Health & Fitness

Supporters raise 287,871 to protect 16 hectares of Borneo orangutan forest

Atacama Desert: Where ancient life reveals the secrets of our planets beginnings

EOW Kashmir chargesheets man for posing as CID officer, cheating people with fake govt job promises

Srinagar, Nov 10: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against Ghulam Hassan Dar, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, a resident of Dhobi Ghat, Hazratbal, for posing as a CID officer and cheating people of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of promising government jobs, officials said. The officials said the chargesheet has been files in case FIR No. 24/2023 under Sections 420 and 468 IPC before the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar. In an official statement, an EOW Spokesperson said that the case was registered on the basis of a written complaint alleging that the accused impersonated a CID officer posted at Delhi and fraudulently induced people by promising government favours. The accused individual assured the transfer of an employee of the Railway Department from Uttarakhand to Srinagar. The accused also promised to secure an appointment as a Nursing Orderly in the Health Department and provided fake appointment orders and a forged deputation letter to the victim. In the process, the accused cheated and duped lakhs of sums, the spokesperson said. During the course of investigation, he said, the allegations were substantiated. Accordingly, the investigation was concluded as proved, and the chargesheet has been filed before the Court of Law in absentia under Section 512 CrPC, as the accused is absconding, for judicial determination. SSP EOW Kashmir advised the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming official connections and never pay money for government jobs or transfers through unauthorized channels. Report any such fraudulent activity to EOW Kashmir.

Body of Sopore MBBS student who died in Bangladesh reaches Srinagar, Nimaz-e-Janaza at 11:30 am

Srinagar, Nov 10: The mortal remains of a 26-year-old MBBS student from north Kashmir's Sopore, who was found dead in Bangladesh under mysterious circumstances, reached Srinagar on Tuesday are being taken to his native village, family members said. The Nimaz-e-Janaza of Adnan Altaf Rather, a resident of Dangerpora in Sopore, will be offered at 11:30 am, following which he will be laid to rest, the family said. Rather, son of Mohammad Altaf Rather, was pursuing his MBBS at Eastern Medical College in Cumilla, Bangladesh. He had reportedly gone missing on the night of November 2 after leaving his college premises. His body was recovered from a pond in Monipur village of Cumilla's Burichang upazila on November 4. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and Bangladeshi authorities are investigating the case. The student's death had triggered concern among his family members and the Kashmiri community, with several political representatives and student organisations seeking expeditious repatriation of his mortal remains. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, while Health Minister Sakina Itoo approached Union Health Minister J P Nadda, seeking intervention to facilitate the return of the body. Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had also taken up the matter with the concerned authorities. The repatriation process involved coordination between Indian diplomatic officials and authorities in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Kashmiri students in Bangladesh had also offered Nimaz-e-Janaza in absentia for the deceased. The news of his death has plunged his native village and adjoining areas into mourning, with relatives and residents gathering to receive his mortal remains. (KNS)

Suniel Shetty takes on strategic leadership role at NKN Media

New Delhi, Nov 10: In a landmark move that signals an evolving era of global media and entertainment convergence, NKN Media announced a major breakthrough with the coming on board of Bollywood legend and an exemplary entrepreneur, Mr. Suniel Shetty as a distinguished Mentor. This would be a strategic leadership role for Mr. Shetty who brings both his decades long business acumen as well as the star power to the dedicated initiatives undertaken by NKN Media. Announcing this as a major step forward, Mr. Abdul Majid Khan, CEO & Group MD, NKN Media said,Under his mentorship, we are so looking forward to building businesses that are meaningful, full of purpose and those that create an impact for the larger good. He brings with him immense business know-how that we look forward to imbibing from. We look forward to contributing positively to the UAE's growing economy and be part of the burgeoning entrepreneurship ecosystem here. Sunil Shetty, whose decades of influence in entertainment, fitness, and lifestyle branding have made him a household name and a respected entrepreneur, will bring his visionary approach to NKN Medias strategic board. His involvement is expected to dramatically amplify the company's niche IP events, attract top-tier global partnerships, and inject high level of creative energy into NKNs portfolio. NKN Media over the past few years has taken aggressive steps towards its strategic vision of positioning with a purpose for its clients and patrons. Localization techniques combined with equal emphasis on all media streams puts its outreach efforts on a global level for all their projects. By delivering consistently on clients goals, its retention strategy has helped create a meaningful impact for all their stakeholders and that is the ambition that they wish to carry on. By venturing into key partnerships with leading mainstream media houses like India Today Group, Times Network, NDTV, Republic TV etc., the idea is to leverage on the skills, experience and the know-how of its team for building meaningful and continuous momentum through quality IP events. NKN Medias International Property Expo which started from Dubai has already covered London, Singapore and New Delhi in the past one year. And with its latest initiative, Falcons of Majlis, Middle Easts first initiative acknowledging the start-ups from the region for their next stage of expansion, it is only reinforcing its commitment of building a sustainable eco-system for early-stage start-ups.

Indulge in the delicious new menus in Mumbai this week in November

Give your street-food cravings a desi fix with flavours of Rajasthan and Punjab

2026 likely to be worlds hottest year on record, scientists warn

New Delhi, Nov 10: The world is on course to record its hottest year ever in 2026, with a combination of human-driven climate change and the El Nio weather phenomenon pushing global temperatures higher, scientists have warned, the BBC reported on Monday. US-based independent research group Berkeley Earth said it was 95 per cent confident that 2026 would surpass the previous temperature record set in 2024, despite two months still remaining in the year. The warning comes as world leaders and climate negotiators gather in the Turkish city of Antalya for the opening of the UN climate summit, COP31, reports BBC. Dr Robert Rohde of Berkeley Earth said the recent run of record-breaking temperatures was consistent with global warming, with glaciers collapsing, heatwaves intensifying and droughts becoming more severe, reports BBC. The European Unions Copernicus climate service has also confirmed that October 2026 was the hottest October on record. The UNs World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in its latest assessment, has forecast that 2026 will be among the four warmest years on record. It warned that an unusually powerful El Nio could continue into 2027, further raising temperatures. The main driver of global warming remains the rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. Addressing delegates at COP31, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said no single conference could bridge the gap between scientific warnings and the reality of climate change, but stressed that the urgency of the situation must drive countries to act. The summit is expected to focus not only on cutting greenhouse gas emissions but also on helping countries adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions.

Rubio asserts that Trump's foreign policy won't change after Republicans' midterm losses

Paris, Nov 10: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Republican losses in the midterm elections will not affect the Trump administration's approach to foreign policy, with clear differences on global crises emerging among top diplomats from Group of 7 allies who gathered Monday in Paris. Rubio, who spoke to reporters after talks with his counterparts from the G7 industrialised democracies, said President Donald Trump will decide US policies as he sees fit, regardless of his Republican Party's wipeout in the midterms. He said Trump is intent on ending conflicts with Iran and between Russia and Ukraine but that the United States will maintain an America First approach on the world stage. Congress has a role to play in our foreign policy, particularly on what it funds and in its oversight function, but the No. 1 factor in determining foreign policy has always been and will remain the president, Rubio said. The Paris meeting is Rubio's first overseas trip since Democrats seized control of Congress, partly because of deeply unpopular administration policies such as the Iran war. Allies have raised questions this week about whether the Trump administration would shift its positions. Uncertainty about consensus even among allies Whether on the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran or the International Criminal Court, the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan appeared far apart as two days of talks got underway, although all agreed on the need to end the conflicts as quickly as possible. Rubio said the US would not back down on its opposition to the international war crimes court, which the other G7 members belong to but the Trump administration wants to dismantle. On the Russia-Ukraine war, Rubio declined to offer a prediction about the prospects for talks that begin Tuesday in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. But he said the Trump administration would keep trying to mediate a deal. Your chances of success are zero if you're not trying, so we're going to continue to try, he said. On the question of artificial intelligence, Rubio said the US opposed efforts to rein in the technology promoted by some G7 members, while acknowledging the need to balance mitigating the dangers the rapidly developing technology poses. We're very concerned about these global institutions trying to regulate something that would stifle innovation, he said. We don't think that's the right approach from our perspective. US politics surface at G7 meeting Although Rubio said the US political situation was not raised in the meetings, several of his colleagues made clear that it was a question that needs to be addressed. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, whose country has faced withering criticism and insults from Trump, said how Washington will proceed is an open question. In terms of the US and its approach, I will say that the president has executive powers, she told reporters in Paris. The House and the Senate have changed leadership, so it's very much a question of what the approach will be. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe also wanted to see how the midterms would affect US policy. The midterm elections showed the will of American people and the elections always bring results also in terms of policy changes, she told reporters. We are willing to work with whatever Congress or Senate or administration there is to really focus on the issues that we do together and focus on the issues where we can have maximum impact together. Yet there has been little sign that the Democrats' gains will affect Trump's strategy, and his first major personnel decision has been to install Stephen Miller, a hard-line supporter who has advocated extreme positions on both domestic and foreign policy, as chief of staff. Rubio is seen by many as presenting a gentler side to Trump's often brusque approach to both friends and foes, but there has been speculation which he has denied that he might choose to leave the administration early to prepare for a 2028 presidential run. He declined again Monday to talk about the 2028 race. Wars in Iran, Ukraine major topics Trump has floated the idea of a partnership with Europe to end Russia's war in Ukraine as the US brokers talks between the sides this week. Rubio said postwar security guarantees for Ukraine and the rest of Europe have been a top concern for allies. French Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot said the Europeans are, of course, ready to take part in discussions about the future of security across the continent. But the first step is to end the war. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who met separately with Rubio, said Europe must be part of any resolution. I am still very grateful to the United States of America for making every effort to get the parties to the conflict to the table, Wadephul said. But I made clear again here that Europe belongs at this table. There can be no solution without Europe, only with Europe. Rubio also has said he expects questions from allies about the Iran war. Qatari and other mediators have proposed an interim solution to end the deadlock over a conflict that has sent fuel prices soaring because of instability in key shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Rubio said Sunday the sides were not on the verge of a breakthrough, while reiterating that Trump prefers a diplomatic solution. But he noted of diplomacy that right now, it hasn't been very productive because the Iranian demands are simply not just unacceptable but, in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic. ICC becomes sticking point The Trump administration has unsettled G7 partners as it pushes to dismantle the International Criminal Court. It has imposed severe sanctions on the court and several of its employees, saying the ICC is trying to investigate Americans. Bottom line is we're not going to have some American servicemen or American military commander standing trial in some illegitimate court that we're not a member of, Rubio said. The Trump administration is worried about the EU invoking a statute that would immunise European governments, companies and individuals from secondary US sanctions targeting those who support the ICC. Kallas, the top EU diplomat, defended the ICC and said the bloc was trying to show our American partners that their worries about the ICC regarding countries are actually not based on the Rome Statute or the regulations. The Rome Statute is the treaty that created the court. In this moment, where we see more war crimes across the world committed, we need more accountability, not less, she said.

Amit Shah inaugurates, launches projects worth Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad

New Delhi, Nov 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. Of the total projects, around Rs 1,024 crore are being undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, while works worth approximately Rs 400 crore are being implemented through the Gujarat Governments Roads and Buildings Department and the Centre. Addressing a gathering, Amit Shah said the redevelopment of Ramapir No Tekro would provide permanent homes and improved facilities to residents. Once completed, the project would benefit more than 55,000 people by providing access to healthcare, education, recreation and social security facilities. He also referred to the commencement of work on the four-km ISKCON overbridge, a rainwater drainage pump house in Bopal-Ghuma and the inauguration of the Jalasapur Water Treatment Plant. Shah said development works worth Rs 25,000 crore had been completed in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency over the past seven years. On the drug menace, the Home Minister urged citizens, teachers and parents to join the campaign against drug abuse. He said the Centre had set a target of making India drug-free by December 31, 2029, while Gujarat should achieve the goal by December 31, 2028. He announced that a control room would become operational from December 1, with a mechanism to ensure action within three hours of receiving information about drug-related activities. Amit Shah said people could report drug sales or consumption through helpline 1033, assuring that callers identities would remain confidential. He also urged families not to hesitate in seeking treatment for youngsters battling addiction.

Firm apple prices revive market activity across south Kashmir

Shopian, Nov 9: Firm apple prices during the ongoing harvesting season have improved market sentiment across south Kashmir, with traders reporting increased customer footfall and a pickup in sales after months of subdued business activity. Markets in Shopian, Pulwama and other apple-producing districts had remained relatively quiet for over a year, as traders struggled with low customer turnout and sluggish sales. Shopkeepers attributed the slowdown largely to poor returns from the apple industry, which remains a major pillar of the regions economy. Damage to the crop, partly caused by disruptions and closures of the national highway and erratic weather conditions, had affected growers earnings and, consequently, their spending capacity. However, firm prices this season have brought some relief to orchardists, with the improvement gradually reflecting in commercial activity across the region. The good apple prices have had a positive impact on the overall market, said Tariq Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Batapora, Shopian. He said customers had started returning to shops, while restaurants, eateries, ready-made garment stores and other commercial establishments were witnessing better business. Markets are bustling with customers again. There is a noticeable difference in the number of people visiting shops compared to the previous season, he said. Traders dealing in different goods said the improvement was visible across several market segments and was not confined to any particular category of business. Mushtaq Ahmad, who deals in ready-made garments and woollens in Pulwama, said business had picked up in recent weeks. People are spending more freely than they were earlier. When growers receive better returns for their produce, it has a positive effect on other businesses as well, he said. He said the improvement in purchasing activity was particularly encouraging for small shopkeepers, who had endured prolonged periods of sluggish sales. Traders said the apple economy directly influences the purchasing power of households across south Kashmir, where a large section of the population depends on horticulture and related activities for its livelihood. Despite crop damage caused by multiple spells of hailstorms during the season, apple prices have remained firm, providing some relief to growers. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit MandiShopian, said A-grade apples were selling at Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,500 per box. Despite the damage caused by hailstorms, the prices have remained encouraging. This has provided some relief to growers and helped sustain activity in the fruit trade, he said. He said better prices benefited not only orchardists but also thousands of people engaged in transportation, packaging, grading, loading and other activities linked to the horticulture sector. Shopkeepers said the business improvement was a welcome development after a prolonged period of uncertainty. For small traders, the return of customers to markets is an encouraging sign that better returns from the apple sector are gradually translating into economic activity beyond orchards and fruit mandis.

AGs appointment will be within a month: Govt tells High Court

Srinagar, Nov 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government has assured the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh that the J&K Advocate Generals post will be filled within one month. Senior Additional Advocate General, Monika Kohli on November 5 informed the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal that the necessary process for the appointment of the J&Ks top law officer is underway and will be concluded within one month. The Sr AAG made the submission to the Bench in keeping with the instructions from the government during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Harsh Dubey, seeking judicial intervention for filling up the AGs post which has been lying vacant for nearly two years. In response to the statement given on the instructions before the court, the bench listed the matter for further consideration on December 8. On September 14, the Court had issued notice to the government for its response to the PIL through Chief Secretary and Law Secretary and the same was required to be filed by October 21. Jammu and Kashmir Advocate General D C Raina submitted his resignation on October 18, 2024, after a National Conference-led government assumed office in the Union Territory. Duby, a practicing advocate through the PIL is seeking directions to the competent authority to initiate and complete, within a reasonable timeframe, the process for filling the constitutional post, which has remained vacant for a considerable period. He submits that he approached the court in public interest, as the continued vacancy of the constitutional office was affecting the administration of justice and the discharge of statutory functions attached to the post. The matter involves an important constitutional office having significant responsibilities in relation to the administration of justice, conduct of Government litigation and discharge of statutory and legal functions, the PIL urges. The PIL highlighted that the vacancy has affected the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, as the Advocate General serves as its ex-officio Chairperson under the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 2001, and the notification constituting the committee, S O 466 of 2022. It seeks courts intervention to direct the authorities to undertake the process contemplated under Section 79 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, for appointment of an Advocate General and complete it within a reasonable period fixed by the court. It also seeks appropriate directions for the smooth functioning of the Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee and asks the government to place on record an affidavit disclosing the reasons for the continued vacancy and the steps taken so far. According to the petitioner, he submitted a representation before the competent authorities, including the J&Ks Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary requesting immediate and effective steps for appointment of a regular Advocate General. As no effective institutional action has been taken to address the issue, he has approached the court by way of the present public interest Litigation under Article 226 of the Constitution of Linda, seeking appropriate directions for expeditious steps towards filling up the office of Advocate General in accordance with law, the PIL says The High Court on June 4 last year while dealing with a petition concerning public charitable and religious trusts, had taken note of the prolonged vacancy and observed that it was rendering Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which contemplates a role for the Advocate General in matters concerning public charitable and religious trusts, practically inoperative.

Costly textbooks: Government promises action, parents say it is too late

Srinagar, Nov 9: Minister for Education ShamimFirdous on Monday said the government would take action against private schools prescribing expensive textbooks published by private publishers in violation of prescribed rules. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a textbook distribution event in Srinagar, Firdous said some private schools were recommending book sets costing between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000. We will issue an order in this regard very soon. I will convene a meeting with the Director, School Education Kashmir. We will look into the educational system here. Everything should be done under discipline, she said. The Minister alleged that some private schools were functioning according to their own rules and causing difficulties for parents. They dont give admission to poor children and trouble the parents a lot, she said, adding that parents were also being burdened by the cost of textbooks and uniforms. Now that I have taken charge, I will take drastic steps to reduce the problems faced by parents, she said. However, parents have questioned the timing of the governments assurance, saying the intervention has come after many families have already purchased the prescribed textbooks for the new academic session. It has been more than a week since the issue of textbooks was highlighted, but the government did not take cognisance of it in time, said Muhammad Aamir, a parent. It is merely an eyewash now because almost all parents have purchased the textbooks and children have already joined their new classes, he said. The parents alleged that the government had failed to act against private schools despite complaints about the cost of textbooks, giving institutions a free hand to burden families at the beginning of the academic session. Bureaucrats and ministers also have children studying in private schools. That is why they remain mute spectators when it is time to act and issue instructions only after the issue has lost momentum, said Suhail Ahmad Khan, another parent from Srinagar. Greater Kashmir had earlier carried a series of reports highlighting the concerns of parents over the cost of textbooks prescribed by private schools. The J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) had made it mandatory for private schools to adopt its prescribed textbooks across classes, from primary to higher secondary levels, under the J&K Board of School Education Act, 1975. Over the past two weeks, parents have raised concerns over private schools prescribing expensive books from private publishers. They have also alleged that some schools prescribe additional books to earn commissions from publishers. Parents said some schools affiliated with JKBOSE, while claiming to follow the Cambridge curriculum, prescribe book sets costing between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000, making them unaffordable for many families. Describing the governments response as locking the stable after the horse has bolted, parents said action at this stage would do little to ease the financial burden already borne by families. If the government is serious about the issue, it should inspect school campuses and ensure that the money spent on these expensive books is reimbursed to parents, they said. The damage has already been done. It is a waste of time to expect action now. Had the government been serious, it would have acted earlier. Now they are making fun of the suffering of parents, said Parvez Ahmad, another parent.

JKBOSE hopeful of declaring annual regular results by Jan 10

Srinagar, Nov 9:Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education Monday said they were planning to declare the result of the annual regular examination by January 10, 2027. Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Chairman JKBOSE Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said last year they were able to announce the results of the annual regular examination within a month after the culmination of the exams. This year, the exams are going very well. The main subjects have been completed. The exam of few additional and vocational subject is yet to happen, he added. He said that after the completion of the theory examination, it takes around 10 days to conduct the practical (external) examination of the students, besides completing other formalities as well. We are hopeful to declare the result by January 10. We cant be 100 authentic on this, but our efforts will be to declare the result by this time, he told reporters. About the heating arrangements, chairman JKBOSE said it was not taken care of by JKBOSE. It is not possible to provide heating arrangements to every examination centre. The weather is pleasant and there is no need for any heating arrangements in exam centres, he added. As already reported by this newspaper, as many as 2.70 lakh students registered for the class 10th, 11th and 12th Annual regular-2026 Board examinations across Kashmir and winter zone areas of Jammu division this year. For this, JKBOSE designated around 2602 examination centres for the students. Around 269184 students including 97500 from 10th, 89513 from class 11th and 82171 students from class 12th had registered for the JKBOSE exams The annual regular (2026) examination of class 10th students across Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu and Ladakh commenced on October 19 and is scheduled to culminate on November 18, 2026. The examination of class 11th students commenced on October 29 and will culminate on November 30, 2026. Also, the annual regular (2026) examination of class 12th students commenced on October 21 and will culminate on November 21, 2026.

Food Safety Deptt fines eateries Rs 12,000 during inspection drive in Sonamarg

Ganderbal, Nov 9:The Food Safety Department, Ganderbal, conducted a surprise late-evening inspection drive across markets and roadside eateries in Sonamarg to check compliance with food safety and hygiene standards. During the drive, an enforcement team inspected several food establishments, including restaurants, dhabas and street vendors, to assess compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules framed thereunder. Several establishments were found violating prescribed sanitary requirements and operational guidelines. Taking cognisance of the violations, the team imposed a collective fine of Rs 12,000 on the defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs). Officials said the inspection was conducted under the directions of Commissioner Food Safety Khalid Jahangir to ensure that food establishments maintain prescribed hygiene standards, particularly during peak dinner hours when tourist footfall is high. During the drive, food samples were also lifted from selected outlets and sent for laboratory analysis to assess their quality and safety. The department has directed all food business operators in the district to strictly comply with prescribed hygiene protocols, maintain valid FSSAI registration or licences, ensure hygienic conditions in kitchens and refrain from using substandard ingredients. Officials warned that unannounced inspection drives would continue across Ganderbal district and that violations, particularly by repeat offenders, would invite stringent action, including registration of formal cases and suspension of operating licences.

J&K Govt begins exercise for 2027-28 Budget; departmental discussions from November 16

Srinagar, Nov 9:The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department will begin departmental budget discussions from November 16 as the administration prepares for the 2027-28 financial year, with expenditure patterns, revenue generation, staffing requirements, and liabilities of ongoing projects set to come under scrutiny. The exercise is significant given the financial commitments reflected in the 2026-27 Budget, which has an overall outlay of Rs 1,13,767 crore, including Rs 80,640 crore under revenue expenditure and Rs 33,127 crore under capital expenditure. Of the estimated expenditure, Rs 24,683 crore has been earmarked for salaries, Rs 15,777 crore for pensions and Rs 12,283 crore for interest payments. Together, these three components account for Rs 52,743 crore, highlighting the substantial recurring financial obligations that the government has to meet. The Finance Department has scheduled discussions on the Revised Estimates for 2026-27 and Budget Estimates for 2027-28 under both revenue and capital components, including Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP) and loan components. According to an official communication issued by the Budget Division on October 31, administrative departments have been asked to furnish Action Taken Reports on previous Budget announcements, wherever applicable, along with complete details of their establishment budgets and information required under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management framework. Departments have also been directed to submit detailed presentations covering sanctioned staff strength, employees in position and contractual manpower, besides scheme-wise trends in revenue and capital expenditure. The Finance Department has specifically sought details of revenue receipts during the last five years and the scope for enhancing collections. Departments have also been asked to provide details of major projects and initiatives, including the total liabilities of ongoing projects. The presentations will have to indicate the key features of proposed allocations for the ensuing financial year, along with corresponding outputs, outcomes and targets. Departments have also been asked to demonstrate the alignment of their budget proposals with relevant Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026-27 Budget estimates revenue receipts at Rs 90,018 crore. Of this, Rs 58,218 crore is expected through grants-in-aid from the Centre, while the Union Territorys own tax and non-tax resources have been projected at Rs 31,800 crore. The figures indicate continued dependence on central assistance, which accounts for around 65 percent of the estimated revenue receipts. Own tax revenue has been projected at Rs 20,700 crore, while non-tax revenue is estimated at Rs 11,100 crore. Among the major sources of tax revenue, State GST is expected to contribute Rs 13,000 crore, followed by State Excise at Rs 3,000 crore, Sales Tax/VAT at Rs 2,100 crore and stamp duty and registration fees at Rs 1,100 crore. The power sector remains a significant component of the Union Territorys non-tax revenue estimates. The government has projected Rs 7,100 crore in non-tax revenue from the sector, against an estimated Rs 9,300 crore expenditure on power purchases during the current financial year. The capital expenditure position will also be an important part of the forthcoming discussions. While the 2026-27 Budget provides Rs 33,127 crore under the broader capital expenditure head, capital outlay at Rs 25,236 crore. Capital outlay represents expenditure on the creation of assets and is a narrower component of the broader capital expenditure classification. Official data show that capital outlay for 2025-26, initially budgeted at Rs 26,909 crore, was revised downwards to Rs 24,308 crore. The reduction highlights the importance of examining actual expenditure and the pace of project implementation alongside fresh financial requirements. The Finance Departments decision to seek details of liabilities attached to ongoing projects is expected to help assess existing commitments before new proposals are considered. The requirement to provide expenditure trends and corresponding outcomes will also enable scrutiny of whether departmental allocations are translating into completed projects and improved public services. The 2026-27 Budget has projected a fiscal deficit of Rs 14,685 crore, equivalent to 4.6 per cent of the projected Gross State Domestic Product, while the revenue surplus has been estimated at Rs 9,378 crore. It has also reported outstanding off-budget borrowings of Rs 23,133 crore at the end of March 2025. The department-wise discussions will begin on November 16 with the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department, followed by Industries and Commerce and Mining. Tribal Affairs, Information and Revenue departments are scheduled for November 17, while School Education, Law and Justice/Election and Parliamentary Affairs will be taken up on November 18. Jal Shakti (PHE), Transport and Cooperative departments will be examined on November 19. Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Agriculture Production and Horticulture departments are scheduled for November 20. The discussions will continue with Hospitality, Protocol and Toshkhana/Estates, Youth Services and Sports, Technical Education and Science and Technology on November 23. Public Works, Housing and Urban Development and Jal Shakti (I&FC) are scheduled for November 25. Rural Development and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will be taken up on November 26, followed by Tourism and Culture on November 27. Health and Medical Education, Finance, Fisheries and Planning, and Development and Monitoring departments are scheduled for November 30. The General Administration, Forest and Social Welfare departments will be examined on December 1, while Higher Education, Power Development and Finance are scheduled for December 2. The Finance Department has asked departments to submit their presentations and supporting information well in advance of the scheduled discussions. Only officers considered essential for the exercise will participate, while Heads of Departments based in Jammu and Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners will join through video conferencing.

Nabi, Gurnoor, Arshdeep to stay back: Kotak

Hamilton, Nov 9:The white-ball pace trio of Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, and Arshdeep Singh will stay back to help the Indian Test squad prepare for the crucial World Test Championship series against New Zealand starting on November 19, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday. The three are currently a part of the squad that is engaged in a five-ODI series against the Black Caps. The third game of the assignment will be held here on Tuesday. I think three bowlers are going to stay back anyway. Gurnoor, maybe Nabi, and I think Arsh is also staying back, Kotak said in a pre-match press conference on Monday. The former Saurashtra batter also said that the Test specialists will start their preparations from November 11 with skipper Shubman Gill, senior opener KL Rahul, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pacer Anshul Kamboj leaving for Wellington after the third ODI game here on Tuesday. All in all, I think the preparation has been very good. On top of that, the Test players will go for a camp from the 11th, where we will get five or six sessions. Fingers crossed, we should be ready for the Test series as well. The coaching team will also split with head coach Gautam Gambhir staying back for the fourth and fifth ODIs scheduled on November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga. As far as I understand, Gautam will obviously have to be here because of the upcoming World Cup. So, he will stay here. Probably, Sairaj (Bahutule) will also stay here, Kotak said. Morne (Morkel) and some other members of the staff will go to Wellington. These are the current plans, but as I said, the final decision is up to Gautam. So, things can change. We will just try to ensure that the players get the required workload, fitness and practice. They should get enough preparation, depending on the conditions available to us, he added.

30 students per class, Rs 40000 starting salary!

Srinagar, Nov 9:Drawing on his decades-long experience in the education sector, Iqbal Ahmad Beg has established a new girls-only school at Hyderpora, with a model that seeks to prioritise smaller class sizes, individual attention, better teacher remuneration and modern infrastructure over large student enrolments. The school- 'New Convent Global Girls School' will accommodate only 30 students in each class, with a single section from nursery to Class 3rd primary in the initial phase. To begin with, we will start classes with fresh admissions up to 3rd primary. In the coming years we will commit ourselves to have only 390 students up to class 10th in the whole campus, Beg told Greater Kashmir . Beg said the decision to introduce a limited-enrolment model was based on his experience of running educational institutions over several decades, during which he felt that large class sizes and inadequate salaries for teaching staff remained major shortcomings in the private education sector. The building that I have can accommodate almost 4000 students if we reduce the size of classrooms. However, we have decided to do it differently. We will have a minimum number of students and ensure better salaries for teachers, he told Greater Kashmir . He said the school would initially offer a starting salary of Rs 40000 to teachers. It is an attempt to address one of the biggest weaknesses in private school education, he added. Beg said he had earlier operated a school with an enrolment of around 900 students alongside a B.Ed college with 560 students. However, the financial arrangements required to sustain the institutions meant that increasing student enrolment became necessary, while teachers continued to receive comparatively meagre salaries. This worried me. We needed more and more students to meet the financial requirements, while the salaries being paid to staff were not satisfactory. We eventually decided to close those institutions and begin a new journey with a different model, he said. About the rationale behind restricting class strength to 30, Beg said teachers in classrooms with 50 to 60 students often struggle to devote adequate time to individual children. He said the new model was intended to ensure that every student receives sufficient attention and allow teachers to identify individual learning requirements and help children perform better academically. My observations of girls' education at the Gogji Bagh branch influenced my decision to establish an exclusive school for girls in Srinagar. The quality of girl students is tremendous. Their discipline, handwriting and commitment towards studies are remarkable. I wanted to create an environment where girls receive uninterrupted attention and opportunities to excel, he added. The school has also adopted an open-office concept, under which students and parents will have easy access to the chairman, principal, vice-principal and other staff members. Beg said he did not believe in restricting parents from entering school premises or creating unnecessary barriers between the management, teachers, students and parents. The child should not have to think twice about whether he or she can approach the principal or any other staff member. There should be no barriers between teachers, management, students and parents, he said. The institution has been affiliated with the JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE). The choice of Board should not be the sole determinant of educational quality. The manner in which subjects are taught matters more than the name of the Board, he said. What you teach is largely the same across Boards. Whether it is Cambridge or JKBOSE, important question is how you teach. The teaching methodology makes the difference, he added. On concerns that the school's infrastructure and limited enrolment could make education expensive and restrict access to economically weaker families, Beg acknowledged that maintaining smaller classes and offering better salaries would increase operational costs. He said the fee structure would necessarily have to reflect the cost of providing such facilities and maintaining a limited student strength. If you have 30 students in a class and charge Rs 2,000 per student, the financial equation is different from having twice that number. People have to pay if they want this kind of individual attention and facilities, he said. Beg however said he did not want to make exaggerated promises about learning outcomes, saying that quality education required equal commitment from the school, parents and students. Merely reducing the number of students in a classroom would not automatically guarantee better academic performance unless all stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities, he said. He said the biggest flaw in private education was the salary paid to the teaching staff. I want to change that. My wish is to pay Rs 1 lakh to teachers. But if I am charging Rs 2000 from a student, I cannot afford to pay that salary. The two are directly proportional, he said. He said establishing new institution with the state-of-the-art facilities was an attempt to put his years of experience into practice through a model that gives priority to the quality of education, teachers' professional dignity and individual attention rather than the size of enrolment.

Shubham Khajuria to lead J&K in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy

Srinagar, Nov 9:Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, scheduled to be held in Indore from November 14 to 26. As per the JKCA, Shubham Khajuria has been named captain of the side, which features several prominent players, including Qamran Iqbal, Abdul Samad, Umran Malik and Yudhvir Singh. The squad also includes Yawer Hassan, Kawalpreet Singh, wicketkeepers Dikshant Kundal and Rydham Sharma, Sahil Lotra, Vanshaj Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar, Brijesh Sharma and Lone Nasir Muzaffar. The team was finalised following recommendations from the JKCA Senior Men's Selection Committee and approval by the competent authority.

Sanctorum Public Institute inaugurates Astro Turf Ground at Lalad Sopore

Sopore Nov 9:Sanctorum Public Institute, Lalad Sopore, inaugurated its Astro Turf Ground, marking a significant milestone in the field of sports and educational infrastructure. The inauguration ceremony was held with great enthusiasm and grandeur, with MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar attending as the Chief Guest, while Joint Director Education North Kashmir, Hakim Tanveer, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The programme was attended by several prominent dignitaries and officials, including ASP Sopore, SDPO Sopore, SHO Tarzoo, Tehsildar Sopore Sheikh Tariq, representatives of the Police and Army, and heads of various private educational institutions from Sopore town, besides other distinguished guests. The inauguration of the Astro Turf ground reflects the institution's commitment to promoting sports, physical fitness and extracurricular activities among students. The newly established facility is expected to provide students with better opportunities to develop their sporting skills, nurture their talents and participate in various sports activities in a modern sporting environment. Students of the institution presented colourful performances, while the school band added charm and vibrancy to the ceremony, making the occasion more memorable and impressive. The enthusiastic participation of students showcased their talent, discipline and dedication, drawing appreciation from the guests and attendees. Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries appreciated the initiative taken by the management of Sanctorum Public Institute, describing the establishment of such a facility as an encouraging step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and providing students with opportunities beyond academics. MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, lauded the management of Sanctorum Public Institute for taking the initiative to establish an Astro Turf ground, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening sports infrastructure in the region. He said that such initiatives play a vital role in promoting sports culture among youngsters and providing students with better opportunities to explore and develop their sporting talents. He emphasised that sports are an essential part of students' overall development, helping them build discipline, confidence, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. Kar further appreciated the institution's efforts in creating modern sporting facilities and encouraged other educational institutions to come forward with similar initiatives to nurture young talent and strengthen the sports ecosystem across North Kashmir.

Experts call for urgent actionas Kashmirs autumn smogspikes breathing problems

Srinagar, Nov 9:With air pollution worsening across Kashmir during autumn and winter, experts have warned of its growing impact on public health, linking seasonal smog to respiratory stress and lung problems, particularly among the vulnerable children and the elderly. The warning came during a webinar organised by the Peoples Environmental Council (PEC). Environmental scientists and medical professional called for urgent and coordinated action to reduce the autumn pollution spike risks. Speaking at the online event, titled Breathe Easy This Harud, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Patron of PEC, said industrial activity accounts for only around 1% of emissions in the Valley. Residential heating, biomass burning, brick kilns and vehicular transport are the major sources of pollution, he said. Prof. Romshoo pointed out that the open burning of horticultural pruning waste significantly increases black carbon levels. During autumn and winter, temperature inversions and a low atmospheric boundary layer trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality across the Valley. Horticulture pruning burnings amplify black carbon-induced respiratory stress. He said particulate pollution frequently exceeds both national and World Health Organisation (WHO) limits. The need for seasonal biomass management was emphasised by Prof. Romshoo, encouraging disposal or controlled burning during summer when atmospheric conditions are relatively favourable. Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul, pulmonologist and former Director of SKIMS, said air pollution has emerged as the second leading global risk factor for death, contributing to 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021. He highlighted the burden of respiratory disease in Kashmir, citing studies showing that 16-19% of adults above 40 years in Bandipora suffer from chronic airflow limitation, largely due to exposure to biomass smoke in poorly ventilated homes. Lung cancer is Kashmirs leading cancer, the statement quoted the expert as saying, adding that children exposed to polluted air are also at greater risk of severe pneumonia. Prof. Parvaiz Koul advised people to monitor daily Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, use masks and HEPA filters where possible, and switch to vented chulas to reduce indoor pollution. He also recommended that children with breathing difficulties avoid morning assemblies on days when pollution levels are high. Dr Sabeena Sultan of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) said 34 air quality monitoring stations have been established across Kashmir. She also highlighted measures taken to reduce emissions, including the adoption of cleaner zigzag technology by brick kilns and a moratorium on cement plants until they adopt cleaner processes. Prof. Gazala Habib of IIT Delhi stressed the need for advanced super site monitoring facilities to better track organic aerosols. Experts also proposed establishing 300-metre clean air zones around schools and hospitals. Highlighting alternatives to open burning, speakers said the Valley generates around eight lakh units of pruned orchard wood annually, nearly 90% of which is burnt in the open. They suggested converting the waste into wood chips, biochar or using it for medicinal mushroom cultivation. PEC Convener Sakib Qadri announced the launch of a Youth Peoples Environmental Council to involve students and young researchers in environmental initiatives. The goal is to bring the youth of Kashmir together to champion environmental awareness and sustainable practices. To drive positive changes in Kashmir, PEC is encouraging the Youth, who are the future of the valley to step up for environmental initiatives. The council said it would advocate for a government policy on scientific disposal of orchard pruning waste, and prepare a policy brief to strengthen collaboration between academia, government and industry. PEC Chairman Dr. Khurshid A. Salman called for translating the discussions into coordinated and impactful action, and council will be an active partner in this effort. He thanked the lead speakers, panelists and the PEC Team who made this Webinar a reality. The webinar was the councils second on air pollution, following its first in July 2020.

JKCA's Shambhavi Rajput earns India A U-19 call-up

Jammu, Nov 9: Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has expressed immense pride and happiness over the selection of its women cricketers at the national and zonal levels, marking another significant achievement for womens cricket in Jammu & Kashmir. Captain of the J&K Under-19 Womens Team, Shambhavi Rajput has been selected for the India A Under-19 Womens Team for the Triangular Series. Her selection is a major milestone and reflects her dedication, hard work and consistent performances. As per a statement issued, in another proud achievement, Rubia Syed has secured a place in the North Zone T20 squad. Meanwhile, Shambhavi Rajput, Aleeza Jaan and Maria Noorain have earned standby call-ups for the North Zone T20 tournament. Additionally, Rohit Rana has been selected as Trainer for the North Zone T20 Trophy. The North Zone selection meeting was convened by the Chandigarh Cricket Association (UTCA) in the presence of selectors representing various affiliated associations, including Reema Malhotra (DDCA), Rajni Kumari (HCA), Renu Margreate (PCA), Neha (HPCA), Amit Prashar (UTCA) and Meenu Slathia (JKCA). JKCA congratulated all the selected and standby players, along with Rohit Rana, and wished them success in their respective assignments. The association expressed confidence that these achievements will inspire more young girls across Jammu & Kashmir to pursue cricket and represent the region at national and international levels.

Wrong parking, encroachment block way to SMHS hospital emergency

Srinagar, Nov 9:Wrong parking and encroachment of roads by vendors on the road leading to emergency wing of Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital is causing immense problems to patients, attendants and commuters. The stretch from the emergency entrance towards Karan Nagar and Nawab Bazar remains blocked for most of the day as private vehicles, auto-rickshaws and other vehicles are parked wrongly on roadside, leaving little space for smooth movement of patients and ambulances. Spot assessment revealed that footpaths outside the hospital have been completely occupied by tea stalls, snack vendors, fruit sellers and other makeshift vendors, forcing pedestrians to walk on the busy road alongside moving traffic. The footpath is of no use because it is occupied everywhere. We have no option but to walk on the road amid traffic. It becomes even more difficult for elderly people and those accompanying patients, said Mushtaq Ahmad, a pedestrian. The situation inside the emergency parking area was also found to be chaotic. The parking space, which was earlier regulated, has now become largely unregulated, with vehicles parked haphazardly around the emergency entrance and exit. Attendants said they often struggle to bring patients to the emergency department because vehicles remain stranded inside the parking area while wrongly parked vehicles outside further block movement. I brought my wife here for surgery. It took us a long time just to reach the emergency gate. Vehicles were parked everywhere inside the parking area, and outside there was another line of wrongly parked vehicles. A hospital should not have such conditions where every minute matters, said an attendant. The disorder has also raised security concerns. Another attendant alleged that vehicles parked around the hospital premises remain vulnerable. I had parked my bicycle here and later found that someone had slashed its tyre. There is hardly any proper monitoring in the parking area, he said. Commuters using the road said the congestion affects far more than hospital visitors. This road connects several important areas. Because of the wrong parking outside the hospital, traffic from Nawabazar towards Karan Nagar and vehicles coming from the Safa Kadal side remain stuck for long periods. It has become a daily bottleneck, said Irfan Ahmad, a commuter. Locals and hospital visitors urged the authorities to immediately remove wrong parking from the roadside, regulate parking inside the hospital premises, clear encroachments from pedestrian pathways and ensure the presence of traffic personnel at the spot to facilitate smooth movement of vehicles, particularly those carrying emergency patients. Earlier, Traffic Police officials had said that drives against wrong parking are being carried out regularly across Srinagar, including around SMHS Hospital, to ensure smoother traffic movement. Such enforcement would continue and we appeal to motorists to avoid illegal parking and cooperate with traffic personnel in keeping hospital access roads free from congestion, an official said.

NGT orders fresh wetland assessment by JKPCC

Srinagar, Nov 9:The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to carry out a fresh assessment of wetlands, amid mounting evidence of shrinking lakes, disappearing water bodies and deteriorating water quality across J&K. Official figures show that J&K lost 120 hectares of recorded wetland area over 11 years, while hundreds of lakes have either vanished or shrunk. The tribunal has asked the JKPCC to match the wetland area recorded in revenue documents with the actual extent on the ground and submit a revised report before its next hearing on February 26, 2027. The direction followed the tribunal's finding that the committee's earlier report had failed to establish the actual extent of wetlands against the area recorded in revenue records. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with expert members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, directed the committee to file the report at least a day before the next hearing. In its report dated October 1, 2026, the JKPCC identified 27 wetlands spread over more than one hectare outside forest areas. It said details from the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Kupwara were still awaited. The scale of water-body loss is reflected in a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit, which found that 518 of the 697 lakes recorded in 1967 had either disappeared or shrunk. Of these, 315 lakes had vanished completely, while 203 had reduced in size. The total loss in water spread was estimated at 2851.26 hectares, including 1537.07 hectares from lakes that disappeared and 1314.19 hectares from those that shrank. As many as 63 lakes had lost more than half of their water spread. The EnviStats India 2022, Volume II: Environment Accounts, published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), recorded a decline of 120 hectares, or around 2372 kanals, in Jammu and Kashmir's wetland area between 2006-07 and 2017-18. The recorded wetland area fell from 1,64,230 hectares to 1,64,110 hectares during the period, even as the number of listed wetlands increased marginally from 403 to 404. The CAG audit also found that conservation efforts were largely concentrated on major water bodies, including Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Hokersar, Manasbal, Surinsar and Mansar, while no comprehensive conservation plans had been prepared for the remaining 691 lakes. It pointed to fragmented institutional responsibilities and weak monitoring. At Dal Lake, delays in land acquisition and malfunctioning sewage treatment plants affected conservation work. Wular lacked a functional oversight body, while Hokersar faced altered water flows, biodiversity loss and encroachment spread over more than 2500 kanal. Several wetlands fail water-quality tests The deterioration is not limited to shrinking water spread. Water-quality tests conducted by the JKPCC found that several wetlands failed the prescribed standards for Class B water, meant for outdoor bathing. In Jammu district, none of the three wetlands sampled met the standards. In Samba, only two of the nine wetlands tested complied, while the sample from Kathua met the prescribed criteria. In Kashmir, four of the six wetlands tested in Kupwara failed the standards, mainly because of high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Rakh-e-Daslipora wetland in Baramulla also failed the BOD and dissolved oxygen parameters. BOD measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms while breaking down organic matter in water. High BOD indicates greater organic pollution, while low dissolved oxygen can threaten aquatic life. The JKPCC report also found that Rakh-i-Daslipora wetland could not be located at its mapped site, where paddy cultivation was being carried out. Domestic effluent was also found entering Mawasar wetland in Samba. The committee has sought details of the persons, agencies and departments responsible for taking corrective or punitive action in these cases. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified eight polluted water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, including stretches of the Jhelum. Chuntkol in Srinagar recorded a BOD level of 11.2 mg per litre, while a stretch of the Jhelum recorded 7.8 mg per litre. In 2025, the NGT was informed that Srinagar generates around 163 million litres of sewage daily, against an available treatment capacity of 60 MLD, leaving nearly 103 MLD untreated. The untreated wastewater enters the Jhelum and Dal Lake through drains. The government has also acknowledged that untreated wastewater from drains in parts of south Kashmir flows into streams feeding the Jhelum. Wetland management plan proposes Rs 46.70 crore The Draft Integrated Management Action Plan for Kashmir wetlands for 2022-27 proposed an outlay of Rs 46.70 crore for biodiversity protection, public awareness, eco-tourism, sustainable use of resources, livelihood development and institutional strengthening. However, the proposal does not establish how much of the amount has been spent or how many of the proposed interventions have been completed. According to MOSPI, Jammu and Kashmir has five Ramsar sites- Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Wular, Hygam, Shallabugh and Hokersar. Together, they account for 14.08 percent of J&K's recorded wetland area. The NGT will take up the matter again on February 26, 2027, after the JKPCC submits its updated assessment.

Free textbook distribution begins in schools

Srinagar, Nov 9:The government Monday commenced free textbook distribution for the students in government schools from class 1st primary to 8th. The distribution process was started by minister for education who personally visited several schools and distributed the textbooks and uniforms among the school children of the district. As already reported, Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has notified a schedule for the distribution of free textbooks to government schools across Kashmir from November 9, 2026. The free textbook distribution commenced eight days after the commencement of the academic session 2026-27. As per the JKBOSE schedule, the education zones of Baramulla district are scheduled to receive the books in the last week of November. As per the distribution schedule issued by the Textbook Section of JKBOSE on November 7, 2026, the process will begin from Srinagar district on November 9 (Monday), followed by Bandipora on November 10, Kulgam on November 11, and Kupwara on November 12 and 13. The phased distribution will continue across districts as the education zones of Anantnag are scheduled to receive textbooks on November 14 and 16, Budgam zones on November 17 and 18, and Pulwama on November 19 and 20. The education zones in Ganderbal will receive the free textbooks on November 20, while the distribution in Shopian is scheduled for November 21, placing both districts in the third week of November. Baramulla, however, figures among the last districts in the distribution calendar. The education zones of the district will receive textbooks in three phases, commencing from November 23 and will conclude on November 26. According to the JKBOSE schedule, education zone Pattan, Kunzer, Rohama, Sopore, Singpora (K) and Singpora (P) will receive the textbooks on November 23. Uri, Jhulla, Boniyar, Chandanwari, Baramulla and Chandoosa zones are scheduled for November 25, while Dangiwacha, Wagoora, Tangmarg, Fatehgarh, Nihalpora and Dangerpora will receive the books on November 26. As per the schedule, the free supply of textbooks will be provided to education zones for students from Class 1 to Class 8. The Deputy Secretary (textbook section) of JKBOSE, has asked the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to depute representatives from the concerned Zonal Education Officers' (ZEO) offices, along with authority letters, to lift the textbooks from the JKBOSE textbook store at New Campus, Bemina, Srinagar, on the designated dates. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the book distribution function Chairman JKBOSE Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said the Central Government provides free textbooks to children in government schools which normally takes time for them to print the books. This is the first time in many years that we have started distributing books along with the sessions. Our distribution work will be completed in 8-10 days, he said. Sheikh said they distribute the books to the Zonal Education Officers following which they distribute the books to all the government schools in their jurisdiction. The work is done by the Directorate of School Education of Kashmir. Our job is to distribute the books to the ZEOs. We have asked the CEOs to supervise the distribution of the books. We hope that by distributing the books to the children on time, we will be able to improve the quality of education, he said. Sheikh said the total number of children in the government schools across J&K for which textbooks are printed was 8,20,000. We are distributing the same number of books. The total number of children in Kashmir is over three lakhs and in Jammu its more than four lakhs, he said. While the JKBOSE has notified the schedule for textbook distribution, the school teachers have expressed concern over the delayed process. This is not for the first time that textbook distribution has started late but it has become a routine for the government, a school teacher complained to Greater Kashmir, wishing not to be named. He said the as per the notified dates, the textbooks will reach the respective education zones and later the textbooks will be distributed to schools which will consume another week. For Baramulla, the textbooks will reach concerned zones in the last week of this month and later the supply will reach the schools. By this process a month goes waste for the students, the teacher said. Over the years, the teachers have expressed their concern over the process in vogue saying that the books must reach the schools by October end of every year following which the students can use the new books with the commencement of the new academic session in schools. But it seems the government is not concerned about the issue and they delay the process every year which takes a toll on the students, he said.

300 arrested, 73 brought back in a year

New Delhi, Nov 9:As the first anniversary of the brazen Red Fort blast approaches, central security agencies have tightened vigilance nationwide, backed by a fortified counterterrorism architecture and a sweeping crackdown on cross-border terror syndicates over the past year, officials said on Monday. On the eve of the first anniversary of the Red Fort blast, central security agencies have intensified vigilance following a year-long crackdown that led to over 300 arrests and the deportation of 73 high-value fugitives from abroad, the officials said. The terror strike on November 10 last year had exposed a 'Doctor Module' operated by highly educated professionals. Security agencies cracked the case within 24 hours, subsequently filing a formal charge sheet against 13 accused, including absconding paediatrician Dr Muzzafar Rather, who is currently believed to be hiding in Afghanistan. Central investigation agencies and Jammu and Kashmir police, with the help of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), identified the principal conspirator and nabbed the key perpetrators. The Red Fort blast prompted central intelligence agencies to formulate a policy to prevent such attacks. This thought led to the unveiling of 'PRAHAAR: National CT Policy and Strategy' on February 23 this year, in which policy was formulated for zero tolerance towards terrorism. The comprehensive policy sets a unified agenda for central and state machinery and its operational impact was further cemented during a high-level conference of state DGPs and central agency chiefs in September 2026. The efficacy of the PRAHAAR framework was visibly demonstrated in a massive, coordinated nationwide clampdown against the Pakistan-based ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN). The Red Fort case was unique because highly qualified professionals were involved. Now, many regulations are in place, including periodic surprise checks on the sale of ammonium nitrate and other materials, an official said on condition of anonymity. The network, which utilised domestic nodes and local foot soldiers, faced severe setbacks as agencies registered over 100 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested more than 300 operatives. Security forces recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades carrying Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, and illicit firearms. Following these extensive operations, the SBN was formally designated as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on September 26 this year. Concurrently, multi-agency operations successfully dismantled several radical modules and dented the support frameworks of proscribed outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Action against pro-Khalistan elements (PKEs) has similarly blunted the network designs of outfits like Babbar Khalsa International and Khalistan Zindabad Force, disrupting cross-border arms smuggling and leading to key arrests. The security agencies also stepped up containment of Bangladesh-based terror threats, arresting 27 radical operatives inspired by the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) ideology across Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On the diplomatic and international front, counterterror cooperation with foreign governments has been significantly scaled up to cut off external sanctuaries and fast-track the deportation of fugitives. A dedicated extradition portal launched in September this year optimised inter-agency coordination. The officials confirmed that these sustained diplomatic efforts successfully secured the return of 73 high-value fugitives from abroad over the past year. As security forces maintain a high state of alert ahead of the anniversary, officials emphasise that the enhanced synergy between central intelligence and state police forces has substantially hardened the nation's defences against future threats. The emphasis has remained on preventing terror attacks, identifying the wider ecosystem, quick disruption, timely investigation including collection of clinching evidence - and successful prosecution to tackle the threats, the officials said. The investigation into the entire Red Fort terror network run by the 'Doctor Module' started after posters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit were pasted on the outskirts of Srinagar city during the intervening night of October 18-19 last year. The posters warned of attacks on police and security forces in the Valley. Srinagar police treated the matter as a serious issue, not just a one-off incident and Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) G V Sundeep Chakravarthy formed several teams to investigate the case thoroughly. Srinagar police registered a case and reviewed CCTV footage, leading to the arrest of three locals -- Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid -- all with prior stone-pelting cases. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned Imam from Shopian, who allegedly supplied the posters and used his access to radicalise the doctors. Piecing together the interrogation of the arrested accused, the investigation led Srinagar police to Al Falah university in Faridabad. There, two doctors Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie alias Musaib, a resident of Koil in South Kashmir's Pulwama and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, a woman hailing from Lucknow - were arrested and a huge quantity of arms and ammunition, including 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur, was seized. Aware of the crackdown by the police and central agencies, Dr Umar-un Nabi, driving an explosive-laden car, started shifting his base to avoid arrest. Nabi, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, emerged as the most radicalised and key operative in the network spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and officials believe he was planning a powerful Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) blast timed around the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary on December 6 last year. However, his plan was to place a VBIED near a crowded place either in the national capital or at a site of religious importance, and then disappear, the officials said. Authorities are closely monitoring the radicalisation of youth and have been asked to flag any noticeable behavioural change in any individual immediately, said the official cited above. It may be recalled that Dr Rather and Dr Nabi reportedly held radical views even during their student days; however, both managed to stay under the radar at that time. According to the co-accused's interrogation, Nabi's transformation took a dangerous turn after a 2021 trip to Turkiye with co-accused Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, where they allegedly met JeM overground workers. Following the trip, Nabi and Ganaie, who taught at Faridabad's Al Falah University, began accumulating vast quantities of chemicals from the open market, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur. Much of this was stored near the university campus. That plot fell apart when a meticulous investigation resulted in the arrest of many from the 'Doctor Module' and seizure of explosives, causing panic to Nabi and ending in a premature blast outside the Red Fort, killing over a dozen people.

FDA adds rare vision-loss warning to popular GLP-1 drugs

The Food and Drug Administration is adding a new warning about possible rare cases of vision loss reported with popular drugs used for weight loss and diabetes, such as Ozempic

Missing Kupwara girl traced, recovered safely from Srinagar: Police

Kupwara, Nov 9: In a significant development, District Police Kupwara has successfully traced and recovered a minor girl who had been reported missing from her residence in Kalaroos area since 02.11.2026. As per the statement, the matter was brought to the notice of Police Post Kalaroos by the girls family, following which necessary legal proceedings were initiated and FIR under relevant sections of BNS was registered. Acting on available leads and through sustained efforts, a police team of PP Kalaroos successfully traced the minor girl at Karan Nagar, Srinagar, and recovered her safely. Further legal formalities, including necessary proceedings in accordance with law, are being undertaken. Investigation of the case is continuing. J&K Police reiterate its commitment towards the safety and protection of children and remain dedicated to ensuring prompt action in matters concerning missing persons, statement reads.

Can Air Pollution Trigger Acid Reflux? How Poor AQI May Make Your Acidity Feel Worse

The AQI is extremely poor these days. While it primarily affects the respiratory system, it can also impact digestive health. A lot of people experience increased bouts of acidity and acid reflux during severe air pollution.

Sunil Sharma visits fire-hit Warehouse Complex, constitutes 6-member committee to assess losses at twin fire-affected places in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 9: Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, today visited the Warehouse Complex near Nehru Market, Jammu, where a massive fire broke out on Sunday evening, completely damaging more than 15 shops. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, former J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina, MLAs Arvind Gupta, Yudhvir Sethi and Vikram Randhawa, and BJP State General Secretary Baldev Singh Billowria. During the visit, Sunil Sharma met the affected traders, many of whom suffered losses worth crores of rupees within minutes. He expressed solidarity with the victims and assured them that the Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly with every family affected by this tragedy. Sunil Sharma said, In barely two weeks, Jammu has witnessed two devastating market fires: first at Shiv Market near the Railway Station and now at Nehru Market. These are not just shops; they represent the livelihoods of hundreds of families. Traders cannot be sent home with mere words of sympathy. They need relief on the ground and a concrete plan to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. In consultation with Party State President Sat Sharma MP (Rajya Sabha), Sunil Sharma announced the constitution of a six-member committee headed by MLA Sham Lal Sharma (Jammu North), comprising Dr. Narinder Singh, MLAs Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta, and Party General Secretary Baldev Singh Billowria. The committee will assess the losses suffered by traders at both Nehru Market and Shiv Market and prepare a comprehensive list of affected traders. It will subsequently take up the matter with the Government to ensure time-bound relief and rehabilitation. The committee will also pursue the demand for allowing MLAs to utilise their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to extend assistance to the affected traders. Sharma demanded adequate and time-bound compensation for the affected traders of both markets, over and above the routine relief norms, keeping in view the extent of losses suffered by them. He also called for the deployment of additional fire tenders in the Warehouse area, including compact fire tenders and quick response vehicles capable of entering narrow market lanes, to ensure their availability near Jammu's crowded commercial areas. Emphasising the need for long term preventive measures, he urged the Government to identify and allot a separate, isolated site for warehouses and the storage of inflammable goods, away from crowded markets and residential areas. Referring to the earlier fire incident at Shiv Market, Sunil Sharma said, After the Shiv Market fire, the NC Government promised 'all possible assistance', but no relief amount or timeline has been made public so far. The Omar Government must now move from assurances to action. Sunil Sharma reiterated that the affected traders deserve immediate relief, fair compensation and proper rehabilitation, and stressed that the Government must take concrete and time-bound steps to address their concerns and strengthen fire safety arrangements across Jammu's commercial establishments.

Deeply saddened: Former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad on Jammu fire mishap

Jammu, Nov 9: Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday expressed deep sadness over the massive fire incident at Warehouse Jammu in which several business establishments have gutted. He urged the government to access the damage immediately and provide adequate compensation to the affected businessmen. Taking to micro-blogging site X, former chief minister Azad said: Deeply saddened by the massive fire at Warehouse Market near Bikram Chowk, Jammu which gutted several shops and godowns, causing losses worth crores to local traders. My sympathies are with all affected families and business owners. I urge the government to immediately assess the damage and provide adequate compensation to the affected traders so they can rebuild their livelihoods.

Full-Fat Dairy Back in the Spotlight: Does Whole Milk Deserve Its Bad Reputation?

For a long time, we have believed that full-fat dairy is the reason for most health issues, including cholesterol. However, a recent study has shown the opposite. To know more, read this article.

PM Modi speaks to Ukraine President Zelenskyy, reiterates India's support for dialogue and diplomacy to end conflict

New Delhi, Nov 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday during which Modi conveyed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia. PM Modi also reaffirmed India's human-centric approach and reiterated India's consistent position that the conflict must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The prime minister conveyed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. During the telephonic conversation, President Zelenskyy shared his perspective on recent developments related to the ongoing conflict. The two leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Glad to have had a productive telephone conversation with President Zelenskyy. We reviewed our wide-ranging bilateral cooperation and agreed to further strengthen India-Ukraine ties, PM Modi said on X. I thanked President Zelenskyy for sharing his perspectives on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects and various efforts to restore peace. Reiterated Indias firm commitment to contributing in every possible way towards a peaceful resolution, he said. In August, Zelenskyy said Kyiv was counting on India's contribution to ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy, in a social media post, said Ukraine appreciates India's dedication to peace and dialogue. Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on India's contribution, Zelenskyy said. In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said Modi has very good ideas on a mutual settlement of the Ukraine conflict and raises the issue at every meeting. As for Prime Minister Modi's position on ending wars, I can say that he is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good, even friendly relations, including at the personal level, constantly raises the issue and asks questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has also said that India has declared its readiness to make a feasible contribution to resolving the Ukraine conflict and Russia is grateful to New Delhi for such readiness and the ideas.

This Kolkata Stall Serves 17 Types Of Puchka. How Many Would You Try?

The content creator tried around 10 varieties and revealed the Pakodi puchka is a must-try.

Police intensify crackdown on illegal mining, traffic violations; 26 vehicles, 1 JCB machine seized, 13 HMVs challaned

Srinagar, Nov 9: In a major crackdown against illegal mining, unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals, and traffic violations, J&K Police intensified enforcement operations in Kulgam, Sopore, Baramulla, Awantipora and Anantnag districts. The coordinated operations resulted in the seizure of 26 vehicles and a JCB machine. Additionally, 13 heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), particularly tippers and dumpers, were challaned for various violations of the Motor Vehicles Act. According to statement, in Kulgam, Police registered three FIRs after intercepting four tractors at Vessu Crossing and Palpora Crossing, which were allegedly transporting illegally extracted riverbed material, including sand and boulders, without valid authorization and royalty documents. The action was taken by Police Station Qazigund and Police Post Mirbazar. FIR Nos. 274/2026, 275/2026 and 276/2026 were registered and investigations were taken up. In separate enforcement actions, Police seized 10 vehicles, including heavy motor vehicles, motorcycles, a tractor and other two-wheelers, for various violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, including non-compliance with High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) requirements. Furthermore, 13 heavy motor vehicles, including tippers and dumpers, were challaned by Police Stations Devsar, Qaimoh and Qazigund for traffic violations. In Sopore, Police, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, conducted joint enforcement operations at various locations across Police District Sopore and seized five vehicles allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid permission. In Baramulla, Police seized a tipper bearing registration number JK05B-4113 at Chakloo after it was found transporting extracted minerals without valid permission. Necessary legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) were initiated through the District Mineral Officer, Baramulla, statement said. In Awantipora, Police seized a JCB machine at Sheikh-ul-Aalam, Tanchibagh, falling within the jurisdiction of Police Station Pampore, and apprehended its driver in connection with an alleged illegal mining activity. The accused was identified as Mohd Sakib Sheikh son of Mohd Asik Sheikh resident of Dusoo, Pulwama, presently residing at Doonnard, Pampore. Accordingly, FIR No. 102/2026 was registered at Police Station Pampore and further investigation was initiated. In another operation, Police Station Pampore seized two tipper vehicles bearing Registration Nos. JK01Q-0301 and JK01AT-2525 for their alleged involvement in illegal extraction and transportation of sand from River Jhelum at Bujibagh, Samboora. Subsequently, case FIR No. 104/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Pampore. Meanwhile, in Anantnag, Police intensified night-time checking and area domination operations against illegal mining. During the operation, a police party from Police Station Achabal seized four tractors allegedly involved in illegal mining at Telwani Achabal. Cognizance has been taken, and further legal action is being initiated in accordance with law, statement added.

Notorious fraudster booked under PSA in Anantnag: Police

Srinagar, Nov 9: In a significant step towards maintaining public order and ensuring the safety and security of the general public, Police in Anantnag have booked a notorious fraudster, namely Raoof Ahmad Wani @ Dr. Fahim @ Raoof Kasab, resident of Khudhamam, Dooru, under the Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978. According to police statement, the individual has been repeatedly involved in criminal activities and is implicated in multiple criminal cases registered at Police Stations Dooru and Achabal, involving offences related to cheating, fraud, criminal intimidation and other unlawful activities. His continued involvement in such activities was found prejudicial to the maintenance of public order, necessitating preventive action under the provisions of the PSA. Accordingly, after completion of the requisite legal formalities, the individual has been detained under the PSA and lodged in jail. J&K Police reiterated their firm commitment to maintaining peace, public order and security across the district. They said that strict legal action shall continue against individuals involved in criminal activities or any conduct threatening public safety and the peaceful environment of society.

Video: How Kolkata's Famous Jaggery Rasgullas Are Made In An Automatic Machine

The video gave a step-by-step look at how the sweet is made using an automated production process in a factory.

LG, CM express grief over Jammu fire incident, direct immediate relief to affected persons

Srinagar, Nov 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed grief over the devastating fire incident at Warehouse Jammu that engulfed several business establishment and structure. The leaders have directed the district administration for immediate relief and necessary assistance to the affected persons. Deeply saddened by the devastating fire incident at Warehouse, Jammu. I reviewed the situation last night and spoke with senior officials today, directing them to ensure immediate and comprehensive relief for all those affected, LG Manoj Sinha said. He extended heartfelt sympathies to the business community and traders during this difficult time. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the massive fire incident at Bikram Chowk, Jammu, conveying his heartfelt sympathies to all those affected. The Chief Minister directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief and extend all necessary assistance to the affected persons. He also instructed the administration to undertake a thorough assessment of the damage and take appropriate measures to address the needs of those affected.

Post Diwali, Start Having These 3 Things Daily For Quick Gut Reset

From adding fibre-rich foods to your meals to including buttermilk, these simple changes may help ease post-festive digestive discomfort.

The Man Saving Kashmir's Dying Lakes | Manzoor Wangnoo - Green Ambassador of Kashmir

He was mentioned by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat. They call him the Green Ambassador of Kashmir. But today, he is fighting alone. This is Manzoor Wangnoo - a businessman turned conservationist. The man who took a pledge for zero polythene in Gilsar, Khushalsar, Nigeen and succeeded. Now he is on a new mission - to save Anchaar, a lake he calls an orphan. Once sprawling across nearly 20 square kilometres, Anchar Lake has shrunk to barely 4.5 square kilometres, with a substantial portion of its remaining area reduced to marshland. In this exclusive conversation with Sarosh Kafeel, Manzoor Wangnoo speaks openly about the land mafia encroaching Anchaar, the support from the administration, and how he approached the present government and the CM but got no response. He warns that if Anchaar is not cleaned, Kashmir will face a flood-like situation again. The damage is so big, it will take at least a decade to clean it. His message is clear - youngsters have to come out and save this orphan lake before it's too late. Host: Sarosh Kafeel

Warehouse fire: Jitendra Singh flags delayed fire services response, calls for SOP

Mysore Pak In A Croissant-Muffin? A Bakery's Fusion Dessert Is Turning Heads

According to the bakery, this unique dessert is one of their Dasara specials.

PDD Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar visits Bemina, Zainakote grid stations

Father-son duo killed, 3 injured as car hits wall on NH-44 in Banihal

Banihal, Nov 9: Two persons, a father-son duo, were killed and three others injured after the car they were travelling in rammed into a roadside wall near Kharpora along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Banihal on Monday. The deceased were identified as Khalid Muzamil Wani, a teacher, and his father, Ghulam Mohammad Wani, a retired lecturer. Both were declared brought dead by doctors at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal. The family, all residents of Gund Adalkoot, Banihal, was reportedly travelling towards Banihal on a local outing when the accident occurred. Three other occupants of the vehicle, identified as Abdul Qayoom Wani, uncle of Khalid Muzamil; Toyba Nabi, daughter of Khalid Muzamil; and seven-year-old Mohammad Hussain, son of Mudasir Nazar and nephew of Khalid Muzamil, sustained injuries. Soon after the accident, police personnel and volunteers of NGO Banihal rushed to the spot and rescued the injured, shifting them to SDH Banihal for treatment. The three injured were later referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for further treatment. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident. Add this paragraph after the second paragraph: A pall of gloom descended over Banihal town following the tragic incident, as hundreds of people gathered at SDH Banihal to mourn the deaths and express solidarity with the bereaved family.

Tennessee solar farm moves panels to let cattle graze beneath them

DGP Ladakh reviews preparations for upcoming Panchayat Elections 2026 in Nubra

Ladakh, Nov 9: Director General of Police (DGP) Ladakh Anand Jain today visited Nubra district and reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Panchayat Elections 2026. He was accompanied by DIGP, LKR, Dr. Kaushal Sharma. The review was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Nubra, Mukul Beniwal and SSP Nubra, Stanzin Losal, who briefed the DGP on the overall election preparedness, including the number of polling stations and voters, strong room arrangements, and staff deployment plans. The DGP reviewed the security and safety arrangements, communication strategy, preventive measures undertaken and power supply requirements. He also interacted with the ROs and AROs and enquire about any issues requiring attention. The DGP directed all concerned officers to maintain close coordination and ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections. The meeting was attended by ROs, AROs and Heads of Departments of Nubra District.

Dr Jitendra Singh assures support to traders affected by Jammu Warehouse fire

Delhi records most polluted Diwali in five years; air quality 'very poor' the day after

New Delhi, Nov 09: Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali in five years with average Air Quality Index at 376 and the morning after was only marginally better at 371 recorded at 10 am on Monday when a blanket of smog and fog blanketed the city. The overall AQI stood at 371 at 10 am on Monday, also the highest for a post-Diwali day since 2021. Of the 51 monitoring stations that recorded data, 14 were in the 'severe' category, four in the 'poor' category and the remaining 33 in the 'very poor' category. Delhi Technological University (DTU) recorded the worst reading of 439. Earlier in the morning, the overall AQI stood at 370 at 8 am. According to CPCB data, the Diwali-day AQI of 376 was the highest recorded on the day of the festival since 2021, when it was recorded at 382. It is worth noting that Diwali falls on different days in October or November every year. It was on November 8 this year, on October 20 in 2025, October 31 in 2024, November 12 in 2023, October 24 in 2022 and November 4 in 2021. The average AQI on Diwali stood at 345 in 2025, 328 in 2024, 218 in 2023 and 312 in 2022, compared with 382 in 2021 and 376 this year. The pollution levels remained high on the day after the festival as well. The full-day average AQI on the day after Diwali was 351 in 2025, 338 in 2024, 360 in 2023, 302 in 2022 and 462 in 2021. The city woke up to a thick layer of smog and fog on Monday, with visibility dropping sharply at both of Delhi's major weather stations during the early morning hours. At Safdarjung, visibility dropped to 50 metres at 6.30 am, placing it in the dense fog category, compared with 700 metres a day earlier. At Palam, visibility stood at 400 metres, indicating moderate fog, against 800 metres on Sunday. At 8.30 am, visibility improved to 100 metres at Safdarjung and 600 metres at Palam. It subsequently improved to 500 metres and 900 metres, respectively, by 9 am, with both stations reporting shallow fog, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. At Safdarjung, shallow fog was observed between 10.30 pm and 2.30 am before dense fog set in from 2.30 am to 9 am, lasting six hours and 30 minutes. Shallow fog was reported again from 9 am. At Palam, shallow fog was recorded between midnight and 5 am, followed by moderate fog from 5 am to 8.30 am, lasting three hours and 30 minutes. Shallow fog was subsequently reported from 8.30 am. It is smog along with fog, IMD officials said. The officials attributed the drop in AQI from last night and the hazy conditions to dry weather and calm winds. Winds remained calm over Safdarjung and Palam during the previous evening, they said. Meanwhile, Swiss air quality monitoring platform IQAir placed Delhi's air quality in the 'very unhealthy' category on Monday morning, recording an AQI of 245 at 8.30 am. According to IQAir, the concentration of PM2.5 stood at 170 micrograms per cubic metre, around 34 times the World Health Organisation's annual guideline value. The concentration of PM10 was recorded at 126 micrograms per cubic metre, while ozone levels stood at 31, nitrogen dioxide at 44.6 and sulphur dioxide at 32. Carbon monoxide concentration was recorded at 1,461.5 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5, fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, is among the major pollutants of concern due to its adverse health effects. IQAir's dashboard also showed a prominent air quality alert for Delhi, with data from 32 monitoring stations provided by 12 contributors. Meanwhile, real-time readings on AQI.in showed that Delhi's AQI had climbed to 2,283 after Diwali. Six other Indian cities also recorded AQI levels above 1,000 at 9 pm on Sunday, according to the platform. On Monday morning, AQI.in recorded Delhi's air quality at 637, classifying it as 'hazardous'. Several areas, including Bawana, Burari, Jahangirpuri, Sonia Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Okhla and Rohini, continued to record severe air quality on Monday, with pollution levels remaining high since Sunday night. Despite restrictions on firecracker bursting, several parts of Delhi continued to witness fireworks on Sunday evening, with reports emerging from areas including Pitampura, Burari, Mayur Vihar and parts of Lutyens' Delhi. The District Magistrate (East), in an order, had permitted the bursting of green firecrackers only on November 7 and 8, between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm. However, residents reported that firecrackers continued to be burst beyond the permitted evening window. In outer Delhi's Pitampura and Burari, Mayur Vihar, the intensity of fireworks was particularly high. The DM's order also prohibited the bursting of firecrackers within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and other notified silence zones. Only CSIR-NEERI-certified green firecrackers were permitted for sale, exclusively at locations designated by the Delhi Police in coordination with the district administration, which had also announced joint patrolling and enforcement teams to check unauthorised sale and use of prohibited firecrackers. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS), Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in the severe category over the subsequent few days. A ventilation index below 6,000 square metres per second, coupled with an average wind speed of less than 10 kilometres per hour, is unfavourable for the effective dispersion of pollutants, according to the EWS. Unfavourable meteorological conditions, vehicular emissions, Diwali celebrations and the ongoing peak stubble-burning season in neighbouring states are among the factors expected to contribute to the deterioration. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as good, 51 and 100 as satisfactory, 101 and 200 as moderate, 201 and 300 as poor, 301 and 400 as very poor, and 401 and 500 as severe.

Jamavar London's Samyukta Nair Was Left In Tears After Losing Michelin Star, Regained After 6 Years

Jamavar London lost its Michelin Star in 2018 and regained it in 2022.

Kashmiri students offer Nimaz-e-Janaza for Adnan Altaf in Bangladesh

Dr Jitendra Singh honours Dr Mir Shahnawaz for exemplary services in dermatology and aesthetics

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh felicitated Dr Mir Shahnawaz, Founder and Director of DERMIS Skin, Laser & Hair Transplant Clinic, Srinagar, for his exemplary services in dermatology and aesthetics at a ceremony held in Jammu. Dr Shahnawaz was recognised as one of the most trusted dermatologists and aesthetic physicians in Jammu and Kashmir, read a press release. Attended by dignitaries and members of the medical fraternity, the event honoured doctors from across Jammu and Kashmir who have made a notable contribution to various disciplines of medicine through their professional achievements and dedicated service to patients. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh described Dr Shahnawaz as a trailblazing dermatologist and appreciated his contribution to bringing recognition to Jammu and Kashmir on national and international platforms through his clinical and academic work. Dr Shahnawazs work spans clinical dermatology, laser treatments, aesthetic medicine and hair restoration. Alongside his clinical practice, he participates in national and international scientific conferences and educational forums, contributing to the exchange of knowledge in these fields. Accepting the honour, Dr Shahnawaz said, I am deeply grateful for this recognition and humbly dedicate it to all my patients who have placed their faith and trust in me over the years. Their trust is my greatest motivation to continue learning and serving with sincerity, dedication and compassion. Dr Shahnawaz emphasised that, as dermatology and aesthetic medicine continue to advance, his priority remains bringing scientific knowledge into everyday practice through thoughtful, personalised care. He described the recognition as a renewed responsibility to uphold the trust of his patients.

Free books, uniforms to encourage enrolment in government schools: Education Minister

JKBOSE results likely to be declared on January 10, 2027: Secretary

Fitness Beyond the Gym

What does it mean to be fit, and is going to the gym essential to staying healthy? In this GKTV report, we speak to people across generations, fitness trainers, women and nutrition experts in Srinagar to explore different approaches to physical activity, womens participation in fitness, the role of balanced nutrition and common misconceptions surrounding gym supplements and steroids. The report aims to raise awareness about the importance of staying active and making informed choices about fitness and nutrition.

Kashmiri students offer Nimaz-e-Janaza for Adnan Altaf in Bangladesh; mortal remains to depart Dhaka this evening

Srinagar, Nov 09: In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, Kashmiri MBBS students in Bangladesh offered Nimaz-e-Janaza for Adnan Altaf, remembering their fellow student and praying for his departed soul. His mortal remains are scheduled to depart from Dhaka this evening for repatriation to Kashmir. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), said that the mortal remains were earlier expected to reach India on November 8. However, the process was delayed due to certain documentation formalities and due to Holiday on Friday He confirmed that arrangements have now been completed for the transportation of the mortal remains through BARLAW PACKERS AND SHIPPERS. AIMSA acknowledged the tremendous efforts made by the college administration, particularly Mr. Attaul Rajeev , Dr. Shah Mohammad Saleem and Tabasum Gazala along with Kashmiri medical students at Eastern Medical College, including Saqlain Farooq, Aslam and Shahid, for their continuous support and coordination throughout the process. The college administration also contributed 386,000 Bangladeshi Taka towards the cargo arrangements to facilitate the repatriation. AIMSA further expressed its sincere gratitude to the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh and the Ministry of External Affairs for their timely intervention, coordination and support in facilitating the repatriation of Adnan Altafs mortal remains. The association reiterated its commitment to supporting the bereaved family and seeking a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding the students tragic death

J&K bank recruitment: Age limit, maximum qualifications must be removed, says MLA Mehraj Malik

Srinagar, Nov 09: Member of the Legislative Assembly from Doda, Mehraj Malik, on Monday urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to remove the upper age limit of 30 years set for J&K Bank recruitment, questioning, Where will unemployed youth go who have crossed 30 years because they were not given enough employment opportunities? First, they set the 12th standard as the maximum qualification for MTS, excluding all graduates. Now, in J&K Bank, graduates are being excluded due to the age limit. Where is J&K heading? Malik asked. Criticising the government's recruitment policies, he said, What kind of policies are being made by the government? Finally, while tagging J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in a post on X, the MLA urged the government to remove age limits and maximum qualification criteria so that unemployed youth could get employment opportunities.

Scientists Find 10 Healthy Diets That Can Slow Ageing Naturally

Researchers analyzed 10 diets and DNA methylation markers, revealing different diets impact similar biological pathways related to ageing.

Javed Rana visits Jammu warehouse after fire incident

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visits Jammu's fire-hit traders

Mehbooba visits fire-hit Nehru market in Jammu, seeks financial assistance for affected traders

Jammu, Nov 9: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday visited the fire-ravaged Nehra market here and sought adequate financial assistance from the government for traders who suffered massive losses in the blaze. Several shops were gutted in a major blaze at the historic market, one of the oldest commercial hubs of Jammu known for its wholesale trade in foodgrains, edible oil, essential commodities and other daily-use items, in the Bikram Chowk area in the heart of the city late Sunday night. Expressing solidarity with the affected traders, Mufti said they would not be able to recover from the losses or restart their businesses without financial support from the government. Our goods and everything else have been damaged. Unless we receive financial assistance, we will not be able to recover from these losses. We need financial support to restart our businesses, as the losses are enormous, she said. Describing the incident as a horrifying experience, she said Diwali had turned into a dark and terrifying night for the traders. Mufti said adequate arrangements should have been made at markets during the festive season, keeping in view the possibility of fire incidents. She also questioned the adequacy of the firefighting arrangements, saying the fire tenders deployed were too small and larger vehicles should have been pressed into service, which could have helped prevent the fire from spreading. These are ordinary people, not big businessmen. Most of them have taken loans, incurred debts and even sold family jewellery to set up their businesses. They earn during the day and use that income to feed their families at night, she said. Appealing to the government to extend adequate financial assistance, Mufti said the affected traders needed support to overcome the losses and resume their livelihood. The affected traders said the market dealt in a wide range of food and grocery items, including edible oil, pulses, flour, rice, ghee, dry fruits and other household goods such as brooms. They said the losses were estimated to run into crores of rupees, adding that the fire spread rapidly and became difficult to control. Asked about insurance coverage, they said some traders might have insurance while others did not, as nobody had anticipated such extensive losses. They alleged that the initial firefighting response was inadequate and that a small vehicle arrived around five minutes after the fire broke out. This is such a large foodgrain market. Sending a small vehicle to tackle a fire of this magnitude was not sufficient. The administration should have been better prepared, one of the shopkeepers said. He further claimed that the water pressure was initially inadequate and larger fire tenders arrived only after the situation had escalated. He said special precautions should have been taken on Diwali, given the possibility of fire incidents during the festive period, and called for better preparedness to deal with such emergencies. This is the second major fire incident in Jammu in a little over a fortnight, resulting in the gutting of two major marketplaces in the winter capital. The massive fire broke out at Shiv Market on the night of October 25 and continued till the morning of October 26, engulfing at least 40 shops and destroying property worth crores of rupees.

Constipated After Diwali? Why Sweets Slow Digestion and How to Find Relief

Why do Diwali sweets cause constipation? A gastroenterologist explains how low fibre, heavy ghee, less water and festive habits slow your gut, plus simple tips for relief.

Kashmir wetlands: NGT flags gaps in data, seeks updated report

Srinagar, Nov 9: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a fresh and updated report from the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) on the condition of wetlands in the region, flagging the absence of crucial information about their actual existing area. According to ANI, the tribunal observed that while the JKPCC had furnished details of the area of wetlands as recorded in revenue records, it had failed to provide their actual area on the ground. The tribunal directed the committee to obtain the missing information and submit a comparative assessment of the recorded and existing areas of each wetland. The directions came while the green tribunal was hearing a matter concerning the protection of wetlands in Kashmir, including a case taken up suo motu over reports of shrinking and disappearing lakes and wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Expert Members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, directed the JKPCC to file the fresh report at least a day before the next hearing, scheduled for February 26, 2027. The tribunal noted that the JKPCC had submitted a report on October 1, 2026, identifying 27 wetlands measuring more than one hectare and located outside forest areas. However, the report was incomplete, with information from some districts still awaited. The committee informed the tribunal that details from the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Kupwara were pending and that an updated report would be submitted after receiving the information. The report also highlighted concerns over water quality in several wetlands. In Jammu, none of the three samples tested met the Class B primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing. In Samba, only two of the nine samples met the prescribed standards, while the sample collected from Kathua complied with the criteria. In Kashmir, four of the six wetlands tested in Kupwara failed to meet the Class B standards, mainly on account of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The Rakhi Duslipora wetland in Baramulla also failed to meet the prescribed standards for BOD and dissolved oxygen. The JKPCC had also sought details of individuals, agencies and departments responsible for violations of environmental norms in wetlands where water quality failed to meet prescribed standards, with a view to initiating corrective and punitive action. The report further stated that the Rakh-i-Daslipora wetland was not found to exist at the site, while proprietary land in the area was being used for paddy cultivation. Meanwhile, domestic effluent was identified as a source of pollution in the Mawasar wetland in Samba.

Revised prices of 1,364 anti-cancer medicine formulations come into effect

Srinagar, Nov 9: Revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) of 1,364 anti-cancer medicine formulations came into effect across the country on Monday, with consumers expected to save Rs 3,540.38 crore annually, the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said. According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped trade margins on the MRPs of 137 anti-cancer drugs based on recommendations of an Expert Committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on October 17, 2026. As of November 8, a total of 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised MRPs for 1,364 anti-cancer formulations covering 121 drugs. Of these, 679 brands reported price reductions of more than 50 per cent, while the highest reported reduction in MRP stood at 96.45 per cent, the ministry said. The NPPA, which functions under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has introduced the revised prices as part of the measures to make cancer treatment more affordable. Consumers can check the revised MRP printed on medicine packs and verify prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application or the NPPA website. The ministry said chemists and hospital pharmacies cannot charge more than the revised MRP. Consumers can register complaints regarding overcharging or other pricing-related issues through the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal or contact the NPPA helpline at 1800-111-255.

Mehbooba seeks special package for Jammu fire-hit traders, estimates losses at Rs 300 crore

Volunteer divers take on invasive corals near Rio de Janeiro

Light snowfall likely in higher reaches on November 10, more rain and snow on November 12

Delhi, Pune And Lucknow AQI Surge: 5 Simple Ways To Protect Your Health

Delhi, Pune and Lucknow are experiencing poor air quality, with rising AQI and hazy conditions raising health concerns. Here are five simple ways to reduce exposure to air pollution.

AQI at Its Worst: Delhi, Gurugram and Mumbai Struggle to Breathe as Pollution Levels Soar Across Cities

The air quality index is worsening daily. Most of the tier 1 and tier 2 cities are covered under a thick blanket of smog, and people are experiencing its damaging effects.

Warehouse Nehru Market fire: J-K CM directs immediate aid to affected shopkeepers

Jammu, Nov 09: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed the district administration to provide immediate relief and assistance to those affected by the fire incident at the Warehouse Nehru Market here. Several shops were gutted in a major blaze at the historic market, one of the oldest commercial hubs of Jammu known for its wholesale trade in foodgrains, edible oil and essential commodities, in Bikram Chowk area late Sunday night. Chief Minister expressed deep grief over the fire incident that occurred at Bikram Chowk, Jammu, conveying his heartfelt sympathies to all those affected, the office of the Chief Minister said in a post on X. Abdullah has directed the district administration to provide immediate relief and necessary assistance to all those affected. Warehouse Association president Deepak Gupta alleged that the delayed response of the Fire and Emergency Services Department allowed the blaze to spread, engulfing around 15 shops. Claiming that only two fire tenders arrived nearly 90 minutes after the fire broke out despite the fire station being barely five minutes away, he termed it gross negligence and demanded accountability, including the suspension of officials concerned. However, officials maintained that the fire call was attended to at the earliest possible, with two fire tenders from the nearest station immediately rushed to the spot, while additional fire tenders were mobilised from other stations to support the firefighting operation.

Jammu warehouse fire: Union Minister Jitendra Singh flags alleged delay in fire brigade response

Jammu, Nov 09: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday expressed concern over the massive fire that broke out in the warehouse area of Jammu city, causing extensive losses to traders and the business community. Dr Jitendra Singh also flagged allegations of a delayed response by the fire brigade, saying it was disturbing to hear that emergency services were not prompt enough in responding to the blaze. In a post on X, the Union Minister expressed solidarity with the affected business community and urged the authorities to take appropriate action and address the situation on priority. The fire broke out in Jammu's warehouse area on Sunday night, causing extensive damage and triggering concern among local traders. (KNS)

Video: Creator Waited 40 Minutes For This Rs 709 Himachali Feast In Delhi

After waiting 40 minutes at Delhi's Himachal Bhawan Canteen, a food creator tried a Himachali feast featuring Siddu, Sepu Vadi and a traditional thali.

Three injured, one critical after car plunges into gorge near Banihal on NH-44

Banihal, Nov 09: Three persons were injured, one of them critically, after a car travelling from Delhi to Srinagar rolled down into a deep gorge near Shagaldi, Chamalwas, along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Monday morning. Soon after the accident, a police team led by SHO Banihal Ashiq Hussain Lone and volunteers of the NGO Banihal, led by its president Mohammad Idress Wani, launched a rescue operation and evacuated all three occupants from the gorge. The injured were shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal, where they were provided medical attention. According to Block Medical Officer (BMO) Banihal, Mohd Javaid (45), son of Mohd Javiad, a resident of Sadar Bazar, Delhi, sustained head injuries and injuries to both legs. He was referred to GMC Anantnag for specialised treatment. The other injured, Adnan Sami (30), son of Anzar Hussain, a resident of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, sustained facial injuries, while Rohit (29), son of Krishna, a resident of Delhi, suffered a minor injury to his lower lip. Both were reported to be stable. The vehicle, bearing registration number UP-14CX-6859, was on its way to Srinagar from Delhi when the accident occurred.

Trump says his immigration policy 'too tough' after midterm drubbing

I think it was too tough. I think it might be too tough, Trump told CBS' 60 Minutes in response to a question on his administration's deportation policy

Parliament's Monsoon session remains unprorogued for record 88 days

Parliament's Monsoon session has not been prorogued for 88 days, exceeding the previous record of 87 days. This situation raises the possibility of convening Parliament for discussions, especially regarding the Women's Reservation Bill. The government keeps options open for an extended session, which requires just two days' notice. In contrast, initiating a new session would necessitate a minimum of 14 days' notice.

Man held with pistol in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 09: A man was arrested with a pistol in the outskirts of Jammu, police said on Monday. Investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the weapon, its intended use and any possible criminal linkages, a police spokesman said. Asif Ali Chowdhary, a resident of Langotia, Miran Sahib, was arrested with a pistol, a magazine and two live rounds late Sunday night in Bishnah area. An FIR under relevant sections of Arms Act has been registered at Bishnah police station, the spokesman said, reiterating Jammu Police's commitment to maintaining peace and security and taking strict action against illegal possession of arms.

PM Modi visits LK Advani as veteran BJP leader enters 100th year

New Delhi, Nov 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the residence of veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani to greet him as he entered his 100th year. PM Modi met Advani at his residence in New Delhi on November 8 and conveyed his best wishes and regards. The Prime Minister also penned a special tribute, highlighting Advanis long political journey and his contribution to the country. In his tribute, PM Modi recalled Advanis experience of Partition in 1947, when he had to leave Sindh, and his role during the Emergency. He also highlighted Advanis contribution to the Jana Sangh and his role in building the BJP. The Prime Minister also referred to Advanis 1990 Somnath-Ayodhya Rath Yatra, describing it as a major milestone in his political career and the countrys political history. PM Modi paid tribute to Advanis leadership, political acumen and commitment to public life, acknowledging his place in the evolution of the BJP and Indian politics.

Defence Minister celebrates Diwali with soldiers in forward areas of Sikkim

New Delhi, Nov 8:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) deployed in the forward areas of Sikkim, praising their dedication and vigilance in safeguarding the country's borders under challenging high-altitude conditions. Accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen VMB Krishnan and General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann, the Defence Minister interacted with troops at Sherathang on November 8. Describing the soldiers as the brightest lights of Diwali, Rajnath Singh said their commitment to duty at the borders gave the entire nation a sense of security.Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security, he said. The Defence Minister commended the troops for their professionalism, high morale and commitment to protecting the country's borders. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers who remain away from their families during festivals, placing national duty above personal celebrations.Emphasising the importance of discipline and courage, he said that even the most advanced technology would be of little use if a soldier lacked these qualities. He also stressed that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint of Army personnel shaped the image of the military among local communities. He urged the soldiers to strengthen the bond of trust and goodwill between the Army and people in Sherathang and surrounding areas. During the visit, Rajnath Singh paid homage to soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation at the Sherathang War Memorial. He also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial and paid respects to the revered soldier.Highlighting the importance of war memorials, he said they did more than commemorate past sacrifices as they helped shape collective memory and strengthen national consciousness and pride. He pointed out that the soldiers remembered at the Sherathang memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam, but had made the supreme sacrifice to protect people irrespective of their region, language or community.This spirit of unity and selfless service is the very soul and ethos of India, where every citizen considers fellow Indians as members of one family, he said. The Defence Minister also referred to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, established by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. He said approximately 26,000 names of fallen soldiers had been inscribed in golden letters at the memorial, adding that these names evoked a deep sense of pride among their families and people from their native villages and regions. He said such memorials served as a source of inspiration for present and future generations.

SMVDU holds 5-day training programme on energy efficiency, renewable energy

Katra, Nov 8: The School of Electrical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), organised a five-day Short-Term Training Programme (STTP) on Building Energy Efficiency, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility. The offline programme aimed at enhancing technical knowledge and professional competencies, besides providing practical exposure to emerging technologies in electrical engineering and sustainable energy systems. The first two days of the programme featured industrial visits to Electricfield Company and Sudhir Gen Set in Jammu, where participants gained exposure to industrial practices, electrical technologies, generator-set operations and power generation systems. The technical sessions were delivered by Dr Pankaj Kumar, Assistant Professor, NIT Srinagar, and Prof Sachin Shelar, Head, Power Quality Cell, AISSMS Institute of Technology, Pune. The lectures covered emerging developments in electrical engineering, power quality and modern energy technologies. Dr Kumud Ranjan Jha, Head, School of Electrical Engineering and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, SMVDU, extended support and encouragement for the programme. Vice-Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar appreciated the initiative and congratulated the organising team for promoting technical learning and professional development. Faculty members, staff and students of the School of Electrical Engineering participated in the programme, which provided a platform for interaction and exchange of knowledge on emerging technological applications in teaching, research and industry. The programme was coordinated by Dr Jatinkumar Soni and Dr Prabhu Omer. Mr Shubham Chib was the Co-coordinator, while Mr Akash Deep served as Organising Secretary. The university said the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to technical education, industry-academia collaboration and capacity building in electrical engineering, renewable energy and sustainable mobility.

46 Texel rams distributed among sheep farmers in Kashmir to improve breed quality

Srinagar, Nov 8:The Department of Sheep Husbandry, Kashmir, on Saturday distributed 46 genetically superior Texel male sheep among progressive sheep farmers at the Sheep Breeding Farm, Khimber, Srinagar, as part of efforts to improve livestock productivity through scientific breeding. The initiative aims to take improved breeding resources beyond departmental farms and make them available to farmers, with a focus on genetic improvement, higher meat production and better economic returns from sheep rearing. The distribution was undertaken under the guidance of the Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperatives, Javid Ahmad Dar. Texel is an internationally recognised meat-producing sheep breed, known for its muscular development, meat yield and carcass characteristics. Its introduction into local breeding programmes is expected to support the genetic improvement of indigenous sheep populations through planned and scientifically managed crossbreeding. The department said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote scientific breeding, improve livestock quality and make sheep husbandry a more productive and remunerative livelihood activity. The Minister said the government was committed to ensuring that the benefits of scientific research, technological advancements and improved breeding resources reach farmers at the grassroots level. He said sheep husbandry had considerable potential to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's rural economy and improve the livelihoods of families associated with livestock rearing. He emphasised that the focus should not merely be on increasing livestock numbers but also on improving their quality, productivity and economic value through scientific interventions and better breeding practices. Dar urged farmers to make optimum use of departmental support, adopt modern animal husbandry practices and maintain coordination with technical institutions and field functionaries to maximise the benefits of such initiatives. He also stressed the need for integrated development of agriculture and allied sectors, including horticulture, dairy farming and sheep husbandry, to generate rural employment, strengthen household incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for youth. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the sheep value chain, improving livestock productivity and promoting scientific breeding practices across Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Draft Mountain Policy proposes new authority, law to act against violations

Srinagar, Nov 8:The draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 proposes a dedicated authority empowered to inspect construction sites, impose fines, seal structures, and order restoration of damaged areas, along with a separate law to regulate development in the Union Territory's ecologically fragile mountain regions. The draft policy, dated October 12, proposes the creation of a J&K Mountain Development Council, headed by the Chief Minister, and a Mountain Development Authority to oversee implementation, coordinate government departments and enforce mountain-specific regulations. Emphasising the need for statutory backing, the document states: A policy without legal teeth becomes a document on a shelf. It further declares: This Policy shall move to law within one year. The proposed J&K Sustainable Mountain Development Act is envisaged within 12 months of the policy's approval. It would provide the legal framework for the proposed Authority, mountain sensitivity zones, Mountain Green Cess, Mountain Impact and Risk Screen, a dedicated fund and penalties for violations. Under the proposed governance structure, the Mountain Development Council would provide policy direction and resolve inter-departmental differences, while the Mountain Development Authority would function as the executive arm, translating policy decisions into regulations, permits and monitoring mechanisms. The Authority would also be responsible for notifying mountain sensitivity zones, determining carrying-capacity limits and implementing the proposed Mountain Building Code. A key provision of the draft is the establishment of a dedicated enforcement wing within the proposed Authority. The document proposes that the wing be vested with powers to inspect, fine, seal and order restoration. It envisages graded penalties, with higher fines for repeat violations, while the cost of restoring environmentally damaged areas would be recovered from those responsible. The draft also proposes satellite and drone-based monitoring of construction, road cutting, muck dumping and encroachments in Zones A and B. A public complaint application has also been proposed to enable citizens to report violations through photographs, with time-bound action on complaints. Seeking accountability within the government machinery, the policy states that officials granting permissions in violation of its provisions should face disciplinary action. The proposed enforcement mechanism is intended to strengthen surveillance and action against unauthorised construction, indiscriminate road cutting, dumping of excavated material and encroachments in ecologically sensitive mountain areas. The draft seeks to bring different government departments under a common implementation framework while allowing them to retain their respective responsibilities. The Policy shall set the direction; the concerned Departments shall define the rules, standards, targets and pathways for delivery, in consultation with each other and the designated Mountain Knowledge Centres, the document states. It proposes that each department prepare detailed guidelines and action plans within six months of the policy's notification. These plans would identify the activities requiring regulation, implementation responsibilities, targets, timelines and monitoring mechanisms. The departmental plans would be reviewed by the proposed J&K Mountain Development Authority under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. The Tourism Department has been assigned responsibilities relating to visitor limits, the proposed J&K Mountain Pass, cess collection and regulation of adventure tourism. The Housing and Urban Development Department would be responsible for the proposed Mountain Building Code, hill-town master plans and hotel audits. The Public Works Department would oversee mountain infrastructure standards, including muck disposal and drainage compliance, while the Jal Shakti Department would handle water-resource protection, preparation of a proposed Spring Atlas and sewage treatment. The draft also assigns responsibilities to the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Disaster Management Department, Transport Department, Rural Development Department and other agencies. The policy proposes a non-lapsable J&K Mountain Green Fund to finance conservation, ecological restoration and other activities under the proposed framework. The fund is envisaged to receive money through the proposed green cess, trekking and expedition fees, penalties, contributions from government departments and Shrine Boards, corporate social responsibility initiatives and climate-related funding. A key provision states that cess collected at a particular destination should be spent at that destination and cannot be diverted elsewhere. The document also proposes publication of site-wise accounts on a public dashboard and annual audits to ensure transparency in the utilisation of funds. The proposed Authority would place an annual report on the condition of J&K's mountains before the Legislative Assembly. The report would cover targets, regulatory compliance, cess collections and expenditure, and disaster-related outcomes. The draft proposes establishing a J&K Mountain Knowledge Centre at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir. The proposed centre would undertake carrying-capacity studies, prepare mountain sensitivity maps and monitor glaciers, springs, biodiversity and land-use changes. It is envisaged as a technical and scientific support institution for evidence-based policymaking and implementation of the proposed mountain regulations. The Draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 has been prepared by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), New Delhi. Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, is specifically named among the eight policy draft contributors listed in the document. The other contributors are Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir; Dr. Rajan K. Kotru, Councillor, IMI and Lead Strategist, Redefined Sustainable Thinking; Prof. Akhlaq A. Wani, Head, Department of Natural Resource Management; Associate Professor Nazir A. Pala, Head, Department of Silviculture and Agro-forestry; Dr. Khursheed A. Dar, Professor of Sericulture; Dr. Aasif A. Gatoo, Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resource Management; and Dr. Amir Farooq, Assistant Professor, Department of Wildlife Sciences. The document separately acknowledges the support and guidance of Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Government of J&K, and Babila Rakwal, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, for their support under the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress 2026. The draft was reviewed by institutions including the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Policy Research and International Studies, and SYSTEMIQ, London. The individual reviewers named in the document include Ashok Jain, former PCCF, Telangana; Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, former PCCF, Madhya Pradesh; and Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Director General, Indian Institute of Sustainable Development.

Youths Body Found Under Suspicious Circumstances In Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Nov 09: Body of a 25-year-old youth was found lying at Waripora Damb in Safapora area of Ganderbal district late on Sunday night under suspicious circumstances. Officials said that the deceased has been identified as Uzair Ashraf Khan, son of Mohd Ashraf Khan, resident of Chewa Bandipora. Soon after receiving the information, a police party from Police Station Safapora reached the spot and took cognizance of the matter. The body has been taken for postmortem to District Hospital Ganderbal. Further proceedings have been initiated.(GNS)

Multi-car parking facilitynears completion in Shopian,2nd phase approved

Shopian, Nov 8:Traffic congestion in south Kashmirs Shopian town is expected to ease with the Municipal Council Shopian nearing completion of a multi-car parking facility, while the approval of its second phase has raised hopes of further improving parking infrastructure. The facility, being constructed at an allotted cost of around Rs 386.94 lakh, is expected to provide relief to commuters and residents who often face difficulties due to vehicles parked along roads in the town. Suhail Malik, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Municipal Council Shopian, said that around 95 per cent of the construction work had been completed. We hope it will be completed by the end of this month, Malik told Greater Kashmir . He also confirmed that the second phase of the parking project had been approved, paving the way for further expansion of parking facilities in the town. Residents, however, said that the growing number of vehicles and the limited availability of designated parking spaces continued to contribute to traffic congestion, particularly in busy commercial areas. Due to the lack of adequate parking spaces, people often park their cars on the roads, making the movement of traffic difficult, said Sajad Ahmad, a resident. He said that improperly parked vehicles frequently caused traffic jams, inconveniencing commuters, shopkeepers and pedestrians. Social activist Mitha Gatoo said that residents had already identified a site near Gole Chakri for the construction of an additional parking facility to address the towns growing needs. An old, single-storey building stands there and should be dismantled to make way for an underground parking facility, while a new building could be constructed above it, he said. Gatoo said that developing the proposed site could help make better use of the available space while providing additional parking capacity in a busy part of the town. Residents said that improving parking infrastructure had become increasingly important as the number of vehicles continued to rise, putting pressure on the towns limited road space. They stressed that the completion of the ongoing project, along with the development of additional parking facilities, could help reduce roadside parking and improve traffic movement. They also called for better traffic management and enforcement against improper parking to ensure that the new infrastructure delivers the intended benefits. The Municipal Councils ongoing project and the approval of the second phase are expected to add to Shopians parking infrastructure, although residents say further measures will be needed to address congestion across the town.

New car parking facility fails to resolve crisis of traffic mess in Bandipora

Bandipora, Nov 8:The commissioning of a much-awaited multi-crore car parking facility has done little to resolve the traffic mess in north Kashmirs Bandipora town, as the issue has reached crisis levels. The district headquarters remains choked by illegal street parking, unyielding footpath encroachments, unchecked street vendors and a chaotic web of self-designated auto-rickshaw stands. The daily gridlock has forced the administration to frequently route traffic through narrow alternate links. This desperate measure continues to result in life-threatening accidents rather than providing genuine relief. Meanwhile, the decades-old public demand for a dedicated bypass road to permanently decongest the town remains trapped in bureaucratic red tape, with multiple proposals effectively abandoned. Bandipora Traders Federation President Ali Mohammad Hajam expressed deep frustration over the towns lack of civic discipline, noting that the newly built parking facility is being actively ignored by the public and officials alike. The government built the car parking to facilitate the public, but people have parked their cars right outside it, Hajam said, following a recent meeting with the municipal council. Even the municipalitys own parking staff have their vehicles parked outside. If you are still going to park on the road outside the facility, what is the purpose of building it? However, several complaints suggest the parking fee is too high for daily commuters and shopkeepers to manage. Hajam also urged shopkeepers to stop displaying merchandise on pavements and criticised the failure to regulate street vendors, who routinely abandon their designated operating zones to occupy the jam-packed main roads by mid-afternoon. We made it clear to the municipality that under no circumstances should street vendors be allowed on the main roads, Hajam said. Footpaths are for people to walk. Under the Easements Act, you simply cannot illegally occupy a footpath. Unregulated auto-rickshaws have further compounded the bottleneck. While acknowledging their role in the local economy, Hajam noted that they operate without designated stops, often lining up directly outside storefronts and reducing the towns motorable space to a single, treacherous lane. Aijaz Ahmad, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Bandipora, acknowledged the systemic indiscipline and pledged immediate corrective action alongside local law enforcement. Regarding the street vendors, we will launch a dedicated joint drive with the police to bring them back on track with proper discipline, Ahmad said. The Executive Officer also promised a severe crackdown on roadside parking. While the parking facility is not completely empty, we will conduct a joint drive with the traffic police to end this wrong parking, Ahmad said. We are also creating a dedicated roster for our own municipal staff so they remain on duty until late evening to manage the area. However, residents argue that cosmetic vendor removal and haphazard parking enforcement mask a much deeper infrastructural failure. For decades, successive governments promised to construct a bypass road to circumvent the suffocating main market. In 2020, the then chairman of the Municipal Council Bandipora formally submitted a Rs 23 crore Detailed Project Report for the Kaloosa-Nebrepora stretch to the Urban Local Bodies and the Roads and Buildings departments. However, the project never received administrative approval. More recently, the bypass issue surfaced in the Legislative Assembly. Responding to a query by Bandipora MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat on the need to decongest the town, the Jammu and Kashmir government officially admitted that urban expansion and frequent traffic congestion necessitate such a project. The government disclosed that a preliminary survey has been conducted for a 7.00 km bypass road from Potushay Junction to Nussu Junction. According to the governments official written reply, this preliminary assessment found the project would require the acquisition of approximately 296 kanals of land. Despite acknowledging the critical necessity and completing the survey, the government effectively shelved the project in the same breath. The official reply explicitly stated that the project shall only be considered after ascertaining the availability of resources. With the 2020 proposal ignored and the newly surveyed 7-kilometre bypass relegated to a waitlist for funds, the Rs 3.5 crore parking facility remains Bandiporas only traffic intervention. Residents warn that without serious, long-term infrastructural investment, the towns roads will remain a daily hazard.

Acute staff shortage in Boys High School Wader

Kupwara, Nov 8:Residents of Wader and adjoining villages in the Rajwar area of Handwara have urged the authorities to upgrade Government Boys High School Wader to Higher Secondary level, saying students are forced to travel nearly 10 kilometres to reach Higher Secondary School Zachaldara after passing their Class 10 examinations. The residents said the school was established in 1940 as a primary institution and was upgraded to middle level in 1985 and subsequently to high school in 1988. However, despite serving the educational needs of several villages for decades, it is yet to be upgraded to Higher Secondary level. Students from dozens of villages including Wader Payeen, Nagni, Wader Balla, Bowan, Niechama and Watsar depend on this institution for their education and upgrading it would enable our children to continue their studies closer to home and save them from the hardships of travelling long distances, Mohammad Amin Sood told Greater Kashmir . Residents are also anguished about the shortage of teaching staff. According to available details, 250 students are enrolled in the school, while only four teachers are presently posted here. Although two additional teachers have been deployed to the institution for the current academic session, that doesn't suffice the need and students continue to suffer. Of the three Master Grade posts, all are lying vacant, while three posts of teachers are yet to be filled. Three teachers drawing their salaries from the school are posted elsewhere, further affecting the smooth functioning of the school. Most people in Wader and adjoining villages belong to the labour class and cannot afford daily bus or Sumo fares for their children to travel to Zachaldara for higher secondary education. The absence of a nearby Higher Secondary School, coupled with financial constraints, has made it difficult for our children to continue their education after passing Class 10, said Ali Mohammad Sood, another local of the area. The residents said that, as per reports, five high schools in each district are proposed to be upgraded and urged the authorities to consider Boys High School Wader under the proposed initiative. They have appealed to MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone to personally intervene in the matter and take up the issue with the concerned authorities to ensure the upgradation of the school and address the shortage of teaching staff, enabling students from Wader and adjoining villages to pursue higher education without facing unnecessary hardships. Reacting to the concern, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kupwara Manzoor Ahmad said that he would certainly look into the staff shortage issue, but regarding upgradation, he said that the same happens to be the prerogative of higher authorities.

People in Budkoot demand playground, seek utilisationof unused HPMC land

Kupwara, Nov 8:Residents of Budkoot village in Handwara have urged the concerned authorities to develop a proper playground in the village, saying that children and local youth do not have a dedicated facility for sports and recreational activities. Locals said that although a circular was earlier issued according to which a playground was to be developed in each panchayat, this has not been done in Budkoot. The unused Horticulture Produce Marketing Corporation (HPMC) land near Madras Qadimul Uloom Budkoot has remained vacant for nearly three decades and could be put to productive use by developing it into a playground. The children of our village dont have a proper playground. The vacant HPMC land near the school can serve a great purpose if developed as a sports ground, a local youth, Mohammad Shafi, told Greater Kashmir . We appeal to the concerned authorities, and particularly MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, to intervene and address this long-pending demand. Our children and youth in the village lack adequate space for sports and recreational activities, said Arif Wani, another youth of the village. Locals hoped that the concerned authorities would take up the matter on priority and utilise the vacant HPMC land for developing a playground. The initiative can provide local youth with much-needed sports and recreational facilities, they added.

'It tore my heart apart': MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on sand mafia devastating Wular banks

Bandipora, Nov 8:Expressing deep anguish over unchecked environmental and infrastructural devastation in Watapora Payeen, Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat slammed the administration for allowing the sand mafia to ruthlessly destroy the fragile banks of Wular Lake. Highlighting the scale of the destruction, Bhat lamented that illegal sand extraction has wreaked havoc on heavily funded public infrastructure and sensitive ecological zones, warning that a few individuals are destroying the area under the guise of employment. There is a hostel, a tribal hostel, an excellent agriculture centre, a panchayat and PR buildings here. Besides this, much more is on the plan, Bhat said during his visit to the site. Ten crore rupees more are to be spent this year alone on agriculture infrastructure buildings here. Nearly Rs 100 crore has been spent on these institutions till date. Who is this for? It is for the people and their children. But a few people, in the name of employment and social need, are wreaking havoc on it. The devastation is concentrated in a highly sensitive public zone adjacent to the Government Polytechnic College and the Gujjar and Bakarwal Hostel. Massive pits have been illegally dug right alongside paved routes, severely damaging roads and dangerously eroding the banks of one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes. It tore my heart apart just now when I arrived, Bhat said, pointing to the destruction of a newly constructed public asset. A park has been built by the Wular Manasbal Authority; there is no park like it. It was ready to be inaugurated, and a gym centre was also to be established on one side. But where do we set it up? Bhat noted that the mafia has operated uncontained, physically breaching public property to extract sand. Go and see, by tearing down the wall, they are destroying the park, Bhat stated. The road on this side has been completely dug up from the inside and ruined. Look around, wherever there is even a little piece of land, they have absolutely destroyed it. Condemning the prolonged administrative apathy, Bhat warned that the relentless, large-scale extraction is not merely an infrastructural hazard but is causing irreversible ecological damage to the Wular banks and the surrounding environment.

Winter isolation ahead, yet remotest areas without maternity facilities in Kupwara

Kupwara, Nov 8:Residents of several snowbound areas in north Kashmirs Kupwara district face immense hardships due to the absence of gynaecologists and obstetricians at local health centres. This leaves pregnant women particularly vulnerable during the harsh winter months, when these areas often remain cut off from the district headquarters. The affected areas include Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Kumkadi, Jumagund, Moori and several other remote villages along the Line of Control (LoC). Residents have repeatedly demanded the deployment of gynaecologists at local health facilities, stating that the absence of specialised medical care poses serious challenges, particularly during pregnancy-related emergencies. Locals expressed resentment over years of official neglect, alleging that despite repeated representations, no concrete steps have been taken to address the shortage of specialist doctors in these remote areas. Several health centres in the snowbound areas also lack adequate infrastructure and medical facilities, adding to the woes of people, they added. In Machil, residents said that although a Primary Health Centre was established in the area, it was insufficient to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population due to the limited availability of doctors. Whenever we approach the concerned authorities for posting a gynaecologist at PHC Dudi, we are told that there is no sanctioned post of a gynaecologist at the facility, former Sarpanch Habibullah told Greater Kashmir . Residents of Keran voiced similar concerns, saying pregnant women were compelled to face considerable difficulties due to the absence of specialised medical services. We have been demanding the posting of a gynaecologist at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) for several years, but our demand has remained unaddressed, Ferhad, a local youth, said. The situation becomes particularly difficult during winter, when heavy snowfall cuts off the area from the rest of the district. Whenever a medical emergency arises during winter, we are forced to carry patients on makeshift stretchers for several kilometres on foot before reaching vehicles near Ferkin Top. From there, patients are taken further for treatment, he said. Mumtaz, another local of the area, said that several pregnant women who developed labour complications during the previous winter had to be airlifted to Kupwara by the district administration. While we appreciate the administrations efforts in airlifting patients during emergencies, we need a permanent solution rather than depending on emergency evacuations every winter, he added. The residents have urged the Health Department to immediately address the shortage of specialist doctors, suggesting that gynaecologists could be deputed to these areas on a rotational basis for a few days every week. They said even a limited weekly deployment of specialist doctors would provide considerable relief to pregnant women and their families and help prevent avoidable hardships during the winter months. Meanwhile, a senior Health Department official at Kupwara acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents but said there were no sanctioned posts of gynaecologists in these snowbound areas. The snowbound areas, including Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Kumkadi, Jumagund, Moori and others, do not have designated posts for gynaecologists. Therefore, we cannot post specialist doctors there. However, with the onset of winter, we issue advisories asking pregnant women to shift to safer and accessible areas in the plains to avoid any eventuality, the official told Greater Kashmir .

JKSA urges LG to intervene, seek age relaxation in J&K Bank recruitment

Srinagar, Nov 8:The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday has expressed serious concern over the upper age limit prescribed in the Jammu and Kashmir Banks latest recruitment notification for Probationary Officers (PO) and Banking Associates, urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and take up the matter with the J&K Bank management and other competent authorities in the larger interest of Jammu and Kashmirs educated unemployed youth. National Spokesperson of Association Dr Zubair Reshi, as per a statement, said that while the announcement of fresh recruitment after a prolonged gap of nearly six years is a welcome development, restricting the upper age limit to 30 years has left thousands of otherwise eligible and deserving aspirants disappointed and effectively excluded from an opportunity they have waited years to pursue. He said that the recruitment process must take into account the extraordinary delay in announcing vacancies and the ground realities confronting educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Beautification, civic development works gather pace in Sopore

Sopore, Nov 8:The beautification and developmental activities in Sopore town are gaining momentum, with several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the town's overall appearance, strengthening civic infrastructure and enhancing public amenities. The efforts have received appreciation from local residents, who have welcomed the initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar. Residents have expressed satisfaction over the ongoing development and beautification works, describing them as a positive step towards giving Sopore a cleaner, more attractive and well-organised urban appearance. They said that improving the town's infrastructure and public spaces is essential for a growing commercial centre like Sopore, which caters to a large population from different areas of north Kashmir.

25% reservation for locals in private universities a welcome move: Chowdhary Ramzan

Srinagar, Nov 8:The J&K National Conference Additional General Secretary and MP Choudry Mohammad Ramzan Sunday said the 25 percent reservation in employment and admissions for private universities to be established in Jammu and Kashmir is highly welcome and a commendable initiative. He said NC's core agenda is the all-round development of Jammu and Kashmir, a brighter future, public welfare, prosperity and economic well-being, while the present government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is working towards these goals with dedication and commitment. Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan, as per a party statement, said this while interacting with public delegations, party leaders, office-bearers and workers from different areas at the party headquarters. He urged party members and workers to strengthen the organisation and maintain close contact with the people to highlight their problems, difficulties and demands at every level and use their influence to ensure their redressal. He said that, in accordance with the directions of party President Dr Farooq Abdullah, National Conference Members of Parliament are consistently raising issues concerning the restoration of people's rights, restoration of statehood, developmental needs and public grievances in the country's highest legislative forum. He maintained that the National Conference government was focused on practical work rather than political theatrics and empty rhetoric, adding that significant progress had been made in improving various sectors over the past two years. He further said that the establishment of private universities would enable students to access quality education within their own region, reducing the need to travel to other states for higher studies. He also congratulated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Shamima Firdous for taking what he described as an important and transformative decision. Expressing hope that reputed universities from across the country and abroad would establish their campuses in Jammu and Kashmir, he said this would further strengthen the region's educational infrastructure. The interaction was also attended by party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, Provincial Secretary Syed Tauqeer Ahmad, Women's Wing Provincial President Er Sabiya Qadri, Srinagar District President Peer Afaq Ahmad, Minority Cell Convenor Jagdish Singh Azad, Dr Muhammad Saeed Makhdoomi, Ghulam Nabi Wani Telbali and other party functionaries.

VaishnaviAdkar-RutujaBhosale become first all-Indian pair to reach WTA Tour doubles final

Chennai, Nov 8: India's Vaishnavi Adkar and Rutuja Bhosale created history by becoming the first all-Indian pair to reach a WTA Tour-level doubles final, beating second seeds Weronika Falkowska of Poland and Alana Smith of the USA in a thrilling semifinal at the Chennai Open here Saturday. The Indian duo recovered from a mid-match slump to prevail 6-2 2-6 10-8, keeping their composure in the deciding super tie-break after the Polish-American combination had threatened to snatch the contest away. The achievement is significant for Indian women's tennis, with no all-Indian combination having previously reached a final at the main WTA Tour level. ShikhaUberoi and her sister Neha had reached the finals of the 2005 Sunfeast Open and Guangzhou Open, but Neha represented the USA, making them an Indo-American combination. Former India player Sania Mirza won 43 doubles titles during her illustrious career but never partnered an Indian in those triumphs. Ankita Raina and Karman Thandi won a WTA 125 doubles title in 2018, a level below the main Tour, while PrarthnaThombare reached three WTA 125 finals with Dutch partner Arianne Hartono. Adkar and Bhosale will take on Swiss pair of Naima Karamoko and Simona Waltert, who defeated Isabelle Haverlag of the Netherlands and Hungary's Panna Udvardy 6-4 6-4. Meanwhile, top seed and defending champion Janice Tjen defeated American Robin Montgomery 6-3 6-4 in the singles semi-finals. In the other last-four clash, third seed Magda Linette of Poland fought back from a set down to beat seventh seed Anastasia Zakharova of Russia 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. Adkar and Bhosale looked in complete control in the opening set, capitalising on the errors of their opponents to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The Indians made the first breakthrough in the third game after Adkar attacked Smith's second serve with a fierce return that Falkowska failed to put back into play. Bhosale then consolidated the advantage with a comfortable hold. A forehand error from Falkowska presented the home pair with another break opportunity, which Bhosale converted with a powerful forehand return to establish a double-break cushion. The second seeds struggled to find their rhythm as the Indians wrapped up the opening set without much resistance. The momentum, however, shifted in the second set. The Indians missed opportunities to break Smith and Falkowska in the third and fifth games, allowing their opponents to grow in confidence. Adkar endured a disastrous sixth game, dropping her serve at love after committing two consecutive double faults. The Indians also struggled to finish points at the net as the Polish-American pair tightened their grip on the contest. Adkar, who had also needed medical attention during her singles second-round match, received a medical timeout for treatment to her strapped left thigh. Bhosale subsequently came under pressure on serve, and the second seeds converted their first of three break points to level the match at one set apiece. In the deciding super tie-break, Falkowska and Smith raced to a 3-0 lead, but the Indians fought back to remain in contention. Bhosale produced a fine point but followed it with a double fault as the Indians slipped to 6-8. She then found a forehand winner, passing Smith to reduce the deficit. Adkar produced a winning volley to earn match point before sealing the historic victory with a superb forehand down the line, sparking celebrations for the home pair.