collecting it, we would take it to the traditional mill, where maize and wheat were processed. Those days had their own charm, he says. But Baniya feels that the relationship between the younger generation and farming is gradually changing. With changing lifestyles, increased dependence on markets and fewer young people willing to take up agricultural work, traditional farming practices are slowly losing their place in rural life. Now the new generation is not as interested in farming. Times have changed, he says. For older farmers, the shift is visible not only in the fields but also in household food practices. While maize and wheat once formed an important part of the local diet and were largely produced and processed within villages, many families today depend increasingly on market-bought food grains. The ongoing harvest nevertheless continues to provide an important source of livelihood for farming families in the upper areas of Ganderbal. Sakhi Baniyas son, Ghulam Rasool, says the family continues to cultivate maize not only for its economic value but also to keep their agricultural traditions alive. This is our livelihood. We want to keep this tradition alive because farming has been part of our family and village life for generations, Rasool says while working in the fields. However, he too acknowledges that sustaining the tradition is becoming increasingly difficult as younger people show less interest in agriculture. Our new generation is not very interested in farming. We want them to understand its importance and carry forward what our elders have preserved for generations, he says. For farmers in Gund, Kulan, Gagangir and other upper areas, the maize harvest therefore represents a connection between the past and the present. The sight of families working in fields, carrying harvested maize and taking it for traditional processing keeps alive an agricultural culture that has shaped village life for decades.
Fire damages shoe shop, cafe in Poonch
Poonch: A massive fire broke out at Mandi market in Poonch district during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, causing extensive damage to a shoe shop and the adjoining Chinar Cafe. According to initial reports, the blaze originated in the shoe store before spreading to the nearby cafe, damaging goods, equipment and other property. The owners of both establishments, Ghulam Mohammad and Zeeshan, reportedly suffered losses worth lakhs of rupees. A gas cylinder kept in the cafes kitchen also exploded during the fire, triggering a loud blast and causing panic among residents and traders in the area. On receiving information, teams from Jammu and Kashmir Police, Fire and Emergency Services, along with the Naib Tehsildar and local residents, reached the spot. Firefighters from Mandi and Poonch, assisted by locals, brought the blaze under control after strenuous efforts and prevented it from spreading to other shops. No loss of life or injuries were reported. Local traders suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the fire. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause. The affected shopkeepers and local traders have appealed to the administration to provide financial assistance to help the owners rebuild their businesses.
Veterinary interns stipend protest enters day 5
Srinagar: The protest by veterinary interns at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shuhama campus in Ganderbal entered its fifth day on Friday with some protesting interns beginning a hunger strike over their demand for revision of the stipend. The interns said they have been seeking an increase in their monthly stipend, which they claimed has remained unchanged for years despite rising inflation and an increasing workload. They are demanding a stipend in the range of 20,000 to 23,000 per month, saying the amount currently paid to them is insufficient to meet even basic expenses. One of the protesting interns said veterinary interns are among the first responders in several animal-health situations and work in conditions involving considerable risk. We are not asking for 2 lakh or 3 lakh every month. We are simply asking for a stipend of 20,000 to 23,000, she said, urging the government to visit the protesting interns and understand the conditions under which they work. She said the interns undertake field duties and handle animals on a regular basis, adding that their workload is comparable to that of veterinary interns at other institutions where stipends are significantly higher. She further said the stipend has remained fixed since 2011, while the proposal for its revision has reportedly been pending with the Finance Department since 2023. Our seniors have tried many times to increase it, but our file has been stuck in the Finance Department since 2023. It is not moving forward, She told Rising Kashmir. The interns also questioned the disparity between their stipend and remuneration available in other institutions, arguing that they perform similar duties despite receiving substantially less. According to the protesting interns, the issue has been raised through social media and with elected representatives, while several political leaders have assured them that the matter would be taken up in the Assembly. The Jammu and Kashmir Veterinary Association has also joined the protest. Association president Saqlain, who has been participating in the peaceful protest, expressed disappointment over the lack of engagement from the government. He said opposition leaders had visited the protesting interns, while no senior leader from the current government had so far come to the campus to hear their grievances. He said he had spoken to Advisor Nasir regarding the issue but was awaiting a response. The association president warned that continued inaction could lead to a street protest, saying the veterinary sector plays an important role not only in animal health but also in food safety and public health. If the MBBS issue can be addressed, veterinarians should also be treated in the same manner because we also contribute equally to society, he said. The protesters have urged the government to engage with them directly and provide a clear roadmap for revising the stipend. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Javed Dar told Rising Kashmir over phone that he would meet the protesting interns at the Secretariat on Monday. Dar said he was unaware that some interns had begun a hunger strike and added that he would first meet and discuss the issue with them. The protesting interns said they hoped the proposed meeting would lead to concrete action on their long-pending demand and resolution of the stipend issue.
Cluster Orcharding: Our Vision of the Future
Sometimes, the best ideas for future policies emerge not from offices, but from the field. While working on Project 18 of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), titled Minimisation of Pesticide Use in Agriculture, we developed cluster-based high-density apple orchard models in different districts of Kashmir. Initially, very few growers were willing to establish such model orchards because of various apprehensions. Today, however, the situation is changing. At the cluster orchard at Junglnad, Pulwama, 58 growers have established orchards with nearly 80% reduction in agrochemical and labour use. Growers visiting these orchards are no longer merely curious; many are now asking, Can we also develop orchards like this? This change in attitude is significant. It shows that Kashmirs growers are ready to embrace change and that modern, high-density and mechanised orcharding is gradually becoming part of mainstream horticultural thinking. Under HADP-18, our mandate was primarily limited to establishing one model orchard in each district for demonstration. That objective has largely been achieved. The next question is: How do we take this experience beyond demonstration and make it part of mainstream orchard development? If Kashmirs horticulture is to remain competitive in domestic as well as international markets, we must begin preparing for the next generation of orchard systems. In our view, the next major step should be mechanised cluster orcharding. HDP Orcharding Has Laid the Foundation The High-Density Planting (HDP) initiative of the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir has played an important role in changing the traditional mindset towards apple cultivation. A concept once unfamiliar to many growers is now widely recognised and increasingly adopted. Many growers, particularly in South Kashmir, are establishing HDP orchards using their own resources. This clearly indicates that HDP has been substantially popularised. The next challenge, therefore, should not simply be to provide the financial support to a few more people. Rather, we should focus on making it more efficient, economical, mechanised and accessible to small and marginal growers. This is where cluster orcharding can provide a new direction. Why Cluster Orcharding? Kashmirs horticulture is characterised by a large number of small and marginal growers. Collectively, they contribute enormously to the horticultural economy, but individually their holdings often do not provide the scale required for efficient mechanisation, irrigation infrastructure, storage, transportation, processing or organised marketing. A small grower may establish an HDP orchard, but purchasing expensive machinery or establishing infrastructure for a small holding may not always be economically feasible. If several growers come together and plan their orchards collectively, however, they can create the scale required to make modern technology economically viable. The Government should therefore consider introducing a dedicated Cluster High-Density Orchard Scheme, under which, for example, at least five growers could jointly apply for development of a minimum 20 kanals of land as a cluster orchard, particularly for apple. The number of eligible growers could increase with the increase in land area. Importantly, land ownership would remain with individual growers. What would change is the approach to orchard planning, mechanisation and management. In simple terms, growers would retain ownership of their land while gaining the economic strength of collective scale. Designing the Orchard for the Machine If we are serious about the future of horticulture, mechanisation cannot be introduced as an afterthought. The orchard itself must be designed from the beginning to accommodate machinery. Cluster orchards should therefore be scientifically planned with adequate movement and turning spaces for automated and mechanised equipment. Wherever terrain permits, 812 feet of turning space could be incorporated into orchard design to facilitate automated sprayers and other machinery. The principle should be simple: we should not design tomorrows orchards according to yesterdays technology. We need to prepare orchards today that can accommodate the machines of tomorrow. The Government should accordingly consider additional financial assistance or subsidy for automated sprayers, tractors, shredders, weed-management equipment and other suitable orchard machinery for cluster groups. Such support would make mechanisation accessible to small growers while encouraging machine-friendly orchard design. Mechanisation: Less Labour, Lower Costs and Safer Orchards The importance of mechanisation goes far beyond convenience. Orchard operations, particularly plant protection, are labour-intensive and increasingly expensive when labour availability is limited. Properly designed mechanised orchards can reduce dependence on manual labour, improve operational efficiency and potentially reduce input costs. Automated and precision-based spraying systems can also improve the efficiency of plant-protection applications, creating an opportunity to reduce unnecessary agrochemical use. At the same time, reducing workers direct exposure to pesticides can contribute to safer working conditions and a healthier orchard environment. Mechanisation should therefore not be viewed simply as a replacement for labour. It should be seen as a tool for efficiency, worker safety, resource conservation and sustainable horticultural production. Making Horticulture Attractive to the Young One of the most important long-term benefits of mechanised cluster orcharding could be its ability to make horticulture more attractive to the younger generation. We cannot expect educated youth to remain enthusiastic about an agricultural system that depends heavily on physically demanding manual operations. A technologically advanced orchard presents an entirely different picture. Imagine an orchard where spraying is mechanised, irrigation and fertigation are automated, crop monitoring is technology-driven, machinery performs much of the physically demanding work, and marketing and business decisions are handled collectively. This is smart horticulture. The horticulturist of the future need not necessarily be the person carrying a sprayer on his back. He can increasingly be the person operating technology, managing machinery, interpreting information, taking scientific decisions and running a modern horticultural enterprise. From Orchard Production to Horticultural Enterprise The real strength of clustering, however, lies beyond production. Once growers begin working collectively, they can undertake activities that individual small growers may find difficult to manage independently. A cluster can collectively explore the establishment of storage facilities, processing units, grading and packing infrastructure and transportation systems. It can develop collective marketing strategies and negotiate with buyers from a position of greater strength. With sufficient production of uniform quality, clusters can even develop their own brands and establish a distinct market identity. Machinery can also be purchased and operated collectively, spreading investment and maintenance costs among participating growers. Thus, a cluster should not be viewed merely as a group of adjoining orchards. It should gradually evolve into a collective horticultural enterprise capable of handling production, post-harvest management, processing, branding and marketing. Let the Landscape Become Machine-Friendly Kashmir has diverse landscapes, and not every location will be equally suitable for mechanised orcharding. Steep slopes, fragmented holdings and difficult terrain can limit the use of machinery in certain areas. This practical reality must be recognised. However, it should not become a reason to avoid mechanisation wherever it is technically and economically feasible. Future orchard development should increasingly encourage growers to make suitable landscapes machine-friendly. As growers see the economic and operational benefits of mechanised orchards around them, demand for machine-compatible orchard designs is likely to grow naturally. The model orchards developed under HADP are already demonstrating this changing mindset. When growers see technology working successfully in the field, they begin to demand it themselves. The Government Needs to Think One Step Ahead The Government has already taken an important step by promoting HDP. The increasing interest among growers and their willingness to invest their own resources in HDP orchards indicate that the initiative has made a significant impact. But when a technology becomes popular, policy must evolve with it. If HDP has been successfully introduced and popularised, the next government intervention should focus on making cluster-based HDP popular, accessible and economically viable. A revised or additional scheme could provide incentives for growers who voluntarily come together to develop scientifically planned, mechanisation-friendly orchard clusters. The policy could also provide technical support for orchard layout, machinery movement, automated spraying, tractors and orchard machinery, weed management, irrigation and fertigation, anti-hail protection, storage, grading and packing, transportation and collective marketing. Such an approach would shift government support from simply encouraging orchard establishment towards building a complete, efficient and sustainable horticultural system. A Vision for orchard landscape- 2047 Policy-making should not only address todays problems; it must anticipate tomorrows realities. What will Kashmirs horticulture look like ten or fifteen years from now? Will labour become more readily available or more expensive? Will young people be willing to undertake physically demanding orchard operations? Will individual growers have greater bargaining power, or will organised production become increasingly important? The direction is already visible. Labour costs are increasing, technology is becoming more accessible, markets are becoming more organised, and consumers are demanding better quality and traceability. We therefore need to prepare today for the orchard of 2047, rather than continue designing orchards according to the requirements of the past. The future orchard should be productive, competitive, mechanised, resource-efficient, technology-driven and market-oriented. A Collective Responsibility The transition towards cluster orcharding cannot be achieved by the Government alone. The Government needs to create an enabling policy and financial framework. Extension agencies need to educate and train growers. Private industry needs to develop affordable machinery suited to Kashmirs conditions. Growers need to come forward with a willingness to cooperate and think beyond individual boundaries. This culture of putting boundaries around is not only dividing Kashmiri society; it is hurting the growers community even more by preventing collective thinking and action. The objective should not be to force growers into a collective system, but to create a system in which growers themselves recognise the economic advantages of working together. When the benefits become visible, clustering will gradually become a choice rather than an obligation. The Time to Start Is Now The experience of cluster-based model orchards developed under HADP-18 has given us an important lesson. What initially appeared to be a demonstration concept is now attracting genuine interest from growers. That interest should not remain confined to individual requests. It should become the basis for a broader policy discussion. HDP has laid the foundation; cluster orcharding can become the next major step. The Government now has an opportunity to formulate a dedicated policy for cluster-based high-density horticulture. Such a policy can help marginal growers achieve scale, facilitate mechanisation, reduce labour dependence, improve input-use efficiency, create opportunities for collective storage and processing, strengthen marketing and branding, and make horticulture more attractive to the younger generation. Conclusion and Recommendation The Government should consider revising the existing HDP scheme or introducing a dedicated Cluster HDP Scheme to provide integrated financial assistance to clusters formed by multiple growers. Support should be linked to the total area of the cluster and should cover planting material, trellis systems, anti-hail nets, tractors, automated and precision spray machines, weed-management equipment, shredders, reefer vans, transportation, storage, grading and packing infrastructure and other essential mechanisation and post-harvest facilities. The objective should be to move from individual high-density orchards towards collective, mechanised, resource-efficient and market-oriented horticultural enterprises. (Prof. Tariq Rasool Rather is Professor of Plant Pathology at the Ambri Apple Research Centre, Shopian, and Chairman of HADP-18, Minimisation of Pesticide Use in Agriculture. He is a well-known expert among Kashmirs apple growers, with extensive field experience in modern apple production, plant protection and sustainable orchard management. And Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai is the Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), and a distinguished academic and agricultural scientist with extensive experience in agricultural education, research and development)
The Vanishing Paddy Lands of Kashmir
Kashmirs golden paddy fields have long been more than a seasonal spectacle. They are part of the Valleys rural economy, cultural memory and food-security system. The latest agricultural figures, however, reveal a disturbing transformation: Kashmir is producing more rice from every hectare, but it is cultivating far fewer hectares than it did four decades ago. Paddy acreage in Kashmir Division has declined from nearly 1.69 lakh hectares in 1980-81 to around 1.29 lakh hectares in 2023-24. The loss of roughly 40,000 hectares represents a contraction of nearly 24 per cent. Though the area recovered temporarily to about 1.36 lakh hectares in 2017, the subsequent decline confirms that the erosion of paddy land is not a temporary fluctuation. It is part of a deeper structural change. The rise in productivity offers little room for complacency. Kashmirs average rice yield increased from 26.02 quintals per hectare in 2022-23 to 26.78 quintals in 2024-25. This improvement reflects the resilience of farmers, advances in cultivation practices and the potential of better seeds, irrigation and farm support. But higher yields cannot indefinitely compensate for the disappearance of agricultural land. Productivity gains have limits; fertile land, once lost to concrete, cannot easily be recovered. The forces driving this change are visible across the Valley. Unplanned urbanisation, road expansion and construction have placed agricultural land under relentless pressure, especially around towns and growing urban centres. In many places, paddy fields are being treated as vacant spaces awaiting conversion rather than as productive assets essential to the regions future. Farmers, too, are responding to changing realities. Crop diversification, market returns, water availability and climate pressures are altering traditional cropping patterns. The large area under mustard cultivation during winter reflects the increasing intensity and flexibility of Kashmirs agriculture. Diversification can strengthen farm incomes, but it must not become an excuse for the unchecked conversion of prime paddy land. Water stress adds another layer of vulnerability. Paddy requires dependable water at crucial stages, while erratic rainfall, changing snowfall patterns and uncertain glacier melt are making the agricultural calendar less predictable. A shrinking irrigation base, combined with climate variability, could place both farm incomes and local rice availability at risk. The government must therefore treat paddy land as a strategic resource, not merely a category in revenue records. Land-use regulations need strict enforcement, irrigation systems require urgent modernisation and farmers must receive incentives to retain cultivation. District-wise monitoring of agricultural land, transparent protection of wetlands and stronger support for climate-resilient farming are equally necessary. The autumn harvest may still present Kashmir in its familiar golden colours. But the landscape beneath that beauty is changing. The central question is no longer whether Kashmir can produce more rice per hectare. It is whether the Valley will preserve enough hectares to feed itself, sustain its farmers and protect the ecological spaces that have shaped its civilisation.
Two Killed, Three Injured in Kathua Road Accident
The tragic road accident at Sarthal Mode in Kathuas Bani tehsil on Friday, in which two people have lost their lives and three others have been injured, is yet another grim reminder of the danger posed by the regions mountain roads. The death of Monika, 29, followed by that of 61-year-old Balwant Kotwal, has turned what was possibly an ordinary journey into an irreversible family tragedy. Three others remain injured and are undergoing treatment. Every such accident is reported as an isolated incident. A vehicle loses control, a crash occurs, the injured are shifted to hospital, and the police take cognisance. But behind this familiar sequence lies a deeper and more disturbing question: why do road accidents continue to claim so many lives in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in hilly districts such as Kathua, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar and Rajouri? The answer cannot be reduced to driver error alone. Mountain roads are unforgiving. Sharp bends, steep slopes, inadequate crash barriers, poor illumination, damaged surfaces and the absence of timely warning signs combine to make even a brief lapse potentially fatal. At places such as Sarthal Mode, road safety must be assessed not merely through routine inspections but through a detailed understanding of the terrain, traffic movement and accident history. The administration and road agencies must treat accident-prone stretches as priority safety zones. Protective walls and crash barriers need to be installed wherever vehicles are vulnerable to falling into deep slopes. Road markings, reflective signs and speed-calming measures should be maintained throughout the year, not only after a major accident. Regular safety audits by independent technical teams can help identify risks that routine departmental checks often overlook. Equally important is enforcement. Overloading, speeding, rash driving and negligent vehicle maintenance continue to endanger passengers and other road users. Fitness checks for vehicles operating on hilly routes must be genuine, while traffic personnel should be deployed strategically at vulnerable points. Awareness campaigns are useful, but they cannot substitute for consistent enforcement and accountability. The response after an accident is also crucial. In remote areas, the first few minutes often determine whether an injured person survives. Ambulance availability, trained first responders, trauma-care facilities, and reliable communication networks must be strengthened along major mountain corridors. Hospitals serving these areas should have the capacity to handle emergency cases without avoidable delays. The Sarthal accident should not fade from public attention after the police investigation is completed. An inquiry must establish the immediate cause of the crash, but the larger responsibility lies in preventing the next one. The families of the deceased deserve support, and the injured require sustained medical care. More importantly, the authorities must ensure that unsafe roads do not continue to turn routine travel into a gamble with life.
Achan Landfill and the Metabolic Rift
Srinagars Achan landfill is usually treated as a municipal waste-management problem. But through economics, it can be understood as a material expression of a deeper socio-ecological contradiction known as the metabolic rift. Around 11 lakh tonnes of waste have accumulated at Achan, while Srinagar generates roughly 550600 tonnes of municipal waste every day, against an existing processing capacity of about 150 tonnes per day (Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 2024). The proposed 800-tonne-per-day integrated solid-waste management facility, estimated at 361 crore, addresses the capacity gap. But it does not resolve the process behind it which is an urban economy whose expanding consumption continually generates material residues faster than they are recovered. Modern economics, which organises production around accumulation, is good at following value. It tracks investment, output, income, prices, consumption and profits. It is less comfortable following the material after the transaction is over. A product is produced, sold and consumed, and its economic value is recorded. The packaging, organic residue or discarded material that remains afterwards becomes somebody elses problem. This distinction matters because waste is not an accidental by-product appearing outside the economy. It is produced inside the same process through which economic value is created. Every commodity has a material history: resources are extracted, energy is used, labour transforms materials, the commodity is sold, and eventually something remains. The market recognises the commodity through its exchange value. It does not automatically recognise the full cost of what happens after consumption. This was hardly an unknown problem. Marxs analysis of capitalism had already placed production within a material relationship between society and nature. His concern was not environmentalism in the contemporary sense, but the contradiction between capitalist production and the conditions required for social and ecological reproduction. Fosters reconstruction of this dimension of Marx through the idea of the metabolic rift provides a framework for understanding ecological crises as consequences of the way society organises production and material flows, rather than as isolated environmental accidents. The argument of Fosters metabolic rift is useful for Achan precisely because it changes where we look. If waste is examined only at the landfill, the problem appears to be collection, capacity and disposal. If it is followed backwards, it becomes a question of production, consumption, value and cost. The two perspectives do not contradict each other. The second explains why the first keeps returning. Studies published in 2023 and 2024 by Islam et al. reported that 6575% of the waste was organic, indicating substantial scope for segregation and treatment. A separate study by Islam et al. (2023), based on four-season sampling around Achan, found the highest concentrations of several measured water-quality parameters at the leachate outflow, with values declining with distance from the landfill. At the outflow, mean BOD was 21.47 mg/L and COD 66.24 mg/L. Achan therefore represents a double economic cost. Potentially recoverable materials are removed from productive circulation, while public institutions finance collection, transportation, treatment and disposal. Conventional economics calls part of this an externality, while political economy asks why this externalisation is reproduced. The answer lies in the separation between the immediate calculation of profitability and the long-term requirements of ecological reproduction. Srinagars waste is generated by households, hotels, markets, businesses and institutions across the city, while its accumulation is concentrated at one site. Consumption is dispersed, but disposal is concentrated. The value generated through consumption is similarly dispersed, but the cost of managing the residual stream becomes a public responsibility. Achans 11 lakh tonnes of legacy waste are therefore not simply old garbage. They are an accumulated liability from previous rounds of consumption and production. Besides the problem of distribution and concentration, there is an important factor that needs to be taken into consideration while forming policy, the stock and the flow. The 11 lakh tonnes are the accumulated stock. The roughly 450 tonnes arriving every day are the flow. Biomining can reduce the stock. New processing capacity can manage the flow. But neither necessarily changes the economic conditions generating the flow. If the daily inflow continues, the landfill problem will reproduce itself even after the existing stock is removed. This is why the proposed investment, while necessary, cannot be the whole answer. The Corporations 60.50-crore biomining estimate is essentially the price of dealing with a liability already created. It is a downstream expenditure. The more difficult economic question is what happens upstream: how products are designed, how much packaging enters the market, how materials are recovered, who bears disposal costs, and whether producers have incentives to reduce the waste associated with what they sell. This is also where the debate over growth needs greater precision. Srinagar does need economic growth. It needs jobs, investment, better infrastructure and higher household incomes. The relevant question is not growth versus environment. It is whether economic growth must remain so tightly coupled with material throughput. An economy that produces more income with less material waste is economically different from one that produces more income by continually increasing extraction, consumption and disposal. The distinction is important because technological efficiency can otherwise create a false sense of resolution. Better waste-processing plants, biomining and recycling can reduce the burden of existing waste. But if consumption and material throughput rise faster than recovery, total waste can still increase. Efficiency can reduce the cost per unit of waste without reducing the quantity of waste itself. The answer is therefore partly institutional. Source segregation must become the norm rather than an afterthought. Organic waste, which constitutes the largest share of Achans waste stream, should be diverted towards decentralised composting and other treatment systems wherever feasible. Material recovery should occur before recyclable materials are mixed with organic and other waste. Producer responsibility should make producers more accountable for the post-consumption costs of the materials they place in the market. And Srinagar should begin evaluating waste not only in tonnes but relative to economic activity, that is, how much waste is generated for every unit of income, output or consumption? Such measures do something more fundamental than improving waste management. They begin to reconnect economic decisions with their material consequences. That reconnection is what makes Marx and Foster relevant here. Their importance is not that Srinagar needs a Marxist waste policy. It is that this intellectual tradition had already warned against treating economic circulation and ecological reproduction as separate worlds. We have often chosen to see economics primarily through capital, markets, prices and growth, and then treated nature and waste as matters for environmental policy. Achan demonstrates the cost of that separation. The landfill is therefore not simply where Srinagars waste goes. It is where an economic contradiction becomes materially visible. The value of commodities is realised within the market, while their residues remain outside it. Private transactions end, while public expenditure begins. Consumption generates welfare but also generates material liability. The longer that liability remains external to economic calculation, the more expensive it becomes to manage. Clearing the existing landfill is essential, but it will not close the metabolic rift if the same economic flow continues to produce another one. Srinagar needs the 60.50-crore remediation programme, better processing capacity and stronger institutions. But it also needs to ask a harder question: not merely how to dispose of what its economy produces, but how to produce and consume in ways that leave less to dispose of. That is the economic question Achan puts before us. The landfill is not the end of the story. It is the point at which the hidden material cost of the economic story becomes impossible to ignore. (The author is a Climate Reality Leader and Masters Student at the Department of Economics, IUST. He can be reached at tuhaq220@gmail.com)
Where Happiness Goes to School: Elementary School, Paro (Bhutan)
In a world where the word education has become a byword for a milking cow for pecuniary benefits rather than spreading enlightenment via its inherent quality of knowledge in the rank and file of our planet, there are still places (read: countries) like Bhutan who has moved every ounce of its national energy to make sure the retention of the real quality of education. In this small Himalayan kingdom tucked away in the remote recesses of the Himalayan ranges, the question that the innumerable schools of this nation-state ask its students is not merely What should a child learn? But also What kind of human being should the child become? This philosophy lies at the heart of Bhutans approach to elementary education. Over here in Bhutan, education is viewed not simply as a route to employment, but as an instrument for creating balanced, compassionate, culturally rooted and environmentally conscious citizens. High-sounding words? Not at all. Welcome to an offbeat write-up that has been drawn personally from our recent experience in Bhutan, which had a chastening effect on self and my better half, while on a tour to this faraway landlocked country. It is here in these schools of formative training that the USP of Bhutan finds its most evocative expressionGross national happiness( GNH). What better way to express the same when one casts a look on the National Education Policy of Bhutan, which says in so many wordsquote Children are expected to develop an understanding of their culture, care for others, and nurture critical and creative abilities, as also the capacity for lifelong learningunquote. Since Better Half is a nationally acclaimed teacher in one of the schools of Pune, she was bound to gravitate to this subject when she came around to witness scores of children in Thimphu, Paro and other places going around their activities, attired in their school uniforms tailored around the national dress consisting of Gho/ Kira. Though on a vacation to a foreign land, the last thought that crosses your mind is to evince interest in a countrys education system. But then there are few countries in this world that can rival Bhutan in matters concerning the HDI (Human Development Index) in the form of GNH permeating their education or the school system. It was a chance encounter while undertaking a morning walk during our stay in Paro that self and wife came across the Paro Elementary School (ECCD- Early childhood care and development). The most distinctive feature of Bhutanese education is the attempt to translate GNH from a national development philosophy into an everyday educational practice. The Educating for Gross National Happiness (EGNH) initiative was introduced across Bhutans school system in 2010. Its objective was to prepare and integrate GNH principles into a definite curriculum and pedagogy, as well as to create what Bhutan calls a GNH School or Green School. This concept went beyond trees and gardens to include intellectual, academic, social, cultural, spiritual, aesthetic and moral dimensions of development. This has profound implications for elementary education. A young child-student learns that happiness is not synonymous with consumption. Human dimensions like Cooperation, respect, nature, community, culture, etc. matter. The two most abiding spectacles of Bhutanese students that took me and my better half by pleasant surprise in Thimphu & Paro were their wearing of school uniforms in traditional Bhutanese national attire and not carrying any mobile phones, unlike in India, where both of these norms are flouted with impunity. The physical manifestation of these two facets are in a way, an assertion of the Bhutanese way of imparting ENGH. The elementary school (ECCD) at Paro is located at Tshendona, providing foundational learning and early childhood care. This school was just a stones throw from our place of stay at Paro, hence our chance encounter with this institution. Nestled among the gentle and rolling hills of Paro, the school couldnt have asked more in terms of its idyllic setting. Perhaps nowhere is Bhutans educational philosophy more visible than in its relationship with the environment. Bhutan has consciously attempted to make environmental stewardship part of childrens education. School activities can connect children with agriculture, local ecosystems, and cleanliness. This is more relevant in a Himalayan country whose identity and economy are closely connected to its natural environment. Elementary education in Bhutan begins with pre-primary and extends through the primary years, broadly covering the foundational stage up to class VI. The emphasis is on creating strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and language, while simultaneously developing social, emotional and ethical capabilities. This is where Bhutans educational philosophy differs significantly from the examination-driven model familiar in much of South Asia, including India. Modernisation often creates a difficult situation for smaller nations; how does one embrace the modern world without losing ones identity? Bhutan has very intelligently tackled this issue. Dzongkha, the national language, is taught alongside English, which serves as the medium of instruction throughout the length and breadth of this Himalayan kingdom. Unlike India, which, even after eighty years after independence, has been witness to fighting amongst its southern states with the centre at New Delhi over the issue of Hindi as a medium of instruction. Not only this, even the NEP 2020 of India does not emphasise Hindi/ National language as the mandatory medium of instruction. Amazingly, school life in Bhutan itself reinforces cultural identity. National dress, national anthem, traditional practices and knowledge of Bhutanese heritage are integrated into the educational environment. How much of the above facets have been implemented into the Indian schools? The objective is not isolation, but rooted in globalisation. There is sometimes a tendency to interpret GNH education as an alternative to academic rigouras though Bhutan is choosing happiness over mathematics, science or technology. That would be a big misnomer. Having interacted with a few students at Paro during my visit to Bhutan, what I could gather was that there was no difference between an average Bhutanese student vis--vis any other student of the world in so far as knowledge was concerned. The same tendency was reflected and understood while I interacted with my Bhutanese guides Wangchen and Kinley Dorjee during the tour, who displayed an excellent sense of civility, command over the English language and general awareness. Indeed, Bhutan has recently moved towards greater alignment of its national school curriculum with Cambridge standards. When I discussed the comparative analysis of the education system of India and Bhutan with my better half during the tour, she came up with some very compelling evidence of what ails our system despite rolling out the NEP 2020 by the GOI. As per her, the core philosophy of education in both countries is similar, but the execution of this philosophy is tempered with the expediencies of the situation that keeps changing in Indias case. Bhutan emphasises a strongly linked GNHcharacter building, wellbeing, values, environment and such like facets in its education system, unlike us, wherein we stress upon academic achievement, examinations, and future employability as our core pillars of teaching. In child development, Bhutan lays stress on emotional, moral, social and physical development aspects. India too does the same, albeit in practice academics often dominate the above-stated facets. In matters of classroom atmosphere, values, teacher student relationship, Bhutan demonstrates its age-old propensity of nurturing communityoriented activities. But in the case of India (as per my better half), these facets are variable, notwithstanding the existence of excellent personal mentoring. Moreover, large classes can make these variables difficult to execute, which she has been facing throughout her teaching stint at Pune. Though our interaction with the Bhutanese education system was brief and only restricted to a few tete-a-tete with the locals, it was nevertheless enough to wisen us about the countrys forward march to awakening its younger generation. The world is beginning to rediscover something that Bhutan placed at the centre of its national philosophy decades agoDevelopment without human well-being is incomplete, and education without human development is equally incomplete. (The writer is a retired army officer and a regular scribe of Rising Kashmir & can be approached at his email: slalotra4729@gmail.com)
Urology Through the Healing Lens
Urology is one of those branches of medicine most of us don't think much about until something goes wrong, often as we grow older. It deals with the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract and, in men, the prostate and reproductive system. Kidney stones, urinary infections, difficulty passing urine and prostate problems are some of the common reasons people visit a urologist. A nephrologist, on the other hand, mainly deals with diseases of the kidneys, including kidney failure and patients who need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Urology and nephrology are related, but the two deal with different kinds of problems. My own interest in urology largely comes from my Bengaluru-based son, Ankurs recurrent urinary tract infections in recent years. My friend and gastroenterologist, Dr. Balaji Guruppa, suggested that we consult Dr. Nandakishore Shapur Kamlakar, who has earned a name for treating such infections and other related problems. That is how I first met him. Both my son and I found Dr. Nandakishore courteous, friendly and easy to talk to. What we liked was that he took time to explain the problem and the treatment options without making them sound too complicated. As we talked, I also became curious to know more about Dr. Nandakishore himself. His decision to become a doctor goes back to his school days. Soon after his Class XII examinations, his mother became seriously ill with gastroenteritis and her condition turned critical. Watching the doctors treat her made an impression on him and influenced his decision to study medicine. After completing his MS in surgery from Government Medical College, Bangalore, he started working with urologists and assisting them during operations. Over time, he became interested in the field and decided to take it up as his speciality, going on to earn his DNB in urology. His medical training taught him something else too. A doctor may be very good technically, but patients also need someone who can explain what is happening to them. He had seen excellent surgeons who communicated very well and others who were equally skilled but were less comfortable talking to patients. This seems to have influenced his own approach. He likes to explain what the problem is, what the choices are and why a particular treatment is being suggested. I noticed that during our own interaction. He talks to the patient rather than simply writing a prescription. We also spoke about some of the common problems a urologist sees. One symptom, according to him, should never be ignoredblood in the urine. It should be checked. Frequent urination, sudden urgency, poor urine flow and severe pain in the abdomen or side are some other symptoms that may also need medical attention. Recurrent UTIs can also be difficult to treat. Antibiotics may clear the infection for some time without dealing with the reason it keeps coming back. The bacteria may have become resistant to some antibiotics. The bladder may not be emptying fully, or there may be some narrowing or blockage in the urinary tract. Kidney stones can also be a factor. In men, an infection in the prostate can sometimes be responsible. In some cases, bacteria remain in the urinary system and cause another infection later. Kidney stones are another common problem and are now being seen in younger people too. Lifestyle may have something to do with it. Many of us simply don't drink enough water. Too much salt, colas and animal protein, along with long hours of sitting, lack of exercise and obesity, can increase the risk in people who are prone to stones. The prostate is another subject that begins to worry many men after 50. It commonly becomes larger with age and can sometimes affect the flow of urine. But an enlarged prostate does not automatically mean cancer or surgery. Some men may need no treatment at all. Others can be treated with medicine. Surgery may be required in some cases, depending on the symptoms and what the tests show. The tools available to urologists have changed considerably over the years. Lasers and smaller instruments have made many procedures less invasive. Robotic surgery allows surgeons to work more precisely in areas that are difficult to reach. In suitable cases, this can mean less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. Artificial Intelligence is beginning to find a place too. It can help doctors go through scans, reports and medical records and assist them in making decisions. Dr. Nandakishore sees it as a useful tool, but not something that can replace the experience and judgement of a doctor. There is another side to him that I found interesting. Away from medicine, he enjoys nature and photography. When he learnt about my long association with Discovery Channel, we naturally got talking about wildlife and nature. At first, photography and urology may seem to have little in common. But listening to him, I could see a link. A photographer spends a lot of time observing and looking for details. A doctor, in his own way, does much the same. Modern urology itself involves a great deal of looking and observing. Small cameras allow doctors to see inside the urinary system. The images help them understand the problem and can also be shown to patients. Dr. Nandakishore sees photography largely as a way of recording what he sees. Perhaps that is where his two interests come together. Nature also gives him a break from the pressures of a doctor's life. With a camera in hand and surrounded by nature, the pace is different. One slows down and simply observes. What started as a consultation ended up giving me a better understanding of urology and also of the person behind the doctor. When I asked Dr Nandakishore how he would like his patients to remember him years later, he did not talk about successful operations, technology or professional achievements. His answer was simple: As a good human being. It reminded me of the well-known words attributed to physician William Osler: The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease. For all the changes taking place in medicine, that probably says it all. (The author works as an Advisor with Apeejay Education, New Delhi)
Doorstep pickup rate of construction waste slashed to Rs 50 a tonne
Jammu and Kashmir Auto Retail Jumps 42.84% in August
SRINAGAR: Automobile retail in Jammu and Kashmir surged 42.84 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, with 21,788 vehicles sold compared to 15,253 units in August 2025, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) J&K. The growth was broad-based across all major automobile categories, with passenger vehicles, three-wheelers and construction equipment recording particularly strong []
Odisha has appointed 2022-batch IAS officer Prahlad Narayan Sharma as Commissioner of Puri Municipal Corporation and posted 2024-batch IAS Pawan Kumar as SDM, Redhakhol. Details of the Sept 11 notification. The post Prahlad Narayan Sharma appointed Commissioner of Puri Municipal Corporation; Pawan Kumar posted as Redhakhol SDM appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Sher-E-Punjab T20: Ludhiana Lions seal semis spot with five-wicket win over Amritsar Soormas
Digital Desk | SAS Nagar (Punjab), Sep 11 (IANS) Ludhiana Lions secured their place in the semifinals of the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League by defeating Amritsar Soormas by five wickets at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Friday. Chasing a target of 177, Ludhiana needed just 62 runs to qualify for the semifinals as they had a better net run rate than their rivals. The Lions, however, went a step further and completed the chase in the 19th over to register a convincing win and seal their place in the last four. Batting first, Amritsar Soormas posted 176/9 in 20 overs. They were put under early pressure after Sahaj Dhawan was dismissed cheaply, but Jashanpreet Singh and Abhay Choudhary helped steady the innings with a 32-run partnership for the second wicket. Choudhary played an attacking knock of 25 off 15 balls, but his dismissal triggered another setback for Amritsar. The Soormas lost wickets at regular intervals and slipped to 97/5, leaving them in danger of being bowled out for a below-par total. Rahul Kumar then led the recovery for Amritsar. He found a reliable partner in Ishmeet Singh Sandhu, and the two added 64 runs for the sixth wicket. Rahul took the attacking role and kept the scoreboard moving with some good strokes. Rahul eventually scored a valuable 57 off 36 balls, giving Amritsar some much-needed momentum in the middle overs. Ishmeet also played an important role in the partnership before the Lions managed to break the stand. Amritsar lost a few more wickets towards the end but managed to reach 176/9, giving Ludhiana a target of 177. For Ludhiana, Kartik Chadha was among the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2/31 in four overs. He played a key role in keeping the Amritsar batters under pressure and preventing them from adding more runs in the final overs. The Lions did not get off to an ideal start in the chase either. They lost two early wickets and were reduced to 32/2, bringing Amritsar back into the contest. However, Salil Arora and Karteek Sharma then produced a superb partnership to completely change the game. The two batters attacked the bowling and put Ludhiana in a strong position, bringing the equation down to 67 runs from 60 balls. Salil was in excellent touch and smashed 70 off just 35 balls, hitting six sixes and four fours. Karteek provided strong support and also completed his half-century as the pair put together a massive 120-run partnership. Salil's dismissal briefly gave Amritsar some hope, but Ludhiana were firmly in control by then. Karteek continued to guide the chase and scored 56 off 40 balls before he was dismissed, with the Lions needing only 9 runs from 19 balls at that stage. Krish Bhagat fell soon after while attempting to clear the field, but the Lions had very little left to do. They completed the chase in the 19th over, finishing with a five-wicket victory at the I.S. Bindra Stadium that has hosted international matches in the past. Mohali Kings will now face Amritsar Soorma in the first semi-final while Ludhiana Lions will lock horns with Jalandhar Warriors in the second semi-final. Playoffs Schedule: 12th September 2026 Semifinal 1: Mohali Kings vs Amritsar Soorma at 1:00 PM Semifinal 2: Ludhiana Lions vs Jalandhar Warriors at 7:00 PM
Elderly man hacks 29-year-old man on the head with a sickle following a drunken brawl in Chennai
Modi urges BRICS to cut trade barriers, boost business ties
New Delhi, Sep 11:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on BRICS countries to convert the groupings growing economic weight into greater investment, trade and business opportunities, while stressing the importance of freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes and the safety of seafarers. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum in India, Modi urged the grouping to [] The post Modi urges BRICS to cut trade barriers, boost business ties appeared first on Northlines .
DGP reviews border protection grid
Jammu Tawi, Sep 11 : Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Friday chaired a high-level security meeting here to review the border protection grid along the International Border and Line of Control in the Jammu region, officials said. The meeting reviewed the security arrangements and coordination among the forces deployed along [] The post DGP reviews border protection grid appeared first on Northlines .
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has asked people possessing unlicensed firearms to surrender them before November 1, promising that those who voluntarily hand over their weapons will not face cases. He warned of stern action after the deadline and urged those needing guns for protection to obtain proper licences.
Bank employees observe strike, demand 5-day week
Jammu Tawi, Sep 11: Bank employees affiliated with seven major unions under the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) observed a one-day strike here on Friday to press for immediate implementation of a five-day banking week and settlement of their long-pending demands. The employees held protests in front of the RBI regional office in Jammu. [] The post Bank employees observe strike, demand 5-day week appeared first on Northlines .
UP polls: BJP seeks to make healthcare an election pitch as Yogi govt expands cashless treatment
With Uttar Pradesh heading towards assembly polls next year, the BJP is seeking to make healthcare a political issue as the Yogi Adityanath government expands cashless treatment to teachers, PRD volunteers, cooks, Anganwadi workers and helpers. The schemes provide annual family coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.
Shops demolished in Satwari for highway expansion; traders seek rehabilitation
Jammu Tawi, Sep 11: Over a dozen shops were demolished by the administration on Friday as part of highway expansion work in Jammu city, triggering resentment among shopkeepers who sought immediate rehabilitation. Men and machinery of the administration carried out the demolition drive for the second day in the Satwari-Nai Basti area amid heavy security [] The post Shops demolished in Satwari for highway expansion; traders seek rehabilitation appeared first on Northlines .
Some sections tarnishing Sanatan Dharma by spreading hatred: Digvijaya Singh
Digital Desk | Datia, Sep 11 (IANS) Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Friday said that some sections were tarnishing Sanatan Dharma by spreading religious hatred and asserted that he opposed anyone using religion to create divisions in society. What is happening is that in this country, some sections are tarnishing Sanatan Dharma and spreading religious hatred. I do not want to name those organisations. They exist among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians as well. I oppose anyone who spreads hatred in the name of religion, Singh said at a press conference in Datia. The veteran Congress leader made this statement while explaining the objective behind his proposed 'Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra' from Ujjain to Ayodhya. During his visit to Datia, Singh visited the Pitambara Peeth and offered prayers to Goddess Baglamukhi. He also offered jalabhishek at Bankhandeshwar Mahadev temple and stood in a queue along with common devotees. He later visited the residence and fort of newly elected Congress MLA Ghanshyam Singh, where he met party workers before addressing the media. Singh said the essence of Sanatan Dharma should be understood through the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya and saint-poet Kabir, and maintained that religion should not be used to spread hatred or hostility. The Congress leader said true Sanatan teaches tolerance, compassion and harmony among all communities. He had earlier announced that the 'Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra' would begin from Ujjain on October 20, coinciding with Vijayadashami, and proceed to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, covering over 1,000 km. Singh has said the yatra is neither in support of nor against any political party and is aimed at protecting transparency, truth and devotees' faith while promoting social harmony. The Congress leader has invited people to register for participation in the proposed yatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya.
Casual workers protest, warn of stopping water supply
Srinagar, Sep 11:The Jammu and Kashmir Casual/Daily Wagers Forum (JKCDF) on Friday held a peaceful protest at Sher-i-Kashmir Park here, urging the government to address the long-pending demands of casual and daily-wage workers, particularly regularisation of their services. The protest was led by J&K Casual/Daily Wagers Forum president Sajad Ahmed Parray, who said the workers [] The post Casual workers protest, warn of stopping water supply appeared first on Northlines .
NHM employees extend 72-hour strike
Srinagar, Sep 11:The agitation by National Health Mission (NHM) employees continued across Jammu and Kashmir for the third consecutive day on Friday, with the employees deciding to extend their ongoing 72-hour strike by another 72 hours from September 12, citing failure of the government to take concrete and time-bound action on their long-pending demands. The [] The post NHM employees extend 72-hour strike appeared first on Northlines .
